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25+ Wonderful Website Design Statistics [2026]: How To Create The Perfect Website

By Jack Flynn
Jan. 16, 2023
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

25+ Wonderful Website Design Statistics [2026]: How To Create The Perfect Website

Research Summary. In today’s digital landscape, an effective website is crucial for the success of businesses, ranging from large online retailers to local small enterprises. To harness the potential of your website, it’s essential to understand key statistics about website design. Here are some vital insights from our research:

  • 94% of users abandon a website due to subpar design.

  • 75% of a company’s credibility is determined by its website design.

  • Visitors form their opinion of a website in less than 50 milliseconds.

  • 88% of online shoppers are unlikely to return after a negative user experience (UX).

For deeper analysis, we categorized the data as follows:
Design | Performance | Opinions | State of the Internet

General Website Design Statistics

The importance of quality website design cannot be overstated in the marketing strategies of businesses. Here are some significant facts about the website design industry and its relevance:

  • As of 2026, the U.S. Web Design Services industry is valued at approximately $8 billion.

    This value indicates a notable decline from its peak of $26.2 billion in 2012, reflecting shifts in market dynamics.

  • 73% of companies prioritize branding design.

    This includes everything from logos to overall website aesthetics, with the understanding that superior design enhances marketing and brand recognition.

  • The average small business invests between $2,000 and $15,000 on website design.

    This investment varies significantly based on the quality and scope of services, including custom designs, SEO, and multimedia content.

It takes less than 50 milliseconds for a visitor to decide if they like a website

Website Design Statistics by User Behavior Based on Website Design

Website design significantly influences consumer behavior, as users have numerous alternatives and little tolerance for poor quality. Here are essential facts regarding user behavior based on design:

  • 38% of users will exit a page with an unattractive layout or content.

    Users often perceive outdated layouts as untrustworthy, prompting them to explore more visually appealing options.

  • It takes the average user 10 to 20 seconds to decide whether to remain on a website.

    In fact, 55% of visitors spend less than 15 seconds on a site, emphasizing the need to engage users within that timeframe.

  • 57% of users won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile website.

    With mobile browsing dominating, ensuring a seamless mobile experience is essential for user retention and referrals.

  • Users spend 2.6X more time on pages featuring videos.

    Visual content is preferred by 91% of consumers, making video integration crucial for engagement and retention.

  • 44% of users will leave a website that lacks contact information.

    Clearly displayed contact information is critical for user trust and communication.

Website Design Statistics by User Behavior Based on Website Performance

Like design, website performance greatly impacts user behavior, encompassing everything from load times to site functionality. Here are key statistics related to performance:

  • Up to 80% of consumers will abandon a website that doesn’t display correctly on their device.

    Notably, 53% of mobile users will leave a site that fails to load properly within three seconds.

  • 42% of users will exit a website due to poor functionality.

    This statistic highlights that users are often more put off by design issues than by functional problems.

  • 74% of users are more likely to return to a mobile-friendly site.

    67% of these users also express increased intent to purchase after visiting a mobile-optimized site.

  • Following a poor experience, up to 89% of consumers may switch to a competitor’s website.

    Customer experience is paramount, influencing brand loyalty beyond pricing or product quality.

  • 88% of users won’t revisit a website after a bad experience.

    A negative UX not only deters the affected user but can also discourage others through word-of-mouth.

  • 47% of users typically visit a website’s products/services page first.

    Companies should ensure these pages are easily accessible and user-friendly to encourage exploration.

Website Design Statistics by User Opinions and Preferences

Opinions on website design can vary widely; however, many users share common feelings. Here are important insights into user preferences:

  • 48% of users consider website design a key factor in evaluating a business’s credibility.

  • 94% of first impressions are tied to a website’s design.

  • 82% of shoppers feel more positively about a company that offers custom content.

  • 71% of consumers feel frustrated by impersonal shopping experiences on websites.

  • Posts and websites with images see up to 650% more engagement.

  • 50% of consumers believe a company’s website is vital to its overall brand success.

Website Design Statistics by the State of the Internet

Current internet trends greatly influence the success of websites, from competition to design features. Here are insights into how the internet’s state impacts design:

  • There are at least 2 billion websites on the internet.

    This figure continues to grow, with an average of 700,000 new sites launched daily.

  • In recent years, the mobile share of internet usage has grown significantly.

    Mobile devices accounted for approximately 62% of all internet traffic as of early 2026, reflecting a continued shift from desktop usage.

  • The human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text.

    Given that 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual, incorporating high-quality images is essential for effective communication on websites.

Website Design Statistics FAQ

  1. How much does it cost to design a website?

    Designing a website can range from $100 to $15,000. This broad range reflects the variety of design methods. DIY designs can cost under $3,000, while professional services for small businesses can exceed $15,000.

  2. How long does it take to design a website?

    Typically, it takes around 14 weeks to design a website. This process usually involves three weeks for discovery, six weeks for design, three weeks for development, and two weeks for modifications.

  3. How much do web designers earn per website?

    Web designers can earn between $500 and $5,000 per website. The average hourly rate is approximately $30, translating to about $62,000 annually, with top earners making over $85,000.

  4. What degree is best for web design?

    Several degrees are beneficial for web designers. Most have degrees in Graphic Design, Computer Science, or related fields, with 67% holding a Bachelor’s Degree and 18% an Associate’s Degree.

  5. How big is the website design industry?

    As of 2026, the U.S. Web Design Services industry is valued at around $8 billion. This marks a decline from its peak value of $26.2 billion in 2012.

  6. Is website design a growing industry?

    The website design industry has faced a steady decline over the last decade. The market size has been shrinking by an average of 3.1% annually since 2017, yet job growth for web designers is increasing by approximately 3%.

Conclusion

In 2026, websites remain a fundamental element for business success, where effective design can significantly influence outcomes. With up to 94% of users leaving due to poor design and 75% of a company’s credibility hinging on website aesthetics, investing in quality design is paramount for brands.

Fortunately, achieving a well-designed website is more attainable than ever, with numerous tools and resources available to create user-friendly, engaging experiences.

Sources:

  1. MarkBrinker. “Research Shows Having A Bad Website Can Hurt Your Business.” Accessed on April 26th, 2022.

  2. CXL. “First Impressions Matter: Why Great Visual Design Is Essential.” Accessed on April 26th, 2022.

  3. Transaction. “38% of people will leave a website if they find the layout unattractive.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  4. OpenWeb. “The 15 Second Rule: What’s Making Your Visitors Leave?” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  5. Wistia. “Our Videos Dramatically Increased Our Visitors’ Time on Page.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  6. Parqa. “9 Stats That Prove the Importance of Website Design.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  7. MarketingDive. “Google: 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take over 3 seconds to load.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  8. Think with Google. “What Users Want Most from Mobile Sites Today.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  9. 10 to 8. “Why Customer Experience Will Be The Deciding Factor for Your Brand.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  10. Transaction. “47% of Website Visitors Check Out a Company’s Products/Services Page Before Looking at any Other Sections of the Site.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  11. Transaction. “48% of People Cited That a Websites Design is the No. 1 Factor in Determining the Credibility of a Business.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  12. MightyFine. “Understanding the Value of Good Web Design.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  13. PRN. “Half of Consumers Consider a Company’s Website Design Crucial to Their Opinion of that Brand.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  14. WebsiteSetup. “How Many Websites Are There?” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  15. Statista. “Percentage of mobile device website traffic worldwide from 1st quarter 2015 to 4th quarter 2021.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  16. Perficient. “Mobile vs. Desktop Usage in 2020.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  17. Thermopylae Sciences + Technology. “Humans Process Visual Data Better.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  18. IBISWorld. “Web Design Services in the US – Market Size 2003–2028.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  19. B12. “73% of companies invest in branding design – how does yours fare?” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  20. Elegrit. “Average Cost of Website Design For Small Business in 2021.” Accessed on April 27th, 2022.

  21. Zippia. “Average Web Designer Salary.” Accessed on April 28th, 2022.

Author

Jack Flynn

Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.

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