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Casual Articles - Seven Daft Things Not To Do To Your Website
In another article about becoming an Internet Infopreneur, I shared five reasons for why you should consider creating and selling information products online. Just in case those are not enough, here are another six juicy benefits every infopreneur enjoys - and you can too.6. Can be set to run hands-off.Don't you wish you could be lying on a beach, sipping pina coladas, while your business chugs along raking in millions?Well, maybe you won't be carrying the green stuff to your bank in sacks. But fully automated income streams running completely on auto-pilot with zero effort on your part are a 'dream come true' for many infopreneurs - including me.Don't get me wrong. I don't mean all
5. Complex rollover navigation systems
Complex rollover navigation bars using JavaScript or a similar code can seem like a great option and you can be excused for wondering why this is seen as a bit of a no-no.
The reason why these rollover or drop downs are not always such a hit is that after analysing user behaviour on a number of websites, it shows that very few people seem to use rollover button options more than one deep. In essence the idea that these navigational tools made things easier for users seems a little flawed.
Often, clients will ask you for advice on their IT spending plans. In this article, you'll learn some ideas to help your clients plan their IT spending.Suggest Your Clients Upgrade Their MachinesYour clients also could earmark the budget surpluses for upgrading and replacing PCs more regularly. Because entry-level PCs are often one-half to two-thirds less expensive than top-of-the-line models, they’ll still be way ahead of the game.Just don’t forget to factor in a few hours of configuration time for each PC upgrade (yet another value-added service your company can provide), from an older to a newer PC.IT Spending Requires an Investment MindsetAlso, whenever possible frame your cli
Most of the time splash pages are uncalled for. There are only a handful of reasons why you may ever need to use a splash page on your website but these reasons don’t seem to apply to most of the splash pages you can see on the Internet. The worst example of a splash page is when a company creates a page and adds their logo with no content. They may also add a ‘click here to enter’ button link when there is no reason to have not entered already.
If a website was a printed brochure then it may be fine to put a company logo on the front cover with no text to accompany it - however on the Internet it is a bit of a no-no. Print and web are different mediums and as such require different approaches.
I say get to the point and get to the point fast, as you only have about 8 seconds to impress the typical visitor so you don’t want to throw obstacles like splash pages in their way.
2. Create large file size Flash Intros
Its ill advised to put a heavy loading flash movie right at the top end of a website, especially if you actually want people to read pages on your site. A flash intro can look impressive but used irresponsibly can alienate a proportion of users. Even for those interested in motion graphics the novelty will likely wear thin after a couple of viewings so you need to offer a skip intro button if you use a Flash Intro Movie.
At the same time you can make sure you do get value from any Flash motion graphics you commission. Think of a flash movie more as a commercial and they become more useful tools. Get the intro made as a general purpose sales movie and you can put it on CD ROM or include it as part of any online or mailing list promotion.
3. Make pages full of exceedingly small text
Really small text is an often ignored but growing problem. Webmasters can spend time and effort creating content for their website, upload it to the web server so the world can see what they have to say, but then they decide to show it in a tiny font size.
There is a simple rule here; text needs to be easy to read if you want people to absorb your message. It’s respecting the user to provide any content you wish them to read in a size that is suitable for the web. Font size 2 would be the smallest size you would want to use. If your target audience is over 40 then it is recommended font sizes are increased to point size 3. Do not assume your website visitors all carry a magnifying glass with them - keep body fonts at a sensible size.
4. Very long or complicated enquiry forms
Most folks have a million and one things to do, and one big reason people like using the Internet is to SAVE TIME – so bare this in mind.
Whilst website owners need to capture a certain level of customer info on lead generating websites, visitors like things to be quick, easy and simple. So an online form with 25 mandatory input fields so a user can make an enquiry is not a good idea.
Keep online enquiry forms down to essential info only. Keep it simple but get the information you need. Quick and easy signup forms can still be effective and you could always chose to offer a short form and a longer option - that way the user can decide which option is best for them.
5. Complex rollover navigation systems
Complex rollover navigation bars using JavaScript or a similar code can seem like a great option and you can be excused for wondering why this is seen as a bit of a no-no.
The reason why these rollover or drop downs are not always such a hit is that after analysing user behaviour on a number of websites, it shows that very few people seem to use rollover button options more than one deep. In essence the idea that these navigational tools made things easier for users seems a little flawed.
But besides the web hosting services there is a domain market where the battle is even more cruel. The Wall Street Journal today published an article about domain dispute over .NU domain extension..NU indicates "Niue", a tiny South Pacific island near Tonga. Dot-nu is the national internet suffix of this country but it has become very popular in Sweden because ".nu" means "now" in swedish.A internet entrepreneur Bill Semich, from Massachusetts got .Nu licence in the late 90's and started exploring it. He thought .nu would be a cheaper alternative to expensive at this time dot-com domains. The american market has not took in the idea of dot-nu domains, however good news came from Sweden where about 110
2. Create large file size Flash Intros
Its ill advised to put a heavy loading flash movie right at the top end of a website, especially if you actually want people to read pages on your site. A flash intro can look impressive but used irresponsibly can alienate a proportion of users. Even for those interested in motion graphics the novelty will likely wear thin after a couple of viewings so you need to offer a skip intro button if you use a Flash Intro Movie.
At the same time you can make sure you do get value from any Flash motion graphics you commission. Think of a flash movie more as a commercial and they become more useful tools. Get the intro made as a general purpose sales movie and you can put it on CD ROM or include it as part of any online or mailing list promotion.
3. Make pages full of exceedingly small text
Really small text is an often ignored but growing problem. Webmasters can spend time and effort creating content for their website, upload it to the web server so the world can see what they have to say, but then they decide to show it in a tiny font size.
There is a simple rule here; text needs to be easy to read if you want people to absorb your message. It’s respecting the user to provide any content you wish them to read in a size that is suitable for the web. Font size 2 would be the smallest size you would want to use. If your target audience is over 40 then it is recommended font sizes are increased to point size 3. Do not assume your website visitors all carry a magnifying glass with them - keep body fonts at a sensible size.
4. Very long or complicated enquiry forms
Most folks have a million and one things to do, and one big reason people like using the Internet is to SAVE TIME – so bare this in mind.
Whilst website owners need to capture a certain level of customer info on lead generating websites, visitors like things to be quick, easy and simple. So an online form with 25 mandatory input fields so a user can make an enquiry is not a good idea.
Keep online enquiry forms down to essential info only. Keep it simple but get the information you need. Quick and easy signup forms can still be effective and you could always chose to offer a short form and a longer option - that way the user can decide which option is best for them.
5. Complex rollover navigation systems
Complex rollover navigation bars using JavaScript or a similar code can seem like a great option and you can be excused for wondering why this is seen as a bit of a no-no.
The reason why these rollover or drop downs are not always such a hit is that after analysing user behaviour on a number of websites, it shows that very few people seem to use rollover button options more than one deep. In essence the idea that these navigational tools made things easier for users seems a little flawed.
The crucial element of web usability is a part of web design which is often overlooked when designing your site. There are no rules for web usability.Try and find your sites purpose. Your web site is not what you think about it. It must obvious to your users. They should be able to navigate the site without making their brains hurt.Usability pays off with increased customer satisfaction. You come to know how your users view technology and how you can improve the way you serve them. There are many techniques which you can follow to organize your content so users don't have to think to find what they are looking for, and how to evaluate your site to see if users are having problems. Web Design Exeter Ses a commercial and they become more useful tools. Get the intro made as a general purpose sales movie and you can put it on CD ROM or include it as part of any online or mailing list promotion.
3. Make pages full of exceedingly small text
Really small text is an often ignored but growing problem. Webmasters can spend time and effort creating content for their website, upload it to the web server so the world can see what they have to say, but then they decide to show it in a tiny font size.
There is a simple rule here; text needs to be easy to read if you want people to absorb your message. It’s respecting the user to provide any content you wish them to read in a size that is suitable for the web. Font size 2 would be the smallest size you would want to use. If your target audience is over 40 then it is recommended font sizes are increased to point size 3. Do not assume your website visitors all carry a magnifying glass with them - keep body fonts at a sensible size.
4. Very long or complicated enquiry forms
Most folks have a million and one things to do, and one big reason people like using the Internet is to SAVE TIME – so bare this in mind.
Whilst website owners need to capture a certain level of customer info on lead generating websites, visitors like things to be quick, easy and simple. So an online form with 25 mandatory input fields so a user can make an enquiry is not a good idea.
Keep online enquiry forms down to essential info only. Keep it simple but get the information you need. Quick and easy signup forms can still be effective and you could always chose to offer a short form and a longer option - that way the user can decide which option is best for them.
5. Complex rollover navigation systems
Complex rollover navigation bars using JavaScript or a similar code can seem like a great option and you can be excused for wondering why this is seen as a bit of a no-no.
The reason why these rollover or drop downs are not always such a hit is that after analysing user behaviour on a number of websites, it shows that very few people seem to use rollover button options more than one deep. In essence the idea that these navigational tools made things easier for users seems a little flawed.
After battling the sea for nine years, it's time to move on. That's what I told myself when I first stepped ashore to search for a land job. The decision was not made on the spur of a moment but after much thought and soul searching.While I was working aboard ship, many of us talked about working ashore some day. I heard people saying they were quitting and then much later, I would find them on another ship. My conclusion -- many have tried to quit, but very few have succeeded.Whenever I see older seamen on my ship, I feel a bit of pity for them. I can feel their frustrations. And I know exactly what they will face over the coming six to nine months.They will face the rigors of ou would want to use. If your target audience is over 40 then it is recommended font sizes are increased to point size 3. Do not assume your website visitors all carry a magnifying glass with them - keep body fonts at a sensible size.
4. Very long or complicated enquiry forms
Most folks have a million and one things to do, and one big reason people like using the Internet is to SAVE TIME – so bare this in mind.
Whilst website owners need to capture a certain level of customer info on lead generating websites, visitors like things to be quick, easy and simple. So an online form with 25 mandatory input fields so a user can make an enquiry is not a good idea.
Keep online enquiry forms down to essential info only. Keep it simple but get the information you need. Quick and easy signup forms can still be effective and you could always chose to offer a short form and a longer option - that way the user can decide which option is best for them.
5. Complex rollover navigation systems
Complex rollover navigation bars using JavaScript or a similar code can seem like a great option and you can be excused for wondering why this is seen as a bit of a no-no.
The reason why these rollover or drop downs are not always such a hit is that after analysing user behaviour on a number of websites, it shows that very few people seem to use rollover button options more than one deep. In essence the idea that these navigational tools made things easier for users seems a little flawed.
If you want visitors to find your website, you must advertise. Now, that advertising can take several forms. To save you a bit of time, I will list some of them such as; search engines, pay per click, ezine advertising, joint ventures, having affiliates promote your site for you, banners, email blasts, and free ads.I am sure ezine advertising is a powerful way to build your business. Many network marketers or MLMS still prefer to pay for leads in order to recruit new members into their network marketing business. There's nothing wrong with this, but I personally prefer to employ online techniques, which are just as effective, if not more so. Ezine advertising in p the information you need. Quick and easy signup forms can still be effective and you could always chose to offer a short form and a longer option - that way the user can decide which option is best for them.
5. Complex rollover navigation systems
Complex rollover navigation bars using JavaScript or a similar code can seem like a great option and you can be excused for wondering why this is seen as a bit of a no-no.
The reason why these rollover or drop downs are not always such a hit is that after analysing user behaviour on a number of websites, it shows that very few people seem to use rollover button options more than one deep. In essence the idea that these navigational tools made things easier for users seems a little flawed.
The simpler the navigation is, the more it will connect with users. Limit the options and use clear common sense descriptive labelling for buttons and this will often out-perform a complex roll over approach. Keeping the navigation simple also makes for smaller file sizes and quicker loading pages.
6. Excessive movement & animation
Contrary to popular belief, constant movement and flickering may not be a successful way to engage a website user. The reason being is that web users are developing a level of ‘advertising immunity’ or what Jakob Nielsen of www.useit.com has referred to as ‘banner blindness’.
Banner Blindness is a technique surfers have developed to filter out adverts and promotional material. They have learned after some experience that these types of ads are generally unhelpful and so are less likely to click on them. So if you use a lot of moving pictures and flickering images on your website you can run the risk of key areas of your website being ignored.
Where once banner ads got reasonable click through rates, the number has fallen dramatically in the last few years. A safer way to promote important areas of the site is via static buttons that are clearly identifiable and use descriptive language to tell the user which page they lead to.
7. Lots of links out to other sites from your homepage
When time and effort is put into attracting a visitor to your site why would anyone want to give that user a chance to leave the website on arrival? It makes sense to avoid placing lots of links out from your homepage to other sites - unless you’re an advertising or affiliate website.
Visitors are your prospects. You work to get them there and your job is to keep them there and direct them to your key destination pages. If you need to link out to partners from a top-level page on your site, then think about creating an internal page for this purpose and link to that from your home page.
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