Lesson2 - Ideas for a successful websites

Lesson2 - Ideas for a successful websites

What are some of the best website features?

There are literally millions of web sites on the Internet today, with thousands more being added every day. The competition on the internet to get noticed is fierce and in order to be successful, you need to stay one step ahead of the game. One of the most important aspects of your success online is with your web site.

A web site is a direct reflection of you and the business you are running. The appearance of your web site is the most important factor in determining your site’s value and success. If your site does not look professional or eye-catching enough, it will not succeed online.

Websites vary from the simple to the complex. The individual features and characteristics of your website is what makes it distinct from the other sites that are out there. There are a plethora of website features available that can make your site a success; however it all depends on which features are most appropriate for your business and the budget you can allocate for building your website.

While a personal consultation with a web designing firm is the best way to determine the style of your web site, the following is a guide that can help you pick which features would best suit your site’s needs.

Best website features

When creating a functional, dynamic and attractive web site, the following features should be kept in mind at all times:

* Your main page should be specific. It should let you customers know exactly what you are offering. If your potential customer can not find your product or service on your main page, they will not waste their time looking for it.

* Make sure you create a page that clearly displays your ‘Privacy Policy’ with regards to the personal information you collect from your visitors. You can also explain your reasons for collecting the information and let them know how and if the information will be used. Also display your copyright information at the bottom of each page.

* Create an ‘About Us’ page about you and your company and make sure to include your name, company name, picture, biography, address, phone number and email address.

* Make sure you include good navigational links on every page. Also use tables to neatly align your links and maintain a nice organized and uniform appearance throughout your website.

* Use caution when selecting colors for your background and text. A busy background makes it difficult to read the text and draws attention away from it. Also remember to use colors based upon the effect you are trying to achieve. Additionally, always be consistent with your background theme and colors on each page of your site.

* Always make sure that your site has no grammar or spelling errors.

* If you are using frames on your website, do so sparingly, as it can make your site look unprofessional.

* If you are using JavaScript on your site, make sure it is used appropriately, as it can slow a site down.

* Try and view your site through different browsers and screen resolutions so you will know how other people will view your site. Netmechanic.com is a great site that can help you do this.

* Lastly always keep adding new content to your site. It gives your clients a reason to keep coming back.