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What makes a good homepage?
Unfortunately the answer to this question is highly subjective. However, following standard graphic design principles and adhering to proper technical guidelines usually insures positive results.
A good site must be developed with three major aspects in mind, optimization, content and layout.
"85% of businesses are found online through search engines."
What is optimization ? It is the web page's ability to be found on the internet. In order to be found by search engines, web pages have to be optimized or "prepped". 85% of businesses are found online through search engines. Many don't succeed because they cannot be located by prospective clients. Building a website alone without promoting it will more often than not result in failure.
"A slow loading property can cost you 33% of potential traffic."
Layout should be simple and facilitate navigation on any given page of the site. Navigational clues such as home, back buttons and clear contact information all contribute to clean streamlined web site design. Limited use of Flash and multimedia is also recommended unless implemented with the greatest of care. Text, fonts and structure should be compatible with major browsers. A fast loading site is also crucial, research has shown that a slow site can cost you 33% of potential traffic.
"Content does matter"
The nuts and bolts of a good website:
In addition to being optimized, web site text should be written wisely . Online content should be readable, usable, find able, accessible and last but not least credible. Online text should be written like an essay in a logical and rational fashion. Research has shown that seasoned internet surfers pay a lot more attention to content than was previously assumed. Typographical and grammatical errors can also have a disastrous effect on a web site's credibility.
Use conventional fonts, size 8-10.
Black text for main body ( the recent gray text trend has proven to be strenuous on the eyes.)
Use of blue underline links.
Gif and Jpeg file sizes under 5 kb.
Total website file size under 50 kb.
Use of pastel or white backgrounds.
Html text versus gif text.
Limited field forms.
Caution in table use.
Strategic keyword placement.
Cautious use of multimedia.