As the Internet becomes more intertwined with people’s lives, any business wanting to stay successful has to be online. Regardless, a website that does not work can cause a business to suffer. Learn how to design a great website with the following tips and techniques.
You should be aware of any clashing colors when building your website. Choose a font and color that will help your words stand out from the background. It is generally agreed upon that dark text on a light background is the easiest to read. If you’re unsure about the color combo you’ve used, solicit feedback from a trusted friend before the site goes live.
Your website needs to function properly for visitors who use any kind of browser, so be sure to test out your site for browser compatibility. Some things that work in Internet Explorer might not work correctly in Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. Before uploading your site, give each page a look in each of the more popular web browsers.
Search Box
A search box should be included on your website that allows visitors to look up information on your site. If those visiting your site are looking for something specific, the first thing they will look for is a search box. When you don’t have one, they are more likely to move on to another site that does. Place it near the page’s top right corner since this is one of the first places people usually look for them.
Check your pages for broken links. Nothing frustrates visitors more than clicking for a page they want and getting an error page instead. Check out your links manually on your own, or use a program for the scan.
Buying one of the various web design programs currently available can help you develop an attractive website. They are easy to understand, and your website will be up and ready before you know it. It doesn’t matter how good your content is if your site is dated and unusable.
Do not underestimate the value of using a plain white for the background on your web presence. White puts the focus on the content, making it easier to read. If you are trying to to exude a professional tone, a white background lends a trustworthy feeling to your site. However, intricate designs on your background can distract users and give your site more of an amateurish look. You will find that simpler backgrounds are better.
Make certain that your site is accessible for various incarnations of Internet Explorer. Lots of people grumble about IE, but they still use it, and they often use outdated versions. They don’t offer a lot of elements that comply with basic web standard, so customizations may be in order. In particular, learn about the famous “box model bug”, an old thorn in IE.
Try using easy, maintainable and clear navigation. Place all navigation links in areas that flow well and are easily visible so your visitors know where to go and remain on the site much longer. Your users must find the navigation of the website simple and consistent.
See how your design does on different web browsers. Every browser will interpret the site slightly differently. Some of the slight differences can cause navigation to be difficult for the user. A little bit of research will help you decide which browsers are used most often, at that time. Double check that your site works on every browser, and don’t forget about the mobile software as well.
Signing up for an online newsletter about web design is a great way to receive a periodic reminder to stay on top of new trends and revive your desire to learn as much as possible. Anyone can gain from the information contained in a newsletter, regardless of experience.
Each page on your site should include a tagline in both the domain and the sub-domains. Use large text in bold that will grab attention, as this is the first thing seen by visitors when following links. This tagline will quickly inform them as to the page’s goal, offer, reasoning, or purpose and often determine whether they remain or click the “back” button.
As you have learned, designing a website doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you understand all of the fundamental principles of website development, you’re ready to start incorporating your own unique ideas. Use these tips to learn more.