Web Site Design Basics: Site Lay Out

On designing blogs, web pages and web sites

Whether you are creating a blog, web page or building a website, your site layout is vital in determining its effectiveness, success and survival on the Internet.

What are the basics of website design? Every new web site designer asks this question because web design is problematic to some extent, but it is possible, even for an amateur to design his or her own web site.  

Consider the following basics when you are designing your web site.

Topic:

Choose the topic for your blog, web page or web site carefully.  A blog or weblog is much like a diary in its format. It can be personal or thematic, but it should reflect its purpose and significance. A web page can also be personal, topical or thematic. A web site incorporates a number of inter-related and inter-linked web pages.

Location:

Where you publish your blog, web page or web site is important. There are numerous web sites set up on the Internet for this purpose. Many of them are free unless the web designer or owner establishes his or her own domain name. This usually involves a cost factor.

Structure:

The blog, web page or web site structure you choose determines the layout of your website. Most websites that encourage new website designers to create blogs, web pages and web sites offer a wide variety of templates to choose from with respect to structure and formatting. These may be changed. There is also the option of developing a pre-structured web page or building your web page with HTML coding.

Title:

Your title for your blog, web page or web site should be appropriate, in relation to the topic you choose for your web page. Incorporating key words that a spider or crawler on a search engine will find, will increase its effectiveness. Searching on the internet with keywords will help to discover whether there are similar topical blogs, web pages or web sites. Be original and creative in your use of keywords.

Headings:

Your headings on your blog, web page or web site should relate directly to the topic you have chosen. Use key words that are part of your title, as that will enhance search engine optimization. Using only appropriate White Hat SEO techniques, rather than Black Hat SEO techniques, will meet with the approval of your host, as well as increase your readership.

Site Mapping:

If you are setting up a weblog or a blog, extensive site mapping is not necessary. One documentation will follow another, in the order they are posted or in reverse order.  Structure is more important than site mapping, when you are creating a single web page. When a web site is being constructed (more than one web page), then site mapping becomes important. The web pages can be interlinked. Where do you want your web site visitors to go first? Is there a specific order of web pages that you would like them to follow, as they travel through your web site? A map gives directions on your website. Depending upon the template you are using, it can be relatively simple or complex.

Mega-content:

Your mega-content on your blog, web page or web site is important to your readers.  Mega-content can consist of many different kinds of data, but relating it to your topic and headings is vital. Once again, the use of key words and key phrases will make your mega-content accessible by search engines. Try to keep your mega content readable with respect to terminology, length and formatting.

Identification:

On any blog, web page or web site, it is important to be able to identify the owner, business and company. Scanning and posting a business card works well. The information may go into a designated area in a template or be added as HTML coding placed at the bottom of your web page.

Contact information:

When designing a blog, web page or web site there should be contact information for your readers. How do you want them to reach you? Do you have a contact box? Do you prefer e-mail or telephone calls? You can use a template for this or the appropriate HTML coding.

Business profile:

When you are setting up a blog, web page or web site, your business information is important, so setting up a business profile with your company information is a good idea. Your contact information should be included.

Personal profile:

You personal profile is important on a blog, web page or web site, depending upon the topic that you have chosen. People relate to other people and want to know about them. Your readership wants to get to know you, learn about your background and perhaps your credentials.

Photographs:

Choose your photographs for your blog, web page or web site carefully, as they tend to have an impact on your readers, immediately. Make certain that you have permission to use photographs. Give credit to the photographer if they are not yours. They should be relevant and sized appropriately, so they do not overpower your web page. Photographs should be in good taste. Do not use photographs that may be politically, socially or culturally offensive.

Graphics:

Designing your own graphics for a blog, web page or web site can be fun. It is important that any graphics you choose to use are tasteful and well drawn. Make certain that you have permission to use graphics drawn by others and give them the credit.

Courtesy:

Is your blog, web page or web site user friendly? Is it well structured and easy to read? Do you greet your readers with a hearty welcome? Do you thank your reader for visiting and invite him or her to leave feedback in a comment box? Treating your readership with respect will help to determine the success your web page.

Interlinks:

As your blog, web page or web site begins to grow, you may want to use inter-links on articles or pages. Remember that one link can lead to many others. It can also lead to networking with other blog, web page and web site designers. Be careful to create your links in such a way that your reader stays on your blog, web page or web site.

Date and Updates:

Generally, it is a good idea to date your blog, web page or web site and to note updates, as well.

Copyright:

As the designer, you are the owner of your blog, web page or web site, but you may choose to seek professional copyright advice.

Animation:

There are times when animation is appropriate on a blog, web page or web site. Many web sites offer free animation for web site designers. Always keep animation in good taste. You may choose to learn more advanced coding and design your own animated graphics.

These are only a few of the basics for site layout when you are designing a blog, web page or web site. 

Remember that it is possible to change things later, but creating a negative image of any kind initially, will not entice your reader to return to your blog, web page or web site. First impressions are important.

Be creative, positive, motivational and inspirational. 

These basic website design tips will lead to more professional looking blogs, web pages and web sites that will generate readership and be successful on a long-term basis.