It's time to build your website, huh? You know what pages you're going to have on your site, you know what your site is going to say and what media will play, and you have even drawn an example of the layout of the site on your notepad.
But have you REALLY thought about what should go on your website? And, even more important, what NOT to put on your website? We have listed 5 things that your website should definitely stay away from to keep your website abiding by the law of the 3 F's: fresh, functional, and friendly. Alright, we just made that up, but these really are great tips to keep in mind when you create a custom website.
5. Do Not Put Flash on Your Website
Apologies to Adobe and those enamored with the beauty of a Flash-rich website, but the battle is over - and Flash has lost. While most point to Apple's refusal to support Flash as the main culprit for the dwindling use of Flash, the writing has been on the wall for some time now. With the fact that users often have to install updates to see content, security issues, and the bulky load times that come with Flash, website designers have slowly been moving their premium, dynamic content to HTML 5 over the past couple of years.
So, we recommend staying away from Flash unless you would like an ugly blank area on your website when someone visits your site from their iPhone or if they haven't updated to your version of Flash. Some great dynamic content alternatives like HTML 5, Java, and jQuery are now available to use on your website.
4. Do NOT Use Multiple Fonts
We know that you've become proficient at building building your brochures and fliers in Microsoft Office. And we know you think they look awesome and fun with Arial Bold titles, Impact sub headers, Italicized Times New Roman body text, and Helvetica special text, but, please don't be offended -- it doesn't. If you're looking for the easiest way to cause a prospective customer to think your website looks like it was created in Microsoft Office and not buy your products or services, then multiple fonts is the way to go.
Use EASY to read and easily accessible fonts and content. And remember, if you use a font that isn't on your visitor's computer, they won't see it anyway, so stay with one, simple font.
3. Do NOT Put Too Many Colors on Your Website
Colors are great and plain is boring, right? Well, you could have a boring and stale website if your website is TOO plain, but going in the other direction is potentially much, much worse. That's because what you like isn't what someone else likes. Yes, you may think tie-dye is a way of life, rainbows are the best, and colors are beautiful, but most of your customers probably have more reserved views or at least differing ones that would cause them to utterly hate your website.
Don't get us wrong, a nice color palette can really bring out the personality of your online presence and business, but you're probably wanting to keep that personality professional unless you are an artist of some kind. If your customers first impression tells them what your business is all about, you probably don't want to scare them away, so please stay away from too colorful and keep it simple.
2. Do NOT Make Your User Scroll for 5 Minutes to Get to Content
Go to your home page and try to count how many times you can spin the scrolling wheel on your mouse; if you lost track, you've probably added too much content. Quality, relevant content on your website is always great to have, but do you really expect your visitors to find the button or content you want them to see if it's at the bottom of the page?
If you have a blog, gallery, or special documents that require lengthy content pages, this is not for you. We're talking about your products, marketing text, "call to action" buttons, and main category links that should be placed at the uppermost sections of your website in very obvious positions.
1. Do NOT Use a Do It Yourself Website Builder Template
If you're looking for a simple, quick, and affordable solution to help you build a free website, Do It Yourself website builders can fit the bill. But, they also look, feel, and function like Do it Yourself Website Builders. In other words, trying to get an absolutely original design fit specifically to your business' needs is impossible, no matter how many templates they provide. To get the best results possible for your business, you need a professional designed website.
But have you REALLY thought about what should go on your website? And, even more important, what NOT to put on your website? We have listed 5 things that your website should definitely stay away from to keep your website abiding by the law of the 3 F's: fresh, functional, and friendly. Alright, we just made that up, but these really are great tips to keep in mind when you create a custom website.
5. Do Not Put Flash on Your Website
Apologies to Adobe and those enamored with the beauty of a Flash-rich website, but the battle is over - and Flash has lost. While most point to Apple's refusal to support Flash as the main culprit for the dwindling use of Flash, the writing has been on the wall for some time now. With the fact that users often have to install updates to see content, security issues, and the bulky load times that come with Flash, website designers have slowly been moving their premium, dynamic content to HTML 5 over the past couple of years.
So, we recommend staying away from Flash unless you would like an ugly blank area on your website when someone visits your site from their iPhone or if they haven't updated to your version of Flash. Some great dynamic content alternatives like HTML 5, Java, and jQuery are now available to use on your website.
4. Do NOT Use Multiple Fonts
We know that you've become proficient at building building your brochures and fliers in Microsoft Office. And we know you think they look awesome and fun with Arial Bold titles, Impact sub headers, Italicized Times New Roman body text, and Helvetica special text, but, please don't be offended -- it doesn't. If you're looking for the easiest way to cause a prospective customer to think your website looks like it was created in Microsoft Office and not buy your products or services, then multiple fonts is the way to go.
Use EASY to read and easily accessible fonts and content. And remember, if you use a font that isn't on your visitor's computer, they won't see it anyway, so stay with one, simple font.
3. Do NOT Put Too Many Colors on Your Website
Colors are great and plain is boring, right? Well, you could have a boring and stale website if your website is TOO plain, but going in the other direction is potentially much, much worse. That's because what you like isn't what someone else likes. Yes, you may think tie-dye is a way of life, rainbows are the best, and colors are beautiful, but most of your customers probably have more reserved views or at least differing ones that would cause them to utterly hate your website.
Don't get us wrong, a nice color palette can really bring out the personality of your online presence and business, but you're probably wanting to keep that personality professional unless you are an artist of some kind. If your customers first impression tells them what your business is all about, you probably don't want to scare them away, so please stay away from too colorful and keep it simple.
2. Do NOT Make Your User Scroll for 5 Minutes to Get to Content
Go to your home page and try to count how many times you can spin the scrolling wheel on your mouse; if you lost track, you've probably added too much content. Quality, relevant content on your website is always great to have, but do you really expect your visitors to find the button or content you want them to see if it's at the bottom of the page?
If you have a blog, gallery, or special documents that require lengthy content pages, this is not for you. We're talking about your products, marketing text, "call to action" buttons, and main category links that should be placed at the uppermost sections of your website in very obvious positions.
1. Do NOT Use a Do It Yourself Website Builder Template
If you're looking for a simple, quick, and affordable solution to help you build a free website, Do It Yourself website builders can fit the bill. But, they also look, feel, and function like Do it Yourself Website Builders. In other words, trying to get an absolutely original design fit specifically to your business' needs is impossible, no matter how many templates they provide. To get the best results possible for your business, you need a professional designed website.
About the Author:
Fortunately, free website design from professionals for small businesses all over the world is available from FreeCustomWebsite.com. You tell us what you want on your website and the best website builder, a real life website designer develops a website specifically designed to fit your business' needs-you just pay the hosting.
