How to Build a Better Web Site

It's easier to alter your website design on paper than after you have built it.

Millions of people, organizations and businesses have turned to the World Wide Web to get their messages out. Sometimes that involves a call to action, an informative exchange or a friendly connection. Regardless of its purpose, the design and structure of a website is as important as its content. Though your website's structure will vary depending on the demographic you wish to reach, build it so visitors can navigate it without getting lost in a sea of Flash and Java plug-ins.

Things You'll Need

• Pad of paper
• Pencils
• Colored pencils or markers
• Software for building websites
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

1. Determine the message you want your website to convey and the demographic you're targeting.

2. Sketch out your website on paper. On a single sheet, start with your home page and sketch out the sub pages, showing how they will be connected. Rob Greavees, a computer graphic designer, advises keeping all Web pages no more than three steps away from the home page. Include pertinent information and designs in the sketch.

3. Set the website sketch aside for a day or so, then review it. Ask yourself whether the website, if built as sketched, makes sense and flows. Also consider whether it will convey your message and is appropriate for the demographic you're targeting.

4. Make any necessary revisions to your website sketch, and follow your sketch to build the website. Greavees warns against adding too many graphics and movies. He also recommends you always ask yourself what purpose a graphic serves.

5. Take a break of at least a day or longer after you finish building your website and before publishing it. Review the website and check for design consistency, spelling errors, active links and other elements. Make sure your message is clear and your purpose is apparent.

6. Test your website in as many browsers as possible to check for possible distortions. A website may meet all of your expectations in one browser but be distorted or resized in another. Make careful note of the particular distortions or problems you observe.

7. Check to see how long it takes for your website to load in different browsers and with different web connections. Consider cutting down on yur graphics if the website consistently takes more than a minute to load.

Tips & Warnings

• For specific issues with your Web page, including making your own custom buttons and resolving browser compatibility issues, see Resource 1.

• Save your work frequently on an external hard drive or a thumb drive.

References

• Rob Greaves, computer graphic designer, Hampton, VA

Resources

• Web Monkey