- Navigation should be available somewhere near the top, so people that
want to get somewhere fast don't have to scroll.
- The text should have some contrast (but not clash) against the background
color, for easier reading.
- If you want graphic links, there should be some text navigation, for
those who have text readers or images turned off. I don't recommend graphic
links, because it lengthens download time. Links can be made interesting
with CSS, using all kinds of backgrounds.
- All images should have alt tags, for the same people with text readers,
that are blind, or have images turned off.
- Links
can have descriptive tags, so people know where they are going when they
click on them (if they're using a newer browser).
- Download time is important, the entire page with images shouldn't be
too large. Generally I limit pages to 45KB at the most. If there is a
good amount of text, people are more willing to wait for pictures since
they have something to do while waiting.
- A search box feature is really helpful if your site is more than a few
pages.
- Slide shows are popular to
visitors.
- The "Tell a Friend" feature is good for "word of mouth",
one of the best ways for people to find out about you. I regularly use
a Javascript one on websites.
- Flexible pages tend to look the best in all resolutions, monitor sizes,
and browsers. Resize the window this page is in and see how it adjusts
to the size of the browser.
(For people new to the internet: If you don't know how, put your mouse cursor on the right bottom. It should turn into a double arrow, where you can click and hold down the left mouse button if you are right handed and move the edge to resize.)
- The easiest way to maintain the look of your site is by using a separate
CSS page linked to every page on your site.
- Use keywords relating to your site in the copy on the pages.
- E-mail at mm@maclochdesigns.com or contact MacLoch Designs now if you want me to work on your site and/or add these features.
