Attracting Affluent Customers Through Upscale Design Aesthetics

Written by Ethan Gardner Web Design

The affluent customer is an incredibly desirable target demographic whether you are a designer or a business trying to attract these customers. The upscale market is also difficult to attract because of the options that large amounts of disposable income grants and the amount of time and research that goes into making a high-dollar purchase.

Despite being particular about purchasing decisions, this market segment can be a valuable one to pursue and a vital part to sustaining business.

Where Can I Get Ideas for Upscale Design?

The best industries to get ideas from are the ones who are renown for targeting wealthy clientele. The truly great upscale websites make a great impression without feeling uptight or snooty.

Fashion, luxury cars, fine jewelry and watches, expensive restaurants, and luxury hotels all exude the high-end aesthetic that appeals to affluent customers. These types of websites can be further categorized in masculine and feminine segments.

Masculine Market Segment

• Watches & Timepieces
• Luxury Automobiles
• Fine Dining Establishments
• Top-shelf Alcohol

Feminine Market Segment

• Fashion Industry
• Crystal Goods
• Luxury Resorts
• High-end Spas

What Does Upscale Design Look Like?

High-end products feature attention to detail. It is the flattering cuts of designer clothing, the interior appointments of a luxury sedan, or the food presentation and service at a five-star restaurant. When applied to the web, upscale design has several common elements all focusing on the details.

Color

The background colors are almost always white or black while secondary colors serve accents and draw emphasis to the subject. The overall color palette is usually limited to no more than two accent colors with neutral colors used throughout. Black and white photos that have selective colors applied can further enhance the effect.

Line

Line is one of the most basic elements of design. In high-end designs, thin lines are often used to great effect to create a sense of structure, delicacy, separation, and elegance.

Whitespace

The presence of whitespace eliminates the temptation for clutter. “Busy” designs can feel cramped, while whitespace creates breathing room and a sense of elegance. Sites targeting the upscale demographic typically feature a greater amount of whitespace than any other type of site.

Typography

Typography can make or break a site. It has been said that web design is 95% typography. It is more than just what font is chosen, it is making sure the text is readable and enhances the overall rhythm of the design. High-end design is in the details, and typography is one detail that many people struggle to get correct. Not only does great typography make a site more usable, it guides the eye and provides a visual hierarchy of information.

Photography

The rule of thumb is if you use images, make sure the quality matches up with the products being sold. In short, this means professional images. Using your camera phone might cut it for an informal blog post, but for luxury websites, the images should enhance the appeal.

Conclusion

Though it may seem challenging to target this very particular demographic, understanding the market and earning the business may prove to be a valuable customer segment for your organization. Using other industries for inspiration can help make it easier to attract this highly desirable type of customer.