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I better give this guy a plug ‘cos his advice is right on the money. He offers you a guide...
“Get Instant Access to our Free Guide to Proven Techniques on How to Succeed Online.
Top 10 Issues in Website Design and Usability
By Pilar Torres Wahlberg (c) 2010
You've tested your website, you've visited it a few times,
you've gotten some feedback on it, and you have a bit of
data about your visitors.
You might want to make some changes. Here are the top ten
issues in website design and usability.
Think about these things in relation to your website and
consider what you might want to do to perfect your site.
1. The First Glance
In general, people look at the top left corner of your
website first. You should have your essential information
there: what your offerings are and how your potential
customers can get it. Some visitors are at your site only
long enough to confirm that you sell what they want, and
some are ready to buy. All visitors need to be able to tell
what you do right away. Don't hide behind a splash page or
make people wait while something loads - many won't take
the time.
2. Navigation
When your customers want and need more information, they'll
stay and look for it. Make sure they can find it easily.
Put your navigation in the usual places, and make it very
obvious what your visitors need to click in order to find
each section. Don't have more than 5-7 choices in your main
navigation and keep it consistent on every page. Let your
creativity and uniqueness show in some other way - follow
the rules when it comes to navigation.
3. Contact Information
Can customers (and search engines) find you when they need
you? Your contact information must be clear and accurate.
It must also be easy to find. Visitors will visit your
website several times before they choose to go for your
services or purchase. Don't make it hard for them to
contact you when they're ready.
4. Call To Action
What do you want your visitors to do? It should be easy to
find out how to complete an order through your website or
get more information. Regardless of the content of the page
make sure that you include a clear call to action. Make it
easy for visitors to purchase or request information from
you. Just be sure to make it very clear.
5. Above the Fold Focus
Many visitors won't scroll; most won't scroll unless you
have already convinced them that it's worth their while to
do so. Make sure important aspects are above fold. The
unimportant things - why are they on your page? This is
especially important on the home page. Visitors who've
reached your FAQs page or your blog are probably interested
enough to spend some time reading.
6. Inviting Content
To develop relationships with your clients, you need to
have them visit more than once. In fact, most people won't
commit themselves the first time they come to your website.
You need to offer them something of value so they'll return.
Do you have a blog, or frequently-updated featured products?
Have you got any useful information that you could offer
your customers?
7. Well-Organized Pages
Don't make your visitors search. Always ensure that your
page layout is clear, concise and gives the visitor exactly
what they want without having to search for it. Try to put
yourself in your customer's position and use what you learn
from testing. Decide what you want to say and plan its
organization before you write, so you can be sure to have
coherent paragraphs.
8. Visual Appeal
While the content on your page is the most important thing,
an attractive page will be more enjoyable and appealing for
visitors. Choose colours that work well together, leave
some open space so it's not too busy, and make sure you
have everything lined up nicely. Even if you have not got
artistic skills you can make a good impression - and you
should.
9. Sincerity and Trustworthiness
The internet is all about trust. If you can ensure that
your website is trustworthy, people will be more likely
to complete an order. What's more, the search engines also
base your rankings on how trustworthy they think your page
is. Don't undermine your future success by trying to trick
the search engines or mislead your visitors.
10. A Polished Finish
Do your links work? Make sure you check your grammar,
spelling and layout are correct? Is all the information up
to date and accurate? Your visitors would prefer to shop in
a well kept and clean shop in the high street. They would
prefer to purchase in a clean and well kept website too.
They'll have less faith in you if you have errors on your
website.
Is your website perfect? Maybe not. We'll be providing more
information on all of these points as we go along, and your
site will become better and better as you follow our
suggestions and learn more.
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http://www.pickaweb.co.uk/ebook-download.htm
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