In order for the search engines to extract (i.e pick up) keyword from the content of your page, it is imperative that your site’s design is kept as simple as possible.
Search engine can only SEE words, so if your site design is “too complex” (using frames, image maps, databases, trailing cursors, animated GIFs etc.) chances are the search engines will not be able to read your pages, rendering your site “invisible” to them.
Even if they happen to make it through a complex design, typically the deeper pages will not be read. If this happens, your site as well not exists.
Too often times I see Webmasters who put WAY TOO MUCH emphasis on making their sites appear to be what they consider “cool”, without once considering their LARGEST audience- the all mighty search engines!
Not to mention, a complex design will drive your “human” visitors NUTS!!! Don’t believe me, then visit and see what you think of the “World’s WORST Website”: http://www.angelfire.com/super/badwebs/main.htm
Get design and layout right and you will well on your way to having a successful website.
Get it wrong and your site will fail. Period!
Okay, now that you know what NOT to do, let’s take a look at what you SHOULD do…
1. Use the proper font, size and colour
Go for a font such Verdana, Arial, Tahoma or Georgia, as these view the in most web browsers.
Ensure that your font size is not too small, or too large to read. Ideally you should use a 10 or 12 sized font.
It is best to stick with black or dark gray text on a white background for maximum contrast.
2. Make your pages easy to navigate
Leave lots of white space and use links to help people easily find what they are looking for. The key word is being “easy”.
Keep your site tidy and uncluttered. There is no need to fill every inch with advertisements.
Don’t try to reinvent the navigation wheel by using clever drop down menus or fancy flash bars. The simpler the better.
3. Use a universal design for each page
It used to be a common practice to have different colour, font and designs throughout different parts of the site. This tends to confuse the reader and makes navigation difficult.
Instead, keep the same common design, look and feel across all your pages.
4. Contents vs. Images
Never confuse eye-candy with content. Many site owners integrate many graphics and images as they can on a page… only because they can.
They argue that images capture their visitors’ attention, which is true, but they can also distract visitors from what you really want them to focus on, which is reading your content and clicking links.
Ask yourself: “Does this graphic help the reader understand my site or is it an unnecessary distraction?”
5. Test your pages for “load time”
Studies have shown that if your page takes more than 4 seconds to load, then your are rapidly going to lose visitors.
Test your pages on a dial up network to ensure everyone who visits your site can view it in the quickest time possible.
To decrease load time, try reducing the number of files per page, along with the size and quality of your images.
6. Use a professionally designed header graphic, logo and/or template
While it is true that nothing beats great content, why not have great content AND an excellent design?
I see too many sites that would have more readership if only they had a more appealing look to them. After all, none likes a dismal site.
7. Make it crystal clear what your site/page is about
Web surfers are highly impatient people, and if they arrive at your page and don’t immediately know what it is about or how it will benefit them to stay, guess what…
THEY WON’T
In fact, they will be clicking the “back” button quicker than they arrived unless you immediately capture their attention and spark their interest.
Best bet is to put all your information, content, navigation links, etc., right up top where they are easily visible.
You wouldn’t want to waste your time looking for your desired information, so don’t make your site visitors waste their time either. They will appreciate you for it and will surely come back to visit time and again.
8. Protect your virtual real estate
It is a shame, but well-meaning Webmasters and Internet entrepreneurs are under attack from those looking to take advantage of a “technicality” for their own selfish gain at other people’s expense…
…Don’t let this happen to you!
Always (and I mean ALWAYS) use a “legal disclaimer” such as a privacy policy on all your sites to protect yourself and yourself and your business.
You can view a sample by visiting the better business bureau’s website at http://www.bbbonline.org/privacy/sample_privacy.asp
9. Include visitor-friendly features throughout your site
Wanna hold people at your site longer?…
…Then provide them with an excellent “user experience” by implementing features such as:
• Language translation
• Automated search tools
• Web page personalization
• Navigation page / Sitemap
• Related niche videos
Bottom Line: Put your visitors first and your income will reflect the effort!
To sum things up…
Successful websites are pleasant on the eyes, easy to read and navigate, with LOTS of information and resources available at your site visitors’ fingertips.
