Quality Web Design with Results - The Basics
Every website is created with the intention of selling your product, service or information to the user; yet we often find that while the goal of all websites is the same, some are more successful than the others. It is thus imperative for the site to be visually attractive, simple to use and effective enough for it to achieve the goal it is intended for. Though our underlying objective may be to have our marketing strategies and SEO in place, the more important aspect would be to think from the perspective of the visitor by acquiring his vote.
It is essential for the site to be effective web design rather than only aesthetically attractive. There is much more than just visual appeal that makes a website successful. Adding graphics is good, as long as it does not hamper with the overall effect that we are trying to convey to the consumer. Text links allow for better site navigation and usability than non conventional web browsers, so make these a priority.
A site should be quick and easy to use as well as to navigate else it will turn the audience away from the site. Current studies suggest that users spend on average less than two minutes on a website. So the critical factor should be to be simple rather than complicated. This means that content should be clear and precise with over 250 words so as to get your point across and for SEO purposes with as little as possible use of graphics, flash and memory hogs. All these points can be cleared by web design issues.
- Content should be easy to read and well documented, good enough even for speed reading.
- Using easy navigation techniques like proper heading placement allows users to access information they find valuable from you faster.
- Clearly differentiate thoughts with space and borders
- When it comes to labeling headings, tags and navigation links, it is important to follow industry standards. It serves to bring a sense of familiarity to the user and works in consonance with search engines and internet browsers.
- The layout, graphics and colors used should be pleasing, well coordinated and harmonious. They should be eye-catching without causing undue harm to your vision with bright or dark colors, hard to read print, dizzying graphics etc. Avoid flash graphics as much as possible.
- Keywords are an essential part of good website designing. The more popular the words contained in the content page, the higher the hits you are likely to get.