Looking online for website design tips can be tough and unsuccessful. Although there is so much information out there, finding what is useful is sometimes very difficult. Try using these expert tips to create something you’ll be proud that you took time to make.
Use graphics that are right for your website. Keep in mind how big a bitmap image is, but using PNG images work better. Use a GIF instead if the image contains over 256 colors and PNG for test buttons and screen shots. For photographs, opt for JPEGs.
Never underestimate the value of a site that is simple for visitors to navigate. You should have links that are easy to find, as well as displayed well. You can also improve your website’s navigation by using simple menus. Have your main page links located on every page so visitors can easily go through your site.
Stay away from using pop-up ads. There is nothing worse than confronting a cascade of pop-up ads when visiting a website. Most visitors to your website will not like pop-up ads, even on big sites, they are aggravating and cause people to leave. Therefore, you should keep annoying ads off your website, in order to avoid irritating your visitors. If your web host forces you to have pop-up ads, try to find another web host.
Put in an element to search so you can have visitors search what’s on your website. When a visitor wants to find something specifically, they will immediately look for the search tool. If there isn’t one, visitors will probably leave your site rather quickly. You should put this search box on the top of your page, preferably the right side. This is where many visitors look for it.
Offer to store personal information for returning users. For example, if someone registers for your site, and some of the same information is needed to fill out another form, make sure data that they have already entered is preserved, so users do not need to re-enter this information. This information retention and re-use makes site transactions much easier, and many people will appreciate that.
Always categorize your content by subject. Have an individual page for each different point. This not only eliminates customer confusion, but it also helps you out with search engine crawlers and your site rankings.
Keep the front page of your website simple. Your front page can be the determining factor whether a visitor decides to stay or simply exits without seeing more. Be clear about what your company is about, but be concise.
Build a feedback-gathering mechanism into a website to gather visitors’ opinions. You will find out if a link is broken or if a page is not loading properly. Making your visitors feel involved is a great way to ensure that they will visit your site again.
Continue to improve your site’s load time whenever possible. Visitors won’t wait around forever for pages to load. Try reducing how many graphics you use, as well as how much Flash and JavaScript is on your site, optimize your HTML code, make use of server caches and minimize your use of JS and CSS code.
Most people have now heard of Photoshop, and are aware that they need this knowledge if they are going to be any good at designing websites. On the other hand, Dreamweaver is lesser known, and many people are unaware of the benefits it has for web designers. It’s important to get to know this application and learn how it can aid your design.
When designing a site, use free software. There is a pervasive myth that expensive programs do the job of web design better than the alternatives, but there is plenty of free software that does a great job. You just have to search a little to locate the free tools that best suit you.
Even if you see designs you are attracted to on other sites, it is better to be creative on your own. Make sure that you improve any features you take from other websites, and focus on creating novel designs and features that are all your own. Implementing this technique will help you to create a quality website.
The tips outlined here can help you design the website of your dreams. Thankfully, this site has taught you useable information on website creation. You can start using the tips provided here today, and you’ll find that you will be really glad that you did.