When creating a website, consider the following:

Purpose of the website

First, decide on what you want to achieve from the website. Are you providing information, raising awareness of services and products, selling merchandise or facilitating communication and exchange?

Who is your audience?

Different audiences have different needs, interests and different levels of computer technology and literacy.

The homepage

This is usually the first page accessed and plays an important role in creating a first impression. The website user should be able to see, up front, what is in the website for them. Present a range of options on the homepage, but try to keep the page uncluttered to avoid confusion. The homepage should address the function of the organisation, and who the intended users of the website are (the target audience) and state the full name of the organisation if using an acronym.

Tip: Include the logo of your organisation

Include information about:

• authorship and affiliations of the site
• governing body or organisation
• staff
• funding sources
• mission of organisation
• contact details (email, postal, phone, fax)
  

Content

• Content should be original and credible
• Users should find it easy to recognise the purpose of the website
• Ensure the content reflects the title and purpose of the website
• Provide an outline of topics
• Include links to other websites and resources that are relevant to your website

Design and layout

• Plan a logical layout
• Do not clutter the pages, keep plenty of unused ‘white' space
• Keep pages short to avoid scrolling
• Use colours that are ‘easy on the eye' and balanced for warm & cool tones
• Keep the colours of links consistent (eg. all links are blue and change to purple once clicked on)
• Ensure graphics and icons are appropriate for the purpose and content of the website
• All critical content and navigation options are positioned at the top or side of the page
• Use text that is easy to read. A sans-serif font like Verdana is clearer on a screen than a serif font such as Times New Roman.
• Do not use more than 2 or 3 font styles. Instead use simple formatting such as bold and italics and different font sizes to achieve some distinctions.
• Optimise graphic file size for web display (a maximum of 20 KB per graphic). Large images will make a webpage slow to load and may deter users from using your website.
• Make your website interactive to engage the user and make your site memorable.

Tip: Use a template to create a consistent look throughout your website

Navigation

• Use navigation through the website that follows a logical sequence
• Ensure information can be easily found
• Include easy to follow instructions
• Use descriptive links (signposts) that make it clear to users where the link will lead them
• Provide a site map for users to know where they are / where they need to go
• Include a link back to the homepage from every page

Tip: Provide a search feature that allows users to search your site.

Currency and accuracy
Ensure your content is current, the pages are updated regularly, and ‘last updated dd/mm/yy’ information is included at the bottom of every page. Proof read to ensure spelling and grammar is correct. Regularly check all links are working.

‘Findability' - the site needs to be easily found

• The domain name (internet address) should be relevant to the content and easy to remember
• Include terms that are likely to be used in a search request on the homepage
• Submit your website to search engines and directories, such as Yahoo and Google
• Ask other relevant website managers to link to your website
  

Feedback
Request that users provide feedback (use an on-line feedback form or an email link), and incorporate feasible suggestions and requests.
Tip: Test your website with typical users!