Make the website look good
A good looking and well designed website is not only very satisfying to look at, it will also encourage people to look around and come again. Again there are many books and articles on the internet about the subject, below are only a few bits of advice gained from the creation of this website.
A visible and obvious menu navigation system is essential for users to find there way around. Often a search facility helps on larger sites, and sometimes a site map of the website is useful.
The use of colours should be discrete and coordinated. There has been a recent trend to have more 'white' on websites generally.
The use of 'gimmicks' such as sound should be avoided as far as possible, especially if there is no obvious way of turning it off.
The web is not like a book. Try not to put too much information on one page, it is easier to read on the screen if you can split it up into digestible portions.
Photographs used wisely can increase the appeal of your website dramatically.
Genealogical websites that are just lists of people are not really that interesting. To hold people's attention add background information and stories. These were real people not just names!
A 'What's New' page directs users to new content and proves there there is someone looking after the website. All too often websites are put on the Internet and left there for years without changing.
Obvious as it may seem, use of a spell checker is essential. Many people will see spelling mistakes as sloppy and that will reflect badly on the rest of the information.
Prime examples of how not to do website design can be seen at Web Pages that Suck.
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