|
|
What I Look For In a Website
As my occupation is that of a proofreader, one of the first things I look for in a website is quality copy; to me it's important that the textual content is clear and concise with correct spelling and proper punctuation. Many websites I have looked at have sadly failed to follow this basic rule and the build emphasis has been centred on flashy eye-catching graphics, quite often at the expense of the copy.
Good use of graphics is obviously an asset to any website but there should also be an element of simplicity as well; a site should not be so laden with amazing images and effects that it detracts from its purpose. Too often, there are websites with so many things happening on them that the eye gets confused and doesn't know where to look.
Graphics and copy should go hand-in-hand; they are there to compliment each other not compete with each other. The graphics should be capable of catching a visitor's eye enough to make them want to stay on the site; the copy should be short, sharp and to-the-point as most visitors to websites tend to 'scan read' what is on the page.
Navigation is also an important factor; there should not be too many menu options or superfluous pages, they can cause extreme boredom and have led to me leaving more than a few sites. This leads back to the simplicity theme. If other surfers are anything like me, then all they need from a website is well-written informative copy, subtle graphics and only essential menu options for ease of navigation.
This is only my personal opinion of what a website should be; obviously everybody has their own ideas and preferences and that's how it should be. Proofreaders are generally regarded to be pedantic people because they insist on everything being right. I don't see that as a bad thing - most people want things done correctly, because if it's not right - then it has to be wrong.
I am a professional proofreader of hard copy items and website copy. I also write web copy and occasionally accept small copy-editing assignments.
Whats Wrong With My Website?
I ask myself that question about once a month.My website looks fine to me, but what are otherpeople seeing? And what are the Search Enginesseeing? Here's a checklist of 10 ways to optimizeyour website for peak performance:
How To Start An Internet Business ? Designing For Usefulness
The first step to starting any Internet business is conducting keyword research to determine if there is any interest in your idea. Once you identify a need, it's time to consider what your site should look like.
Top 10 Web Design Mistakes
As a webmaster, you want to keep your visitors content so they'll come back again. Below you will find ten common mistakes made by webmasters that may deter people from returning.
Top Ten Ways to Increase Web Sales - Part 2
You have only 10 seconds to impress your potential buyer.
Choosing Form Over Function Kills Your Site
Never put form over function. Why? Because it's crucial that visitors actually be able to USE your site. Everything you do must be designed to be as easy for the visitor to understand as possible. Everything should be functional first.
5 Ways To Automate Your Site
Automating your online business is one of the most important steps you can take to insure your success on the internet.
Title Tags - How to Make Them More Effective
The title tags of your web pages are more important than most web authors realize. Once you understand why the title is so important, you can easily write more effective title tags.
To Hire or Not to Hire a Website Designer
In the early years of the internet the actual design of a website was either very basic or had to be done using a software package that needed a specialist to use it. Not surprisingly, website designers were in short supply and could command huge fees for their services. All that has changed dramatically and website design is not such a complicated procedure as you might think.
Creating Your First Website? Your Options
Creating your own website is great fun! But how is it done? Well, there are five main options, read this carefully and choose which one you think is best for you!
Cheap Web Design
If you think it's simply a case of who will do it for the best price, think again.
Introduction To CGI Scripts
Using CGI scripts to add automation to your web site may seem a little daunting, but once you have incorporated a few into your web site, they become easier.
Should You Bother Learning HTML to Build Webpages?
The most popular method to build webpages today is to use WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) software. Microsoft FrontPage and Macromedia Dreamweaver are prime examples of WYSIWYG software. Both programs allow you to create webpages as though you were creating a document with your favourite word processing software like Microsoft Word or WordPerfect. Its as simple as entering paragraphs, headings and inserting clipart or images.
A Great Banner Only Needs Simple Things
To create your own great banner, you only need five (5) simple things:
Eliciting Constructive Website Feedback
"It's good."
TEN Answers That Turn Your Visitors Into Your Customers
You know... Before purchasing your product a person comes to your order page minimum of 7 times? Nobody buys a product or service in their first visit. People search, compare, estimate, test... They look for affordable and good product that fulfil their needs.
The Right Trigger Words
CNN.com's designers have gone out of their way to make their work difficult. They could have built a very simple home page with just their logo and a handful of links:
Save Time and Boost Profits with Free Content
Public domain gives you a head start creating ebooks, ecourses, newsletters, teleconferences, website content and email registration incentives you need to keep in constant touch with clients and prospects.
6 Reasons Why A Website Is Crucial To Your Business
Since I'm a web designer, I have a tendency to think everyone understands that having a website is important. Every once in a while, I have to remind myself that some people just haven't heard yet!
Web Advertising: 10 Little Known Tricks To Help Convert Your Traffics To Buying Customers
You may not believe it, but people still judge things by their appearances.
Custom Website Design - 7 Steps to a More Professional Website
If you are trying to sell a product or service on your website, then it is important to make your site as professional as possible. You might think designing that your own website to look like a professional did so is a rather difficult proposition, however there are many tools online that will help you achieve professional looking design.