Design Tips For Your WebSite

Provide fast and easy access to your information and content. Don't abuse the visitors time.

Be sure your site is easy for others to navigate. Just because you know where something is, doesn't mean everyone can get there as easily. If the visitor cannot get to what they want within three links (link to home page, link to subpage, link to content page), then they will probably try another site. (Commonly called the three-click rule.)

The personality of a Web site should match the content.

Avoid useless pages that serve no purpose. This includes Under Construction pages.

Always include an e-mail address link for others to contact you.

Include a link on every page back to your home page.

Be sure to update your site routinely. If your site never changes, people won't come back to see what's new.

Anticipate the needs of your users.

Give users a reason to return to your site.

Encourage other sites to link to your site.

If you refer to sources of information within your site, provide links to the appropriate source.

Avoid misleading links.

Include the full URL or links so people know the address of the resource from a paper copy of your page. A printed page that says "click here" instead of http://www.yourdomain.com won't help anyone get to your site.

Always include your domain name in promotional material; any advertising you do should have your website listed in it - whether magazine ads, brochures, radio, television, or billboards.

Make sure you are familiar with your Web site, both in function and design. If Joe Public stops you on the street and asks you a question about your products, you should be able to direct them to the exact page they need to learn more.