Too Much Of A Good Thing...
Using the newest and flashiest effects on a site can backfire if used indiscriminately. Depending on the message you want to convey, excessive “bells and whistles” can seriously detract from your site if they do not support and enhance your content. Another critical consideration is how quickly the page will load. How much speed are you willing to sacrifice for animated graphics?
Perpetual Motion...
Building on the previous point, anything that is constantly in motion on a web page can disrupt a visitor’s concentration. Marquees, scrolling text, and flashing or constantly changing banners should be used sparingly. A web page should not resemble a chaotic carnival—unless that’s the intended theme.
I Hear You Knocking, But You Can't Come In...
Keep your URL (internet address) as simple and descriptive as possible. Potential visitors may have to type your address manually, so making it easy to remember and type reduces the chance of errors. Page names should accurately reflect their content. Avoid special characters and long titles. If you’re serious about building an online presence, securing a domain name is essential.
Where In The World Am I?...
Every page on your site should clearly indicate which website it belongs to. Visitors might arrive at a specific page through indirect means, so there should be no mystery about where they are. Clear navigational aids or links between pages are a must.
Keep It Brief...
A significant percentage of visitors will not venture beyond what’s immediately visible upon reaching your home page. The most essential content and navigation links should be within the first screen view. While other pages can be longer depending on their content, they should still be kept as concise as possible.
A Compass Is For Hiking...
Design your website layout with first-time visitors in mind. Never assume they understand your structure. Make your links clear and straightforward. For larger sites, a site map or outline is helpful, and a search feature is essential. Keep navigation simple and intuitive to minimize obstacles from the start.
Endless Spring Cleaning...
If you don’t have time to regularly update your site’s content and links, hire someone who can. Outdated content and broken links will discourage visitors from returning. While not everything on your site needs constant updating, new content should blend seamlessly with existing material to maintain consistency.
The Waiting Game...
Even with the increasing availability of high-speed connections, many users still access the web via slower connections. Keeping download times minimal is essential. Ideally, your main page should load within 10 to 15 seconds. While people may wait for content they genuinely want, they won’t wait just to discover what your site offers.
The Expected Disclaimer...
Web design is a highly competitive field, and I don’t intend to discourage prospective clients by being overly restrictive. The tips above are guidelines to consider when deciding what to include. I am more than willing to embrace and incorporate your vision, whatever it may be. |