The simpler to
understand your site is, the more visitors you will get.
Colours
Avoid using
too many different colours on your web site. Make sure the text is
readable.
Consistent Layout
Aim for a
consistent look to your web site. A clear well planned approach to your
site, and its navigation will work wonders. Don't try to make each page
radically different from another.
Frames
Frames are a
good tool in web design in that they can split information on the screen
into various sections, such as a permanent header, side bar. Although they
add to the visual impact of a web site they do present problems to search
engines, some of them will not list web-sites with too many frames.
Icons
Although icons
are appealing, make sure there is either written text inside them, or next
to them to prevent confusion.
Navigation
Make sure your
web site has clear navigation, and that it works, check all links, you use
to make sure they work!
Simple Graphics
You may have visited several web-sites and thought
wow!, that looks great!, all those fancy graphics!. What you have to
appreciate is that not everyone has the most recent web browser or PC
equipped to display 3D graphics and sound. What does this mean?People viewing these web pages may get blank spaces with little
white boxes with a red cross in! - Not appealing now! Be aware of what the
aim of your web site is and your target audience.
Small Graphics
If you use
complicated graphics, then these could take a very long to load up. The
result will affect your web-site hits as people will be put off with long
loading times. So please check that graphic files sizes are less than 50K
this can be done with a simple right click over image and check its size
on properties option.
Spelling
Ensure that
all spelling and grammar is thoroughly checked.
Text
Try sticking
to simple fonts Arial, Courier, Times Roman. Using the more appealing
fonts may not work on other browsers.
Rest assured the
problem with striking the right balance in web site design is not unique to your
business but all businesses. Making your site seem less attractive may not seem
like the most sensible way to go, but will make your web site more accessible!