I see so many sites across the web that simply aren't designed for the end user. I understand - some people use their individuality to design their site. They have certain tastes and those tastes come out on their site. That is a wonderful thing if it is a personal blog or personal site that the web site owner uses to convey their personal tastes, pictures, bio, resume or just plain "hang out".
However, if it is a business site, or a site where the owner wants to either push information, sell a product or do anything business related, then you really must keep in mind your audience. You have to try and hit an overall general approval and usage rate. Will everyone always like your tastes? Heck no ... but at least sites can be designed with some considerations in mind.
1. Don't load your web site with a lot of high tech clutter. Your visitors may miss your whole sales
message.
2. Don't use unnecessary words or phrases on your site. You only have so much time to get your visitor's attention and interest; make ever word count.
3. Don't make the mistake that everyone will totally understand your web site message. Use descriptive words and examples to get your point across.
4. Don't write your strongest point or benefit only once. You should repeat it at least 3 times because some people may miss it.
5. Don't push all your words together on your web site. People like to skim; use plenty of headings
and sub headings.
6. Don't use site content your target audience isn't interested in. If people are coming to your site to
find info about fishing don't include soccer content.
7. Don't use 50 different content formats all over your web site. Use the same fonts, text sizes, text
colors, etc.
8. Don't use words your web site visitors might not understand. People are not going to stop and look in a dictionary, they will just go to another site.
9. Don't let selling words and phrases go unnoticed. Highlight important words and phrases with color, bolding, italics, underlining, etc.
10. Don't forget to use words that create emotion. All people have emotions, people will have more
interest when they are emotionally attached.
To you in success,
Erika L. Walker
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Comments: 6
Ten stars!
Also on my site, I use specific fonts to help set the mood and reinforce the theme, but I am discovering that - just like you said - it's easy to get carried-away with it. While I wanted each department to have a specific "feel," I did not want each department to look like an entirely different site, which I feel is what's happened in some areas.
New webmasters should take these guidelines to heart, and even we experienced cats could use a refresher on the basics from time to time. Thanks!