How to Pick Fonts for Your Website

So, to wrap it up, before you create a website, learn the difference between both fonts and typefaces to ensure you have an understanding of what you are looking for and need for your website and online presence.

Sans vs serif

Another element of choosing fonts and understanding them when working online is to know the difference between Sans and Serif fonts. When you think of fonts, you have likely heard of the term "sans serif" or "sans serif font" at least once, especially if you have ever taken a typing or computer class (even in school). Sans and serif fonts provide unique features and distinguished looks that can help you on your journey to find the best font for website development projects of your own. A sans serif font family or serif font family is a set of fonts with the same features, so you'll notice different web fonts with similar features.

Serif font

Serif font typically appears more classical in nature, and includes fonts such as Times New Roman and Georgia. All serif fonts include small lines or dashes towards the end of each letter included in the serif typeface. Strokes and lines added to each letter can provide an elegant appearance to the typeface, making them optimal for book printing and for official documents.

Sans serif font

Sans fonts, also known as sans serif font, are fonts and typefaces that include similar letters to serif fonts, but without additional lines or strokes to add a classical touch to each of the letters and numbers included in a singular typeface. Sans serif typeface often appears more modern, clean, and free from potential markup, which makes them optimal for newer websites and those who are interested in streamlining their online presence.

How to choose the best font for your website

Once you are familiar with what a font is and how fonts are used to convey messages and even develop brands, you may be wondering how to go about finding the best font for a website of your own. While there is no one simple and straightforward solution or answer, there are a few steps to take and keep in mind to help you find the fonts that are right for your business and brand.

Define your purpose or mission

When you want to create a website or online presence, you will need to know why. What purpose will your website serve and why is it useful to those you intend to reach?

Consider your target audience

Before settling on a font and typeface that is right for your website, consider the audience you intend to reach along with the overall purpose or mission you have set for your site and online presence. For brands that intend to reach an audience that is older or even elderly, using strong, bold, serif (or traditional sans serif) fonts may work best. If you have a brand that is funky, unique and loves to play around with messaging, you can have a bit more fun when it comes to finding a silly font, even if you choose a typeface that is unique and one-of-a-kind.

When you choose to keep your target audience in mind while searching for and selecting fonts for your business and brand, keep the following in mind:

• The age range of individuals you intend to reach
• The location/zip code/neighborhood of the individuals you intend to reach with your website and online presence
• The gender of those you wish to appeal to with the typeface(s) you select for your website
• Various hobbies and/or interests of your prospective customers and clients, which may help you in your journey to finding the best fonts possible
• How your audience will find or discover your website based on the type of products or services you have to offer

Envision the message you wish to convey

Another way to help with picking out the best font for website projects is to envision the message you wish to convey to your target audience. Are you trying to drum up business and walkthrough traffic for a local service provider, or are you working on cultivating a world-class brand that is known by everyone from around the world? In order to find a typeface that is genuinely appropriate and fitting for your business and brand, you will need to consider and set goals while envisioning the message you wish to convey with your new venture.

Having a solid message and tone in place for your business and brand goes a long way, whether you are building a website, choosing a logo, or even selecting the font and typeface that is ideal for your online presence.

Find a web-friendly font

If you have plans to change fonts in HTML or if you enjoy complete control and flexibility when it comes to managing your font choices and your typefaces online, you should seek out a web-friendly font. Web-friendly fonts are fonts that can be utilized on all websites around the world globally without loading or display issues. While most generic and web-friendly fonts can be loaded with every web browser and device today, there are also many alternative font websites that require additional scripts and plugins to work. Some of the most web-friendly fonts to consider using if you are just getting started with fonts and typefaces for the first time include:

• Times New Roman
• Arial
• Verdana
• Georgia
• Bodini
• Trebuchet MS

Compare font websites

Not all font websites and online directories are the same, which is why it is so important to take the time to research and compare your options before you begin downloading and installing new fonts of your own.

Whenever you are in the market for new fonts, keep in mind that while some fonts are free to download and use, others are only available for a premium price, while some may require you to provide written credit in order to use the font for your own business venture. In order to find the best fonts for your business, take the time to compare some of today's top font websites to find an online community and resource that is right for you and all of your font downloading and installation needs.

Best fonts for websites

Once you begin designing a website, you will need to choose which fonts and typefaces you would also like to install and use throughout your site. Finding the best fonts for websites is subjective, as not all fonts appear or are used in the same manner. Knowing where you can find the best font for website development projects can help you to save time as you streamline your efforts in seeking out and selecting the typography you wish to use for your latest website.

Finding the best fonts online is subjective, although there are many different communities and platforms that are known for the font libraries they offer today. Some of the most well-known font providers and websites for downloading and finding both recreational and commercial fonts today include:

DaFont

For those who are just being introduced to the world of fonts and typefaces or for those who are playing around with fonts and testing the limits of their potential and creativity, DaFont is an excellent resource tool to help you get started. DaFont offers thousands of fonts that are categorized based on style, look, and theme. Both free and commercial fonts are available to immediately download from DaFont, making DaFont one of our all-time favorites when it comes to finding a fresh new font for just about any project or web development endeavor.

Google Fonts

What started as an overly ambitious web project has since turned into a global phenomenon, at least for those who love and enjoy using fonts on a regular basis. Google Fonts provides nearly 1,000 fonts to choose from which can be implemented onto just about any website with the use of a built-in script. Unlike other fonts, Google Fonts calls for fonts to load based on various scripts. For users, it is even possible to edit the size, blondness, slant, width, and overall thickness of individual fonts before generating the code used to properly display the fonts on your own website. All website builders use a default font and/or font family, so it's crucial to be aware of your different options, whether you want to use Google fonts or another type of font family to build your website.

Font Squirrel

For those who are in the market for commercial fonts but wish to wade through searching for commercial vs. recreational and licensing issues, Font Squirrel delivers. Font Squirrel is useful for just about anyone who is in the market for printing materials or building websites. Whether you are looking for a font to use for a logo, a book you are printing, or even specific headers throughout your site or an online promotional ad, you can find the typefaces you need with Font Squirrel.

FFonts

If you are someone who enjoys the simplified nature of searching for fonts and comparing typefaces without all of the fancy design and showcasing, FFonts may be the perfect website for fonts regardless of the type of site and project you are working on. With FFonts, you can browse more than 100,000 available fonts on the site itself without being redirected or linked to another website that is not connected to the FFonts community itself.

FontSpace

For a modern twist when it comes to searching for new fonts and typefaces, give FontSpace a try. FontSpace features an immense library of more than 64,000 fonts in total from users and typeface designers from all around the world. Using FontSpace is simplistic, straightforward, and extremely satisfying, especially for those who enjoy easily categorizing and organizing fonts during their research. While using FontSpace, it is possible to preview fonts immediately, organize typefaces based on popularity and downloads, or even search for fonts that do not require additional licensing or fees to get started with the typeface right away.

Unblast

A unique choice for this list, Unblast takes a bit of a more modern approach to sharing and displaying fonts for users before they download them. With Unblast, you can preview fonts on various backgrounds and with unique designs to help determine if the typeface is right for your own brand and the logo you envision for your business. You can use Unblast for more than just browsing and downloading fonts, too. Unblast also provides valuable insight into specific fonts and typefaces based on the profession(s) and industries you plan to represent with the use of your new fonts.

How to pair fonts effectively

Whether you use sans serif or serif font, one of the most important aspects is that they go well together. Of course, you should only use web safe fonts that are highly readable and attractive. There are many font styles to choose from, and finding the best fonts for websites depends on your unique branding. There are several ways you can pair fonts. Whether using free and paid fonts or one of the other, you can choose several popular typefaces to enhance your overall website design. Here are a few tips to help you pair fonts effectively:

Use the same family

Website fonts on the same site should be from the same font family because they complement each other. Using Google fonts from the same family will help you narrow down your choices and ensure you're not using any overly creative fonts for websites that impact reality. We recommend pairing two fonts from the same family to keep your website simple if you don't have the help of web designers.

Consider line weight

The best fonts for websites complement one another. Using fonts of different weights, such as a bold italic font with a skinnier one, can help one stand out. Thicker fonts, whether they're sans serif or serif, are easier to read and can provide contrast.

Try both sans serif and serif

Yes, choosing fonts from the same font family will automatically look good, whether it's for headlines or body text. For instance, you can use a bolder serif font for headlines and a thinner serif font for body text. However, you can also pair serif and sans serif fonts together on the same page.

Serif fonts are more decorative because they have feet, while sans serif fonts are more modern. However, you can pair them together. For instance, you can use sans serif for body text and a serif font for headlines and vice versa.

The most important rule in web design is not mixing too many fonts. As a general rule, you should choose three fonts you use throughout your website.

Only use similar fonts

When selecting fonts for websites, it's crucial to avoid pairing two distinct fonts together. Instead, you want them to complement one another. It doesn't matter if they're both web safe fonts; too much contrast between fonts for websites can make them difficult to read and confuse your visitors.

Examples of font pairings

To help you choose the right fonts for websites, here are a few examples of pairings that are considered highly legible and attractive:

• Oswald & Lato: Oswald and Leto are both sans serif typefaces available in various line heights and weights. Because they're from the same font family, they look similar, but Oswald typically stands out more for being slightly bolder, allowing you to use different line weights to add contrast.
• Helvetica Neue & Garamond: Helvetica Neue is a sans serif, while Garamond is a serif. However, even though they come from different font families, they pair well together because they offer contrast.
• Orpheus Pro Bold & Twentieth Century: This is another example of combining fonts from different families. Orpheus Pro Bold is a serif font with an old-timey feel, making it a great serif font for news publications. However, when paired with Twentieth Century, we're brought into the modern day.

Typography hierarchy is how information is organized on a page using your chosen font.

In other terms, larger fonts usually denote headlines or titles, while smaller fonts are used for body text. Typography gives content hierarchy and structure, telling website visitors the most important information first.

Size, weight, color, contrast, case, and position are all used to determine hierarchy and help guide a user's eyes through a page online.

How to create typography hierarchy on your website

Typography hierarchy is crucial for any website, regardless of font type. This hierarchy will help you organize content and make it easy to read. Here's how you can use typography hierarchy on your website.

1. Establish a clear hierarchy You can choose fonts of various sizes, weights, and heights to determine how to display the most important content. All page designs should have a heading, subheading, and body text to help you organize a page.

2. Choose font families Once you've determined your hierarchy, choose font families that make the most sense based on your branding. For instance, you may use sans serifs for body text and serifs for headlines.

3. Determine font sizes Headings must be larger than the body text for clear reasons. You want your visitors to know what to expect when they land on a page.

4. Use font weights and styles Various font weights and styles can help specific elements of your webpage stand out. The bolder something is, the more it will stand out, so bold text is typically used for headlines.

5. Use color You're not limited to the colors you can use on your website as long as it makes sense based on your branding. Using certain colors makes a page appear more organized in ways line height or weight can't, allowing you to organize different types of content on the same page.

6. Test and refine Graphic designers go through multiple fonts to determine what works best for websites. Finding the best fonts for websites depends on various factors, and every website is different. Testing and refining your typography hierarchy can help you determine which fonts, colors, line heights, and weights are most effective.

Pros and cons of using custom fonts for websites

Many companies invest in custom fonts because they stand out on the web. Your font is part of your brand identity and personality, so investing in fonts makes just as much sense as investing in content makes sense. However, custom fonts cost money, so it might not be right for every website.

Pros of custom fonts:

Unique branding Many would argue that the best fonts for websites are custom because you can't find them anywhere else on the web. Using a custom font lets you stand out from your competitors online while making the user experience more personal.

Design flexibility Using a custom font allows you to create a font that's truly unique to your business. Instead of being stuck between Google or Adobe fonts, you can find something new that speaks to your customers.

Improved readability Web designers rely on web safe fonts to create websites. These fonts are designed to be highly readable, so you won't have to worry about accessibility issues. However, it may be possible to improve readability by custom designing your own font.

Enhanced user experience Consumers prefer shopping with brands that have their own personalities. A custom font can help you stand out online while appealing to your target audience and improving their overall user experience.

Cons of custom fonts:

Cost Unfortunately, custom fonts are costly, but they may be more affordable than established fonts. Every time you use a font, you pay a licensing fee. However, custom typefaces can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on your needs.

Compatibility issues Your custom font may not work online even though it looks great in print. If your custom font isn't legible online, you can have accessibility issues that affect your website performance.

Load time Many sites loan custom fonts improperly, which slows down site performance. Luckily, you can avoid this issue by preloading your fonts or self-hosting them to make them load faster.

Choose the best font that fits your brand's tone

Selecting a font that fits your brand's tone is always recommended, regardless of the type of business or brand you represent. A font that appears too cheery, silly, or even hand-drawn while representing a white-collared corporate entity may not be taken as seriously as an entity that chooses to implement bold and modern sans serif fonts.

If you are unsure of where to begin when it comes to selecting the best font for your brand based on tone, take time to research and compare existing businesses and companies in the same industry as you. Research and compare marketing efforts, logo designs, color schemes, and ultimately, the fonts were chosen to best represent your existing competition. The more familiar you become with your competition, the easier it will be to choose a voice and a brand image that is right for you and the customers or clients you intend to reach.

Not only does Mailchimp offer excellent and updated web design tips, but it is also useful as an all-in-one marketing resource, designed and developed to help optimize marketing campaigns and automation management solutions. Whether you are thinking of building a website to promote a local service you offer or if you intend to sell products and create a brand that is known internationally, Mailchimp is the one-stop shop solution that has a service for just about everyone.