Creating a Great Web Design

Designing a good web site doesn't have to be a complicated, time-consuming process. While you can go at it alone, many reliable companies offer Web site design services, including template designs and web hosting, for affordable prices.
 
When building a Web site, generating traffic and getting your clients to your site is the goal. Once clients get to your site, it will have to be user-friendly so your clients can get what they need without much fuss. Keeping these two themes in mind will help you effectively use our tips to build the best possible site for your business.

Tip 1: Have Readable Text

Internet users who visit your Web site want to be able to quickly scan your home page for an idea of what your business can offer them. One way to make your Web site highly scanable is to use easy-to-read text. Along with using accessible language, incorporate the following tips:
  • Avoid a hectic background design.
  • Keep your font size at 12.
  • Make your sentences short and concise.
  • Use a dark, readable color for your font.
  • Use fonts like Veranda or Arial, as they are easier on the eye.

Tip 2: Use Graphics That Work

In addition to catchy, accessible language, incorporate graphic design on your web site to enhance its overall effect and presence. The right graphics will not only be pleasing to look at, but they will also be informative, helping Internet users quickly glean more information about your business. Here are some tips for effective graphics design:
  • Incorporate a graphic of your company's logo on every page to instill name recognition.
  • Keep images small for quick downloading.
  • Refrain from using flashing or blinking graphics (Studies have shown that they generally irritate users and prevent them from staying on your page for extended periods of time).
  • Use between 10KB to 12KB per graphic image.
Keep in mind that you should only use graphics that pertain to the content of your Web site. Using unnecessary or excessive graphics can confuse users and cloud the intent of your business and Web site.

Tip 3: Choose a Layout

When it comes to laying out a Web site, most businesses choose standard layouts. Although more creative layouts may be interesting and unique, Internet users tend to shy away from these, as some are overly complicated and too difficult to navigate.

As a result, keep your Web site's layout simple and easy with these tips:

  • Make sure your design layout is organized, easy-to-understand and readable.
  • Use a select number of informative graphics.
  • Include some white space in your overall layout.
  • Use two to three column layouts.
If your users know what to expect from and how to look for information on your Web site, they will be more likely to keep coming back for repeat business.

Tip 4: Pick a Navigation Method

The right navigation for your Web site will depend on the number of pages your site features. Navigation menus are popular because they are easy to use and highly functional. In general, navigational toolbars are typically located at the top of a web page. However, you have some choice as to the type of navigation menu you use. Consequently, talk to different Web site design companies and research the best navigation system for your visitors.

Once you select a navigation design, test its usability with the following tips:

  • Check that all of your Web site's pages display the appropriate graphics.
  • Inspect your page links and ensure that they are error free.
  • Make sure the navigation toolbar is easy to read and use.

Final Steps of Web Site Design

Once your user-friendly web site is up and running, professionals recommend that you visit your site often. These visits will help you determine if your site is running error-free. Similarly, they will also give you the opportunity to freshen up your content and keep it current.

Keeping your clients' needs and wants in mind is essential to increasing your Web site's traffic and possibly your customer base.

Resources

Boswell, Wendy (n.d.). Web Site Design Guidelines. Retrieved February 29, 2008, from the About.com Web site: http://websearch.about.com/od/keywordsandphrases/a/site
design.htm.
 
Kyrnin, Jennifer (n.d.). Basics of Web Design. Retrieved February 29, 2008, from the About.Com Web site: http://webdesign.about.com/od/webdesigntutorials/a/aa070
504.htm.
 
Posey, Cliff (n.d.). How to Create a Web Site That Works. Retrieved February 29, 2008, from the EzineArticles.Com. Web site: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Create-a-Web-Site-That-
Works&id=5120.