The Internet is a big part of life these days, so a business owner needs to create and keep an online presence. If your website doesn’t function well, neither will your business. By educating yourself on how to build an effective site, you ensure nothing but success.
256 Colors
If you are designing a website, choose proper graphics. Keep in mind that bitmaps don’t usually work well, while PNGs do. For images that are not photographs, use PNG format for over 256 colors. If under 256 colors, use GIF format. JPEG images can be used for photos.
Have a visible tagline. The tagline includes a motto or clever phrase that speaks to the purpose of your business. Using a tagline that’s clear can really help because if someone goes to your site, it takes about eight seconds to get their attention so they’ll be interested in your page.
Consider having your website use fixed-position navigation. This allows you to lock the panel for navigation in place while users scroll. What makes this an effective technique is that it keeps the panel in a position where the visitor can access it easily, but it also helps entrepreneurs by keeping your desired goal right in front of them, such as purchasing or joining a mailing list.
Ensure your website can pass the NoScript test. See if the website is readable. There are some elements (e.g. ordering products) that will not work if there is no script. For this reason, if your website is blank and has no scripts, it will not work.
Be careful with your color schemes while designing your site. Your text should remain the main focus of attention and should be easy to read. It is generally agreed upon that dark text on a light background is the easiest to read. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend or colleague for their opinion of the color scheme.
Before publishing websites, check them for broken links. There is not much that is more frustrating for visitors than to click a link and get an error page. Links can be checked manually, and you can also find software that will check your site to see if there are any broken links.
Visitors will enjoy your website, if they can navigate it easily. Your links need to be prominently placed, easy to understand and functional. A navigation menu will also help visitors locate exactly what they’re looking for. Link back to the homepage from every other page on your site; this makes it far easier for users to get around.
Web Browsers
Do not use JavaScript too much. Despite the advantages of increased responsiveness and transparency, it may be problematic for many users. Web browsers are all different, and each comes out with new versions pretty regularly. Many visitors use outdated versions of various web browsers, which means your code might not be supported. Additionally, you need to realize many people disable the JavaScript function in their browser. Both of these factors can determine whether a user is able to access your site.
Prevent utilizing pop-ups on your site. This is one of those most hated marketing tactics on the web! Many people will close a site immediately if it uses pop-ups, even if it’s a site run by a well-known brand or company. Just avoid these irritating ads, so your users will be happy. Any host which requires you to have pop-up ads is a host you don’t want to use!
Ensure that your user’s needs are a priority. Your focus should remain on the end user at all times. For example, many users are concerned about accessibility, usability, user interaction and user experience. You should think about all these things as you do your job. Try looking at the websites from your audience’s perspective when designing.
It takes a great deal of practice to learn how to apply great website design techniques. This will help cement what you’re learning into your mind. The last thing you want to do is think you’ve learned something but didn’t properly digest it.
Most people have heard of Photoshop and know that it’s a useful tool in website creation. However, the companion program of Dreamweaver will take your website design to a whole new level, so do not neglect incorporating it into your portfolio of skills.
Avoid excessive use of pop-up windows. Pop-ups can disturb your clients and will distract them when they are navigating. As a result, your users may just go away from your site, too angry to come back.
Implement a search tool on your site pages that allows people to search the entire site. Customers will appreciate the ability to effortlessly navigate your site. This search option is surprisingly easy to add, and will greatly improve navigation throughout your site.
As you now know, website development is easier than most people think. When you know the basics, you will be able to build a website to attract visitors and keep them engaged. Try these tips out, and you’ll start seeing real results.