The best website designs can be simple but
effective at the same time. They can be subtle and yet
very informative, and efficient at conveying their content.
The best website design
is first and foremost for the visitor.
Your website layout should not be overpowering.
Avoid excessive variation in font use (unless the subject
matter is fonts!). Colours should complement each other
and not clash. Navigation should be logical and not
fiddly.
Design the website to ensure that your website
does not end up with too many gimmicks, e.g. Flash animations,
animated gifs, or pop-ups - these prove to be more of a hindrance
when used in excess they can distract a visitor from the rest
of the site content.
The best website layout fits neatly in a
maximised window on the most common screen resolutions.
If you consider yourself not to be a very creative person,
you could make use of web design templates
to get the momentum going. Website templates
may seem like a bit of a cheat but they can be very effective
- and aren't necessarily tacky.
If you prefer the personal touch then be sure to take time
in your approach. Roughly sketch out the way you would like
the pages to look and draw out a site map which shows how
the pages link together. It may be a case of trial and
error to start with but eventually you will get there.
It's important to have a feel for a good, professional
website design. Too often sites are created
with a complete lack of awareness with regards to the level
of tackiness. For a business in particular, an amatuer
looking website can turn customers away in a second. If
in doubt when embarking on DIY website design - consider web
design tutorials or even consult an experienced website designer.
Use your research to steer the design.
Good planning will save unnecessary amendments later on.
Avoid impersonal styles of writing. Be chatty and informative
if you can. Be a friend to your visitors, as this way
they will feel more like staying on your website.
