Web Design for Modern Needs - AI Search and Lasting Impressions

"You don't get a second chance to make a first impression."

What are the odds you're hearing that for the first time?

This may be true for many things, but is this really true for a website? The answer, unsurprisingly, is yes - but with a big caveat.

Your website might only get one chance at a good first impression, but in this brave new world of AI overviews and the subsequent drop in site clicks/visits, the art of the first impression is losing gravitas. It's time to pivot on how we think about websites and first impressions, moving on from just that splashy hero section (which we all know and love) and onto something that's designed to make a lasting impression. Let's explore why and how!

1. The Changing Role of Websites in the Age of AI Search

AI overviews are here to stay - this means that buyer journeys are going to get shorter because people are conducting their research inside AI tools (Gemini, Perplexity*, and ChatGPT) before they even reach a website. Users that do arrive on your site will be far closer to the bottom of the marketing funnel - qualified leads that have a much higher chance of making a purchase or following through on a specific call to action. This is actually to the advantage of web designers and copywriters because we can now focus on designing copy that prioritises these users. *Perplexity has even gone so far as to release their very own browser. Which, coincidentally, is an example of a website that makes an extremely poor first impression but still manages to make a lasting one. Their disastrously over-designed and unstable landing page is effectively countered by the popular nature of the technology itself.

With fewer window shoppers visiting your site, you can spend less time (aka, money) on copy that is designed to entice them down to the bottom of the funnel, and go straight to converting users who are ready to buy. This means your website needs to be ready to convert.

2. Modern Web Design - Why First Impressions Alone Don’t Cut It Anymore

Going beyond a first impression starts with accepting some hard truths; we need to go beyond the the usual web design hallmarks. Since 2023 (and the inception of Wix Studio) there has been a renaissance in web design. What were once heady design goals are now baseline expectations - 'just' sharp visuals, functional features, and a tailored audience experiences are are no longer enough to separate your brand from the crowd.

Web designers are now empowered by modern tools to make more effective decisions and take ownership over more of the web design process. Instead of being restricted to just wireframes, prototypes, and 'really cool vibes', a web designer using a tool like Wix Studio can combine wireframing and live prototyping into a singular step. From our experiences** at Modemkiller, we can certainly say that we love presenting clientele with live and responsive test sites because they help them visualise the final outcome. This works wonders for really cutting down on the back-and-forth aspect of the design process.

**Is the idea of time-consuming back and forth communication between you and a web designer unappealing? Nothing stops that in its tracks faster than a transparent visual process that instills confidence and trust - contact Modemkiller for a smooth, modern web design project.

3. The Modern Web Design Shift: From First Impressions to Lasting Impressions

So what can modern web designers do to go above and beyond expectations in 2025? Web designers need to reflect on what they include in their skillsets and consider broadening their approach. Wireframing, design implementation, and even copywriting can now effectively be completed by one professional with the help of modern web design platforms and AI tools - if used correctly and responsibly. As a by-product of taking greater ownership over design implementation and copywriting as a web designer, you're taking a firm step into the realms of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) - the art of site visibility in search. We should emphasise that it's important to understand that SEO is an industry and a profession in-and-of-itself and it goes beyond on-page design and choice of copy. However, building a foundation of understanding in the impact of SEO on web design - or rather, the impact of web design on SEO - is crucial for web designers of all levels and aspirations. Knowledge of SEO can help inform your web design and your copywriting choices, leading to a truly unified approach to your work that really shows through in the delivery. This strategy will help your (or your clients') website stand out from the crowd, make that lasting impression, and ultimately... convert!

The Web Designer that takes ownership of the broader process should be leveraging strategies such as:

• UX consistency across pages: focus on the whole journey, not just the hero.

• Frictionless conversions: clear CTAs, forms that work, mobile-optimised paths.

• Trust builders: lead magnets, case studies, social proof, transparent pricing.

• Design copy for skim readers: use clear headings, and embrace scannable content.

• AI-ready SEO: structured data, authoritative content, brand mentions that AI can surface.

• Brand narrative woven into UX: people buy from people - so tell stories, not sell products.

• Conversion-first layouts: every page should have a next step and a clear end-point.

4. Modern Web Design - The Bottom Line

We think first impressions still matter in modern web design - but they are just the price of entry. In a saturated, AI-driven landscape, businesses need modern web design that leverages a professional and unified approach; all the way from inception to implementation.

From first impression, to lasting impression.

Websites should be memorable, be trustworthy, and be irresistible when it matters most: the moment a customer decides whether to act or bounce. By shifting your focus from surface-level polish to lasting impact, you create a site that doesn’t just impress - it converts, retains, and grows with the brand it represents.

That’s where thoughtful, modern web design delivers real value.

Could 2025 see the end of the wireframe for comprehensive web designers?

Why Choose Modemkiller's Modern Web Design Services for Your Business?

We’re passionate about helping businesses in Glasgow and across the UK build websites that truly work. Our team combines creativity with technical expertise to deliver results that matter.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Local knowledge: We understand the UK market and what your customers expect.

• Collaborative approach: We work closely with you, valuing your input every step of the way.

• Transparent pricing: No hidden fees, exorbitant hosting costs, or confusing quotes.

• Proven track record: We’ve helped many startups and SMEs grow their online presence.

• Full-service Launch: From design to foundation SEO, we cover all bases.

  
  

Choosing the right web design partner is crucial. We’re here to make the process smooth, enjoyable, and effective - so get in touch with us today and we'll help you reach your digital goals with the power of modern web design.