Build your website tutorial 3: design04 April 2005
The appearance and functionality of your web site is one of the most important aspects of your online business success. Visitors to your site will judge your product or service by the appearance of your website - and you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Getting the basics right
Whether you're setting up your first business website, or reviewing an existing site, it's a good idea to be aware of the basics of design. Follow these simple tips and you'll be on the right track:
- Display your business logo or company statement at the top of the page to give your users an instant view of what your site is about.
- Make sure your site loads quickly without large graphics or lengthy text.
- All pages on your site should have a consistent navigation and 'look and feel' so users quickly learn how to navigate around.
- Place your company details i.e. your business address or email address somewhere easily accessible.
- Provide quick and logical ways to move around the website using navigation icons, a side bar with a list of links, or a sitemap.
- Offer a returning viewers links to sections that contain updated news.
If you want your website to contain background information such as your company's history or a company 'who's who' listing, place this elsewhere on the site.
Navigation and graphics
- Give each page a consistent background and set of links or icons.
- Use meaningful key words or icons for links so the viewer knows what they will find when they select it.
- Select graphics and photographs that match the site's purpose - don't go overboard with flashy graphics as these only serve to distract.
- Make sure your content is relevant and correct. If you are selling products online, regularly check your price information.
- Link to sites outside your site only when serious consideration has been given to how the links would benefit your site - you could lose users in the process.
- Invite feedback from your users. Encourage them to email you with questions or recommendations.
Building your site
Using a software package such as Dreamweaver or Homesite can take the headache out of building your site if you choose to code it yourself. However, many domain name and web hosting providers offer easier solutions. BT's website creator, for example, allows you to build your site without the need of any specialised software or technical knowledge. While BT's Web Site Design offers a simple service to get your site online quickly.
Once you have established your website, you will need to upload it to your webspace provider to make it 'live' on the Internet. Check with your webspace provider for instructions on how to do this. You will normally need software known as ftp (file transfer protocol) to do this. Many providers will have their own ftp software you can use - or there are a range of other products available. Cuteftp and Ipswitch are popular ftp products for smaller websites.
Next week we will cover the marketing and promotion of your website.
