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1. A website search tool - if they want it NOW they will search, not browse.
2. A website map - again if they get lost this is
first place they will go.
3. Easy to read content - Don't use color combinations that are rough on eyes. If your information is long provide a easy access printer friendly version.
4. Fast loading pages - NO customer will wait around for 5 minutes to see your website. Remember over 50% of world is still on a 56k modem, in 2004!
5. A Privacy Statement - Any website that collects information (even email addresses) needs this.
6. Easy Navigation - surfers don't have time to try to figure out your neat navigation system. Keep it simple!
7. Accessibility Statement - Let those who are disabled know that you care about them as customers too.
8. Easy to Access contact information - If they have a problem with site or an order make it easy for them to be able to contact you.
9. Flow of design throughout site - Don't change page design from page to page. One intro page design and then a consistent inner page design is fine but once in your site make sure everything stays in same place.
10. NO, I REPEAT, NO pop ups! - These have become synonymous with ads, spy ware, viruses and porn sites. Do anything you can to avoid them.
OK, so #10 isn't a do, it's a don't but we really felt it had to be on list. Many of items on this list will not only create a better experience for your clients but they will also increase your accessibility to any disabled customer and will help get your website ranked higher in search engines. All in all it just makes good business sense.
over 10 years in web design / web application development, DC Dalton had "been around the barn" of the what to do and what not to do in successful a website. His primary site handles these exact problems, www.dcddesigns.com
