In the first part of this series, we delved into the importance of website load speed. Now, we turn our attention to the second crucial aspect of a successful website: its aesthetic appeal. Remember, beauty is subjective, and what you find attractive might not resonate with others. However, constructive criticism from your visitors can be invaluable. In this article, we'll explore some key considerations to help you make informed decisions about your website's design.
The first step towards creating an appealing website is to study successful ones. These are the sites that attract massive traffic. What elements of these sites do you find visually pleasing? Is it the way they present their navigation links? The placement of certain elements on the page? The graphics? The content layout?
Successful websites typically avoid clutter. They have clean, crisp graphics and text, and their design elements are well-organized. Pay attention to their color schemes, menu presentations, and load times. What elements catch your eye first?
Remember, these websites are designed by professionals who understand what keeps visitors coming back. View these sites from both an artistic and marketing perspective. What marketing materials do they offer?
While it's important not to copy these sites, you can certainly learn from them. Take note of where they place their navigation links and logos, how much content they feature on their main page, and the standard features they include.
Most successful websites include some or all of the following links:
Take a step back and view your website from a marketing and artistic perspective. Would you stay long?
If you need help with your website's design, here are some useful resources:
The third crucial aspect of a successful website, which I've mentioned in a previous article, is functionality. Test your site thoroughly for broken links. Make sure that all links lead somewhere and that they take visitors to the correct destinations.
Consider asking friends or coworkers to test your site's links. It can also be helpful to include an email link at the bottom of each page for reporting problems. This can help you identify and correct more mistakes than you might on your own. When people report issues, respond politely and thank them for their feedback.
In Part 3 of this series, we'll discuss the importance of responding promptly to customer inquiries. Thanks for joining me!
Making Your Small Website Stand Out: Part 6 (Final Installment)
Welcome to the final installment of our series on making your small website stand out. In this part, we will discuss the importance of ethical email practices, the power of newsletters, and the necessity of clear navigation. We will also revisit the site we mentioned in the previous part, www.websitesthatsuck.com, which serves as a humorous yet educational resource for website designers.
Part 3: Making Your Small Website Stand Out
In this third installment of our series, we delve deeper into the intricacies of website optimization and customer service. We'll discuss how to enhance your website's loading speed, improve customer interaction, and provide valuable content.
Making Your Small Website Stand Out: Part 5
In this installment of our series, we delve into the importance of creating a unique online presence for your business. We'll discuss how to ensure your website accurately represents your brand, subtly promotes your products or services, and stands out from the competition.
