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Library
Basic rules for a Web site that
really works
1.
Know why you have a web site
What
is your site for? Who is it trying to attract? To do what when they
get there? The answers to these questions must be clear in your
mind and be kept in mind when you make any changes. Everything must
be relevant to this purpose.
2.
Make your address user-friendly
Own
your own domain name, firstly because it means you can have a shorter
name, relevant to your brand or company name, that is quicker to
type and easier to remember. Secondly, you can take it with you,
unchanged, when you change servers: users won't be confused… or
lost.
3.
Let your style define your site
For
visitors to know whose site they are on at all times, keep your
design style consistent and easily recognisable: clearly define
the style of your site.
4.
Make each page user-friendly
Have
links for your navigation system appear on every page, not just
the home page. Visitors won't always enter your site via your home
page. Keep the design and positioning of the navigation system consistent
on every page and visitors will find their way around much easier
and more quickly.
5.
Make it easy to contact you
So you've
enticed them to your site: they're interested, but have you made
it as easy as possible for them to contact you? Make sure you place
easily locatable contact details on the site, including all ways
of contacting you: phone, fax, email, postal and street addresses.
It's essential to include a direct email link that visitors need
only click on to contact you. Don't forget that 1800 numbers can't
be used from overseas: provide alternatives and give the full number,
i.e., +61 2 9999 9999.
6.
Ensure information is easy-to-find
If it's
too hard or too complicated a path to find the information they
seek, visitors will quickly give up. No more than two or three clicks
to reach any item is ideal.
7.
Keep the pages fast to download
As most
visitors still use modems and dial-up lines, they don't want to
wait for large pages to download. Keep page sizes small: 20 to 30kb
including all images. When visitors can move around quickly they
are more likely to return.
8.
Have a search facility for large sites
On larger
sites most visitors prefer to use search tools to quickly find what
they want within a site. If your site is more than a few pages,
include a search tool and make it available on every page, including
the home page.
9.
Use special effects only when needed
Use
special effects only when needed Go back to the first rule: if it's
not relevant to the purpose of your site, don't clog it up with
fancy effects. If you do need a certain amount to properly showcase
what you do, and they use a special plug-in like Flash or Shockwave,
and provide a clear link for visitors to download it if they don't
have it.
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