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Web page Layout
The layout of your web pages determines the look and feel of your website
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General rules of thumb most webmasters followWhen 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 - 800 pixels wide, which is the rule of thumb that most webmasters follow. |
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Keep your webpages as short as possible without compromising your design. You will have to get your visitors attention or gain their interest with the content you display there so it is important that you keep it brief. (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.)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 homepageThe 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. Mininize the number of links that you show on your homepage. Only provide links to the main sections of your website. Your visitors can drill-down further into your site from these pages.The basic elements of web page layoutIf you follow certain basic rules for your web page layouts both you and your visitor will be happy. Balance the web page with your text and graphics. Create a focal point or center of interest on every one of your webpages. Pay particular attention to the balance of your web page layouts. Be familiar with your webpage hotspots and use them to your advantage.Website character and structure enhances credibilityYour 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 web page 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.
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Be consistent with your web page layoutBe consistent with the layout of your webpages. Use simple and clean layouts for your webpages always keeping your visitors in mind.Simple navigationMake your website an experience that will be enjoyable for the people who visit your site. Help them find what they are looking for and provide a simple navigation scheme. The easier it is for your visitors to navigate your website the more coverage it will receive.Follow the rules of layout that are outlined above and the results of your labors will be fruitful.
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