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8 steps to website optimization
march/april 2003
There are three ways for you to create a web site: you may create it yourself using website creation software such as Front Page or Dreamweaver; you may hire someone to design your web site for you; or you can get a combination of both methods at a site like www.websiteforme.com. These sites allow you to create your own web site using their pre-made templates. It doesn't require any technical knowledge on your part - simply point, click, and add your content. The company then takes care of the hosting and technical upkeep for you.
Regardless of how you create your web site, there are some basic do's and don'ts you need to keep in mind.
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do
1. Do keep your web site simple. The less text, the better.
2. Do make it eye pleasing. No crazy fonts or colors. The standard fonts for web sites are Arial, Verdana and Times New Roman.
3. Do make sure visitors to your site can tell at a glance what your site is about. For example, if you sell widgets, make sure that's evident right up front. Most people will leave in the first five seconds if they don't think your site offers them what they are looking for. They aren't going to take the time to scroll around to see if you have what they need. Make it immediately very clear to them what your site is about.
4. Do remember that your web site is for your visitor. Make sure your web site is easy to navigate. Don't make your visitors hunt for information (for example: price, products, contact information, etc.) Visitors should be able to access all of the important information about your site simply by clicking on your web site's navigation bar.
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Credit cards
If you are going to accept credit cards over the Internet, it's best to use a web designer. You will pay more, but it will be a lot less hassle for you.
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don't
5. Don't use a Flash introduction. Web designers love this, but most people click off as soon as they see it loading. The object is to get people to see your web site, not drive them away.
6. Don't put music or sound files on your site. It startles people when they are surfing and suddenly hear music blaring out. Their immediate reaction is to back track immediately.
7. Don't put a lot of slow-loading graphics on your page. No matter how pretty the graphics are, people aren't going to stick around and wait for them to load. You can optimize your images for free at NetMechanic.com.
8. Don't use pop-ups on your web site. Visitors find these really annoying. The less you annoy a visitor, the more likely he or she is to stay.
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These rules of thumb should help both you and your desired audience get the most out of your site.
Web hosting expert Kip Garrett owns and operates www.CheapWebHosting.ws, one of mitra IT's preferred outsourcing partners.
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©2006 mitra IT