When you load up an app or a website, you quickly get an impression - either you’re enjoying your experience, or you aren’t. You might not be able to answer why, but this feeling determines whether you’re likely to come back. This is the user experience (UX), and when it comes to estate agent website design it can have a direct impact on your valuation bookings, property enquiries and business reputation.

What is UX website design?

UX is something that can be easily confused with user interface (UI), but they are firmly distinct (yet connected) concepts. UI concerns the visual elements of a platform, such as the artstyle, the colours, the way that headers are designed, how links are implemented and the use of animations. UX on the other hand concerns the underlying intention beneath these decisions - how the UI actively improves the experience - ensuring the entire time spent on your website is enjoyable and purposeful through things like mobile optimisation and flow.

For property websites, regular actions like filtering a search or booking a valuation should be seamless, easy and comfortable - keeping users informed while also making it as convenient as possible.

Why UX matters for estate agency websites

UX is important for any business, but when it comes to estate agent website design, it’s something that can have a direct impact on business performance. You want your users to stick around, after all, but if your website is poorly designed or unpleasant to use, they’ll likely leave shortly after that impression is made.

On the other hand, a better UX means more time spent on the website, more properties viewed and more enquiries - with Google rewarding well-designed websites in the rankings, making this key for search engine optimisation (SEO) for estate agents.

Key UX issues often seen on estate websites

There are several issues which can damage the user experience for property websites, including:

• Confusing navigation
• Poor search and filter tools
• Slow loading times
• Unclear calls to action
• Non-responsive layouts on mobile
• Overloaded pages with too much text or imagery

Being aware of how these issues can damage your property website optimisation can help you to take steps towards resolving each one - giving way to a much stronger platform that serves your brand.

UX features that improve estate agency websites

Once you’ve ensured that you’re avoiding the common pitfalls, you can begin to include features which actively elevate your website. A search function that stands above the rest, for instance, might be one that has many flexible filters, and a map view for user convenience. A mobile-friendly estate agent website is also vital, allowing your pages to be equally as effective regardless of the device they’re being viewed on.

Compressed images, clear and consistent branding, prominent CTAs on every page - these can all make your website one that’s actively helpful in a user’s property search. Keeping engagement in mind can also lead to features like sticky enquiry buttons and a website structure that repeatedly leads users to key actions.

How UX supports SEO and lead generation

Converting visitors to your website is your ultimate goal, and quality UX design for estate agents is essential in that process. A more enjoyable website will reduce bounce rates and encourage users to take action - both of which can cause your website to perform better in search engines, increasing organic traffic.

What to consider when redesigning your estate agency website

When planning a new website, involving users in testing and feedback can help you to consistently ensure you’re on the right track, while also helping you to stay on top of bugs and other issues. Remember that a mobile-friendly estate agent website is going to be more successful, as is one that takes into account what buyers, sellers and landlords want.

Keep your design free of overcomplications through carefully structured content and working with a website design partner that understands the need of an estate agency can give you the optimisation you’re looking for.

UX is a crucial consideration for property businesses in the digital age, having a direct effect on a user’s decision. Assess the current performance of your website and understand where you might be falling behind, as this can help you to start investing in UX-focused design to improve engagement and results.