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Which font should I pick for my website? A startup guide

Which font should I pick for my website? A startup guide

Reading time: 6 min.

Alright, let’s talk fonts. You might think they’re just pretty little letters sitting on your screen, but oh no, my friend, selecting fonts is rather important. It’s the star, the showstopper, and the thing that’ll have your visitors saying, “Wow, this site really gets me.”

Typography is the art of styling and arranging text so that is perfectly readible AND aligns with your brand.

Whether you’re slinging hot lattes at a cozy café, running a wellness haven, or selling the coolest gadgets in town, your font choices are silently shaping how people see you, trust you, and spend their time (and money) on your site. So let’s dive into why typography is a game-changer—and why you should care.

But first: let’s geek out about variable fonts

Need your header to practically yell, but your paragraphs to gently whisper? That’s easy. Craving a font that wows on a huge monitor🖥️ and still stuns on a tiny phone📱? You got it. Before we dive too deep, let me direct you to this handy form I created showcasing Google’s variable fonts. These aren’t your grandma’s fonts. They’re like a design toolkit packed into a single, flexible package. Unlike traditional fonts—which come in fixed weights and styles—variable fonts let you tweak almost anything, from thickness to slant, giving you ultimate control. And because they’re fully web-safe, you won’t run into compatibility headaches like you might with other custom fonts. And the best thing.. they are completely free to use!

Variable free fonts

A strong font is the foundation of your branding—it sets the tone and gives personality before a single word is read. Browse free fonts to use on your website here 👇🏻

Select a font

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog!

Current Size: 20px

Current Weight: 400

Current L/H: 1

Current L/S: 0px

The preview text may go out of bounds when looking at it on smaller screens. Be aware of that.

Why typography isn’t just a pretty face

Okay, here’s the deal: typography isn’t just about picking something that looks snazzy. It’s about creating an experience that makes your visitors say, “Wow, this website is speaking my language!”. To help you nail it, here are 10 tips for using fonts online like a pro.

1. Fonts = your brand’s personality

Example: A tech startup might rock a bold, minimalist sans-serif to say, “Hey, we’re cutting-edge and trustworthy.” But a family-owned bakery might go for a soft, whimsical script font to say, “We’re all about love and butter.”

Pictures fonts as your site's outfit for the big party. Is your vibe chic, professional, playful, or just super cozy? the fonts you pick say everything about you. Fonts create the vibe.

2. Readability is everything

If visitors have to squint or decipher your text like it’s a treasure map, guess what? They’re gone. Whether you’re listing your mouthwatering menu items or explaining your killer services, your text needs to be legible—on every device.

Pro Tip: Variable fonts let you adjust weight and size for every screen, so you don’t have to compromise. That’s flexibility your grandpa’s Times New Roman could only dream of.

3. Visual hierarchy = guiding the eye

A solid typography game isn’t just pretty; it’s functional. By playing with font sizes, weights, and pairings, you can guide visitors’ eyes exactly where you want them to go. For example, pick big, bold letters for headers, medium weights for subheads, and something light for the main paragraphs. It’s like a little road map for their eyeballs, leading them straight to your “Buy Now” button.

4. How to choose fonts without going nuts

Do you want to feel sleek and modern? Maybe you prefer a warm, inviting style? Sort that out right at the start.

For instance, serif fonts mean classic trustworthiness (like law offices or finance). Sans-serif styles are modern and neat (ideal for tech or online solutions). Script fonts bring a decorative elegance (awesome for weddings or small boutiques).

5. Keep it simple

Throwing too many fonts around is like running a circus (not in a fun way). Keep it simple by using 2 font families at best (See also tip 7).

6. Make it readable, everywhere

Make use of the variable fonts to make your site stand out. Tweak their weight, width, and size anytime, and your site will always look fab and readible.

Which font should I pick for my website? A startup guide

7. Create a perfect pair

Think about blending a bold sans-serif with a softer serif, or try adding a decorative option for a unique twist. Sticking to two distinct font styles can often hit that sweet spot for your brand.

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for picking the right combo—your goal is to capture the exact vibe you’re after. If you’re feeling stuck, check out the random variable font pairing tool below for fresh inspiration.

Font pairing

Need help choosing? Reach out to us — we’re here to help.

You can also check out Google Fonts to pair fonts or similar tools to see what works.

8. Why typography even matters for SEO (yeah, seriously)

When your words are tough to read, folks bail in a flash, hurting your dwell time and making google side-eye you. Solid typography keeps people around longer, Which helps your seo get some extra love.

9. Handwriting fonts?

Handwriting fonts can bring a personal, human touch to a design, making them perfect for projects that aim to feel warm, creative, or handcrafted. However, most handwriting fonts aren’t fully variable because the fluid, organic strokes can cause issues with how letters connect and close. This lack of flexibility can limit their usability in responsive design. Additionally, while they can be charming in small doses—like for headings or signatures—using handwriting fonts for body text can hurt readability, especially on smaller screens. Their decorative nature often sacrifices clarity, so it’s best to use them sparingly and with intention.

10. Is it readible on mobile?

When choosing fonts, always check how they look on mobile, where most users browse. A font that shines on desktop can become unreadable on smaller screens. Variable fonts are great for this, as they let you tweak weight and size for perfect readability across devices. Ensuring responsive typography keeps your site stylish and user-friendly everywhere.

Wrap-up

Let’s be real: typography isn’t some tiny detail you tack on at the end—it’s a major force shaping how people feel about your site. Follow the above key pointers and you’ll end up with a page that’s not just pretty, but also feels welcoming to anyone who drops by. Don’t forget: a good font isn’t only about appearance; it sets the overall vibe, too.

When done right, your font strategy can boost your brand and even give a gentle push to your SEO. Still clinging to stiff, outdated fonts? Reach out to us—we’re here to help. Your (new) site deserves it.

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