Golden Rules of Website Design

Rule Number 1 - Maintain your integrity

Your website should reflect your business, not how some designer sees your business. If your approach is informal and friendly then your website should be informal and friendly. If you are selling mortgages on the other hand, then probably best to stick with grey

Rule Number 2 - Get optimised

Your website may be stunning, but if no-one can find it then you may as well have not bothered. Start by claiming your free website review and see improve your search engine optimisation for more information.

Rule Number 3 - Ditch the music

Music has its place, but that place is not on a website. Unless you are hoping to become the next “Take That” then please, have some consideration and mute your site.

Rule Number 4 - Remember it's your website

Sometimes web designers get a bit carried away, especially if they are the "creative" type. After a dull weekend they come to the office and think “I know, I’ll just try those new widgets I downloaded” and before you know it your website is flashing more than Blackpool Illuminations. Four words….”not on my site”. Interactivity is good, graphics are good - knowing when to stop is better.

Rule Number 5 - Don't use all the colours of the rainbow

Unlike the bad old days, most browsers can now display more colours than you can imagine. That doesn't mean you have to use them all. 3 main colours is about right.

Rule Number 6 - Make sure it works

Functionality, functionality, functionality…... Another of those geek terms which to you and me means make sure that your website works. For example, If you want your clients to be able to email you from your site then a) make sure your website form asks for an email address and b) it doesn’t then take it and throw it into cyberspace. Simple really.

Rule Number 7 - Be accessible

In every area of your business you need to consider disability discrimination and it's no different online. Ensuring that your website is fully accessible to those with visual impairments will not only avoid an expensive claim under the disability discrimination act but will put you well on the way to building a loyal customer base.

Rule Number 8 - Be Consistent

Unless you want to completely confuse your users, ensure that your website navigation is the same throughout your site and that you use consistent styling. Internet users are surprisingly conventional so it is always wise to stick with the tried and tested formats of the established sites.

Rule Number 9 - Don't DIY

Web design is one job that you should leave to the experts - that's us by the way...... Contact Fab Web Design for more website tips.