The web is a visual medium and for it to work effectively must be well designed. With so many individual components this might seem a daunting task. However, by approaching it as a series of small discrete units your small business web site design suddenly becomes an enjoyable, easy to understand activity. Just follow the Easy Web Design 4U guide below.

1. Keep Things Simple. As with the offline world, first impressions count. A messy, disorganised site will simply confuse your visitor, who’ll probably make a swift exit, never to return.
2. Make Navigation Easy. Your navigation structure should be easy to follow. A clear, easy to follow menu structure should be accompanied with a shallow page structure which allows the user to find what they are looking for within three clicks of landing on your site.
3. Ensure Consistency on Every Page. Once the user is familiar with the layout of one page, they do not want to waste time learning the layout of other pages. If the search box is in the top, right hand corner of one page, keep it there for all other pages.
4. Choose Colours Carefully. People won’t stay around if text is difficult to read or colours clash. People generally only want to skim read your content before moving on. Yellow text on a white background is difficult to read, rather than slowing down to read your article, chances are they’ll leave.
5. Avoid Annoying Features. Top of many people’s hate list are pop up boxes appearing and loud music bellowing out, so think carefully before using them.
6. Content is King. The best design in the world won’t tempt people to return to your site if there’s nothing there to engage them – that’s the job of your content. Make sure it’s relevant, interesting and kept up to date.
7. Increase Your Chances of Being Found. Sensible use of appropriate keywords and a good link building strategy will help the search engines find your site.
8. Utilise the Full Browser Window. It’s frustrating to see a website crammed into the corner of a large screen. Set your site so that it fills the browser window.
9. Develop for Multiple Browsers. We don’t all use the same browser, so it’s important that your site displays properly in all of the main browsers. Don’t forget to check that it does – it’s better that you detect problems before you launch than potential customers find them later.
10. Test for Errors. Spell check your content before publishing it and check that your links go to the right place. If you’re using images and videos ensure they display correctly.
11.  Include Your Contact Details. People like to think they are dealing with a person rather than just an entity. Knowing there is someone on hand to help them with problems and queries may provide them with the confidence they need to make that online purchase.
12. Quick to Download. Studies have shown that if your web site doesn’t load within 15 seconds, people leave. Keeping it simple helps to circumvent this problem. Only add Flash files if absolutely essential.

There you have it. Twelve steps to help guide you to a small business web site design that will give your visitor every reason to want to return.

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