Some helpful links:
useit.com: Jakob Nielsen is a recognized authority on web site usability;
this web site has a
wealth of information and updates on current research
bCentral.com - Microsoft's resources for small businesses;
lots of free tips and information on how to utilize the Internet in your business
websitetips.com - a great collection of various resources, from articles
on writing web site content to HTML tutorials
|
|
If you are considering building your web site in house, keep in mind the following guidelines:
1. Keep graphics small to minimize load time.
2. Keep away from Flash, frames or blinking banners.
3. Create a clear navigation and provide access to the same navigation on every page.
4. Work on organization before you work on design; make sure the structure of the web site is intuitively clear.
5. Think about what you could offer your visitors: information is the currency of the Information Age.
6. Be clear what your web site goals are, and revisit them often. Your web site will need continuous work if it is to be successful.
7. When in doubt, test. Have as much feedback on your web site as you can before you commit to it: you may be surprised with what people see or don't see.
8.
A big mistake you could make is to model your Internet presence exclusively on your existing marketing materials. It may sounds like common sense that web publishing is very different from traditional publishing, but unfortunately this fact is often overlooked.
Interactivity and the ability to update content are essential elements that could contribute greatly to a successful Internet presence.
|
