Creating Your Web site

By: Lynn Holter

Before talking to the Web Designer of your choice there are a few things you must do. Keep in mind that your website will be created by both yourself and your web designer. It will be a joint effort. You must communicate to your designer exactly what you envision and what you want to accomplish. Remember, this is YOUR site! You own it!

    1.    Ask yourself why you want a website and what is it you wish to accomplish.
    2.    Are you selling something? Information? Items you have created? Services?
    3.    Identify your target market. In other words, whom do you want to sell to?

Things to consider in the layout and design of your page.

• Content: This is THE most important aspect of your site. After all, the content is what you want people to see! Be specific. Don’t put long paragraphs of text on your pages unless you are selling information or providing instruction. People want to find information quickly and easily.
  
  
• Graphics: Sites that take a long time to load lose visitors. Don’t use big beautiful graphics unless you are selling graphics! Your home page needs to load as quickly as possible. Limit Flash and Javascript as well. While both can be attractive, they will ALWAYS slow down your page.
  
  
• Pop-ups: DO NOT put pop-ups on your site. They annoy everybody!
  
  
• Color: Limit colors to 3 for the entire site. If possible, use your company colors or the colors you use in your logo. Make them attractive and easy on the eye. Spend some time surfing the web to see what is pleasing to you.
  
  
• Forms: Provide a contact form that includes your e-mail, phone, fax, and any other information that will make it easy for your visitors to get in touch with you.
  
  
• About Your Company: Include an "About Us" page on your site. Let people know who you are and exactly what your business is all about. Keep it simple and to the point.
  
  
• Tag Line: Come up with a catchy tag-line for the home page or use the one you already have. People tend to recognize your company by your tag-line. Example: Sears tag-line is - "Good Life. Great Price".
  
  
• Search Engine Optimization: Make your site search engine friendly by choosing keywords that will lead visitors to your site. Use your keywords in text form as much as possible on your pages - especially the Home Page!