It’s getting harder and harder to find a good job. More and more people are starting their own websites to bring in cash. For your website to start earning money, though, you need to first make sure it is designed well. The following tips about website development will help you run a successful business.
Choose the right graphic formats for your site. Many people no longer use use bitmap graphics because the files are large and take longer to load. Try GIF, PNG or JPEG files instead. PNG is the right choice for non-photo images, such as text buttons and screen shots. If an image has in excess of 256 colors choose PNG. If it does not, GIF is another option. JPEGs are good to use for photographs.
Try not too overuse graphics. Though graphics are necessary for a professional look that is well-designed, too much creates clutter. Don’t use graphics just to decorate; use them to improve the site. Also, including the “right” number of images makes it easier to navigate the site.
Make sure that you get rid of any material that is outdated on your site. 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 are going to want to spend time on websites that have been cared for, and when old information is kept up it shows that the site is not being paid attention to. Create a regular schedule for updating the content of your page, and weed out anything that has become irrelevant.
Pop-ups should not be used on your site. Viewers hate pop-ups; they are annoying and unprofessional. Many people will close a website that brings pop-ups as soon as they can, no matter what size the site is. Make sure your customers are happy by eliminating these pesky ads from your site. If the pop-ups are coming about because of your host, then now is the time to start shopping for a replacement.
Regardless of your target audience or what type of site you have, try to keep your loading time under ten seconds. An efficient site that is nicely designed is going to load properly and quickly. Most people who use the Internet want instant gratification, so it is best that your website provides it.
Always categorize your content by subject. If your website covers a variety of different topics, put these topics on separate pages. This helps alleviate any confusion that your customers may experience, as well as giving search engines a broader and more clear view of your site, potentially bumping you up higher in their rankings.
When designing a large site, always incorporate a search feature. Place a search box visibly on your homepage that helps your visitors search single terms that may appear anywhere on your site. FreeFind and Google both offer search plugins that can easily be added to your website.
Dedicate a place where readers can give their input and feedback. If you have forgotten something or have made an element of your site confusing to use, they will be able to tell you. Allowing visitors to actively participate in your website will make them want to visit again.
Internet Explorer
Be sure your site can handle Internet Explorer, both new and old versions. Most people have a love-hate relationship with IE; however, many people are still using it, including older versions. Many elements are not in compliance with web standards, so finding a workaround will be required. Specifically, you should learn about a “box model bug” which troubled Internet Explorer for years.
Website creation isn’t really that hard. Some techniques you experiment with may be difficult, but by understanding these tips, the process will be far less complex. Regardless of your motivation behind designing a website, the tips you just read can help you.