Before starting a new website, it is important to take a few things into consideration. Below we have created a list of Do's and Don’ts based on our experience in web design.

Don’t!

Don’t Use Missing or Broken Links

There's nothing more annoying than the dreaded 404 page. Missing and/or broken links will discourage your visitors to return again. Check links frequently to make sure they are working, and repair them if they are missing.

Don’t Use "Under Construction" Pages

Those cheesy animated GIFs of the construction worker are so 1998. Under construction pages discourage your visitors to return again because they leave the impression that your site is incomplete and that your company is unreliable. If you have a page that you are still working on, it is best to remove all links or references to that page until it is ready for the world.

Don’t Clutter Your Pages

Don’t try to jam pack too much on one page. Simple and clean is always best. Websites that overwhelm users with too much content, ads, pictures, etc. are more likely to confuse their visitors and less likely to retain them.

Don’t Assume That Your Visitors Understand Your Business

Don’t assume every visitor has done thorough research on your business and what you offer. Remember that you are the expert and that they are visiting your site because they are looking to be educated about your expertise. Provide illustrations, demos, bulleted lists, glossaries and anything else that will help clarify what it is your business does.

Don't Use Font Sizes and Colors that are Difficult to Read

What if we wrote an entire paragraph using this font size?

Or, what do you think of this color?

Do!

Do Update Your Site Frequently

Updating your website frequently is a great way to make your site more interactive. Your visitors will be more likely to visit your site again to see what is new.

Examples of areas to update would be:

• News
• Blogs
• Specials & Deals
• Promotions
• New Products / Services

Do Use Forms

Forms are an easy and quick way for your visitors to contact you and request more information. Try to keep forms simple and short. Here are some instances where forms would work well:

• Contact Form
• Comments & Suggestions
• Request Pricing
• Submit a Testimonial

Do Use Stock Photography

Stock photography can help enrich your website with colorful and vibrant pictures. There are so many sites out there that sell or offer free stock photography. (www.istockphoto.com & www.sxc.hu)

Do Make Sure Your Homepage Clearly States What You Do

Be clear and concise in communicating your type of business to your user on every page, and especially on the home page. It would be a shame if your visitor left because they couldn’t figure out what it is you do.

Do Have a Clear Call To Action

Have a clear and enticing call to action throughout your site. (Examples: Call Now, Order Now, Contact Us Now For a Free Estimate)