Eight Top Web Site Design Issues

By Robert C. Potter

Does your Web site keep people captivated, or does it send them fleeing as soon as they get to your home page? Do you offend your visitors with the following annoyances?

1. Automatic audio. Always give people the option of listening to any music or recorded information you have on your site. Don't automatically assume that your visitors will be captivated by your voice or your music. Always give them the option of turning it off.

2. Spinning, flashing, or blinking ads. Flashing banner ads are the equivalent of a carnival barker trying to lure people into a sideshow. You don’t need to shout to people to get you message heard. Keep you ads limited and your content abundant.

3. Unnavigable sites. Do not expect visitors to jump through "link hoops" to get to your information. They won't. Make your product, price, or service, clear, precise, and easy to find. Design your content so that even elementary school children can understand your site.