Tweet

Tips for Better Site Design

Written by: Thomas Young

Article Overview: Follow these pointers for excellent site design

Tips for Better Site Design

Follow these pointers for excellent site design:

Minimize the number of graphics on every page to keep loading times to a minimum.
Make all graphic files as small as possible for the same reason.
Include your logo at the upper left corner of the page, to meet user expectations.
Link every appearance of your logo to the home page.
Title each page with keywords that clearly describe the content. Don't use "Home Page."
Group your pages according to user expectations rather than company expectations.
Write copy that instantly tells of benefits to the user.
Keep fluffy self-promotion to an absolute minimum.
Make explanations short, with links to additional background information.
Use italics and underlines sparingly, to maintain good visual clarity.
Use headings and subheadings to break text into smaller blocks.
Keep words small and avoid technical jargon whenever possible.
Make certain that your Shopping Cart (for e-commerce sites) is extremely easy to use.
Offer a search engine to help people find information quickly (if you have a large site).
Offer a free monthly e-mail newsletter if your site offers expertise in a popular topic.
Make sure all links on your site function perfectly to avoid annoying 404 errors.
Avoid flash introductions, which are generally considered annoying hype by busy users.
Flash is excellent as an interactive tool for delivering information, however.
Feature your contact information prominently at the same place on every page.
Show all major navigation links on every page. The left column is often the best place.
Make it easy for users to tell friends and co-workers about your site.
Include a Site Map to give users a quick glance at the entire site.
Establish credibility by joining privacy and security groups and posting those logos.
Offer easy access to personal customer service via phone, e-mail or online chat.
State your privacy policy clearly and link to it from every page.
State your return/refund policy clearly and link to it from every page.

Related Articles
  Before you start a web site re-design...
  When Is the Right Time to Redesign
  Web Design - Little Things Make a Big Difference
  IMPORTANT Web Design Tips
  Site Design Usability and Navigation

Article Tags:



Related Forum Posts
Business Tips - How about: Tips for managers to handle employees more effectively? Tips on how to deal with difficult customers? Tips on how to deal more effectively with suppliers? The only three I have in mind right now, but will try to come up with something else. Chris
Re: Top Banner Help - [quote:35xjo6uq]Good job on the banners BennyBoy![/quote:35xjo6uq] No probs:) I agree Online Marketing and Publicity Search Engine Optimization - Web Design and Programming Blogging also may be... Web Design Tutorials Looking to Hire - jobs section Interesting Articles / websites
Re: what position to request? - Hi Michael, Great suggestion from David, or you could try something around a design consultancy, How about Website Design Consultant, Design and Development Manager, Website Support and Development Manager or maybe Internet Business Development Consultant. Ultimately whatever you are comfortable with and good luck for the future, Mal.
Re: Hello from the UK - Hello! What part of the UK are you from? Site looks good, how are you marketing it and what do what want to achieve?
Re: Using Craigslist SEO to Promote Your Website - Great Craiglist Tips for driving traffic. I can definitely use these to drive traffic to my blog.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Sales Courage and Resilience

What is the bottom line to you?

How To Be A Management Legend

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.