4 Most Common Web Site Templates Mistakes
Monday, November 13, 2006
Using a web site template right out of the box is a very common
mistake new web designers make. One of the cool things about
the web is that its so visual. Using a web site design
template can save any new web developer a lot of time and
effort. But like any tool, you can get into trouble if you
dont pay attention.
Color combinations, layout, and graphics are the key design
elements in any web site template. Each web site should be
designed around the subject matter, ease of use, and accomplish
any special goals or end result. A lot of new web site designers
get lost in the visual effects, which can have negative effects
on user friendliness and search engine optimization.
If you look at some of the most popular web sites, the common
element is simplicity and ease of navigation. There are few
dancing bears, flash intros, or exploding special effects. And
almost everyone has text navigation for the most part. They may
have some very well designed graphics, and a few design elements
but keep it simple for the user.
User friendliness and easy navigation should adhere to the
two-click rule. This is a simple rule that implies any user
should be able to find what they want on any given web site in
two clicks. With the short attention span and impatient
attitude of most surfers, you need to give them what they want
fast. You normally only have about 5 seconds to grab their
attention.
I use templates a lot to save time and effort on a new design.
Some Ive developed myself, some Ive bought that give me at
least a 70% solution. They may have some graphics that go with
my subject matter and/or some colors and layout that suit my
purpose for the web site. But they also may be missing some key
elements.
Most web site templates have great visual effects and good
color combinations. But many lack several important elements
for both users and our friends the search engines. Heres a
list of common mistakes I see all the time when a web designer
uses a web site template.
1. Navigation Menu issues
2. No Sitemap
3. Ignoring the fold position
4. No H1 or H2 designated headline and sub headlines
Graphic, pull down, popup or other methods of displaying menus
can look good but sometimes confuse the user and are invisible
to the search engine bots. These are two good reasons to use a
text menu somewhere that show all necessary navigation links.
Sitemaps are important for the same reason as above. Both users
and search engines can see a snapshot of everything on your web
site and get to it quickly. This improves your chances to get
indexed quickly and gives the user that two click ability.
The fold position is where the bottom of the monitor breaks off
the view of the page. All important information should be
displayed above that line if at all possible. Dont make the
user scroll if its not necessary. Any navigation, special
links, attention getters, or critical information should always
display above the fold line.
H1 and H2 designate important info to the search engine bot. A
common good search engine optimization is to put your keywords
in the first headline that the user sees. Of course the
headline should also induce the reader to continue to read the
web page.
Its pretty easy to fix all these issues during the initial
design stage. Even though Ive created 100s of web sites I
still use a checklist. The devils in the details and everything
you can do to make it easy for the user and the search engines,
the more successful your web site will be.
A web site template can be a big time saver but you need to
insure that the end result has all the necessary features both
users and the search engines. Make your web site both user and
search engine friendly by making these small changes or
additions.
About The Author: John Dow owns http://www.fptemplates.net,
that sells web site templates and tools. Dont pay $30-$150 for
one template when you can get 125 for $29.95. Click here to see
how: Web Site Templates
posted by Dennis Cheesman @ 5:42 AM,
