Ten Top Tips for a Wicked Web Page

When starting a new company website, or looking to improve an existing website, there are ten top tips you should keep in mind:

1) Keep your content short (but not too short!)

Large blocks of text that go on forever will put some people off reading what fantastic things your company has to offer. Use useful images and relevant text to make sure people are not deterred by chunks of black writing.

2) Use CSS sprites wherever possible

CSS sprites take large images and split them into smaller images for display. They help to speed up your site by cacheing images so they do not have to be downloaded again on the second web page your customer visits. CSS sprites are good for pictures used across several pages, such as company logos or navigation icons.

3) Ensure your webpage is easy to navigate

If your website is not easy to navigate, you will lose the focus of existing or potential customers. There is nothing more frustrating than being unable to find what you are looking for. If the customers do not know what you have to offer them, they will not buy your product or use your service.

4) Check your spelling, punctuation and grammar

Although this sounds like something your teacher told you to do at school, checking your SPAG is correct on your webpage is vitally important. Mistakes look unprofessional and can put potential customers off your business.

5) Use appropriate colours and stick to one theme

Make sure your website has the same theme throughout in order to increase its professionalism. Use appropriate colours that are aesthetically pleasing, and which match your theme. Make sure the font colours are readable.

6) Have a clear, identifiable contact page

A contact page is arguably one of the most vital elements of a website – you could say there is no point in having a webpage without one. The contact page is necessary for any potential customer who wishes to find out more information about your business. If they cannot find how to contact you, they will use another service.

7) Keep links up to date

Broken links are one of the most irritating things on the internet: no-one likes to see the ‘cannot display this webpage’ message. Make sure your links are current and are updated as frequently as necessary. Again, your potential and existing clients need to be able to navigate your webpage with ease.

8) Use SEO

You MUST ensure that you choose your words carefully when writing your content in order to use search engine optimisation. Read our full guide here.

9) Don’t use too many adverts

While adverts might make you money on your website, too many adverts can look spammy, and can put off potential customers. Use relevant, strategically placed adverts on your website to keep your professional style and avoid compromising your brand.

10) Use evidence

Whether you include customer testimonials or portfolios of your past work, you should keep your site personal: it isn’t enough to just tell people your business is amazing, you need to show them. Impress potential customers and keep existing customers coming back by showing them what fantastic things you have to offer.