1. Flexible Websites

Flexible websites will avoid the problems of sites that don't display properly in certain browsers or on certain mobile devices. Not all businesses have websites that are flexible just yet, but they're working toward that because they know that they need to be flexible in order to keep up with what customers need and want.

2. An Upgrade and Overhaul of HTML

This is already starting to be used by some of the larger companies, like Microsoft and Google, but there will be many more companies getting involved with it as it rolls out in 2011. Because it will do more and perform better, it's worth checking into if you use a lot of HTML for your site or if you're a programmer.

3. An Editorial Layout

This type of layout will provide more of an online newsroom feel to many websites. That will help keep customers on the page for a longer period of time, and it will provide them with more information more quickly so they can make an informed decision about the site, the company, and other information that is presented to them.

4. Mobile eCommerce

This is a big deal, and it's only going to get bigger. There are already many shopping sites available, and they're redesigning themselves to be more user-friendly to people who access them through mobile devices. If you use a mobile device for your shopping, expect to see things getting easier for you as 2011 moves along.

5. Security

Trust seals will be featured more prominently. That's good news to people who worry about the safety of their online information.

6. Social Media

Wowing visitors with social media will become part of many websites in 2011. If a visitor likes a site, he or she is more likely to share it with other people through social media. Designing around that is valuable.

7. Short

To-the-point is the newest trend in content. With sites like Twitter gaining so much popularity, it's easy to see why. Keep it short and simple.

You don't have to be a professional web designer to follow these tips (although the option is there if you want it). You want to be an individual, of course, but don't buck the trends too much. Go along with the trends that are important in 2011, and then put your own unique flavor or spin on them. That way you're still following the crowd enough that you don't get left behind, but you're not following so closely that people think you have no individuality or personality of your own.