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lpdesignhelp :: professional websites, print collateral and corporate identity

Advice for great design

Here's my opprtunity to share some of my knowledge and experience regarding strong and effective design.

Elements of a good logo

There are many articles regarding this subject, but most agree on that an effective logo should be:
Simple
Memorable
Effective in black & white as it is in color
Scalable (be easy to read even when reduced in size)
Relevant to the industry in question

Web design basics

Rules to follow for a great website

It's been my experience that if your website doesn't follow these and other rules, it could have a negative impact on your customer's experience.
  • Have a logical and easy-to-use navigation. Links such as "Product" and "Purchase" should be in clear view.
  • Use a readable font and font size. One that is easily scalable for low-vision users is a good consideration to keep in mind.
  • Keep the most important information prominent and above the "fold"—the place where the screen cuts off the webpage.
  • A few hyper-linked keywords in a paragraph are a simple call to action that encourages visits to interior pages. Be careful not to overdo it or the text may become difficult to read.
  • Break up long paragraphs with images or bullet points. Don't bore your customer, give them information in a concise and easy to read manner.
  • Use bold text for only key ideas. Adding too much bold will over-emphasize everything, which is counterproductive.
  • It's good idea to have a privacy policy if you ask for personal information through a sign up or contact form.
  • Have unique page titles and meta descriptions for each page. Update keyword phrases often.
If your site isn't playing by the rules, it's time to re-evaluate your website. You could be losing potential customers if your site isn't optimized. Find out what your site is missing by contacting me for a free website review.

Updating your website

Most small business owners don't realize that websites should be updated with changes at least once a month. In the competitive field of search engine optimization, sites that are not updated frequently do not rank as well on search engines. Update your site by showing recent projects you have completed or upcoming projects. Keep your web pages fresh by rotating the products in your catalogue and the images featured on your homepage. Sounds like a lot of work? It may be worth investing in a professional to take care of updates for you.

Follow me on blogger

I also write on the subject of bad website design. It's a place that you wouldn't want your site to appear on. To follow my blog, please go to: http://designsgonewild.blogspot.com/.