|
Basic Web Design Considerations
of Succesful "For Profit" Web Sites Step 1 of Pacific Business Marketing's
"Ten Steps to Web Site Success"
Before we begin... 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 (although these may certainly be elements of a
finished site). See the " Web Site Review".
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:
- 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.
- Your main page MUST load quickly. Potential buyers are busy and unlikely to wait around for your page to load.
- 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.
- Keep your overall design clean and uncluttered. Images, animation and links are integral parts of a succesful and attractive site, but they can work against you if they're over done.
- 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. Visit our " Web Site Review" for a detailed description of the services we provide to evaluate your web site's potential
for success!
See Also... | Hosting | Web Design Services |
| Design and Promotion Package |
| Merchant Accounts & E-Commerce Solutions | |
