Tips for Better Site Design

By: Thomas Young, MBA

Follow these pointers for excellent site design:

• Minimize the number of graphics on every page to keep loading times to a minimum.
• Make all graphic files as small as possible for the same reason.
• Include your logo at the upper left corner of the page, to meet user expectations.
• Link every appearance of your logo to the home page.
• Title each page with keywords that clearly describe the content. Don't use "Home Page."
• Group your pages according to user expectations rather than company expectations.
• Write copy that instantly tells of benefits to the user.
• Keep fluffy self-promotion to an absolute minimum.
• Make explanations short, with links to additional background information.
• Use italics and underlines sparingly, to maintain good visual clarity.
• Use headings and subheadings to break text into smaller blocks.
• Keep words small and avoid technical jargon whenever possible.
• Make certain that your Shopping Cart (for e-commerce sites) is extremely easy to use.
• Offer a search engine to help people find information quickly (if you have a large site).
• Offer a free monthly e-mail newsletter if your site offers expertise in a popular topic.
• Make sure all links on your site function perfectly to avoid annoying 404 errors.
• Avoid flash introductions, which are generally considered annoying hype by busy users.
• Flash is excellent as an interactive tool for delivering information, however.
• Feature your contact information prominently at the same place on every page.
• Show all major navigation links on every page. The left column is often the best place.
• Make it easy for users to tell friends and co-workers about your site.
• Include a Site Map to give users a quick glance at the entire site.
• Establish credibility by joining privacy and security groups and posting those logos.
• Offer easy access to personal customer service via phone, e-mail or online chat.
• State your privacy policy clearly and link to it from every page.
• State your return/refund policy clearly and link to it from every page.