The web has become an essential tool for most business enterprise these days. According to Roger Black “the latest craze to hit the internet is “push technology” which allows information providers to deliver data directly to an individual rather than requiring them to request or “pull” the information from the internet. A well designed web site usually will have a positive effect on the ones business and a poorly designed one will have a negative effect. Most websites are geared at providing the consumers with up to date information on their products or services with the intention of leading to the consumer to purchase its product or services.
      In creating a website, the utmost thoughts on the designers mind -should be an analysis of the customers that will use the site. A site should be designed around the needs of its clients. The designer should also consider what the site is required for, what will enable users find the site and will the users be able to find the required information from the site. (Journal of information technology volume 5, 2006) one of the worst web designers’ mistakes is to create a web design without a previous analysis of the users needs. Such websites may seem interesting and well designed to their authors but they are complicated and almost useless for many visitors. Users should be consulted before a web is designed to know their desires.


USABILITY

 visitors expect to find useful sites to do business as fast and as comfortable as possible. Therefore usability which is defined as the visitors’ ability to use the site appropriately is very important. Section unfortunately, there are numerous websites with mistakes against   usability. A users investigation in 2004 (“web usability – the main rules”, 2004) shows that about 40% of users never come back to a website after their first unsuccessful attempt. The most common reason for their disappointment with the website can also be found in this investigation. According to Powell (2000) the main web design aspect are purpose, web content, visual elements and technologies. The basic principle of a good web design is a balance between these four aspects. (Journal of information technology volume 5, 2006)



THE STRUCTURE

A web structure is the framework in which the information or content of a website is presented. The structure includes the layout, the colors, navigation and the content of a website. It is important to have a clear and friendly website layout where consumers find the information they are seeking directly when they arrive on the page. The contents of a website should state who you company is, its objectives and its services or products.  It is worth noting that these sites should be updated regularly. The web navigation helps consumers find the information and the answers they are seeking by the shortest route possible. Website navigation should be organized in such a way that the information is only two clicks away. The main content area of website should be linked directly to the information a visitor is seeking. Too many links should be avoided on many pages. Headlines for each web page should grip a customer’s attention immediately. The colors of a web site or page are very important considerations should be given t the type of colors chosen to ensure that the colors relax the eyes and do not turn the customer off.
(www.lukew.com)


Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Another important question a designer should ask is not only how a prospective customer is going to find their web site ones it has been activated but also what will ensure that they visit the site again. A search engine enables someone on the internet type in search terms in hope of retrieving data that leads to a result of the desired website. A good web design should incorporate competitive and relevant keywords which make search easy for a customer. The research and placement of keywords are very important if you want your website to stand a chance before the search engines and make a positive impact in your business. It is paramount that pages should have reverent titles this aids in search.
(www.yourthreshold.com/blog/entry/the_importance_of_search_engine_optimization/)
conclusion
The web design of a company is very important for that may be the only contact a customer may ever have with that company and if the consumer did not feel satisfied or was lost along the long there is no chance that there will be a revisit to the site again. It is therefore important that companies ensure that they create and lasting a great image through the web.

References


Design on the web: Where it's @. By: Blyth, Dave, AdMedia, 01126997, Mar1999, Vol. 14, Issue 2

Journal of Information Technology Education Volume 5, 2006
Web Design Curriculum and Syllabus; Based on Web Design Practice and Students’ Prior Knowledge.
Tanja Krunić, Ljiljana Ružić-Dimitrijević, Branka Petrović, and Robert Farkaš

The web scene; web design seo and internet marketing by CPC computer consultants – www.cpcci.com

www.lukew.com/ff/

www.cpcci.com/blog/7facts/

www.rocketface.com