When it comes to website design, you need to be extra care to see that every little detail will perform optimally to serve its purpose. Below are seven important rules to oversee to make sure that your website is running at peak performance.

1) Do not use splash pages

Splash pages are useless. These pages are the very first thing that you see when you enter a website. They have flashy images or words that try to draw you in, but in reality all they do are attract attention. In the grand scheme of things they have no value what-so-ever, so just ignore them and do not use them. They will send possible clients away, and in a business, that is that last thing you want!

2) Do not use excessive banner advertisements

Even those who know nothing of technology understand that nothing good comes from an advertisement, so why should you waste your time using them? Rather, show them that you don’t have to shove things down their throat, and you can show them your product respectfully, give them something to enjoy! Remember, nothing good comes from an advertisement.

3) Have a simple and clear navigation

Always give people a short and narrow path around your website. Make it look good, but do not add all of the complicated dropdown menus or flashy fake links. Just give them the upfront so that no matter who comes along, they can easily get your product with no hassle. Make your website easy to use.

4) Have a clear indication of where the user is

People will eventually visit your website, don’t you want them to stay there without them navigating around lost all the time? Remember, an easy to view website means a big website, so stick to the basics! Always make sure people know where they are, and where they are going. No one wants to get lost on your website or else they won’t come back!

5) Avoid using audio on your site

If your visitor is going to stay a long time at your site, reading your content, you will want to make sure they’re not annoyed by some audio looping on and on on your website. If you insist on adding audio, make sure they have some control over it — volume or muting controls would work fine.

Before you buy, create, or build online, make sure you check John Neyman’s excellent free website on Website Graphics, and Website Design