Website design can seem interesting at first and then lose it’s luster once you start to give it some real thought. If you have avoided website design because it seems too difficult, the advice in this article can help you learn more so that you can dispel your fears.
Choose proper graphic for your web designs. Do not use bitmap for your images as they take up too much space. For images that are not photographs, use PNG format for over 256 colors. If under 256 colors, use GIF format. For pictures, use JPEG images.
Be certain to ‘remember’ personal information that might have to be re-entered by the same site visitor. An example of this is if someone fills out a form to register, and then has to fill out other forms for other things. If the person’s info transfers from one form to the next, it will be much more convenient and less time consuming for the user. Creating information that is “sticky” simplifies the entire process, and visitors are certain to appreciate all the time that they have saved.
Try using fixed-position navigation to let your users navigate with ease. This keeps the site menus in place as visitors scroll through your site. This is convenient for visitors and helps frequent visitors quickly find what they need.
Elicit feedback from your visitors. This will give you a mechanism where your visitors can let you know if something is broken, doesn’t work as well as it should or is confusing. Allowing visitors to actively participate in your website will make them want to visit again.
Try making navigation as clear and easy as possible. Navigation link placement is essential in how long visitors will stay on a website. Your users must find the navigation of the website simple and consistent.
Be sure to run tests early and continue to do test runs frequently. Perform usability tests in the early stages of designing your website. Be sure things keep getting worked on as you let your website get larger.
Be careful with your color schemes while designing your site. Make text visible against the background hues. In general, you want to use a dark font color and a lighter background. Let your friends see your color scheme to get their input.
If you already have several ideas for websites, you should reserve your domain as soon as possible. Be original and choose a name that works well, but by reserving it ahead of time, you are assured that it is available when you want to use it. Surprisingly, many people may have the same idea as each other. It’s like we’re all connected or something.
Build a microsite at first, as this will help you get an overall impression of your current strengths and weaknesses as a web designer. Start with an index page that introduces your business and products, then use what you learn from that page’s feedback to build additional informational pages.
You must be open to research as you focus on site design. You must know your niche well to have your sights set on your targeted customer base. Think about how best to design your site to reach your target market. This will ensure that your design is efficient.
Always look for broken links prior to publishing pages on the web. Visitors can get frustrated when they click a link and come across an error page. Use a program or check links manually to be sure you have no broken links on your site.
You should have a good idea of where you need to start to create a good website. New techniques are being developed all the time in website design, so strive to continue your learning! Trying out the tips you learned will set you on a path to successfully design websites.
