Tips And Tricks For When You Create Your Site
Usability: Be sure to code your pages so they load quickly - studies suggest that you have 7 seconds before you lose your user. Unless you really think that your users will understand, avoid using terms that users are not familiar with for your menu. Try using basic names such as Home, About Us or Company Info, Contact Us.
Be nice to your users: If you have content heavy pages such as a long running FAQ, try using anchor links to the top of the page so that users will not have to scroll back up the page.
Content: Is King! Today, many search engine marketers and web designers will focus on getting "keywordy" content that may fare well in gaining search engine ranking. While this is very important, what is often overlooked is that a user will actually be reading your content (if all goes well that is). You should focus on providing easy to understand copy that is in everyday language. Obviously if you are focusing on a technical crowd such as a blog for Oracle programmers, it is ok to use "industry" terms. Make sure to utilize spell check. Errors in spelling are an embarrassment and damage your credibility.
Layout: Use distinct contrast such as black text on a white background, or vice versa for your page's body. Font sizes of less than 10pt should not be used for the main section of your page. Choose sans-serif fonts rather than serif fonts, since sans-serif fonts are easier to read on the screen. Break up blocks of text that are very long. Make sure to test your site so that you know if it looks good in various browsers and resolutions. There are sites that you can use to make this easier as well, such as http://browsershots.org and some more advanced services such as http://www.browsercam.com.
Branding: Include your logo on each page, add a slogan if possible, this can help to quickly say something about your business. Try to use consistent color themes throughout your site. On the bottom of your pages be sure to include a copyright. A good idea is to have your logo link back to the homepage as well; people have come to expect this. Include an About Us page and keep this up to date with changes in your company.
Hyperlinks: Be explicit in terms of making your links explanatory. They ought to point out what the visitor will be linked to, instead of merely stating, 'click here'. Make your links underlined or underline when the user hovers their mouse and utilize the same hue for all the links throughout your website. Refrain from underlining anywhere except for links. When you delineate the links in your design sheet, choose a separate hue for links that are visited. Be certain that all your links are functioning correctly and make sure none are non-operative