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Ten Design Tips for Your Web Site |
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Contributed by Wray Burgess
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Whenever I have a new client. I typically need to assess their company's web initiative to determine it's strengths and weaknesses. If this is a difficult task, then I know that the initial design/development team 'did their homework' So let's do yours!
1.) Let's start with your image. Ask yourself; "Does my image convey the level of professionalism which my company maintains?" If yes, go to #2. If not, maybe a redesign of your logo or slogan will improve the image you portray. Your entire site should support your logo/logotype and the respective tag line or slogan. Does it ?
2.) Navigation is key. Make certain that your navigation elements are logical in layout order, and consistent in their placement on each page.
3.) Build your site from the end user standpoint. Why am I here ? What can I find? Can I look around easily ? Tell me more... What are my choices? Is this going to be easy? Answer questions before they are asked.
4.) Because linking is so important, make sure your links are all they can be. THEY NEED TO FUNCTION. Check your links regularly, remove or re-establish any dead links.
5.) Make certain that any text which is attached or affiliated with a button is easily LEGIBLE. DO NOT EVER underline any text that is not a link. This says "I am someone who doesn't understand the rules of the internet", or "...my 11 year old nephew built this site".
6.) Think "Brevity is the soul of wit" when it comes to writing copy. It is more painful on our eyes to read from an electronic screen than from the pages of a book. With this in mind, use almost 50% fewer words to convey your message.
7.) Every company's web site needs a page designated as an 'About Us' link. This is both a reassurance to viewers and also a primary means of adding credibility to you and your company. The same is true for contact information. It not only adds credibility, it invites communication and says "we are accessible".
8.) If you have an excessive amount of information on a particular topic which you need to communicate within your site, don't hesitate to create an additional page. You can curtail your lengthy copy by placing a 'Read more..." text link at your designated break point in the copy.
9.) Avoid using graphics that look like ads (text embedded in an image) because people avoid and ignore them.
10.) Try to utilize short, descriptive text and titles for both navigation links and page titles. These entice user interaction. Focus on using your keywords for each page in that page's body copy. Use both the title and description tags *Following these tips will increase not only increase the length of each visitor's stay on a page, it will encourage return visits as well and make your site more attractive to those who discover you through the search engines.
Need Content? This article may be re-used by permission. Written by: Wray Burgess ~
i site design - "creators of interactive presence"
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