Web design attracts many people, but too many webmasters get easily discouraged. Don’t be intimidated by the whole process of designing web pages, but take a look at some tips and tricks here to get you going.
Incorporate a search function that lets visitors find what they need. Those searching for specific information will instantly scan for a search option. If this option is unavailable, they may leave the site for one that allows a search. Normally, the best place to include the search box is in the upper right hand corner, as that is where most visitors look for it.
Let your users have the option of canceling any action if they wish to do so. Actions may involve searching the website for archives or a variety of topics, signing up for newsletters and notifications, or simply filling out forms. If you do not give visitors the option to get out of an action they do not want to continue with, you are pressuring them into something. This makes them less likely to come back or buy from you in the future.
You should be aware of any clashing colors when building your website. It is important for the text to be legible when set on the background color you have chosen. Dark text colors on lighter backgrounds tend to be easier on the eyes than light colors on dark backgrounds. If you aren’t sure if your color scheme works well, show it off to a friend for some feedback.
No matter how flashy your website is, it is vital that you keep the sizes of your website’s files small. The reason for this is that your file sizes directly affect how quickly your website loads. You want your website to load very quickly when potential clients visit. There are still people who will be using your website that do not have a high-speed connection. Test your website to ensure that it loads quickly even on a dial-up modem connection.
Pop-up windows are one feature you should avoid. Although you may think they are helpful, many people think they are annoying. When you have pop-ups, the chances increase your visitors may get frustrated by them and choose to leave your website with no interest in returning.
The file types that you utilize for your website’s graphics directly affect file sizes which in turn affect how quickly your website loads. Generally you are better off using GIFs or JPEGs for your graphics. Other files such as PNGs and BMPs use more disk space. Your graphics should be converted into the types of files that can be managed size wise, thus ensuring visitors have a wonderful experience on your site.
Always include a search tool for searching through your site. If someone is looking for something on your site, they want to search for a box to help them search. When one is not available, chances are they will move to a site that is searchable. Always put the box somewhere near the right page’s top because people will look for it there.
Incorporating a traffic counter for your page is rather unsightly. This might seem interesting at first glance, but your visitors find this distasteful. Get rid of it and use other tools to track your visitors.
Most people have heard of Photoshop and know that it’s a useful tool in website development. Even still, many people don’t know anything about dreamweaver and the benefits it can offer to web designers. Check this program out for yourself.
A basic layout should be used for your site in the beginning, this way you can get an understanding of the basics of website development. Begin with the basics and evolve your site as time goes on and you become more advanced in your capabilities and understanding of web design.
Adding some relevant pictures is always a good way to make your site more interesting and attractive. A few pictures on your site can make it more appealing to visitors. When people see pictures they tend to spend more time looking at your site and cannot wait to click on the next picture.
Give each individual page in a domain and its sub-domains a clear, unambiguous tagline. Use large or bold font so that your visitors notice these taglines right away. The tagline should sum up the reason for the page’s existence. Visitors should know whether they have any business at the site just by looking at the tagline.
Remember that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to design your website. For each costly, popular program or tool available for website creation, there are equally useful programs or tools that are much cheaper. There are open source options for software that can function just as well as the retail counterparts. Looking for free software is a way to save money, not a loss of time.
Avoid using captchas except during user registration. Being forced to use a Captcha frustrates users, as they simply want to use the website. Captchas are especially frustrating for website users with visual and hearing difficulties. Unless they really greatly desire the content you provide, most visitors will just head for your competition instead.
Leave pop-up windows off your website. While you might see these as valuable in some form or another, most people find them rather annoying. When you have pop-ups, the chances increase your visitors may get frustrated by them and choose to leave your website with no interest in returning.
By learning more about the basics of website creation, you should feel more ready to give it a try. There is always something new to learn, so continue to read as much as you can. If you apply all this knowledge, then you have an easy path towards success in website design.
