Unfortunately the answer to this web design question is highly
subjective. You might say it depends what web designer you ask.
However, following standard graphic and web design principles
and adhering to proper technical guidelines usually insures
positive results.
A good website must be developed with three major aspects in
mind, optimization, content and layout.
"85% of businesses are found online through search
engines."
What is optimization? It is the web page's ability to be found
on the Internet. In order to be found by search engines, web
pages have to be optimized or "prepped". 85% of
businesses are found online through search engines. Many web
sites don't succeed because they cannot be located by
prospective clients. Building a website alone without promoting
it will more often than not result in failure.
"A slow loading site can cost you 33% of potential
traffic."
Layout should be simple and facilitate navigation on any given
page of the site. Navigational clues such as home, back buttons
and clear contact information all contribute to clean
streamlined web site design. Limited use of Flash and multimedia
is also recommended unless implemented with the greatest of
care. Text, fonts and structure should be compatible with major
browsers. A fast loading site is also crucial, research has
shown that a slow site can cost you 33% of potential traffic.
"Content does
matter"
In addition to being optimized, web site text should be written
wisely. Online content should be readable, usable, findable,
accessible and last but not least credible. Online text should
be written like an essay in a logical and rational fashion.
Research has shown that seasoned Internet surfers pay a lot more
attention to content than was previously assumed. Typographical
and grammatical errors can also have a disastrous effect on a
web site's credibility and reputation.
The nuts and bolts of a good website:
Use conventional fonts, size 8-10.
Black text for main body (the recent gray text trend has proven
to be strenuous on the eyes.)
Use of blue underline links.
Gif and Jpeg file sizes under 5 KB.
Total website file size under 50 KB.
Use of pastel or white backgrounds.
Html text versus gif text.
Limited field forms.
Caution in table use.
Strategic keyword placement.
Cautious use of multimedia.
~~~~~
Bruno Vincent is a web designer, search engine promoter, and
online entrepreneur. Originally from Vancouver, BC Canada, he
now resides in Thailand where he runs - http://www.novatranz.com
- and lives semi retired thanks to the global reach of the
Internet. Source: www.isnare.com
