Optimal performance is the number one priority in any website design. The existence of large, slow loading flash files on some website shows that some webmaster do not require the basic understanding if what constitutes an optimally designed website.
These are the rules of a good website design.
1) Do not be tempted into using splash pages
Splash pages makes up the first impression people have of a website. They are dazzling pages that have images with words such as "welcome or "click here to enter. The unfortunate thing is splash pages actually takes away attention from the real purpose of the website, and often frustrates users with their slow loading time. This page serves a good purpose to entertain but if website conversion is your goal, it can be a big barrier for you to achieve your goals.
2) Reduce the number of banners on your site
Although these can be at the foot of a web page, adverts like this are primarily placed right at the top of the page in what is called the 'header'. Adding banner ads are actually futile efforts to maximize the use of your website as space research shows that people tend to ignore such advertisements. Instead add useful contents and add your affiliate links skillfully into the body of the text so that it would seem like a natural part of your text and not an advertisement.
3) The best sites are always easy to navigate
The best navigation would one that a young child can understand. Stay away from complicated Flash based menus or multi-tiered drop down menus. Any form of complicated navigation will cause them to leave your site for good. Your website design should include the construction a sitemap that will make it easy for them to find what they want.
4) There needs to be a clear indicator where the user is on the website
Give them a clear view of where they are now and how to get to where they want to be. This way, they can head to the right information they are looking for. Ensure every page of your website has its title and a tracking system is used to allow visitors to see where they have been and where they are. Any type of confusion drives your visitors away.
5) Do not use audio
If you want your visitors to stay a long time and read the contents, do not irritate em with your audio. Whenever you decide to use sound, be sure not to let it loop continuously because this a huge cause of irritation to people browsing sites. Adding audios may seem cool but provide some form of user control such as muting ability or volume control so that your visitors can adjust accordingly. If you wish for the visitors to return to your site, learn to apply all these website design rules and you can reap the benefits of long term traffic.
These are the rules of a good website design.
1) Do not be tempted into using splash pages
Splash pages makes up the first impression people have of a website. They are dazzling pages that have images with words such as "welcome or "click here to enter. The unfortunate thing is splash pages actually takes away attention from the real purpose of the website, and often frustrates users with their slow loading time. This page serves a good purpose to entertain but if website conversion is your goal, it can be a big barrier for you to achieve your goals.
2) Reduce the number of banners on your site
Although these can be at the foot of a web page, adverts like this are primarily placed right at the top of the page in what is called the 'header'. Adding banner ads are actually futile efforts to maximize the use of your website as space research shows that people tend to ignore such advertisements. Instead add useful contents and add your affiliate links skillfully into the body of the text so that it would seem like a natural part of your text and not an advertisement.
3) The best sites are always easy to navigate
The best navigation would one that a young child can understand. Stay away from complicated Flash based menus or multi-tiered drop down menus. Any form of complicated navigation will cause them to leave your site for good. Your website design should include the construction a sitemap that will make it easy for them to find what they want.
4) There needs to be a clear indicator where the user is on the website
Give them a clear view of where they are now and how to get to where they want to be. This way, they can head to the right information they are looking for. Ensure every page of your website has its title and a tracking system is used to allow visitors to see where they have been and where they are. Any type of confusion drives your visitors away.
5) Do not use audio
If you want your visitors to stay a long time and read the contents, do not irritate em with your audio. Whenever you decide to use sound, be sure not to let it loop continuously because this a huge cause of irritation to people browsing sites. Adding audios may seem cool but provide some form of user control such as muting ability or volume control so that your visitors can adjust accordingly. If you wish for the visitors to return to your site, learn to apply all these website design rules and you can reap the benefits of long term traffic.
About the Author:
This Sydney insurance barrister incorporates a lot of the rules for good corporate web design. See what you think.
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