TOP TEN TIPS
Web Site Design
1 Keep Objectives Clear
Decide on the objective of your site and design the entire site around that objective. If you are selling a product then everything on your site should be geared towards selling that product. Don't include anything that will 'muddy the water'.
2 Avoid cutting edge technology
Web sites rely on the web browser being used to view them. It takes a while for browsers making use of new technologies to spread through the marketplace. There's no point in using new techniques which may not work on or, even worse, crash your target's computer
3 The greatest need is SPEED
Never overestimate the attention span of your target audience. It doesn't matter how fancy your web site looks, it it isn't fully loaded on screen within a few seconds then you have probably lost your visitor. Make use of specialist graphics compression software and only include animations and video clips if they are quick to load or worth the wait.
4 Did we mention the speed factor?
We really can't emphasise this enough!
5 Include the Web Site URL
The URL is the web site address (e.g. www.adscreative.com). This should be reproduced on every page in case the page is printed out and passed around. Readers should always be able to find your site from a printout of your pages.
6 Keep up the dates
Mark the date that each page was created and whenever modifications are made to your site the date of the changes should also be included. Viewers like to know that the information they are receiving is up-to-date. This gives them confidence in the site and the company behind it.
7 Include Contact Details
On every page you should have a contact for queries regarding the site and/or the content of the site. If a visitor spots a problem with the site, it should be easy for them to let you know about it. Always respond to comments and queries. This breeds loyalty.
8 Don't rely on images for navigation
Using icons for navigation around a site is very popular and can look very stylish, but some visitors switch off the image facility on their browser to speed up access time. Include a text-only navigation system on your site or these people will never get round it.
9 Get Feedback
Make it as easy as possible for visitors to give you feedback about every aspect of your site. It is invaluable in terms of making sure that you are meeting your target audience's needs. It also gives you a valuable insight into your target audience. Always respond to feedback.
10 Three Strikes and you're out!
Most visitors are prepared to be disappointed on two separate visits before leaving your site never to be seen again. If you want to ensure that they continue to return (and even better, spread word of your site), you have to meet their needs in the first two visits. This is why feedback is so vital.
Page URL: http://www.adscreative.com/topten/web/
Date created: 4th October 1999
Date last modified: 22nd February 2000
Webmaster: Bruce Wilkie
Inquiries: studio@adscreative.com