Sharon H. Delay

While it is a specialized skill-set, learning to do decent web design is not so tough as becoming a doctor, or even a paramedic. You don’t need school, and somebody else’s life isn’t dependent upon it. Follow these tips to start creating great websites.

While you want to keep the aesthetics of your site in mind, you also need to make every effort to keep your file sizes to a minimum. Keeping your files small will directly affect how fast your website loads. It is critical that your website load quickly for everyone. Remember that not all visitors will have a high speed connection to the Internet. Try to test your site regularly, especially with a slower dial-up modem. This will help you to know for sure that it will quickly load in every situation.

Use social media links to allow your readers to share your content easily. It will allow them to show their friends the great information they’ve found while bringing you increased traffic.

A general rule of thumb for search boxes is that the character length is a minimum of 2 characters, and that it is placed at the forefront of every page. Be sure that the search button is labeled “search”, rather than “go or “submit.” The term ‘search’ will help people notice the search box and encourage them to use it. Hiring a friend or family member to design your website can often be a mistake. You can’t fire family, it’s a fact, so if they design something you don’t want you’ll end up disappointed or they’ll leave frustrated. Your goal should be to offer a website that is not only easy to navigate, but also appealing to the eye. If your website is not set up like this, there is not a person out there that will spend a lot of time looking at your site. To avoid visitor frustration, streamline and simplify, while still presenting all needed information.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t overuse JavaScript. Although it provides many methods of building a site that is more responsive, this can cause some problems for some visitors. Not all web browsers are alike, and they are updated pretty frequently. Many of your viewers won’t have the most up to date version of the web browser they use. Also, consider that JavaScript isn’t regularly enabled in everyone’s browser. These problems will lead to people not being able to use your site. The majority of people are familiar with Photoshop, and for those who want to succeed with web design, they understand they must learn as much as they can about it. Fewer people are familiar with the program Dreamweaver, which can be just as useful. If you design websites, think of yourself as an artist. Do not be afraid to run with an inspiration when it strikes. If you have an epiphany while you’re out and about, write it down on any scrap of paper you can find. If you get an idea at work, call and leave yourself a message for yourself on your phone, to remember later. Website design is a field that will become easier with practice. The best way to learn is by starting up your own page and begin with simple scripts in HTML or PHP and upgrading as you become comfortable. It is important that you start practicing as soon as possible.