How many times have you visited a web site and had absolutely no idea what their business was? Many people who design web pages, lose sight of the real purpose of a web site. They get wrapped up in the design of the site, and forget its purpose. The site is a resource for people who want to learn more about the product or service you are selling.
What are some of the things that you must consider if you intend to use a web site for your business?
Probably first and foremost, is how long it takes for your home page to load. The latest studies indicate, that if your page takes more than eight to ten seconds to load, people will most likely move on. This means that it should not be graphic intensive. Large graphics take a long time to load. Design your page for the lowest common denominator. Make believe that every visitor to your site has a 486 computer with a 14.4 modem - many of them do.
Studies also indicate that many people will not page down to view your web page. The ideal design will get their attention with what they see on the first screen.
If you set up a menu, this will allow you to attractively display your page in a minimum of space. Graphic buttons with descriptive text are a good choice. They are quick to load, and even if you have many on your page, your visitor only has to wait for one of them to load. Duplicate buttons are a "freebie" time wise.
Stay away from conventions such as "frames" where your visitor can control more than one part of the page. Some people do not have browsers that can properly read a page constructed this way -- another lost prospect.
Don't clutter up your page with things that do not move your central theme to the forefront. Many pages on the web are so cluttered, you don't have a clue as to what their page is all about. Banners may get you visitors, but if they clutter your page, they will cost you sales.
Check your spelling - better yet have someone else proof your content. Nothing turns someone off faster than a page with words spelled incorrectly. This is a direct reflection on you. If you're not smart enough to spell correctly, what makes you think I'll trust you with my business?
Dark print on a light background is your best bet. Avoid backgrounds that are distracting or make it difficult to read your text. Anything that diverts the attention of your visitor from "your message" should be avoided.
Don't be satisfied that your page looks good on one Browser. What looks good on Internet Explorer (IE) may look like garbage on Netscape. Test your pages on at least these two. IE is very forgiving - Netscape is not. While "Front Page Express" or "Netscape Page Composer" do make it easy to create or modify a web page, you really can't trust them to always display properly with all Browsers.
While many people think that "hits" to your Web Site are the all important thing, which would you rather have - "hits" or "sales
Bob publishes the "Your Business" email newsletter and offers a wide range of business support services including web design and hosting, telemarketing, and valuable advertising options.
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