When it comes to your website, extra attention should be paid to every minute detail to make sure it performs optimally to serve its purpose. Here are seven important rules of thumb to observe to make sure your website performs well.
1) Do not use splash pages
Splash pages are useless. These pages are the very first thing that you see when you enter a website. They have flashy images or words that try to draw you in, but in reality all they do are attract attention. In the grand scheme of things they have no value what-so-ever, so just ignore them and do not use them. They will send possible clients away, and in a business, that is that last thing you want!
2) Do not use excessive banner advertisements
Even the least knowledgeable people have trained themselves to block out banner ads, so do not waste your time or internet real estate! Rather, fill up that space with content and possible links to go with the content, instead of useless advertising. Make your customers feel welcome, not forced in!
3) Have a simple and clear navigation
You always have to provide a very straightforward way to the product, so that anyone can use your website efficiently. Stay clear of Flash menus that have multi dropdown menus, no one wants to mess with that, and if no one knows how to use it, they will leave your site for good.
4) Have a clear indication of where the user is
People will eventually visit your website, don’t you want them to stay there without them navigating around lost all the time? Remember, an easy to view website means a big website, so stick to the basics! Always make sure people know where they are, and where they are going. No one wants to get lost on your website or else they won’t come back!
5) Avoid using audio on your site
If people are going to visit your site, make sure that they’re not bombarded with audio on your site. Audio that you have no control over on a website screams spam, and that causes the customer to leave instantly. Don’t force people out! If you must use audio, give people control over it, and don’t have it automatically start up!
Before you buy, create, or build online, make sure you check John Neyman’s excellent free website on Website Graphics, and Website Design
