Navigating Websites in 2024

Building a website in 2024 can feel like trying to pick the perfect avocado. There are so many options, and they all seem great at first glance—until you pay, and disaster strikes. One headache at a time, you realise the feature you thought was included isn’t there, or worse, you need to pay extra for it. Trust me, I’ve been through it all.

These days, you don’t need to be a web designer or a coding expert to make it work. Platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, and Kajabi are making it easier than ever to create something that looks amazing and gets the job done. But with all these choices, it’s easy to fall into a bit of choice paralysis. So, I thought I’d take a moment to explore, recommend, and learn with you about the latest insights into web platforms in 2024.

1. Total Number of Websites: There are approximately 1.2 billion websites worldwide, with about 200 million actively maintained. (Colorlib)
2. Daily Website Creation: Around 252,000 new websites are created daily, which means nearly 175 new websites every minute. (DemandSage)
3. Mobile Web Traffic: Mobile devices account for approximately 54% of global web traffic, making mobile optimization essential for success. (Colorlib)
4. Business Website Adoption: About 71% of businesses across Europe and the US have a website, underscoring the critical role of an online presence in modern commerce. (Forbes)
5. E-commerce Penetration: E-commerce now represents 27.2% of all retail transactions in Europe and America, a clear sign of the online shopping boom. (DemandSage)
6. Average Conversion Rates: The average website conversion rate sits at around 2.35%, but top-performing sites can achieve over 11%. (InvespCRO)
7. Dominant CMS Platform: WordPress powers about 43% of all websites globally, maintaining its position as the leading content management system. (Colorlib)
8. User Experience Impact: A whopping 88% of users in Europe and the US won’t return to a site after a poor experience, showing just how crucial good design and functionality are. (Bind Media)
9. In-House Website Management: Approximately 46% of small businesses in Europe and the US manage their websites internally, embracing a DIY approach. (DemandSage)
10. Global Website Distribution: The US alone hosts 21.6% of the world's websites (around 136.3 million), while Europe collectively accounts for an estimated 30% of registered domains. (Colorlib)

Here’s what’s shaping the world of websites this year, apparently:

• Textured Designs: Adding tactile elements like textures and layered visuals to create immersive experiences.
• Minimalist Aesthetics: Clean, simple layouts with effective use of white space are dominating.
• Dark Mode: A popular option for reducing eye strain and enhancing visual appeal.
• Microinteractions: Small animations that make websites feel interactive and engaging.
• AI Integration: Streamlining workflows and offering personalized user experiences.
• Mobile Optimization: Responsive designs are no longer optional—they’re essential.
• Sustainable Design: Eco-friendly practices are influencing everything from hosting to layouts.
• Voice Search Optimization: Catering to voice-activated searches is becoming standard.
• Bold Typography: Big, striking fonts are making a statement in 2024.
• Augmented Reality: Adding AR features for more interactive user engagement.

Not all platforms are created equal. Here’s a quick guide:

• Beginners: Platforms like Wix and Squarespace are easy to use and ideal for those new to web design.
• E-commerce Businesses: Shopify is the gold standard, but Squarespace and BigCommerce are great alternatives for smaller stores.
• Content Creators and Educators: Platforms like Kajabi, Teachable, and Thinkific are excellent for selling courses and memberships.
• Portfolio Creators: Squarespace offers stunning templates, making it perfect for showcasing your work.
• Bloggers and Developers: WordPress.org provides unmatched flexibility and scalability.
• Small Businesses: Weebly and Squarespace offer all-in-one solutions tailored for SMEs.

Hire me to do it for you ❤️

Alternatively, if you’ve got a small budget or minimal tech experience, there’s no shame in starting with something simple like Wix or Squarespace. If you’re scaling up or going all-in on e-commerce, Shopify in most cases is your best bet. And for all the content creators out there? Kajabi and Teachable are designed just for you.