Whenever I talk about good website design, I inevitably bring up sites like Craigslist and the Drudge Report. This is generally followed with gasps, a roll of the eyes, and complaints that the designs of those sites haven’t been updated in years. How can I use them as a good example of design?

Despite their “outdated” looks, both websites are one of the most popular online destinations in the world. The reason? Both websites make information easy to find. Enticed by well-written headlines, visitors are only a click away from reading a news story at the Drudge Report. With Craigslist, visitors are just a click or two away from finding and apartment to rent, a job, or selling something for free.

Don’t misunderstand. I’m not suggested you mimic the look and feel of those sites. For the services those websites offer, the look and feel works for them. Your website design needs to speak to your target audience too. What I am suggesting is that you go over your website and see how easy it is for visitors find information about your products or services, enter your sales pipeline, and contact your company. Can they find what their looking for in one or two clicks or is it a hassle for them to find what they’re looking for?

The easier it is for people to find what they’re looking for, the higher your conversion rates will be.

Blogger Jason Fried makes a compelling case why the Drudge Report website is the one of the best designed sites on the web and a good reminder what marketers can do to build website loyalty and increase conversion results.

In brief Jason shows how the Drudge Report site is straightforward, timeless, unique, “good cluttered,” simple to run, fast, and keeps people coming back.  Of course Drudge also has a good nose for finding relevant news content, and sensational headline writing that keeps people clicking the links and coming back.

The lesson: When it comes to website design, simple is best. Let people find what they need quickly and get on with their lives. The result: Loyality to your website and product or service. It’s something every one in charge of website marketing should keep in mind.