An example of a website with a simple effective design is Google. You will face an information overload by sites trying to get your attention. But regardless of the type of site that you choose, the basics are much the same. So keep reading to find out some really useful tips for website design.
By testing the way your website will work in different browsers, you can ensure that the maximum number of visitors see your site they way you want them to. Your content may show up fine in Internet Explorer, but it may be unreadable or badly displayed in Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Test every page in each browser before you let your site go live.
Search Box
Feature a prominent tagline on your site. This is a statement or motto to define your business. There are about eight crucial seconds to grab and keep a visitor’s attention, so having an easy-to-understand tagline is crucial.
Include some way to help visitors search for content. If visitors to your site need something specific, they look for a search box first. If you don’t have a search box, they’ll just go to the next site. Always place the box at the top right of the page, as this is the first place visitors tend to look for one.
Don’t use lots of graphics. Graphics are important, but too many can yuck things up. Use graphics for improvement, not decoration. The right number of graphics improves look and functionality without crowding the page.
Keep page size to a minimum. Users with slower Internet connections might decide that the wait isn’t worth it if your site loads slowly. There’s no reason to make viewers wait.
Avoid frames! The are very 90’s. Frames were terrific in the burgeoning web design days, but they had their problems too. For example, it is difficult to scroll with frames. You can use much simpler methods to allow your users a way to navigate your content.
Let your users have the option of canceling any action if they wish to do so. An action can involve filling out forms, registering for email notifications or newsletters, or browsing the site for various topics or archives. If visitors cannot cancel an action they are not interested in, such as providing their contact information, they will feel they do not have a choice and won’t buy anything.
Do not use any type of pop-ups. Everyone hates getting pop-up after pop-up on a website. Most visitors to your website will not like pop-up ads, even on big sites, they are aggravating and cause people to leave. Avoid annoying your customers, by staying away from these irritating advertisements. If the host you uses forces these pop-ups on you, you may want to consider looking for a new host.
Always keep your load times under 10 seconds. A well designed website will show up on a browser within moments. If it takes too long, a visitor is simply going to become frustrated and go elsewhere.
Include an easy way for visitors to search your site content. For people who look for specific things, they’ll look for a search box first. If your site does not have one, expect them to find a site that does. Make sure your search box is visible. The right hand side of the page, at the top, is the best location.
A search engine is an absolute must if your website is larger than a few pages. In the upper right-hand corner of the homepage, include a search box that allows users to search for a single term that appears anywhere in your site. FreeFind and Google both have these capabilities for a website.
Make compelling and fascinating web content. A great looking site is no good if it has bland, unoriginal content. Visitors will come back over and over when you provide content that is of value to them.
Internet Explorer
You don’t ever want to use too much graphics. While they’re essential to creating a cohesive and professional site, too many can make it look cluttered. Graphics should improve your site, not just pretty it up. Having the right amount of graphics that don’t clutter the design can improve the site’s usability, too.
Your website should be optimized to include older versions of web browsers such as Internet Explorer. People usually say they hate Internet Explorer, but many people still use it. Workarounds are needed for many elements to be visible in IE. For instance, IE has suffered a “box model bug” for multiple years.
Signing up for an online newsletter about website creation is a great way to receive a periodic reminder to stay on top of new trends and revive your desire to learn as much as possible. Both pros and novices can benefit from reading good newsletters.
Buying books on web page design is money well spent. Stick to books for beginning web designers until you’ve mastered the basics, so that you won’t miss anything you need to know as you study website design.
Check for broken links before publishing a page. An error page after clicking a link is very frustrating for visitors to your page. If you have very few links, you can check them manually. If many links, try using a link-checking program that can do the work for you quickly.
Make the content on your pages easy to read. Not all users will be well educated, and some may actually be beginning readers. Your content is useless to your visitors if they can’t understand it.
When utilizing FileZilla for your file server, you should ensure you’re programming the settings for the quick menu with your domain, username, and the right port. Your settings can be personalized, saved and quickly selected when you log onto your server. That saves a great deal of time.
Security is the most crucial thing for your site. Investing in an SSL certificate if the website handles sensitive information such as credit card and other payment information can be a smart idea. Additionally, consult with your website host about the security features that are included with your package.
Avoid using pop-up advertising. Many consumers are bothered when they visit a site and are suddenly bombarded by pop-ups. Even large, popular websites can lose visitors by mistakenly employing pop-up ads. Show some appreciation and respect for your customers, by avoiding annoying pop-ups. If your host gives you no choice about using pop-ups, you probably ought to choose a new one.
As the devices used to access the web change, you need to ensure that anyone can view your site. It is extremely helpful to have a person from a foreign country check the site for you. The reason for this is simple. Many parts of your site may not be coded or accessible in these places due to browser conflicts, etc.
Make it simple for your readers to share your content on social network sites by providing the appropriate links. This allows visitors to share information about your site and your product offering with members of their networks.
Website Design
Whatever your design is like aesthetically, be sure all your files are small. There is a direct correlation between file sizes and page load times. A website that loads more quickly is always a top priority in web design. Remember, some of your website’s visitors will not be using a fast Internet connection. Run tests to ensure that even dial-up users report a smooth user experience.
If you are going to have a company that deals in website design work on your website, make sure to study their portfolio. Do they have a history of working with reputable businesses? Are their designs of high quality? Their portfolio will help you to get a quick insight into their experience and knowledge of website design.
It does not matter what type of site you are looking to build, professional or a grab them by the throat design, the information you have just reviewed will accomplish your goal. Use the tips from this article to start your website.