| Site Effectivness Tips |
- Clearly state the purpose of the site
This has been said many times, but still needs to be repeated: clearly
tell users what they can expect to get out of the site. Too often, sites have valuable
content and features to offer, yet users simply click their "back" buttons and
never get beyond the home page. (Click here for an
example.)
- Make it easy for users to do what you want them to do
...and make it clear! Many sites clutter their pages with so many ads and
options that the user misses the page's main objective. (Click here for an example.)
- Make sure most users can see the most important elements on
the page without scrolling
The most important elements should be located in the upper left-hand
corner of the page, since that is the area that can even be seen by users with small
monitors. Note that a very large number of users view the World Wide Web using America
Online's browser, which appears on users' screens as a window within a window; users
therefore view a smaller area than with a regular browser. (Click here for an example.)
- Use easy-to-understand, unequivocal language; avoid
"technospeak"
Web designers tend to use technical terms; make sure your Web site uses
language that its users will understand. And make sure users can anticipate the result of
clicking on a link. (Click here for an example.)
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