Welcome to the Web - Rocketface(R) Workshop Webmaster's Tutorial - "How to Design a Website"


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Something a little different

Webpage Layout
The layout of your web pages determines the look and feel of your website

Webpage layout size is important

When creating a web page, keep in mind that web users rarely scroll past the first screen. Depending on monitor size, resolution and the users browser settings, this means you are working with a very small area. 640 - 775 pixels wide, which is the rule of thumb that most webmasters follow. You will have to get your visitors attention or gain their interest with the content you display there. (If visitors do scroll, it is usually only 3 screenfuls worth or 2 clicks on their scroll bar so make sure your pages are not too long.)

Headings and focal points in the webpage layout helps your visitors

Web visitors also ''skim'' web pages looking at the headings and focal points rather than reading paragraphs. If the headings interest them, then they read the smaller text. If the focal points happen to be links to things they want to find out more about, they will click on those links.

About your homepage

The index/home page needs to have a layout that allows the visitor to find out as much as possible about your website at a glance without overwhelming them. Simple is the best. Remember to kiss your website. (i.e. Keep It Simple Stupid)

The basic elements of webpage layout

If you follow certain basic rules for your webpage layouts both you and your visitor will be happy. Balance the webpage with your text and graphics. Create a focal point or center of interest on everyone of your webpages. Pay particular attention to the balance of your webpage layouts. Be familiar with the hotspots on your webpages.

Stay consistent with the following rules of page layout and your website will take on a professional appearance.

	1) Unbalanced Layout - How the layout of your webpage affects its appearance and gains or loses the approval of your visitors.
	2) Balanced Webpage - An example of a well balanced webpage showing the benefits of proper layout and execution.
	3) Focal Point - Creating a central point of focus on your webpage to improve its balance and capture the attention of your visitors.
	4) Webpage Hotspots - The importance of certain areas of your webpages and how to exploit them to improve visitor awareness.

Webpage layout summary

Your website is made up of individual pages and these pages will determine the character of the whole website structure. The look and feel of your website will make or break how your visitors react to your site and the credibility of what you have to say.

Some webpage layout "don'ts":

• Don't put a bordered table on your web pages unless there is a purpose for it.

• Don't use frames unless they add navigation value.

• Don't use an image map unless you can place text links on it also.

• Don't include music (unless it's the product!) or a guestbook on a business site.

• Don't include graphics that have nothing to do with the content.

• Don't have things attached to or following the cursor around. This distracts visitors.

Be consistent with your webpage layout

Be consistent with the layout of your webpages. Use simple and clean layouts for your webpages always keeping your visitors in mind.

Make your website an experience that will be enjoyable for the people who visit your site.

Follow the rules of layout that are outlined above and the results of your labors will be fruitful.

Designing Web Pages

Designing Web Pages

Designing good webpages begins with good webpage layout. So what do you want on this most important first screen?

Professional Webpage Layout

Examining the methods of professional webpage layout. The individual pages in your website must have a layout that allows the visitor to find out as much as possible about your webpage at a glance.

All About Design Principles and Elements

Basic website design elements to consider. A truly shocking number of web designers are unfamiliar with the basic principles and elements of design.

Designing your Homepage

Believe me, you want your visitors to stay as long as possible. This is the only way your site is going to succeed. Your site must be interesting, persuading, and easy to navigate.

The Best Page Layout and Design for Content Websites

To understand which layouts work you only need to look at the industry gorillas. These are the online content publishers who have been around for years, and who have tested just about every layout combination.

Writing for the Web

Writing for the Web is very different from traditional writing. The way website visitors read Web copy is unique and you must adjust your writing style to be effective.

An Easy Way to Choose Attractive Color Combinations

Lots of people struggle to come up with attractive color combinations when designing logos, banners or web sites. So, here's an easy technique that only takes a few minutes.

Professional Graphics

Graphic design is an intimidating subject for many Internet entrepreneurs. However, most of us must learn some basic design techniques to avoid the high costs of hiring a professional graphics designer.

9 Ways to Make Your Web Site Look Great

Learn how to design a website that gets attention every time. Avoid the mistakes most people making when creating their first web site. Take home some tricks that even the most advanced designers will enjoy.

Selection of Web Templates

An important part of website designing is selection of web templates. Here are a few points which will help you select the best web template for your website.

Creating a Basic Web Design Template

A "template" is simply a design format which you can apply to all (or most) of the pages in your web site.