Do you need special templates and expensive software to design a great website? If you're willing to put in the time it takes to learn a few simple steps, you don't need to pay for much of anything! If you don't have the time or energy to learn about web design, then you will end up having to use a tool made by someone else. However, if you have the time and energy to put in to the project, then keep reading and be willing to take the plunge.
Make sure your text and background has the proper contrast. There's evidence showing that white text on a black background is easiest for most people to read, but other colors are fine so long as they're readable. Also keep in mind that people with visual impairments may not be able to read your site if the contrast is poor. Check to see if your site complies with various contrast standards using the tool at http://snook.ca/technical/colour_contrast/colour.html .
HTML5 video is set to become the next standard for displaying videos on the web and naturally, you should offer both a way in which users can stream your content through an HTML5 format as well as another format such as flash for those who have an older browser version.
Look at your site in multiple browsers when designing it. It is always possible that what you are looking at on your preferred browser is not what others are looking at in a different browser of choice. Make sure that your site is compatible with all popular browsers. Checking your website with different operating systems and browsers will help ensure that it works for everyone.
Don't make page sizes too big. Some Internet users have slow connections, and they will grow impatient with your site. You do not want your page viewers to be stuck waiting for every page to download, or they may end up abandoning your site.
You should never go live before previewing the site and ensuring images load properly and all links work. Visitors do not like to click a link only to access an error page. Use a program or check links manually to be sure you have no broken links on your site.
If you believe your site may be accessed via mobile devices, you will want to keep your designs simple. The use of flash, excessive images, and complicated menus will not translate well to a mobile platform. Keep your page clean and simple, or create a specific mobile site for your users.
Master your subject matter fully before you try to share it on the internet. Research your subject before posting anything. Being unclear with customers or giving false information will drive readers away. Having a thorough understanding of your subject matter is vital to having a successful website.
Make sure everything is easy to locate on your website. Spend some serious thought on how everything on your site will be laid out. When content is randomly thrown on your site with little thought to the layout, you are making things harder for the people whose use of your site ensures your online success - your site visitors.
Remember that you do not have to fill up all of the available space on your website. Filling every last pixel of available space can produce a cluttered effect your visitors may find overwhelming. However, leaving just a bit of space between all the different aspects of the webpage will provide a much more comfortable experience. Sometimes, empty space is just as vital as actual content.
A great web design tip is to ensure that your site is able to be found with or without the subdomain. You should be able to find your site by typing www.mysitehere.com and also http://mysitehere.com. Sites that work like this are also able to be found without a prefix at all. You can type mysitehere and find it.
Any good web design must include the proper planning as you are getting started. This planning process includes selecting a domain and a hosting package as well as planning out the information layout and designs. Planning is essential to web design, as it gets you ready beforehand to carry out your idea of the website.
Designing your website and running it, requires your personal office space. Limit exposure to distractions, organize and make the space as efficient as possible. Have office tools and other things located within easy access, and ensure that you have an excellent space for your own web design needs.
When starting out, limit your content. Adding too much stuff early on will create confusion for you and your visitors alike. Keep it simple to start.
Having white space (unused space) on your website is actually a great design feature, so don't make the mistake of thinking that your site must be packed to the brim. This available white space can make reading your site easier. This will prompt your visitors to read more, stay longer and seek you out in the future.
Make sure you place ALT image tags during your web design. These tags are very helpful for those web surfers who view the web with images turned off, as well as to those web surfers who are visually impaired. The ALT tags can be read out loud by text-to-speech software.
A great web design tip with regards to choosing your domain name is to choose a domain name that does not contain a dash (-). Sites with dashes are often not entered when people are trying to visit your site so try and avoid them at all cost so you don't lost any traffic.
Do not let your career become stifled by focusing solely on one particular sector of web design. Unless you are certain that single area is the one you want to stay with forever, try becoming versed in other areas like front-end development or UI for example. This diversity will increase your options down the road.
Making a website is much easier than brain surgery. Compared to other careers or operations, website design is actually quite simple, and amateurs can learn to do it quickly. Follow these tips to start creating great websites.
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