Creating A Favorable First Impression For Your Website

Your Website Should Appear Professional & Clean

Aren't you more likely to "relax & stay a while" in a clean environment as opposed to a dirty, cluttered one? The same concept applies to your website. This is achieved through providing a planned layout that is easy for your visitors to navigate.

Header Images

Header Images have a strong impact on first impressions. It is my personal opinion that it is one of the most (if not the most) important graphical aspect of your website. Many times I will spend at least half of the time taken to build a website on the header image. Why? It's the FIRST thing your visitors see, and is repeated on every page; there's no escaping it. If it is too "plain", your website will look too elementary, if it's too "busy", then it is distracting. Header images need to have harmonious balance with the rest of your website, yet stand out.

Colors

As we all know, there is psychology behind choosing the right colors for the "mood" you want to create for your website's visitors. Colors play a very important role in first impressions, and should be chosen carefully. The right combination of colors can "make or break" a good first impression.

Ease Of Navigation

Ever felt like you needed a GPS just to navigate a website? Too much work! Which is why your visitor will likely leave to find another site for what they're looking for. Your visitors should be able to find exactly what they're looking for without having to "think" about it. Well-constructed navigation will ensure your visitors have a pleasurable experience while visiting your website.

Unprofessional Graphics

One of the reasons I collect a deposit upon being hired to create a website is that I purchase PROFESSIONAL, high quality graphics if I don't create the graphics myself. There is nothing more "tacky" than to see a website with distorted graphics. Yes, hit counters are included in my list of unprofessional graphics.

Purpose

Why did you want a website in the first place? Visitors should be easily able to determine why you're on the "information highway". Provide useful content, but be specific and to the point. No one has time for "chit chat" or else they'd be in a forum or chat room-----not on your site.

Content Is King!

Last, but not least, WEBSITE CONTENT is the reason why you wanted to have a website. It's what's most important to your visitors, but you have to get them to indulge in your content by creating a relaxing and clean website environment. Your content means nothing if a visitor has navigated away from your page due to poor layout, poor navigation, and poor color choices. Provide content that is informational, yet to the point.

Anything you'd like to see added to this list? Email or call me & I will do my best to accommodate!