Do you plan on making or want to save a lot of money designing web pages? If so, then you’ll want to learn as much as possible about effective website design.
Use fixed-position navigation so that users can navigate easily. This allows you to lock the panel for navigation in place while users scroll. This offers convenience for visitors and can help marketers as well when it allows visitors to take action easily, such as signing up for promotions.
The speed at which your web page loads is an important design factor. If your visitors are waiting forever while something is loading on your site, there is a good chance they will quickly leave and never return.
Avoid using frames. While frames were helpful in the field of website creation back then, they were also problematic. Readers have difficulty bookmarking and scrolling websites with frames. There are much easier ways to provide your users a flow through your website.
In order for your website to be successful, it must work properly regardless of the browser that is used. You should therefore make certain that all of your web pages are thoroughly tested on a variety of browsers. What works in Internet Explorer may not necessarily show up correctly in Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. Check how each page displays in the major browsers before your site goes live.
Check for broken links before publishing a page. Error pages can be very frustrating to visitors. Most people choose one of the many programs or extensions available that verify working links but it can also be completed manually if you only have a few to do.
You website should be easy to scan. Tests have shown that the majority of online readers avoid reading everything on a page; instead, they just scan it for information that is of importance to them. Emphasized text broken into easily scannable sections can help your viewers want to return to your site. On the upper area of each page, you should place your key information. Each of these things needs to be given proper attention because they are what will help keep visitors coming back to your website.
Be aware of your background. Some sites have moving GIF backgrounds, which can be great at times, but can make your text difficult to read at other times. Choose a background that accentuates what your site already has to offer, rather than works against it. This will help get your message across to your visitors.
Your website should be easy to scan. Usability tests have determined that the majority of online visitors aren’t going to read all content but instead scan for something interesting. Text that is easy to read will ensure you have visitors that come back. Also, make sure to keep the most important information at the top. These techniques assure that the visitor to your page will find what they want fast and this results in higher satisfaction for your readers.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t overuse JavaScript. Some of your website visitors may not have JavaScript, and others will not want to update it on a regular basis. Keep in mind that your visitors use different web browsers. Not all visitors have the most current version of their browser. You should also be aware that some of your users will have JavaScript disabled through their browser. Your website may not have any functionality to offer these types of users as a result.
Try using a newsletter for getting repeat visitors. You can keep your visitors informed about important events, updates, and changes when they sign up for a newsletter, and the flow of information will often tempt them to revisit your site. Place the form for signup in a sidebar or at the top of the pages in your site, and track those who sign up. Send the newsletter only to people who opt-in or you could get in trouble for spam!
Keep your homepage simple. People scanning websites glance quickly at each site they see, so of you front page is simple enough and shows them what they desire, then they are likely to stay. Be descriptive about what your business does, and your unique offerings, but keep everything else to a minimum to avoid distraction.
If you feel stuck, do some Google searches to find out how others worked through it. A plethora of websites are available that can help spark your inspiration. Pick a site you like, figure out why you like it, and see if you can implement those techniques into your site. Remember that you can’t just steal ideas if your site is to be successful. Then, improve on the design elements you like.
If you have some ideas for more than one website, you should reserve a name for your domain, now. Come up with something inventive, something that people will remember. However, reserve it right away, because these names go fast. Other people may be thinking about the same thing you are thinking. The connection among people is amazing.
Design your front page to be a minimal as possible. Internet shoppers do, indeed, judge your site by its cover. Provide simple content on what you do and how to contact you.
Hosting your own site is a bad idea, even if you’ve got the money to do it. Design your website as much as you can by yourself, but have someone else host it, so that you do not have to worry about its security and safety.
Use a layout for your site that you can work with and that is basic so that you understand the fundamentals of website creation first. By starting with the basics and slowly increasing the complexity, you ensure that you develop solid fundamentals, which will give you a solid grasp of the fundamentals.
Task based tests can help determine the quality of your design layout. You want people to try and find particular information on your page or try out a specific function. If the site is designed well, any user should find the task quite easy. This may take a while if your site is not constructed well.
Adding some relevant pictures is always a good way to make your site more interesting and attractive. Having pictures on your website gives off a more user-friendly approach to your site. Folks will be more apt to stay on your site when they look forward to viewing all of your photos.
You should now have a great start on the basics of website design and feel a little less confused by it. Now that it makes more sense to you, use this information to your advantage and set up a great site.