Designing_A_Successful_Web_Site

Designing A Successful Web Site Before diving into the basics of good web site design, we should make sure we're all clear on one point. When we talk about web site design at Pacific Business Marketing, we're referring to structure, content and navigation, NOT "awesome" graphics or "cool" new programming languages Design goals Design considerations should take into account the basic goals of any "for profit" web site, including: the immediate impact a site makes on a paying customer -can a visitor immediately say "this site has what I'm looking for" the speed with which the customer can get to the information they need on the products and services they are prepared to buy – is navigation clear and simple the ease with which a customer can make a purchase and/or contact the web site owner to make the purchase - is information structured logically and can the visitor "click here" to buy the willingness of the visitor to leave an e-mail address and request additional information, future contact or otherwise wish to stay in touch with the web site owner At a minimum, ensure your new or existing web site accomplishes the following: 1.Your main page should give the visitor an "at a glance" understanding as to what you do and what is likely contained within your site. 2.Your main page MUST load quickly. Potential buyers are busy and unlikely to wait around for your page to load. 3.Provide a site map! (And make it easy to get to from any page). If your visitor is immediately interested in what you offer, a site map gives them the ability to quickly locate the product or service they are looking for. 4.Keep your overall design clean and uncluttered. Images, animation and links are integral parts of a successful and attractive site, but they can work against you if they're over done. 5.Throughout your site, ensure that it is obvious to your visitor where and how to contact you. Place your contact information (or a link to it) wherever you provide product or service information. Consider having a professional web marketing firm review your existing site or participate in the development of your new site. About the author: Myron Curry is President of Pacific Business Marketing, a full service internet marketing and business development company. You may contact Myron at myron@business-marketing.com For additional internet business tips, visit Pacific Business Marketing's web site at http://www.business-marketing.com