Website Designing Tip
While content is most important to an effective and successful Website, the presentation of that content is crucial in holding the attention of your visitors and making sales. The look of your website is important, because it says something about your business and presents a mental picture.
Animation, gimmicks, and Flash. While most designers understand that Web surfers want to go straight to the content, there are some who still insist on either making you sit through a splash page, while others offer annoying flashing graphics. Studies show that no matter how well-intentioned these splash screens are, their main effect is to drive traffic away from the site.
Torturing potential customers. When a user fills out a form online and needs to either change something or fill in a field which they left blank, they should be able to go back and make that change. Do not make the user start all over again. Many people will leave the site altogether rather than re-enter all their information.
In-your-face advertising. While standard pop-up ads are annoying, persistent full-screen ads are simply unacceptable. Visitors detest these, and most will leave the site rather than waiting for the ad to go away.
Navigation nightmares. If your users cannot get where they want to go in two clicks, many will leave. Too many choices, no site map, a "back" button that does not take them to the last page they visited, and other such navigation mistakes will cost you many customers.
No place for feedback, comments, or questions. Customers appreciate it when they feel you value their feedback. Providing a feedback or comment system is an easy way to start creating this goodwill. And it is also a great way to gain insight into how your customers think and get ideas for improving your site.
Cramming and crowding. You can have great content, but if it is lost in a sea of words or graphics, people will miss it. A little white space on a page goes a long way. It helps a reader find specific items, differentiate between areas of content and advertisements, and provides a more professional look.
Jargon. Business-to-business and high-tech sites are usually the worst offenders in packing their content with jargon. When writing any content for your site, keep the user in mind. He or she may not know all the arcana of your business, and may just want the basic facts of what your business is all about and what services or products you provide.
Bad graphics and boring photos. Bad graphics make your site look amateurish. Make sure the colors and text you use will show up clearly (and fit) on a range of monitors, including handheld devices. When you choose your photos and graphics, choose interesting graphics that say something about your business.
Being unreachable. As concerns about security and identity theft increase, users want to be able to reach the people with whom they are doing business. Providing an email address and a phone number can help with your customers' concerns.
Help build your Website
Experience has shown us that the best web sites are produced for the lowest cost when these guidelines are followed.
- Use email. Email is most effective method for communicating with us, particularly because it gives us both a written record. Please use it whenever possible.
- Be clear on what your goals are. Let us know what you want from your web site.
- Decide on content. Decide what content you want to present on your web site. We will be in charge of designing the how and where – the formatting and layout.
- Deliver content to us in an organized and timely manner. Text should be finalized, proofread and ready for publication. Graphics should be named carefully and sent in an orderly way.
- Offer clear, helpful feedback to design drafts. Remember that the process consists of 2 rounds of revisions.
- Leave it to us to produce a professional product. Be flexible and aware that time is limited, and leave the responsibility of producing professional results primarily in our hands.