Google has a simple and easy to use website design that is renown for it’s unrivaled simplicity. But, many firms prefer a complex, interesting layout. Regardless of your intention, you will want to understand the fundamentals of web design before you get started. Take a look at this piece for helpful web design tips.
This isn’t the 90’s, so avoid frames. Frames worked well in the earlier days, but there are too many flaws in the design. Using frames makes it hard for viewers to bookmark your website and can make scrolling a chore. There are a lot of better ways to get people to go through the website you have.
One critical part of great website development is ease of navigation. Important links should be highly visible on every page. Menus can also help with site navigation. Have your main page links located on every page so visitors can easily go through your site.
Use the proper graphic tools for web design. Bitmap images require a lot of disk space and are unwieldy. For non-photographic graphics choose a PNG if the graphic has less than 256 colors. Otherwise, choose a GIF. For photos, JPEG images work well.
Stay away from lots of graphics on your website. Graphics are critical, but they can also clutter up a page. Graphics should always be used to enhance the website, and not for decoration. Having the appropriate number of graphics that do not create clutter improves the usability of your website, too.
Minimize your page sizes. Not all people using the Internet have a fast connection, and loading times can make visitors lose interest. Don’t waste their time or your own.
Large sites should always have search capabilities. In the upper right-hand corner of the homepage, include a search box that allows users to search for a single term that appears anywhere in your site. You can find viable search features through companies like FreeFind or Google.
Be sure you have a search tool that lets others search when on your site. Those searching for specific information will instantly scan for a search option. If your site does not have one, expect them to find a site that does. Make sure the box is on the right at the tip of the page, which is where most visitors will look first.
No matter what kind of site you intend to design, this information will get you on the right track. Get started today, and you will be amazed with the results!
