Test for different resolutions.

Just because your site looks great with your computer set to a resolution of 800x600, it doesn’t mean it will look good at a 1024x768 resolution. Often your web site may be hard to read or aligned to left or right of screen.

Here are statistics: 1024 x 768 resolution 44% 800 x 600 resolution 50% 640 x 480 resolution 3%

To test your web site in different resolutions, go to start – settings – control panel – display – settings – slide pointer to resolution you want.

Test for connectivity speeds.

You may be proud of your fast DSL, satellite or cable connection to Internet, however still most Internet Users still connect via modem. Connectivity speed, determines how fast your site will load. If it contains many graphics, which have not been optimized for Web, you may rapidly lose patience of your visitors. They will click elsewhere.

Sources

Web Browser Statistics, resolutions, and operating systems. http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp http://webdesign.about.com/cs/statistics http://www.upsdell.com/BrowserNews/stat.htm http://www.webreference.com/stats/browser.html - daily summary of browser statistics. http://www.anybrowser.com - tests your site in different browsers (not always reliable).

Browser Downloads Internet Explorer:http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie Netscape:http://home.netscape.com Opera: http://www.opera.com Kmeleon:http://kmeleon.sourceforge.net

Checking your web site’s usability can generate more traffic to your site. It may take you a little extra time and patience, but you can be assured you are reaching and pleasing a wider audience.

Herman Drost is a Certified Web Site Designer (CIW), owner and author of iSiteBuild.com Affordable Hosting, Site Design and Promotion Packages (http://www.isitebuild.com)

My answer: In a medium like web, forward movement will never be a problem. The web continues to push ahead, regardless of whether your site jumps on bandwagon or not. There will always be new growth, no matter what your site does.

The question is, when is it appropriate for your site to adopt latest fads? To answer that question, you must keep in mind your site's purpose and your audience.

If your site is technology oriented, and your visitors are technically-minded and on cutting edge, then going for latest trend is more appropriate.

But if your site is focused on an average web user, it's different. If you're sellling a product/service, communicating information, or driving any specific action, you need to keep your visitors focused on that goal. You shouldn't distract them with trying to learn a new set of skills and standards just so they can navigate your site.

Never move faster than your audience is ready to move. At this point in time, people still struggle with being able to recognize links. A majority of people have a difficult time finding what they want. If they are still struggling, your site needs to accomodate them.

As more and more people become comfortable with advances in technology and design style, it will be appropriate to incorporate those advances into your site. Just wait until your audience is ready.

Final thoughts: If context of your site makes it clearly obvious what is a link and what is not, it is sometimes permissible to use a color other than blue for your links. For this to work, your copy should have no colored text that isn't linked (with exception of headings) and no underlined text that isn't linked. Only use another color if you are sure that visitors won't have any trouble recognizing your links.

The main point: Visitors shouldn't have to think about what is a link and what isn't. Whatever you can do that maintains instant recognition is great. Go for it!

There are 580.8 million people online. Can they find your business? Jamie Kiley creates powerful and engaging websites that make sure YOUR company gets noticed. Visit www.kianta.com for a free quote.