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| Here are some suggestions to consider as you add content to your website. They are based on experience in best web design practices and web usability studies. Your website may may be improved if you adhere to the "do nots" detailed below. |
| Please, do not say “Thank you for visiting our website.” |
- This is considered "old fashioned" on the Internet.
- It takes up space, adds more text and is not necessary.
- A better greeting is “Welcome!” or “Welcome to ____!”.
- Better yet, use a marketing statement, or a tag line, to efficiently summarize your services.
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| Please, do not underline text. |
- Underlines are generally associated as links.
- Users will go to the underline text thinking it is a link that they can click on.
- An alternative is to use bold text.
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| Please, do not use long blocks of text with paragraphs that have more than 3 - 4 sentences. |
- Have mercy on your website visitors!
- On a computer screen, it is easier to read short, small blocks of text.
- Keep your paragraphs to 3 – 4 sentences each, maximum, 2 - 3 sentences is better yet. In this case, less is more.
- Smaller paragraphs will make your text easier to read increasing the likelihood that your visitors will read it.
- Use bullet points - they are easy to read and get your points across quickly and efficiently.
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| Please, do not have too little text. |
- Too much is not so good, but too little will not work well either.
- Use the text areas to deliver your message, list your services, promote your experience and expertise.
- Convince your visitors that you have something valuable to offer. This is the place to do it!
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| Please, do not have text that breaks into two lines in the left hand navigation bar. |
- If the link wraps to two lines, the second line does not align with the other links above or below it.
- Use link names that are very abbreviated and succinct.
- In almost all cases, you can reduce the number of words. (Example: use & for the word “and”).
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| Please, do not have other websites open within your website. |
- Websites always employ a full width of your monitor settings.
- Opening them within your site will cause an undesirable horizontal scroll bar to occur.
- Use the “open new window” selection for the “Target:” field when you create a link.
- Please see our tutorial on creating links for additional help.
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| Please, do not use different color fonts or font styles in the general body of your website. |
- Limit different colors for headings, or titles, of web pages.
- Consistency is the key to a professional looking website!
- For tips on making your website more readable check out these websites:
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| Please, do not use a large image in your home (welcome) page - or any other page. |
- You have a limited amount of space for content.
- A large image will crowd out your text and produce an undesirable horizontal scroll bar.
- Try to keep your image to no wider than 250 pixels wide.
- If you need a tutorial on how to resize your image, please clickhere.
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