Website Layout Tips
December 3, 2011
Lorenzo Hayes – Phoenix, AZ
123Triad: Web Design & SEO Company
Website Layout Tips
One important difference between web and print media is your readers’ attention. People expect more visual stimulation from websites, and if they don’t get it in the first five seconds, they click away. A good layout not only draws them in, but keeps them long enough to take interest.
Not all of us have the eye to know what looks good and what doesn’t. But by sticking to a few simple rules, anyone can create a site that’s simple yet effective. Here are five that are worth keeping in mind.
1. Keep changing. Web design isn’t a one-off project. Once in a while, browsers will roll out new versions, and the underlying code will have to be changed. And besides, the best way to keep people coming is to always give them something new.
2. Use fewer columns. A few years ago, the trend was to put more on the page by splitting it into frames and columns. But the more columns you have, the harder it is to read through your content. Keep your column count to three or less–it keeps the site neat and highlights only the important content.
3. Stick to basic fonts. It can be tempting to use fancy type, but two things make it impractical. First, not all users have the same font library. If they don’t have your font on their system, the browser uses default fonts which may mess up your layout. Second, they’re really hard to read—you’re more likely to turn readers away than draw them in.
4. Divide the page into blocks. One of the newest layout trends is the block style: it breaks up the page into solid blocks, each one showing and linking to a different page. It’s like a big visual menu, except that you’re only showing the most important pages. This saves your reader time, allows easier navigation, and makes a better visual impact.
5. Keep track of page dimensions. The general rule is that most, if not all, of the relevant content should be within the viewable area of the page. This way, viewers won’t have to scroll down to find something—they usually don’t have the patience to do that. Limit your page width to 750-775 pixels, and your height to about four scroll lengths.
123Triad webdesign offers affordable custom website design. Our full service website design company only hires certified website designers. Please contact us today on 1-800-720-0816 for your next web site design project.
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