In just seconds, design tells them if you’re worth their time.

First, people feel it.

Illustration of ten human figures, with four and a half shaded darker to represent the statistic that nearly half of an audience judges credibility based on design alone. Text below reads: “Nearly half your audience judges credibility by design alone.”
Illustration of ten human figures, with four and a half shaded darker to represent the statistic that nearly half of an audience judges credibility based on design alone. Text below reads: “Nearly half your audience judges credibility by design alone.”
Illustrated portrait of a man in glasses and a blazer, accompanied by a quote: “Visual design doesn’t win trust alone, but it removes the first barrier. Without it, your content never gets a chance.” Bold black and red text emphasizes the importance of first impressions in design.
Illustrated portrait of a man in glasses and a blazer, accompanied by a quote: “Visual design doesn’t win trust alone, but it removes the first barrier. Without it, your content never gets a chance.” Bold black and red text emphasizes the importance of first impressions in design.

IF THE DESIGN FAILS

IF THE DESIGN FAILS

MANY NEVER EVEN GET TO THE CONTENT

46%

46%

CREDIBILITY

JUDGED BY

VISUAL DESIGN

First, people feel it.

In just seconds, design tells them if you’re worth their time.

54%

54%

(CONTENT, REPUTATION,

TRANSPARENCY)

First, people feel it.

In just seconds, design tells them if you’re worth their time.

2

3

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46%

54%

…but what’s really happening is a

…but what’s really happening is a

→ Take time to read

→ Stay longer

→ Take time to read

→ Stay longer

ON THE OTHER HAND

ON THE OTHER HAND

→ Decide based on looks

→ Leave fast

→ Decide based on looks

→ Leave fast

FUNNEL OF TRUST

FUNNEL OF TRUST

“Visual design doesn’t win trust alone, but it removes the first barrier. Without it, your content never gets a chance.”

"It's like a clean handshake—it doesn’t close the deal, but it opens the door.”

Pass or fail in 3 seconds

1

JUDGED BY

EVERYTHING ELSE

(FONTS, COLORS, LAYOUT)

Black-and-white sketch of an hourglass with sand flowing from the top chamber to the bottom, symbolizing the passage of time and the urgency of first impressions in design.
Hand-drawn portrait of a smiling woman above bold text that reads: “First, people feel it.” Subtext underneath says, “In just seconds, design tells them if you’re worth their time.” The image highlights the emotional impact of visual design in early impressions.

Don’t miss this step. It’s critical. You have only seconds to catch attention—and keep it. Yes, your content matters, but if 46% of credibility is judged by visual design, you can’t afford to ignore it. Almost half of your audience will decide whether to stay or leave based on what they see. Take this seriously and design for the occasion.

Nearly half your audience judges credibility by design alone.

Nearly half your audience judges credibility by design alone.

CONTENT EARNS THE BRAIN

CONTENT EARNS THE BRAIN

PROOF EARNS THE BRAIN

PROOF EARNS THE BRAIN

DESIGN EARNS THE GLANCE

DESIGN EARNS THE GLANCE