If you’re one of the skeptics out there who believes that all websites are the same, just visit a site like Facebook and then check out a hosted site on Yahoo or Google. You should notice that the design is very different and plays a role in how popular a site is. Read on to find techniques which will make your site stand out in a crowd, even compared to these juggernauts!
Try not too overuse graphics. While they help to keep a visitor’s interest, they can also make a site look cluttered and push visitors away. Don’t use graphics just to decorate; use them to improve the site. Your site will be easier to use if it’s not overly cluttered, too.
Make user cancellations easy. This could mean ordering products, opting in to an email newsletter, or returning to the homepage from deep within your site. If you do not give visitors the option to get out of an action they do not want to continue with, you are pressuring them into something. This makes them less likely to come back or buy from you in the future.
Don’t overdo it with JavaScript. It has several useful benefits, but can also be problematic. Each web browser displays content differently, and your visitors will be using many different versions of each software platform. Not everyone will upgrade to the latest version of his browser. On top of this, some visitors will have JavaScript disabled in their browsers. These both could keep users from getting to your website.
Simplify your home page. People surfing the web will quickly decide if they are going to delve into a website based on the front page. Make sure that you provide a very clear description about your business or other purpose for your site. Other information on your site should also be minimal, but still clear, so that you don’t overwhelm your visitors.
Your site may not be the next biggest website sensation. Such a success would be very unlikely. However, your website can be every bit as professional as the big cheeses. All this requires is some knowledge and effort on your part. Use what you learned from this article to become a great web designer.
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