Web site Design Tips - Taking Your Business to the Web

What kind of Web site does your business need?

Have you been putting off developing your Web site? With so many options, confusing web trends, design and technical issues I really can't blame you.

But you can and should get your site plans going now. Your business can't afford to keep ignoring the world of the web. And it's easier than you think. Are you ready for some advice that will help you create an effective plan? Even if you have a Web site and aren't getting the results you want from it, this advice can help you too. Read on and discover real information that you can use to make you business grow.

So what does it take to get started? A good first step would be to spend some time reviewing your competitor’s sites. Write down what you like and dislike about them. Bookmark other sites that appeal to you and use them as creative jumping off points.

To help you get started on designing a new Web site or redesigning your current site, I have put together a handy printable Web site design worksheet

What kind of information do your customers need?

Informational:
This site is an online marketing brochure or branding tool that invites visitors to learn about the company and its offerings. It a good choice when you expect customers to call or visit after researching online.

E-commerce:
Will your Web site sell products or services and will it supports a brick-and-mortar shop. Do you need a fully functioning online store or is your goal more focused on bringing people to your office or store location.

Relationship builders:
Your Web site might be a tool for building relationships with customers. By providing valuable data or expertise your site will encourage involvement and communication. Requesting and capturing visitor information is an important element in building relationships with customer. Sites like these might offer educational or time-sensitive information that help promote repeat visits.

Designing your Web site

Keep your navigation consistent through-out your site:
Your visitors should be able to find what they looking for, quickly and easily. If you provide alternative area specific navigation, make sure that you maintain a main site navigation on every page. Navigation should be clear and easy to follow. For example, group together links to pages on certain topics.

Make sure your graphics and page styles are consistent:
Avoid using different logos or page banners. Pick a color scheme and stick with it. Don't change colors on every page. Maintain page titles, links, backgrounds, and fonts with a similar style.

Make sure that your sites text is readable:
Select a background that's easy on the eyes and contrasts well with your text. Avoid harsh colors and busy backgrounds.

Making your pages easier to read:
It can be difficult to read a web page that contains long paragraphs. Add a horizontal rule or use tables to add some white space to your page.

Don't use too many Bells and Whistles:
Use animation sparingly - only to draw attention to something important on your page. Some effects are not supported by all browsers. Test your site to be sure your visitors are seeing the effects the way you intended.

Taking your business to the web

First of all you need to register your domain name. Start by selecting a few keywords that best describes your business. Once you have a few keywords written down you can begin to search for available domain names that match your criteria. Brainstorm a Domain Name and NameBoy Domain Search are two excellent sites that will take your keywords and turn them into domain names. Just type in one to three keywords that you think best describe your business or personal Web site.

Next, you need a web hosting service that will grow with your business. Look for hosting solutions that provide a wide range of features, lots of disk space, and reasonable rates. Don't forget to look for easily accessible customer phone and/or online chat support available 24 hour a day, 7 days a week. Many hosting services offer poor customer service, so look for free trails or money back guarantees so you can evaluation their services risk free.

Well, that should be enough to get you started and if you have any questions or need any help please call or email me. Thanks!

Content provided by Altered Impressions - making websites that work!