Reno Web Design Firms
In today’s time-crunched world, most people literally don’t have a minute to spare. This hurried pace extends to the realm of website design — your professional Web design must satisfy the demands of users with a wide range of options for viewing the Web.
Even if you create a website design that’s worth a wait, visitors faced with slow download speed aren’t likely to stick around. So how can you make sure that time is on your side? Pay close attention to seven professional Web design tips to create a website that won’t slow your business down.
Clean up your code
While HTML text is much faster than graphic text, there are ways you can make it even faster. Watch out for extraneous HTML coding like spaces, unnecessary tags and even white space — that can increase the size of your files. Remember that less is more, and use defaults for tags or remove them wherever possible.
Compress your images
Images are a great example of how looks can be deceiving in professional Web design. You might not realize just how much space they occupy when you create a website design. By compressing your images before adding them to your professional Web design, you can reduce/shrink a GIF or .JPEG image by up to half its original size. You may also want to specify the height and weight of your images in your HTML, which can decrease loading time.
Pay attention to page size
Even if you use all of the tips above, your page size may still be big enough to cause a slow response when all the pieces of your website are put together. Remember that less is often more in professional Web design, and use only the content that is absolutely necessary. Ideal page size is around 30KB.
Use thumbnails
Thumbnails are an especially helpful website design technique for ecommerce websites. Provide customers with a small, fast-loading image of your product and let them decide whether they want to view the larger version of the image.
Limit use of flash
Flash is a classic example of style over substance and, while it definitely has its place in professional Web design, it must be used sparingly when you create a website. Even if your visitors have the right flash player (and many won’t), it will increase your site’s download time. Flash is also one of the Web site design elements that is not yet accessible to search engines, which means it can only hinder your search engine optimization efforts.
Reduce server requests
Any element of your design that loads from a different server whether it be a graphic, an audio clip, or an ad will elicit an HTTP request each time the page loads. Create a website with limited external content to reduce loading time.
Switch to CSS
Many Web designers now use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) instead of the more traditional table layout. CSS is a styling language that has a dual purpose in professional Web design: it can save you time when you create a website and save your visitors time by drastically reducing page size and download time.
When you create a website design for your business, go the extra mile to ensure your website has the speed your visitors need — or risk getting passed by.
Web Design Elements Visitors Expect to See on a Business Website
Web Design Elements Visitors Expect to See on a Business Website
Every business owner has a common interest with other business owners, to keep visitors on their website. There are several steps that can be taken to make a guest linger on the website. The longer a visitor is on a website, the better chance that business has of obtaining new clients and widening the websites exposure. The key to having a successful website is to offer the user a hassle free visit. If a person has to search for or cannot find what they are wanting, they will leave the website. Issues like this can potentially cost a business new clients and loss of revenue. There are web design elements that should be implemented on every business website. Listed below are a few of the elements that should be used on every online business.
Web Design Element 1: Smooth Navigation
Smooth navigation is one of the most important elements of any website. A visitor should be able to navigate a website without effort. The flow of the website should remain consistent throughout and allow the viewer to navigate freely.
To avoid confusion and wasting your visitors time, make sure your site has no broken links. You should always make sure that hyperlinks are embedded and that they stand out in the text. Frequently check your website for broken links. Below are a few pointers to ensure efficient navigation.
1.To ensure a smooth transition from page to page, use textual descriptions for the links.
2.Offer alt text for all of your website images.
3.Utilize alternative text description methods for Javascript links or Flash.
4.Stay on track and within the sites theme when organizing the navigation.
Web Design Element 2: Include a search box
Another important web design element for any website is a search box. This is basically an archive for your site that includes information. A search box is imperative whether you have a blog or a website. By offering a search box, you allow the visitor the chance to review information within the website without having to search endless pages. Remember, if you make it easy for a person to use your site, they will stay, make it difficult and they will leave.
Web Design Element 3: Avoid Complicated Registration Forms
When creating a registration form, try to keep it simple. No one wants to waste his/her time by filling out an endless list of information just to register to a site. Limit the registration information to a minimum and avoid unnecessary questions and entries. In the long run, this will be a helpful tool for your site. Avoid having several different categories within the registration. Many people will feel intruded upon and leave a site that is to inquisitive or intrusive.
Almost every good web design company recommends that you keep elements of your web design simple. By keeping things simple and user friendly will also increase your chances of having repeat visitors. When you keep your business updated and in good working order, you increase your chances for success.
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