Learning Layout - Why good layout makes good websites

There are several elements that can help make a website even more successful. One of them is using layout to make your website more user friendly.

Most websites have common features like a menu or navigation. Having your menu located in an obvious place is crucial. What your menu buttons say also needs to be relevant and easy to read. This will ensure potential customers can find the information they are looking for quickly and easily. In turn, this reduces the chances of them leaving your website and visiting one of your competitors’ websites.

An example of a simple, easy to use website

In regards to layout; the location of your logo and business name needs careful consideration too. Customers should not have to work to find your logo, or any other imagery/information indicating who you are and what you do. A good website makes a great first impression and is obvious.

Having your business contact details in an obvious spot makes it easier for existing and potential customers to contact you. Providing your phone number and even email address, up the top on the homepage is convenient for those browsing your website. If you have a business premises, displaying your address in a prominent place on your website could also prove beneficial.

Your sales pitch or Call to action also needs to be obvious. Imagine having a “FREE QUOTES” or “20% off sale” advertisement placed down the bottom of your page. This means potential customers have to scroll down to view it. Potentially, up to 30% of visitors to your website are not seeing this and therefore are completely unaware of what you are offering.

Published in the Caboolture News

A user friendly website means happier potential customers!

Colours and fonts - Caboolture News Article

In the fast paced world of advertising, there is one thing a lot of people forget to consider. Branding!

Branding is the combination of words, symbols, designs, names and colours used to distinguish one product/service provider from another. This includes the colour scheme and fonts used on your website – Do they match? 

Good branding = better advertising results.

Using standard fonts or free online fonts can save you money. It is possible to buy fonts online, however, some of these have restrictive use/licensing terms.

Imagine how powerful your brand can be, when your business colours, logos and fonts appear in everything advertising medium you use; newspaper, Sensis, business cards, fliers, vehicle signage, packaging, letterheads and more importantly, YOUR WEBSITE. Everything you do contributes to your business branding. Being consistent with your branding can result in a more recognisable brand and business. Think of the big golden arches.

As Published in the Caboolture News

A good web designer will incorporate your existing branding into your website.

Colours and fonts.

Colours and fonts.

In the fast paced world of advertising, there is one thing a lot of people forget to consider. Branding!

Branding is the combination of words, symbols, designs, names and colours used to distinguish one product/service provider from another. This includes the colour scheme and fonts used on your website – Do they match? Good branding = better advertising results.

Using standard fonts or free online fonts can save you money. It is possible to buy fonts online, however, some of these have restrictive use/licensing terms.

Imagine how powerful your brand can be, when your business colours, logos and fonts appear in everything advertising medium you use; newspaper, Sensis, business cards, fliers, vehicle signage, packaging, letterheads and more importantly, YOUR WEBSITE. Everything you do contributes to your business branding. Being consistent with your branding can result in a more recognisable brand and business. Think of the big golden arches.

A good web designer will incorporate your existing branding into your website.

What is Hosting?

Hosting refers to the storage of your website; its associated pages, images and design files.

To make a website work, you need both, a website address (domain name) PLUS website hosting. Imagine the domain name to be your postal address and the website hosting to be the letterbox. One does not work without the other.

When your website is built, it is uploaded to a hosting account attached to your domain. As with domains, there are thousands of suppliers to choose from. There are also different types and levels of hosting. Have a chat to your website developer to find out what you need, and avoid paying too much.

In general, website hosting is available on a monthly or yearly basis. Most types of hosting also include email accounts. From a branding perspective, it is much nicer to have info@yourbusinessname.com.au versus a gmail, hotmail or bigpond email.