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
