1. Your website should leave a great first impression

You only get one opportunity to create a first impression. If your website design is sloppy and the information is out of date, visitors are less likely to persevere and give you a second chance.

2. Don’t make your visitors feel stupid

It is always a good idea to maintain a standard layout and design format that people are familiar with. You don’t want your visitors to have to think too hard about how to move around your website. If your website makes people feel foolish and inadequate then they will be less likely to do business with your company.

3. Download quickly

Faster internet connections have given website developers more freedom when it comes to using complex graphics such as Flash animation. Even with fast internet connections it can still frustrate people if they have to wait those few extra seconds while your wizz-bang home page downloads.  Ask yourself how much value this adds to your website and is it worth making people wait? 

You should also be mindful of potential clients who live outside of metropolitan areas and may not have access to ADSL and cable internet connections.

4. Contain useful and relevant information

Just because you CAN doesn’t mean you SHOULD! Try not to fill your website with useless information that will only frustrate and confuse your visitors. Always ensure your website information is relevant, topical and up to date.

5. Be optimized carefully for top search engine rankings

Search engine optimisation is a constantly changing art. It is important that all elements of your website are optimised to boost your ranking.

6. Have a good contrast between the background and text to enhance readability

There are some colour that make the text extremely difficult to read. Red writing on a blue background is one example. You may even notice that it ’strobes’ on some computer screens. Don’t isolate potential customers by using design features that make it difficult for people to read your message.

7.  Consist of short paragraphs

Use subheadings, bullets, etc to break up text.

8. Not comprise excess clutter

The clean, uncluttered look has been popular with website design for many years now. If you must have a lot of information on your website consider breaking it up into separate pages rather than having long pages so visitors have to scroll for an eternity.

9. Only use graphics and animation where necessary

Some website designers use their clients websites as a canvas to showcase every one of their clever design and programming skills. The end product can be a website with so many bells and whistles it makes the visitor feel slightly nauseous. If something isn’t enhancing the functionality of the website then it doesn’t belong on the page!

10. Keep your brand consistent

Why is it that some companies have an offline brand and a completely different online brand? Unless this is done with purpose, it is good business practice to maintain a consistency with your branding.

Is your website out of date and looking a little tired?
I am often employed to upgrade websites that have been designed by other companies. For an obligation free quote to give your website a makeover, contact Rebecca Mitchell @ RAM Marketing via info@rammarketing.com.au.