Site Architecture
There's no point having a website if site visitors can't
find what's relevant to them. Your website needs to be organized
in a clear and obvious hierarchy. The way the site is
organized is not necessarily the same way your business is segmented.
Your website should be designed for your users
- not for you.
Intuitive navigation
Having sorted out website architecture, the main menu should
always be intuitive. Avoid making confusing or obscure
interfaces for the sake of being clever.
Fresh Content
Don't let your website feel like a ghost town. Even simple
things like the random selection of a key graphic on the front
page give the users the impression that your website is alive.
You may even want to add new content to your site.
Information Flow
Decide what you really want to show your site visitors and use
information flow and a "call to action" to direct them to it.
Don't leave users guessing at what they should click on
next.
Appropriate look and feel
This goes without saying. A sloppy looking website reflects a
sloppy business. Avoid the use of such things as splash screens -
many users are rarely impressed by them.
Build it and they will come
Not true. Promote your website on all your stationary and
marketing materials. You'll get far more appropriate traffic by
advertising in the right places than trying to get listed in
Search Engines.
