TIP! When you design a web page, always choose the graphics that are appropriate for your purposes. Keep in mind that PNGs are much better than large and poorly working bitmap images.

Websites are used for many different purposes. It can be used as an information hub, a social network for communication, or a simple entertainment portal. Every website requires a good webmaster. So here are some tips on web page design to get you started.

TIP! Have some search element which lets visitors search your site’s content. For people who look for specific things, they’ll look for a search box first.

Incorporate a search function that lets visitors find what they need. If visitors want something specific, they will immediately scan for a search function. If you don’t get one of these, they may move to a site that has something like that. Make sure your search box is visible. The right hand side of the page, at the top, is the best location.

TIP! Minimize page sizes and loading times. Users with slower Internet connections might decide that the wait isn’t worth it if your site loads slowly.

Keep your website fresh and free of dated content. For example, if your web page is promoting some event that occurred a year ago, you’ve probably lost a lot of your readers. Users wants to browse sites that they know are updated frequented with relevant fresh content, but if the site has outdated information then they know it is not well-maintained. Review, update and delete content as a matter of course.

TIP! Do not work with pop-ups. Many consumers are bothered when they visit a site and are suddenly bombarded by pop-ups.

Do not add pop-up windows to your site. While popup adverts can help you to generate some income from your website, they are also likely to frustrate your visitors. When you have pop-ups, the chances increase your visitors may get frustrated by them and choose to leave your website with no interest in returning.

Internet Explorer

TIP! Include strong meta-tags on every page of your site, if you want to get more visitors to your site. Properly used meta tags make it easier for search engines to classify your site correctly.

Good websites are optimized for older IE browsers, like 7 and 8. Many people detest Internet Explorer, but some still use these older versions today. These do not render the web elements to the web standard, so there must be workarounds. Specifically, you should learn about a “box model bug” which troubled Internet Explorer for years.

TIP! The harder you are willing to work at learning about site design skills, the easier it will be to master them. So, learn the basics, then create some simple webpages using HTML to reinforce your understanding.

The types of files that you use for the graphics on your website will affect the size of the files, which will also affect how fast your website loads. When it comes to graphics, it is normally wise to employ GIFs and JPEGS. PNG and BMP files take up a ton of bandwidth. To make sure that your users have an optimal experience when accessing your website, use file types for your graphics that take up less space on a disk.

TIP! Your host will likely have design tools that you can use for your basic layout. Don’t rely on these tools entirely, however.

You constantly want to test your page to ensure it is functioning well. It is essential to do usability tests early in the developing phase. Make sure to keep improving and testing it as your website continues to grow.

TIP! Graphics help to keep the site visually stimulating and entertaining. You need to do text wraps around images to avoid a bland-looking site.

The more you practice and learn, website design will be easier and more comfortable for you. Test out your basic chops with C+ and HTML by building yourself a few simple web pages. Remember that practice makes perfect and that you have to start somewhere.

TIP! You must focus on time management when you are building a website. Website includes a ton of small tasks that could make you procrastinate.

To help test your site’s effectiveness, make use of task-based usability tests. After all, you want it to work for everyone, not just for those who tested it. Users should not have any trouble completing the task if the site is designed well. On the flip side, any issues that arise will help guide you to making any needed changes.

TIP! Learn many server-side languages if you want to diversify your web design portfolio. Skills in Java, PHP, MySQL and others will enable you to build many different kinds of websites.

It is very important to always consider what types of security the website has. Investing in an SSL certificate if the website handles sensitive information such as credit card and other payment information can be a smart idea. Additionally, consult with your website host about the security features that are included with your package.

TIP! When you include videos on your site, you need to be aware that not everyone has a high Internet bandwidth. If you post videos at 5,000 kb/s, some people’s connections won’t be able to keep up.

As this article told you before, you can use a website for a lot, such as informing people or entertained. Designing a site will always require some design knowledge. Put the above advice to use and you will have success with web page design.