| There are several things to consider when creating | | | | you're accomplishing your goals. When it comes time |
| and developing your own website. Unfortunately if | | | | to figure out the page layout, this is where most |
| you're not thorough with your approach then it could | | | | individuals fall off the wagon. If you just try to "wing |
| spell doom for your site. I've taken the time to list a | | | | it" you will end up feeling like you're not getting |
| few things to consider when starting your own. | | | | anything accomplished. |
| Hopefully they can send you down the right path to | | | | The best practice here is to draw everything out on |
| success. | | | | a sheet of paper. Figure out what types of links you |
| The Domain/URL | | | | will have, where they will go, what the header will |
| This is essentially the name people will associate your | | | | look like, and all the other components that make this |
| website with online. If you look at all the big names | | | | a successful venture. You will be much more |
| out there they are basically one or two words. | | | | effective when you put everything together. |
| Whether it's Google, Yahoo, Facebook, YouTube, | | | | Browser Compatibility and Navigational Ease |
| MySpace or any others, the shorter your domain is | | | | Another thing to consider is whether or not your |
| the easier it will be to remember. | | | | website will be compatible with IE, Firefox, or both. |
| I should also note that it's a good idea to have the | | | | Granted, it's best to make sure you can utilize both |
| domain coincide with the theme of your business. So | | | | so there aren't any traffic issues down the road. Plus |
| if you're promoting jewelry then the word "jewelry" | | | | you want it to be easy for any visitor to have no |
| should be in the name. | | | | problem finding what they need. |
| Figure Out Your Audience | | | | Once the site is set up, call one of your friends and |
| One of the most important things to do is figure out | | | | tell them to come over and search for a particular |
| what type of audience you will be present your | | | | piece. Viewing their actions yourself will give you a |
| website to online. For instance; your site might be | | | | better understanding of how easy or difficult the |
| geared towards males who are in between the ages | | | | navigation is going to be. If there is a problem you |
| of 18-35. However, you will want to narrow this | | | | can fix it now instead of waiting for it to happen. |
| down a bit more depending on your product. Maybe | | | | These are only a few of the obstacles you will have |
| you're selling sports apparel and specifically want to | | | | to consider when designing a website. You also have |
| work with soccer clothing, balls, etc. | | | | to think about; multimedia options, the colors and |
| Whatever the case may be it's extremely important | | | | graphics, making sure all the links work properly |
| to know who you will be promoting to and how to | | | | (functionality), accessibility, and content. When you |
| go about doing it. | | | | look into each area and come out with the most |
| The Page Layout | | | | thorough discoveries, the end result is a very |
| Everything above is fun and entertaining because | | | | professional website that is geared for success. |