Why Your London Business Website Should Be As Bold and Sharp As The Shard

Stand Tall and Stand Out

In a city full of iconic landmarks, The Shard slices through the skyline like no other. Standing at a dizzying 310 metres, its glassy, sharp design doesn’t just blend in—it demands attention. Your business website should do the same. In the crowded digital space, being timid won’t get you noticed. You need to stand tall, be bold, and make a statement that reflects your brand’s confidence.

So how do you translate The Shard’s unapologetic design into your website? It’s all about embracing boldness. In this post, we’ll explore how key design elements like typography, imagery, and colour can help your website rise above the competition—just like The Shard does in the London skyline.

1. Bold Design: The Sharp Edge of Success

The Shard isn’t just London’s tallest building; it’s also one of its most striking. Its sleek, angular form stands out from miles away, making it an unmissable feature of the city. Similarly, your website needs to stand out in a sea of competitors. Bold, clean design helps your business appear sharp and confident.

Here’s how to make sure your website reflects this same sense of sharpness:

• Strong lines and geometry: Just like The Shard’s architectural lines, opt for clean, defined design elements in your website. Whether it’s angular shapes, structured layouts, or well-placed blocks of content, these give your site a bold, organised feel.
• Unmissable visuals: High-quality images are a must. Think sharp, crisp, and clear. A blurry or low-res image on your website is like seeing The Shard with a foggy view—not ideal. Use photography or graphics that scream professionalism and modernity.

Here's a few websites we've made that do just this:

• Coaching Focus Group - Check it out (opens in a new tab)
• Elementum Surveying - Check it out (opens in a new tab)

When London businesses embrace bold design, they instantly capture their audience’s attention. Just as The Shard attracts onlookers, a well-designed website will pull users in and keep them engaged.

2. Typography: Make a Statement Like The Shard’s Silhouette

The Shard’s silhouette is its defining feature—unique, sleek, and instantly recognisable. That’s what your website typography should do: make a strong, unmistakable statement.

The right fonts can communicate a lot about your brand’s personality. Here are some tips:

• Choose a bold, legible font: Just as The Shard stands tall, your typography should stand out. Whether it’s a modern sans-serif or a clean, sharp serif font, make sure it’s legible and looks great on any device.
• Limit font choices: Too many fonts can clutter the design. Stick to one or two fonts that complement each other, ensuring your message is clear and doesn’t overwhelm users.
• Hierarchy matters: Just like The Shard is a focal point in London’s skyline, your headings and subheadings should grab attention and guide users through your site. Use larger, bolder fonts for headlines and more subtle ones for body text.

If you're stuck for the right fonts and for how to pair them, check out this site for help:
- Font Joy - Check it out (opens in a new tab)

When done right, typography becomes a key part of your website’s personality and can set you apart from the competition. Just like The Shard, your website should be instantly recognisable from its first glance.

3. Bold Imagery: Reflecting Confidence and Quality

The Shard doesn’t just stand out for its height—it reflects the city around it, quite literally, with its glass facade. This creates a dynamic interaction between the structure and its surroundings. Your website imagery should do the same, reflecting the quality and confidence of your business.

Here’s how:

• High-resolution images: Invest in professional photography or high-quality stock images that truly reflect your brand. Whether it’s product photos or images of your team, they should be sharp, well-lit, and capture the essence of your business.
• Consistency is key: Like the uniformity of The Shard’s glass, your images should be consistent in tone, style, and colour. This consistency helps create a cohesive, professional look throughout your website.
• Local relevance: For London-based businesses, using images of familiar local landmarks or cityscapes can help build a connection with your audience. A few glimpses of the London skyline, or even your business’s local neighbourhood, can resonate well with local visitors.

Bold imagery not only looks great but also communicates that your business is confident and ready to make an impact.

4. Colour: A Sleek Palette That Exudes Confidence

Just as The Shard’s glass and steel exterior give it a sleek, modern look, your website’s colour palette should evoke similar feelings of modernity and confidence. Choosing the right colours can make all the difference between a forgettable website and one that lingers in people’s minds.

Some tips for getting the colour right:

• Keep it minimal but impactful: Like The Shard’s grey-blue tones, choose a sleek, professional colour palette for your site. Bold, contrasting colours (without going overboard) can add an element of visual drama.
• Choose colours that reflect your brand: Your website’s colours should align with your brand identity, while also appealing to your target audience. If your brand is modern and cutting-edge, cool, neutral tones with a splash of bold colour may work well.
• Colour psychology: Don’t forget that colours evoke emotions. Blues often communicate trust and professionalism, while reds can evoke energy and excitement. Think about what you want your site’s colours to say about your brand.

We love this website and have used it many times for our clients brand and website projects: https://coolors.co/generate

When your website’s colour palette is as sleek and well-planned as The Shard’s design, it signals to users that your business is modern, confident, and forward-thinking.

Make Your Website a Landmark: How Bold Web Design Can Impact Business

The Shard is more than just a building—it’s a landmark. It’s recognised worldwide and draws people in, making it a destination in its own right. Similarly, your website should aim to be a digital landmark in your industry.

Bold web design not only helps your business get noticed but also improves user experience, reduces bounce rates, and drives conversions. When users visit a sharp, well-designed website, they’re more likely to stay, explore, and engage with your content. This, in turn, boosts your website’s search rankings—helping your business stand out in the crowded London market.

It’s Time to Stand Tall

In the competitive world of London business, you can’t afford to blend in. Your website needs to be as bold, sharp, and unapologetic as The Shard. By focusing on strong design elements—sharp imagery, impactful typography, and a sleek, modern colour palette—you’ll create a site that commands attention and reflects your brand’s confidence.

Ready to make your website stand tall like The Shard? If your site isn’t as bold and cutting-edge as it could be, get in touch. We’re here to help London businesses craft websites that not only look great but get results.