Designing Websites That Win In Tough Times

By Author: Wildfire Marketing Group Content Distribution Team
Total Articles: 49
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Since most companies have a website now a days, yours has to to really stand out to make an impact and produce results. Most people, designers included, simply don't understand what makes a website work. We're not talking about the technical things, such as XHTML or CSS, though that is a factor that doesn't seem to get enough attention. Instead, we're talking about the issues that make visitors want to stay on your website and give you their hard-earned money in exchange for your product or service.

One of the first, and most important steps you can take is ensure that it's easy for your visitors to use your website. You can start off by designing it properly, focusing on design fundamentals rather than just what you like. Fuchsia and teal may be your two favorite colors in the whole wide world, but for the rest of us, they are just a visually painful combination. If you design your website on your own, have a few people who would fall into your target market take it for a test drive. Get their feedback on how it looks and functions. Also take note of how fast it loads. While you're at it, you'll want to make sure that ...
... it displays and functions properly in all major browsers.

Your text should be easy to read. If people have to squint to read your grey 4 pixel text on a black background, they will soon leave. Make sure that your text is large enough and that is has enough contrast with the background to be legible to older visitors. If you're going to use a serif font, try to make it as large as possible because when viewed on a computer monitor, they tend to be a little harder on the eyes.

Navigation is an area that seems to be pretty standard these days, but putting together a small, informal focus group to ensure that people can find their way around your site wouldn't hurt. A site map and search capabilities can dramatically improve page views too, because rather than leaving your website when they can't find something, people will have other ways to find the information they want.

Finally, make sure that your visitors have several ways to contact you. A simple web-form isn't going to cut it. You need to give them a way to reach you via phone and mail as well. People want to know that they are dealing with real people on the other end.
If your website isn't presenting the right image for your company, it's time for a new design with a website design from Wildfire Marketing Group, and we can even finance your website for you!