Website design is almost unrecognizable compared to the days of plain text. Today's websites are not just tools for information but also hubs of entertainment and collaboration that meet the demands of an ever-increasing online world.

The current era has also seen the rise of highly dynamic websites with constantly changing elements, adapting to their users' needs and enhancing load times. In fact, despite the uncertainty of times and COVID-19 wreaking havoc, web design in 2021 continued to grow and evolve into a new golden age of website design.

Businesses, small and large, made massive updates on their websites, which led to better user experiences across the board. As you prepare to expand your digital presence in 2022, here we take a retrospective look at some of the great website design examples from 2021 and what makes them so impressive.

Why It's Worth Reviewing Other Websites

To get a better sense of what makes a great website, it is worth looking at other websites that do well in the industry to get inspiration and ideas. You can easily note core functionality, ease of use, and overall design elements. This will give you an idea of what works and what does not to create a modern, functional, and engaging website.

What 2021 Website Design Trends Were Popular?

2021 saw an emergence of creative website design trends, including websites designed for specific audiences, creative use of multimedia, as well as compelling storytelling. In fact, the 80s and 90s design elements made a comeback, while typography and live animation became very popular and widespread. The following are some of the most unique and popular 2021 website design trends:

• 3D imaging
• Big and beautiful headlines
• Images and graphics
• Black outlines
• Collages
• Asymmetric design
• Emojis and animations
• Big and bold colors
• Hiver menus
• Backgrounds

Great Website Design Examples from 2021

Website designs are a critical part of the modern business landscape, especially attracting new customers and increasing conversions. With rising competition in every industry, businesses must stand out, and a well-designed website is an essential part of this equation. Here are the great website design examples from 2021.

Vestre Habitats

To increase biodiversity in urban spaces and city parks through vegetation intervention and smart furniture design, Vestre Habitats has developed a range of products that use smart tech to turn public spaces into vibrant green havens. Their website does justice to their work, with animated bees, bright colors, as well as shapes that stand out in the context of other websites.

What Makes it Stand Out

• The messaging works to call out the pain points of users looking for high-quality furniture design that is eco-friendly.
• The buttons click through to educational imagery that helps the user know exactly what natural products are being used to build their furniture.
• The overall design evokes a positive reaction and calming effect on the user.
• Insect movement is accompanied by simple and fun motions of shapes and text that lead you down the page as you scroll.
• Beautiful & creative, as well as unique illustrations that grabs the users attention.
• The organic shapes reflect the purpose of the site. It's about nature and the design reflects that very well.

Chirpley AI

Chirpley AI is a fully automated, all-in-one influencer marketplace designed explicitly for nano and micro-influencers. The platform also applies cutting-edge technology to enhance deal-making, campaign launching, and matchmaking with its 1-click influencer marketing bombs.

What Makes it Stand Out

• The use of branding is confident and consistent. This builds trust with the audience.
• A pleasing and exciting color pallet.
• Oversized text to give the page a modern vibe.
• The background theme of circles and shapes is carried through to the rest of the page.
• Feels very modern and trendy
• Impressive 3D clay-like animations

Fable Pets

While living with a pet is exciting and fun, it's not necessarily an easy task. Fable Pets created a range of pet gear like crates, collars, and links to help pet owners take better care of their pets. Their website also features fun, bright colors and an engaging selling experience.

What Makes it Stand Out

• They use real photos from real customers to show how well their products work.
• Descriptions are engaging and help you see the benefits of purchasing this product for your pet.
• Trendy illustrations that are simple and well-placed to balance the real photos.
• A bunch of cute dogs gives potential and return customers a positive response.

Genexa

Genexa is a leading health company offering clean medicine using only active ingredients and eliminating inactive artificial additives. It also provides clinically tested and approved medication for people of all ages, genders, and lifestyles.

What Makes it Stand Out

• High-quality images that build credibility.
• A simple and intuitive design that doesn't distract from the purpose of the page: selling health products.
• Excellent user experience right from the homepage.
• Interactive – you can slide the line over the product image and reveal a different product.
• Excellent use of brand colors and monochromatic images.

JS Rhos

Deeper, more authentic, and beautiful photography is everyone's passion and desire. JS Rhos is an LA luxury wedding photographer with a sleek and modern website reflecting their artistic style.

What Makes it Stand Out

• Strong use of branded imagery. All the pieces of the site feel connected to the overall brand. 
• Text is legible and speaks to the desires of the consumer. 
• Easy to spot clickable buttons that help the consumer take immediate action.
• Slick and modern website design elements.
• Sharp images stand out from the text but never feel overwhelming.

Cristin Parker

Cristin Parker is a family coach and consultant to help you experience a more productive, and meaningful family life. She offers various services, from family management to one-on-one coaching. Her website is bright, simple, and a great reflection of her offer.

What Makes it Stand Out

• Copy and imagery immediately call out the avatar's pain points. 
• The breakdown of the steps customers need to take is easy to understand, both visually and written. 
• Very easy to navigate. Extremely user-friendly. 

Fusion Designed

If you need a clean, unique, and modern interior design that compliments you and your lifestyle, Fusion Designed is the place to go. Just like with their home designs, you'll find simplicity, elegance, as well as functionality in their website.

What Makes it Stand Out

• High impact imagery. 
• The design process is easy to understand and doesn't overwhelm the customer. 
• It makes getting a home tailored to one's needs seem easy and peaceful. 
• The images of their past work align with what the copy promises the user. 

Wilderness Medical Staffing

Wilderness Medical Staffing places medical staff members in exciting permanent placement opportunities throughout Alaska and the continental Northwest. The website's bold and stylish fonts, give this design a polished and unique brand look.

What Makes it Stand Out

• Fonts feel wild and free like the brand but still legible. 
• Excellent use of animated icons to point people in the right direction.
• Use of video to help explain their product further.
• Personal stories from clients laid out with images. This is helpful, so prospective customers can see how alike they are to those sharing testimonies. 
• Robust and confident branding with copy that leads to a safe expert customer's trust.

Key Takeaway

A great website design is essential in creating a good impression on your prospective customers. It also provides a great user experience that helps nurture your leads and conversions. Be sure that your messaging is clear and speaks to the unique pain points of your user. Use colorful images as well as user-friendly navigation to lead your consumer through a successful customer journey that compliments the products you’ve worked so hard to develop.

With an excellent website, partnering with an experienced marketer is a sure way to increase your brand's reach and grow revenue. At Viral Solutions, we are a full-service marketing agency committed to seeing your business succeed. We use time-tested strategies backed with data, as well as analytics to make sure you can reach your goals. Click HERE for a free website audit that can help your business grow.