Essentials in
Design |
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Company web sites
are becoming more and more popular, and not just with the large companies. A
lot of smaller companies are looking at the web as a way to expand their
businesses into uncharted territory. With smaller budgets some of these
companies go it alone, and wonder why they seem to get no response. Nowerdays
all businesses need a Web Precense.
The
selection below is a few hints and tips based on what can go wrong with a
company web site. Read on an learn from the mistakes of others.
Make it easy to find information on your
site
A simple to navigate site is an
essential in a business site. If your prospects can't find the information they
are looking for in about three clicks or four, then more often than not they
will leave and go elsewhere.
Use a
consistent style and graphic set throughout the site
Your
online style is portraying you to your prospects. If you appear disorganised in
cyberspace, what impression does that give?
Make sure there are links to the main page from all pages on
the site
Because of the way search engines
work, your prospects may not enter your site through your main page. You want
your prospects to be able to start at the beginning.
Do not use links that jump to the middle of a page
This often confuses visitors as to where they are on
your site. It is also quite annoying when you have found the information you
are looking for, press print and find you are printing 14 pages of information,
most of which is of no relevance.
Do
not use 'under construction' signs
These
may look cute - the first time, but they soon get annoying. There is no need to
use them, if the page is not finished, don't put a link to it. Only add a page
when it is complete and presentable, its more professional.
Do not use blinking or scrolling text
This is quite distracting, and you could suffer from
it detracting from the message of your site. This is a sure sign of an amateur
site.
Check your spelling
Spelling mistakes give a very poor image of your
company, and again send the amateur message to your prospects.
Do not overload your pages with too many
graphics
Too many graphics lead to a slow
site. If the site becomes too slow, your prospects will not stick around to
find out what your message is.
Be
careful when choosing backgrounds
Colour
choices are important. Background images or colours that make the text hard to
read will make your prospects go elsewhere.
Make your primary message stand out
Business web surfers have very little patience, and so will no
root around a site for your message. Make it clear from the start what you are
all about and you will get a better response.
Don't depend on JavaScript
JavaScript use is on the increase, usually to add little value
to a site. It should be used with caution, as it can add quite a burden to
sites and not add any real value. Don't depend on it for navigation, as somw
company firewalls may remove the script from your pages. Without the script
your prospects get nothing more than your front page, and will not stick around
to find out why.
Provide an e-mail
link for comments or more information
Many
potential customers are not interested in picking up a phone or putting a stamp
on and envelope, but they will take a few minutes to send you an e-mail - if
you make it easy for them.
View the
final web page on a web server before making it live
What
looks good in the test environment on your development system may not work when
you load it onto your web server. HTML generation programs are major culprits
in this. It makes good sense to check, and then check again. It is better that
you find a problem, rather than your prospects.
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Can we
Help you ?
Email us and send a us a summary of your
requirements. |
You may contact us by or by post to
Alucard House, Willowfield Grove, Ashton, Wigan, WN4 9NN,
England.
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| Alucard Inchoate Ltd,
developers of PC Solutions since 1979. |
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