Building a web property which appeals to Internet readers begins with the right design. Once you have your basic web pages laid out and linked together, optimize your design with contemporary web concepts. Depending on the characteristics of your prospective users, your web site will need different concepts. The overall design should also include at least one of the most recent trends in usability. Try these four tips as you design a sleek layout for future users.
Tip #1 – Highlight Immediate Customer Benefits
Highlighting new programs, special offers, guarantees, contests, and other benefits for potential customers should be just a click away from the home page. All information should give consumers a good reason to learn more about your business. Don’t make consumers think of their own reasons for browsing products and services. If you are networking with potential consumers through social media outlets, provide a graphic of one of your products that links back to your home page.
Tip #2 – Optimize Your Site Map
Your site map isn’t only useful for notifying search engines of the content you have for indexing. Create a helpful site map to show customers exactly where they need to go to find the information they need. Avoid the temptation to make your site map a simple list of links unless you decide this is the best format for search engine marketing. Some top websites include site maps that are sleekly designed like other important web pages.
Tip #3 – Make Your Website More Interactive
There are many interactive features to add to a website, including games, polls, quizzes, videos, tutorials, free web-pages, free avatars, free software downloads, and coupons. Examine your business goals and choose website features you can support if technical problems arise. Your IT support professionals can offer guidance in this area. Avoid the temptation to overload your company website with content that can lead to legal or technical troubles.
Tip #4 – Use Free Social Media Icons
Many websites include social media icons that customers can click on to share information. Will your readers find content that they need to distribute to their social contacts on Twitter, Facebook, Digg, YouTube, LinkedIn, MySpace, and Blogger? You can use your favorite search engine, such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo, to find a free download of social media icons in one attractive collection. A good option is a collection of vector icons that can be resized without losing image quality.
Website design is becoming more complex in an online world where Internet users are consumed with social networking. The best feature of today’s Internet is that webmasters can use Google to find millions of free downloads, including applications for interacting with social media. Your users will get a better experience if you give them a great array of options without making the web layout too busy.
