(Just what you want to hear)
With your professionally designed site style, there isn't much you need to do to keep your website looking professional. But what you do with the text and images on your web pages can make - or break - the level of professionalism.
Here are a few general suggestions:
Text Color. A little goes a long way. When you are using text color, it is best to use it to highlight specific text for a specific reason... instead of using it on the entire page. For example, using a color from somewhere in your site style to highlight a heading is a great use of color. On the other hand, making the entire page neon pink is a little overwhelming. Color in moderation is the best policy for keeping your site professional and readable.
Font or Text Style. In our opinion, the best font to use on the web is Arial because it is easy to read on a computer monitor. Try not to mix and match fonts on a page or throughout your website. It is better to use one font throughout. A second font could be used occasionally to highlight text or emphasize a point. Also, it is a good idea to keep the font size consistent throughout the website.
Underlining. The main way underlining is used on the web is when there is a link. So unless you want someone to click on your text, it's better to not underline it. Although it is a great way to highlight in other mediums, for the web it is just misleading and confusing for your users. I know I feel silly when I try to "click" an underlined word, thinking it's supposed to link somewhere. So wherever you have the urge to underline... bold it instead.
Keep Your Pages "Scan-able" When users are looking at your website, they often will "scan" or quickly look over a page to get the general idea of the content of the page. You can help them do this easily by adding a word or two heading to the beginning of critical paragraphs... similar to what I have done on this page so far. When you came to this page, you could scan it to see what topics you were interested in. This helps keep your users engaged in your website. Give them a reason to stay a little longer and read some more. A full page of straight text with no directive highlighting screams "skip this page."
Bullets. Another great way to organize your page content is through the use of bullets. When you have several points in a paragraph, bullets help to keep them organized and separated from each other. It looks professional and definitely improves readability.
Images. Adding a few relevant images throughout your website helps to break up the text and keeps your users engaged. Not too many though... or else it will take too long to load the page. 1-2 images per page is about right.
Image Alignment. I've found that wrapping the text around the images looks the best. Just be sure there is a little space between the text and the edge of the image. When you use the PD-go! Image Gallery pictures, it will add space automatically. When you use your own images, put a 5 pixels space cushion around the edges of your image to achieve this. See tips on optimizing your imagesfor more information on this. Drop shadow around your pictures are highly recommended.
Animated images. I strongly recommend that you use animated images sparingly. An animated image really draws attention to itself... so if there is something very special that you want to bring attention to, a tasteful animated image works well. Annoying flashing images or unnecessary animated images (like flashing mailboxes that read "email me" or spinning globes) are unnecessary and very unprofessional.
Do You Really Want People to LEAVE Your Website? I can't stress enough to be careful when you are using links. Every time you put a link on your site you are giving people an opportunity to leave your site. That means all the marketing effort you put into getting that person on your website just went out the window because you just sent them to another website. So unless there is a really good reason for linking to another website, it is better to leave it off. If you must provide links to leave your site, be sure that the "Open in new window" box is checked for that link. That way, your website will stay in the background and will be waiting for the visitor to return.
Speil Cheking... umm... Spell Checking. Don't forget to run a spell check on your text. Also, make sure you go over your text very carefully for grammatical errors. Nothing makes your site more unprofessional than glaring spelling errors. If you're not that good at editing (like me), have someone else look over your web pages to double check you.
If you would like us to look over your website after you are finished putting it together, we are certainly available for that type of consultation at our normal hourly rates. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for answers and suggestions.
