Internet Advice #2

Website Design Tips

   1.  Organise your website from beginning to end. If you organise the various content for your website before you begin creating your different pages, then you will have an idea how to structure your site and be able to find your pages when you need them.

   2. Create folders for different types of files. If you are planning on adding pictures / videos to your website, you should build up a collection of potential files you may want to use. If you are outsourcing the work, the web designer should use their expertise to source these for you.

   3. Clean Layout Design is essential. A clean layout that uses a lot of white space enhances a site's looks but don't over do it as the site can then look unstructured and 'floaty'. The use of an effective font helps enhance a web page but it's important to use fonts that will be available on all computers to prevent your site from looking a mess.

   4. Keep your graphics sizes fairly small. When the pixel size of your graphics are too big, it takes too long for your page to load, often an issue with too many flash animations. Your visitors may not stick around long enough to see your graphics if they have to wait too long.

   5. Use of a thumbnail is an option in place of a text link to your graphic page. A thumbnail is a smaller version of a graphic which you can create with most graphic programs. Thes are standard features that any good design agency will build into your site.

   6. Updating your site regularly. When people come to your site, they are looking for information about you, or whatever your website is about. If they like your site then they will visit your website again. When they come back, they will be looking for more information or to follow up and potentially purchase (if you have an online shop) your product / service. Either way a new feature, caption or the latest offer can be a crucial factor in determining whether they move forward with their enquiry.

   7. Keep your text narrow. It is easier to read text that is kept in narrow columns. Did you ever wonder why newspapers keep their columns so narrow? It's to make it alot easier to read. It's even more important on the Internet because your readers are reading on their computer screen. If they can't read everything, without scrolling sideways, then they probably won't read it at all.

   8. Test your page with different browsers and browser settings. Your pages may look different to different computers depending on the browser they are using and the settings they have set. Finding out how your pages look to others will help you create better pages. Sometimes your site will look great to you, but to someone with another browser, your site looks awful. Test your site and make some changes, if necessary.

   9. Check for broken web links. Always check for broken links within a site before you begin uploading it to your server. Not only with the site be ineffective but it will look very unpfofessional.

   10. Design for all Screen Resolutions. A site that is easy-to-use always encourages visitors to stay and read it's content but for site with long pages of content it is very crucial as the amount of scrolling required can is reduced. Suppose your site doesn't look good for a particular resolution it is very probable that the visitor will close the browser window feeling that the web page is not for their viewing and will not revisit the site. Designing stretch layouts that fit any screen resolution ensures that you know all your visitors see a visually appealing and professional site no matter how they are viewing it.

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