There are many factors to consider before developing a new website or redesigning an existing site. Effective websites have certain key elements in common that helped them succeed. This article summarizes the importance of each item. In future articles, I will discuss in more detail and include techniques you can use to help improve your own website.
Appearance
When a new visitor arrives at your site, you want to make a great first impression. The overall look of your site will determine if the person stays long enough to read what they have to offer. If your website does not look professional, chances are they leave and not return again.
When designing your website, consider the following:
Web site colors and graphics - Choose good colors, graphics and photographs of significant quality. Images must be attractive and add value to your message.
Clean page design - Do not overload your pages with too much content. Want to reduce the amount of information on a page to make it easier for website visitors to read. You can do this by simply breaking the content into multiple pages.
Usability
Usable web sites provide their visitors with a great user experience. If you have visitors happy, they will return.
When designing for ease of use, consider the following:
Readable text - Select the font styles, colors and sizes that are easy to read.
Navigation - The navigation should be simple and well structured.
Load Time Page - Make sure your web pages load quickly.
Constant theme - Use a similar theme through your entire website.
Cross-platform and browser compatibility - Create CSS style sheets for different platforms and browsers to ensure that your content is displayed in the manner expected.
Accessibility - Make your website available for people with visual impairment, hearing impairment and physical disability.
Content
We've all heard the adage "content is king." True, the site will have a difficult time succeeding without it. Not only is it important to have good content, but should continue to add content regularly to keep people coming back for more.
Interactive
Interactive websites are great for getting people more involved with your website as they provide a platform for visitors to interact through blogs, forums, surveys, etc. These features can help bring more traffic to your site and possibly increase your rankings in search engines.
Security
Internet security is important, especially if you are carrying out payment transactions online. If you are collecting any personal information, it is essential that your website is safe from potential hackers and scammers. If your security is compromised, you can lose customers and could negatively impact the image of your company.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
A website optimized for search engines can help better align the search engines. The result would be an increase in traffic to search engines to your website. There are many methods you can use to improve your website ranking, such as web site optimization, creating backlinks and creating good content and frequent.
Appearance
When a new visitor arrives at your site, you want to make a great first impression. The overall look of your site will determine if the person stays long enough to read what they have to offer. If your website does not look professional, chances are they leave and not return again.
When designing your website, consider the following:
Web site colors and graphics - Choose good colors, graphics and photographs of significant quality. Images must be attractive and add value to your message.
Clean page design - Do not overload your pages with too much content. Want to reduce the amount of information on a page to make it easier for website visitors to read. You can do this by simply breaking the content into multiple pages.
Usability
Usable web sites provide their visitors with a great user experience. If you have visitors happy, they will return.
When designing for ease of use, consider the following:
Readable text - Select the font styles, colors and sizes that are easy to read.
Navigation - The navigation should be simple and well structured.
Load Time Page - Make sure your web pages load quickly.
Constant theme - Use a similar theme through your entire website.
Cross-platform and browser compatibility - Create CSS style sheets for different platforms and browsers to ensure that your content is displayed in the manner expected.
Accessibility - Make your website available for people with visual impairment, hearing impairment and physical disability.
Content
We've all heard the adage "content is king." True, the site will have a difficult time succeeding without it. Not only is it important to have good content, but should continue to add content regularly to keep people coming back for more.
Interactive
Interactive websites are great for getting people more involved with your website as they provide a platform for visitors to interact through blogs, forums, surveys, etc. These features can help bring more traffic to your site and possibly increase your rankings in search engines.
Security
Internet security is important, especially if you are carrying out payment transactions online. If you are collecting any personal information, it is essential that your website is safe from potential hackers and scammers. If your security is compromised, you can lose customers and could negatively impact the image of your company.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
A website optimized for search engines can help better align the search engines. The result would be an increase in traffic to search engines to your website. There are many methods you can use to improve your website ranking, such as web site optimization, creating backlinks and creating good content and frequent.
