Custom Web Site Design Tips
Read these 12 Custom Web Site Design Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Web Development tips and hundreds of other topics.
Don't clutter your page
In attempt to cram as much information possible into a 15" screen, many websites become way too busy and distracting. Remember the main 2 purposes of a website - users want to find information, you want them to find information. Therefore, you want the website to be easy to navigate, easy to find what they are looking for, and pleasing to the eye. 50 advertizements, with blinking flashing marquees, bold red text, links thrown all over the place, will not meet this goal, it will just make things confusing. Have a navigation bar somewhere that from page to page remains consistent and familiar, and hopefully in the same place for each page, have each page give the information it's intended to give, and nothing more (provide links to other pages obviously), make use of whitespace to separate paragraphs, advertisements, images, and use colors correctly: in another tip I will tell you about primary, secondary, tertiary and the use of complementary colors in websites.
Finding website developers and designers. The web is your friend.
After getting recommendations from friends and colleagues for web site vendors for your project. Try using Google or your favorite search engine to locate more vendors from your area to consider. For example if you're looking for a website company in Boston, start with the keywords 'website development design designer Boston' and check out their websites.
Defining the design requirements for your website development project
Another thing to consider in the site specification phase is the visual image you would like to project for your company's website. Does the content of your site demand a formal look and feel? Fun and funky? Elegant? Classy? What feeling does the image you choose convey to your user? Take some time to think about these elements to clarify your needs.
Why should I hire a web desiger?
A "web site design" company is often most focused on the look of your website. With a heavy graphics background, this type of company will help you create an eye-catching site. For whiz-bang visual effects, you should seek website design company who specializes in Flash websites.
Don't over-do it! There is such a thing as too flashy!
Be wary of adding too many images that flash, move or wiggle. You don't want to distract your user from your content. Users will appreciate subtle animation, but can be overwhelmed by too much.
Types of websites: Community
The goal of a community website is to bring people together in a for discussion, sharing photos, links and documents. Weblogs, wikis, forums (also known as bulletin boards) and chats other tools can be installed to support a community website, however they do not initiate or sustain input from the community. You will need a solid internet marketing program to support your community efforts.
Illustration, Photography or Clip Art – So many choices!
If you're looking for images to add visual interest to your new website, there are many websites that offer free illustration, photography and clip art. Choose images that complement the web site design and color scheme. Be sure to match your images to the attitude of the page.
Defining Design Requirements: What do you like?
In the end, you'll want to love the website you've created. If you're stuck on how the design should look and feel, browse the web and make note of websites you find visually appealing or unappealing. Don't forget to look at your competitors' websites to see what they are doing. Once you have a list of sites, review them and determine what about the attracts you (color, layout, typefaces, imagery, etc.) and how that will fit into your web site design.
Types of websites: Personal Diary
Weblogs (or blogs) are just one kind of personal diary site. Creating a blog will give you the ability to quickly update your website with new information and keep your readers up to date with little coding required. Additionally you can give your visitors a glimpse of your life by sharing photos, bookmarks and many other items. Businesses are even starting to use weblogs to keep their customers up to date.
How to choose a company to help with your website
To choose a website vendor, you will want to get to know them a little before contacting them about your project. Look carefully at their website and portfolio of projects. Look for vendors who have done similar projects to yours and have a graphical style that you like.
The pros and cons of hiring freelance
Budget tight? Hiring a freelance website designer or developer might save you some money and offer you more one-on-one support while creating and maintaining your site. But the cons of working with this type of consultant can also affect your project. Freelancers are often working this way while maintaining or looking for a full-time position. This can distract them from your project or bring it to a halt altogether if workload becomes an issue. Additionally one person will not have the breadth of internet marketing experience and knowledge that working with a professional team might afford your project.
Defining Design Requirements: What is your brand?
When creating a new website for your business, consider carefully your brand. Are there existing brand guidelines you will need to adhere to? Have a good sense of what is required while creating your website design requirements. How will you communicate your brand identity through your new website?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Sherril Steele-Carlin |
