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    Website Basic Layout
    Organize your website into a logical pattern

    Website Layout and Structure

    Website layout and structure The basic layout of a website should follow a pattern of organization that makes it easy for search engines to index your site. Also, a website that is well organized will be much easier to maintain. Unless your website is constructed with an arrangement that is both logical and clean your efforts can be wasted and maintenance will be difficult.

    See: Website Structure

    The Basic Website Layout

    If you have followed the tutorial up to this point your website outline should look something like this;
    Basic Website Layout Diagram

    Basic website layout diagram

    Homepage/Index Page

    Website Homepage/Index Page
    You have decided on your homepage design and have included links from it to the main sections of your website. This should be considered the first tier of content and lead into the interior of your site. Here is where your visitor is first introduced to your website. If you are going to be serious about this website of yours then put a large part of your efforts into perfecting this homepage/index page. First impressions are important on the Web just as in life.

    Main Sections/Site Index

    Main Website Sections/Site Index
    The main sections of your site have been identified and placed in order of importance in your navigation scheme. When your visitors leave your homepage the first thing they should see is a listing or layout of all the main topics/main sections covered in your website. This listing is not to be confused with a sitemap. Your site index should provide links only to the main sections of your website. Links to the content of these sections can be included in the pages following the main topics.

    Subsections/Database

    Website Subsections/Database
    Subsections are placed in their proper categories and the content has been decided upon. This is where the main body of your website content resides. (i.e. database) They contain the bulk of the information that you are presenting to your visitors. Many online marketers call these the money pages. Chances are that if your visitor has clicked their way down to this level, they are interested enough to buy your product, click on your ads or like your message. This is the area in which most ad clicks occur.

    Developing the Basic Website Layout

    Outline your website layout and organize your ideas and content into a concept that satisfies the purpose of your website.

    Keep it simple. Be sure to start with an overall concept and work your way down through all the divisions you will need to communicate your message.

    Draw a layout diagram showing the basic divisions of your website. It doesn't have to be fancy but it should reflect a pattern that will be followed throughout your site. Include all the main divisions and subdivisions.

    Organize your files into a structure that reflects your website layout. Develop website files and directories that are easy to maintain and track as your website grows. The time that you spend on this aspect of your website design is important. Draw a diagram, organize your files and stick to a website structure that is easy to maintain.

    Website Navigation and Layout

    Sitemaps and SEO
    For those who don't devote too much time on the SEO of their site - this is a good place to start. By submittíng a sitemap to various search engines, you are telling them that you exist and what pages your site has to offer the World Wide Web.
    How to Make Easy Website Navigation
    Navigation is how visitors get around your site. If your navigation is unclear then your visitors will get frustrated and go away.
    Navigational Options for Your Website
    There are many types of navigation methods to choose from. You must carefully consider the layout of your site so you can choose the system that will work best.
    Web Site Navigation Best Practices
    A great user experience will bring visitors back. Navigation is a key element in the user experience.
    Developing a Theme for your Website
    Every website should have some type of theme or a way of giving your site an identifying look. When visitors come to your website they should be presented with an experience that they will remember.
    Website Navigation and Theme
    Have you ever visited a website where you keep clicking on links, hoping you are going to find that information you're looking for, only to be led to more pages of links.
    Tips for Improving Website Navigation
    In order for visitors to find the right information, a website's navigation path needs to be clear.
    Professional Webpage Layout
    The layout of your webpages says a lot about you and your message. Good webpage layout is the key to a successful website.
    Web Site Design Layout - Five Common Elements
    Your web site design layout largely depends on the type of website you're building. A sales page, for example, has different requirements than a landing page, and a landing page has different requirements than a niche web page.
    Web Page Design Ideas - How to Use Graphics Creatively
    Keep your web site design simple, and never lose sight of what you want your visitors to do when they arrive.
    Website Design - 3 Pointers For Color You Must Consider
    The correct use of color in your website design is paramount to ensure your site is not plain and uninteresting or on the other spectrum too busy, glaring and difficult to look at for a period of time.
    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.
    Website Optimization - Optimizing your websiteMarketing Website - Marketing your websiteWebsite Managment - Managing your websiteWebsite Design - Designing your websiteRocketface(R) Webmaster's Article Archives



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