Read Carefully
The following is important information about what to and what not to do when creating a website. So please read carefully!
Using Frames
Gratuitous use of frames is a common mistake of web designers. Many older browsers do not support frames. They disrupt the flow of the website and can be difficult to anticipate where a page may appear when a link is clicked.
Navigation
An easy to use navigation structure is essential to any well designed website. Important information should never be more than 2 clicks away.
Legibility of Text
Make a conscious decision when choosing your text color. Make sure there is enough contrast between the background color and the text color otherwise your reader may have difficulty reading what is written.
Keep Background Simple
Keep backgrounds simple. White or light colors usually work best. Your background should not compete with the content of the page for the users attention. If you would like to use a background picture, select a picture that uses muted colors or format your picture as a watermark.
Animations, Really!
Constantly running animations can be distracting when used excessively. There should be no more than one animated object in your view at any time. Also in this category are excessive, large, flashing, and obnoxious advertisements.
Pop ups and Advertisements
Excessive advertisements: Agressive pop ups, banners, flash ads, and other intrusive ads annoy your visitors, make your site difficult to use and bury your message in a sea of clutter.
Music, Isn't it Nice
Usually it is best to skip the music when building a website, but if you must add music, be sure to provide a way for your users to turn it off.
Unnecessary Technology
Splash pages which require you to sit through a long download and don't offer a 'skip intro' option can be especially torturous on a dial-up connection. Avoid excessive or exclusive use of java script menus.
Fake Error Messages
Fake error messages that trick new computer users into clicking an ad are just wrong. A real error message will not scroll up and down with the page. Your poiter will become a hyperlink 'hand' over fake error messages.
Spelling and Punctuation
Misspelled words and improper punctuation make your web pages look amateurish and unfinished. Always run a spell check before you upload.
Enclosed Text
Enclosing blocks of text within borders breaks up the flow of the page and causes unnecessary distractions. Don't do it.
Bad Pictures
Pictures which don't load properly could be due to improper uploading of files, improper characters in filenames, or unusual formats or file extensions.
Orphan Pages
Orphan pages provide no way back to the originating page. Thes can cause users to get stuck.
Hyperlink Etiquette
Broken hyperlinks should not happen. Double check your links and update them reguraly. Don't use unusal colrs for hyperlinks it may cause confusion for new users. Hyperlinks which are overly long don't tell the user where it goes or what it's about. Make sure your hyperlinks lead to the correct place.
Browsers and Screen Resolutions
Internet Explorer may be the most widely used browser, but it is not the only one. Others include Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Opera to name a few. Different browsers may display your page very differently. Check your website in as many browsers as possible. Check it in both 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768 screen resolutions. Using tables may help control the layout. Avoid components which only render properly in specific browsers.
Outdated Information
If your website contains timely information, you need to keep it updated regularly, or remove the old stuff.
Download Time
Download time is one of the most important factors in your web design. Most web surfers will not wait for more than 10-15 seconds for your page to load before they move on. Use pictures sparingly or use thumbnail images. Be sure to save images in .jpg or .gif format.