A site to reckon with

Basic tips on creating a website that can turn heads

By Emma Stratton - 17th October 2000 - Back to News

When creating or maintaining a website – whether for business or fun – it is important to keep a few things in mind.

The initial page of your site will make lasting impressions. Be sure that they are good. Use the front page to entice and intrigue. Remember to keep each page as clear and simple as possible. Clutter is one of the quickest ways to overwhelm and possibly lose a visitor.

Ensure your site is easy to navigate. Try getting a few barely computer literate friends or colleagues to test-drive your site. Do an analysis on what things worked, and what needs changing.

Put the most important things on the first page, suitable to the service you are offering (an e-mail host would obviously have a log-on section on page one but the sign-up forms are accessed through a link).

Main sections should only be one click away with subheadings as links from the main area pages. This logical “tree” effect will help keep the site clear and efficient.

Consider design elements that will help to create an attractive, professional appearance. Maintain consistency with colours, fonts and layout throughout the site.

If you often update the page with new material, have a page that is solely for the latest news, with a disclaimer directive on the first page.

Older material can be removed or archived, making room for the new by wiping the slate clean. Add pages to clarify the site, rather than attempting to cram everything onto one or two pages.

Try making things interesting but simple by including these site sections…

An “About Us/Me” page with a brief biography, a photo or two and the appropriate contact details.

A “What’s New?” page where you can enlighten you visitors on all the breaking stories and put the spotlight on the best of the best.

A “FAQ” page to aid your visitors in their time of curiosity. This can help to keep visitors too, by ensuring quick reply to their inquiries.

A “Links” page to promote your favourite or related sites.

A “Bulletin Board” or guestbook where your visitors can interact with the site and leave their mark.

A “Just For Fun” section where you can put all the smile-inducing nonsense that couldn’t fit anywhere else.

Have fun with what you are doing but try to maintain a commonsense approach that will surely create a website that is sure to be healthily addictive.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: office@messenger.com.au