Is The Site Easy To Use? Usability is defined as how easy it is for users to get what they require from the web site. If someone has to think too hard to understand the web site, they might give up and get off the site quickly! All users have questions that should be responded to, and the response should be available in a few moments. Contact information, purchasing procedures and hours of operation are typical topics that are frequently omitted on e-commerce sites during the design process. This can detract from the site’s usefulness and credibility.
How well does the site function? Functionality refers to the efficiency of a website’s performance. Examples of functionality problems include pages and media content that load sluggishly, inoperable links and error pages. The majority of users have broadband options available to them, but in rural areas, it is not always available. If media files are unusually large, advise the user that loading the media may take a bit longer, or make different versions available so that users can select the file that they wish to see. Browser compatibility is something else that needs to be addressed. A site may not present itself as it should if you are using a browser that needs updating. Designs should be compatible with previous browser versions and a number of browsers, including Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Be sure to always keep in mind your target viewers, and make an effort to factor in technical variations.
Is the Brand Reflected on the Site? Two important factors in developing a sense of credibility and in maintaining consistency in all marketing endeavors are aesthetics and branding. When designing a site, make certain that you take into consideration your desired audience demographic. For instance, if senior citizens are your target audience, make the site appealing to them by making links easy to find and by permitting the re-sizing of fonts. When marketing to people in their 20′s play with visually stimulating interactive and social media. Keep the site simple, or it may become too frustrating to the user. The visitor should know when they get to the site where they are and who they are visiting every time. The logo should be clearly displayed on every page.
Is Optimization done on the Site? Don’t disregard the importance of search engine optimization. SEO is performing website configuration such that Google, Yahoo and other search engines can find the site and index it correctly. 49% of users who get on a search engine to look for something will see correctly indexed sites! Professionals do SEO best; however, there are many books and information available that can offer basic help.
Successful Website Design If a web designer concentrates on usability, functionality, aesthetics/brand and SEO, he/she can be fairly certain that the website will be successful. Successful websites can be found by search engines, engage the target audience, keeps that audience on the site, makes purchasing items and locating information simple, and establishes a feeling of credibility and confidence.
Stephen Grisham, Sr. is a professional writer for InfoServe Media, LLC. If you are looking for web design in Houston, or if you just need a few changes to an existing site, InfoServe Media also offers website maintenance.


