How to Organize the Layout of a Web Page

Establish a clearly defined focus and you're well on your way to creating well-organized Web pages, and an easy-to-navigate site.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Notebook Papers
• Computers
• Web Sites

1. Sum up the main focus of your Web site in one brief, descriptive sentence. (For example, "Provide simple yet complete how-to information on a wide variety of subjects.")
2. Use this focus sentence to determine the site design and features. If something doesn't support the site's goals, question its necessity. (That animation may be very cool, but is it relevant?)
3. Lay out the Web site pages using the advertiser's standby: storyboards. Gather several sheets of blank paper.
4. Write "Home Page" in large letters on top of the first sheet. Sketch or write the images and text you wish to appear on this page.
5. Create a sheet for each Web page in your site. Use headings such as Products, Contact Information and Related Links.
6. Use the same general layout and theme for each page. Keeping the background, colors and button styles the same makes your site easy to navigate for viewers.
7. Evaluate whether or not you need certain pages. (Do your visitors really need to know the biographies of all your company's senior staff?) More pages on your Web site mean visitors can get lost more easily; try to limit yourself to only the pages you need.
8. Consolidate as much information as you can; use target links (links within a site) if necessary. Don't overload a page with information, but don't force viewers to jump from page to page.
9. Add a navigation bar to each page. The navigation bar, or buttons, should allow the user to access the home page and other important pages from any of your Web pages.
10. Use a single sheet of paper to flowchart your planned pages. At the top of the page, draw a box representing the home page.
11. Add boxes to represent the remaining pages and make sure each page connects to the other in some way. Each box (or page) should link back to the home page.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that many Web surfers still use 28.8 bps modems. Organize and design your site so that each page downloads quickly for all users.