Before diving into the basics of good web site design, we should make
sure we're all clear on one point. When we talk about web site design at
Pacific Business Marketing, we're referring to structure, content and
navigation, NOT "awesome" graphics or "cool" new programming languages
Design goals
Design considerations should take into account the basic goals of any
"for profit" web site, including: the immediate impact a site makes on a
paying customer -can a visitor immediately say "this site has what I'm
looking for" the speed with which the customer can get to the
information they need on the products and services they are prepared to
buy – is navigation clear and simple the ease with which a customer can
make a purchase and/or contact the web site owner to make the purchase -
is information structured logically and can the visitor "click here" to
buy the willingness of the visitor to leave an e-mail address and
request additional information, future contact or otherwise wish to stay
in touch with the web site owner
At a minimum, ensure your new or existing web site accomplishes the
following:
1.Your main page should give the visitor an "at a glance" understanding
as to what you do and what is likely contained within your site.
2.Your main page MUST load quickly. Potential buyers are busy and
unlikely to wait around for your page to load.
3.Provide a site map! (And make it easy to get to from any page). If
your visitor is immediately interested in what you offer, a site map
gives them the ability to quickly locate the product or service they are
looking for.
4.Keep your overall design clean and uncluttered. Images, animation and
links are integral parts of a successful and attractive site, but they
can work against you if they're over done.
5.Throughout your site, ensure that it is obvious to your visitor where
and how to contact you. Place your contact information (or a link to it)
wherever you provide product or service information.
Consider having a professional web marketing firm review your existing
site or participate in the development of your new site.
About the Author
Myron Curry is President of Pacific Business
Marketing, a full service internet marketing and business development
company. You may contact Myron at myron@business-marketing.com For
additional internet business tips, visit Pacific Business Marketing's
web site at http://www.business-marketing.com