Deciding on Web page elements

You would think that the first thing you decide on, when planning your Web site, are the color palette, font style and layout—what it's going to look like---design components, right? Not so. The same approach that you would use in getting a custom home built also applies to constructing a well-built Web site.

With a custom home, the first things you review and decide on are the functionality: all one-level or two-story? Open living room and kitchen/dining area or are each of these a room unto themselves? And so on. The colors of the walls and carpets and the type of draperies you'll have come into the picture later and aren't decided on until you've discussed architectural plans with your home builder. The same is true for a well-thought-out Web site: be sure you decide on page elements and visitor actions before you even come close to discussing colors or choosing that special font.

Remember that your Web site visitors have a need or a problem that they're hoping you'll solve for them. Yes, when they land in your homepage, the design IS a major factor in reassuring them they're at the right place (remember to look “21st century” and not “20th century”), however, the page elements and the actions to be taken must be clearly decided on before designing begins.

But before those page elements are decided on, first be clear on WHO will visit your site and how s/he likes to hunt and gather information. Once you're clear on that, then page elements should be a piece of cake.

So let me solve your need to know what the heck a page element is. Page elements include the navigation menu and photos but did you know that a page element can also be a newsletter or ezine subscription form? It can be a media player that plays your 30-second video or it can be a flash animation that draws attention to some very important information. It can be a featured case study to document that you can walk it like you talk it or it can be a property listing—if you're a real estate agent.

Do you see where I'm going with this? So many Web sites out there in the vast realm of cyber space are lost souls, meandering around with cluttered design, broken links and no clear call to action. They don't know who they're talking to. Make your Web site work in favor of your company, rather than against it. Without any strategic planning, you're bound to produce a poorly constructed Web site. What does that say about your company to the thousands of people looking for you?

Lori Gama, Web Site Strategist and CEO of DaGama Web Studio in Greeley, helps people get out of the black hole of cyberspace and in front of their customers. For more information, questions or comments, visit www.DaGamaWebStudio.com or call 970-378-7822 or e-mail Lori@dagamawebstudio.com.

Deciding on Web page elements - To learn more about this author, visit Lori Gama's Website.

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