The Top Ten Reasons Good Websites Work
I have created and remodeled many sites. The really good websites have about ten things in common. I’m going to share my thoughts with you on what I think are the top ten reasons good websites work.
1. The sites are easy to read.
If background colors or images are used, the text on top of the background should be in a color that can actually be read and easily seperated from its background and surroundings. Good websites use a color scheme that complements and is pleasing to the eye. White space between images and sections of text make a page easier to view.
2. The sites are easy to navigate.
A visitor should be able to find the information they are looking for without hassle and frustration. The site’s navigation buttons should be grouped together 99% of the time. If image links are used, text links should also be provided for those people who have images turned off on their browser or are using an older browser that doesn’t support images. (this is one of the common mistakes I see designers making)
3. Comfortably viewed.
A Web site should be easily viewable in all screen sizes without a visitor having to scroll horizontally (left to right). This isn’t always possible with some content, but every effort should be made to ensure compatability across all screen resolutions and popular browsers.
4. Good websites download quickly.
Graphics and sounds add download time to a Web page. It disturbs me that tons of designers feel that it’s ok to stack Flash and constant sound on a website. Don’t make your visitors wait too long for your site to download or they will click away. Also, keep in mind that everyone doesn’t have DSL or cable internet service yet.
5. Avoid dead links.
Make sure that links on all your pages are working, whether they are internal links to pages within your site, or links to external Web sites. I can’t stress how very important solid linking is.
6. Good sites update often and try to keep fresh content.
People are more likely to return to your website if they find new and interesting material. Post articles on your site, offer a newly updated “Internet Only Special” or provide helpful links. All these things cause visitors to bookmark your site as a reference tool.
7. Good websites are clear and to the point.
Visitors should have a clear understanding of what your website is about when they visit. Studies have shown that people do not like to read computer screens, so keep your website interesting to read and to the point. People bore easily and clicking is easy.
8. Good websites have a target audience in mind.
Think about the people who would be interested in visiting your website. Don’t decorate with pink hearts and ribbons if your audience is made up of men.
9. Good sites provide a simple contact form.
Visitors are more likely to fill out a form to contact you rather than using an e-mail link. Always make things easy for your visitors, especially contacting you.
10. Good websites work in almost any browser.
Check your website in the most popular browsers to make sure everything is displayed properly. The top two browsers used are Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, but I test in Safari and Opera as well. Software exists that claims to check web code for compatability in many browsers and in different versions of those browsers. I’m sure every attempt was made to ensure this software is accurate, but i’ve yet to find one that is better than 70% accurate. That’s just not good enough.
To sum up, a great website isn’t about fancy graphics, javascripts and animations or even a lot of Flash and sound.A great website is about creating a useful and pleasing experience for your target audience. Do that and people will return over and over.
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