If you are working on your first website design or your tenth, the design will always be the crucial aspect of your site. Visitors will be more likely to make a return visit if you take the time to be sure that your site can be easily navigated, is aesthetically pleasing, and is loaded with awesome content. For some tips on web design to help you create beautiful and effective site, consider the tips below.
Use the proper graphic tools for web design. Keep in mind that PNGs are much better than large and poorly working bitmap images. GIFs can be quite good for simple text buttons, screenshots, etc and PNGs are great for images with 256 colors and up. JPEG works best for photo images.
Frames have been uncool to use since the 90’s. Frames were popular back then but created a lot of problems. Frames make it hard for visitors to bookmark and scroll through the page. A number of better ways exist that make it easy for users to navigate your site.
Include some way to help visitors search for content. Those searching for specific information will instantly scan for a search option. If you lack one, they may just move on to another website immediately. Most people look for search forms in the top right so that’s where you should put it.
Try the common “newsletter” technique to keep your readers reminded of your services. If your clientele are able to register at your website for information about product news or highlighted happenings in the near future, they’re more likely to keep visiting. You can incorporate a form in the sidebar of the site and track users that sign up. Make sure you only send out the letter to those that have explicitly requested to view it.
Make sure to include a way to get feedback from site visitors. This way, if something is missing or they don’t understand how to use your page, you can fix it accordingly. Give your visitors a sense of engagement so that they will return to your website in the future.
It doesn’t matter nearly as much as what your website looks like as much as it matters that the files listed are on the smaller side. The smaller the size of each of your files, the quicker your pages will load. You want your site to load instantly. Remember, too, that some visitors may be using dial-up or other low-speed connections. Test your site to make sure that it loads up quickly, even when accessed on a dial up connection.
Test your site early on and often. You need to use your website as a reader would in usability tests early in the design process. Be sure things keep getting worked on as you let your website get larger.
Step up your creativity when you write your site’s “About Us” page. Add some autobiographical information to share with visitors. Try to write this content in an entertaining way. Give people an introduction to your own background, how you became interested in web design, your inspirations, and what your business goals are.
Using pop-up ads are a sure way to turn customers off. Certainly it is important to include PPC ads on your site to earn some money, but pop-up ads that get in the way of what your visitors want to see is counterproductive. People tend to avoid pages altogether that have pop-up ads. You don’t need pop-ups; just keep the ads simple.
Before you design a full website, start small. Make some smaller websites so you can easily see which areas you can do well, and which areas you may need more work on. Create pages that encompass plain text to begin, and build from there as you gain confidence.
Do not feel as though you must design every portion of your site yourself. Here are some of the things a good web designer must understand: Content creation, search engine optimization, web programming, user interface design, and graphic design. Do not hesitate to call in the experts when needed. You always have the option of hiring a company or professional that specializes in a particular area that you are not familiar with.
As you design your website, be sure that someone other than yourself is helping you check its functionality as you go. Every time you add a new feature, make sure someone stops by and judges it impartially. A video that loads slowly may mean nothing to you, but someone else may disagree. Even more importantly, a video may load quickly for you, but not load at all for someone else. Remember to always solicit outside feedback.
If you are going to be a website designer, unleash your inner artist. Keep your mind open to inspiration at all times. If you’re eating out and an idea comes to you, be sure to jot that idea on your napkin. If you don’t have a way to write it down, you can always call your phone and leave a text or answering machine message with details.
Properly maintaining your website gives you an opportunity to remove negative comments and spam that might accumulate on your pages. This is important for blogs and forums too. Part of being a website owner means making time for site maintenance.
Place your search box toward the top of your pages and allow people to type in at least twenty-seven characters. Label the button next to the search box “search.” Don’t use other labels, such as “go,” as these will cause visitors to miss seeing the box when they are looking for it. Follow these tips to ensure that your visitors find and use the search box and can easily find information on your website.
Provide a site map. A website map serves two functions. First, a site map provides a simple interface for your visitors to navigate. One simple map shows them what is available and allows them to find what they’re seeking. Second, the site map is excellent for SEO purposes. It easier for the search engines to find and “crawl” your site.
Using these tips, design the website you desire and create good relationships with your visitors. Do this and your online success will be all but guaranteed, leading to improved financial success too.
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