Website Design:  Do's and Don'ts

So, you have your domain name.  You have a host.  Perhaps you've selected a great template, but you're still scratching your head.

If you're problem is more of "what" than "how," I can help.  Many people with websites know how to add content, but the problem is WHAT content should they be adding (or removing)? 

I did my first website back in 2001.  Robyn Bray showed me how to build a website from scratch using FrontPage - start with a blank page and start building using some coding and tables.  Frankly, because of her, I got pretty good at using it.  The problem was that I was well versed in HOW, but I had no clue as to WHAT.  Her sites always looked so nice, but mine were confusing at best.

Let's fast forward to now...  what's the difference?  I have a site that is focused, uncluttered, easy to navigate.  No one comes to my site and leaves scratching their head trying to figure out what I'm talking about and why.  Focused.  Uncluttered.  Easy to navigate.  Those are 3 keys elements that must be present in a good website design. 

If I had known then what I know now, good grief!!!!  the years of embarrassment I could have avoided.

Eventually, I grew weary of building sites that lacked design.  They just looked bad!  Robyn gave me the HOW and left it up to me for the WHAT.  Of course she did tell me that just because I knew how to create flashing lights, strobes, and dancing bears - it didn't mean I should put them on my site.  Okay, I guess I had selective hearing...

If only I had taken heed and payed attention to the craziness that she did NOT have on her site.  Again, so much shame could have been avoided.