Welcome to the Web - Rocketface(R) Workshop Webmaster's Tutorial - "How to Design a Website"


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Something a little different

Typography and Website Design - Layout
Arrange your webpage text to make every word count

Typography on the Web

Layout

More important than either appearance or style is the arrangement of text. On web pages, text needs to be short, concise and to the point. Make every word count and don't use passive language. Instead of "This link will take you to another one of my graphics pages" - use command verbs such as "Click here for more graphics" or simply "More Graphics".

White Space

Break content into chunks of information separated by white space. Use this white space to distinquish the different sections of your site. Reading is more difficult onscreen; avoid long paragraphs. Don't let your paragraphs, or any text, run the full width of the screen. Use margins and/or tables to keep the width of text to within 10 to 15 words per line.

Example of a typical webpage layout using white space to organize the content.

Internal Navigation Links

Links to other sections of your site should be visible on the opening screen - don't make visitors scroll to find them. If you are offering a number of links to other sites, don't just list them - group them under categories.

Stay consistant

Keep in mind that not all visitors will enter your site through the "front door" (your home page). They could access any page on your site directly. So, it's important to have the following things on every page of your web site:

The site or company name

A link to the home/index page

Links to other sections of the site

Email address of contact person

Website Basic Checklist

1. Select your web site name and theme

2. Know what graphics and/or photos you're going to use and have them ready

3. Know what information you are going to put on your website

4. Determine the main sections and subsections and list them in order of importance

5. Have a basic outline of your web site

Selecting type fonts and colors

You need to select the type of font you want to use and the colors you will use for the bulk of your text, links, and visited links.

Remember to consider your background color or image. Determine if it is going to make reading the text difficult and make changes if needed.

See: Typography_and_Website_Design-Style

If you are going to use a specialty font for your title and/or section headings, create them as graphics.

See: Typography_and_Website_Design-Fonts

Designing Web Pages

Designing Web Pages

Designing good webpages begins with good webpage layout. So what do you want on this most important first screen?

Professional Webpage Layout

Examining the methods of professional webpage layout. The individual pages in your website must have a layout that allows the visitor to find out as much as possible about your webpage at a glance.

All About Design Principles and Elements

Basic website design elements to consider. A truly shocking number of web designers are unfamiliar with the basic principles and elements of design.

Designing your Homepage

Believe me, you want your visitors to stay as long as possible. This is the only way your site is going to succeed. Your site must be interesting, persuading, and easy to navigate.

The Best Page Layout and Design for Content Websites

To understand which layouts work you only need to look at the industry gorillas. These are the online content publishers who have been around for years, and who have tested just about every layout combination.

Writing for the Web

Writing for the Web is very different from traditional writing. The way website visitors read Web copy is unique and you must adjust your writing style to be effective.

An Easy Way to Choose Attractive Color Combinations

Lots of people struggle to come up with attractive color combinations when designing logos, banners or web sites. So, here's an easy technique that only takes a few minutes.

Professional Graphics

Graphic design is an intimidating subject for many Internet entrepreneurs. However, most of us must learn some basic design techniques to avoid the high costs of hiring a professional graphics designer.

9 Ways to Make Your Web Site Look Great

Learn how to design a website that gets attention every time. Avoid the mistakes most people making when creating their first web site. Take home some tricks that even the most advanced designers will enjoy.

Selection of Web Templates

An important part of website designing is selection of web templates. Here are a few points which will help you select the best web template for your website.

Creating a Basic Web Design Template

A "template" is simply a design format which you can apply to all (or most) of the pages in your web site.