What makes a good website? Well it’s the kind that’s not just pretty, but also functional, memorable, and easy to use. If you’re not sure how to achieve this then the 7C’s of website design are a great place to start.
The 7C’s have been used for years by designers and digital marketers, and while trends have changed (hello scrolling animations and AI chatbots), the model is still relevant today.
So, what are the 7C’s? And what do they actually look like in practice?
Let’s break it down
1. Context – What’s the purpose of your site?
The first “C” is all about purpose. Are you building an e-commerce site? A portfolio? A lead-gen machine?
Your content, layout, features, and tone all need to reflect that primary goal. A personal trainer’s website will have a very different feel to an architecture firm’s, and that’s a good thing.
Tip: Before you even start designing, get clear on the why behind your website. That will inform every design decision moving forward.
2. Content – Say something worth reading
Good design is nothing without good content. Your words, videos, and images need to speak to your audience.
That means writing in their language, addressing their problems, and giving them a reason to trust you. No one wants to scroll through waffle or be hit with jargon they don’t understand.
Tip: Focus on clarity first, then creativity. Make sure each page has one clear message, and one clear action you want users to take.
3. Community – Make it feel human
In 2025, websites are places where people connect with your brand.
Think about testimonials, social proof, reviews, blog comments, or even a live chat feature. Anything that shows your business is real, active, and approachable can go a long way.
Tip: Add human touches and social proof. For example, a photo of you or your team, your story, or featured client shoutouts.
4. Customisation – Make it personal
This one is about personalising the user experience. Now, not every site needs fancy AI-powered personalisation, but little touches matter.
Things like remembering cart items, using location-aware content, or suggesting blogs based on previous reads can make a website feel much more tailored.
Tip: Even using a visitor’s name after a form submission, or sending a follow-up email with helpful links, makes a difference.
5. Communication – Keep it clear and consistent
Your website should communicate your brand clearly, both visually and verbally.
Everything on your website should be aligned. This includes font choices and colour palettes to the tone of your copy. Confusing language, inconsistent styling, or a clunky layout will cause people to bounce fast.
Tip: Stick to one primary font, 2–3 brand colours, and a consistent tone of voice throughout your site.
6. Connection – Make it easy to interact
A good website encourages action. Whether that’s booking a call, signing up to a mailing list, or buying a product, it should be effortless for the user to do what you want them to.
Tip: Use clear CTAs (call-to-actions), short forms, and visible contact info. Don’t make people hunt for how to get in touch.
7. Commerce – Support your business goals
Finally, your website should support your business growth. That means it should drive enquiries, sales, bookings, or whatever success looks like for you.
Design decisions need to align with that. Remember your homepage is your digital shop window.
Tip: Make your value clear, remove friction from the buyer journey, and track conversions (so you know what’s working).
Final Thoughts – It’s Not Just About Looks
There’s no magic design template that works for every business. But by focusing on the 7C’s you’ll end up with a site that actually works for you and your audience.
And that’s the whole point.
