Another important thing is navigation. Make it easy to understand. Some people get too fancy with that, which makes even experienced web surfers wonder how to get around their web site. Keep it simple and your web site’s structure logical- so visitors can easily go from A to B and access information they need.

Download time is also very important. As a general rule you have to make your web site load as fast as possible or your visitors will get tired and go somewhere else. However, it doesn’t mean that your web site should be “graphics- depleted” or lack interactive features. To apply this rule correctly you should know your audience first. Ask yourself: if majority of your visitors have broadband? Are they using current technologies? If they are, they may be looking for a richer online experience with high quality images, Flash animations, and multimedia elements.

There are a lot of other issues that you have to keep in mind like browser compatibility, and, of course, search engine optimization – but we won’t cover them right now.

What you can do to make your web site better.

1.Give your website a critical eye. Encourage your visitors to send you their comments and suggestions (at least you’ll show that you care) Ask them what they value most. Compare your site to web sites of your competitors.

2.Analyze results. See what most people do and don’t like about your web site. Think about how to enhance your strong points and to eliminate your deficiencies.

3.Find solution. If you can improve your web site yourself- great! But don’t overestimate your abilities. If you want an attractive, well designed site that stands out go to professionals- people with experience and special knowledge in this field. Let them do that work while you can concentrate on most important thing –running your business.

4. If you decided to seek professional help, don’t hurry and use your God given gift of common sense. Shop around, but don’t necessary go for lowest price. Price is a big factor, but not only one. You don’t want to end up with a cheap web site that you’ll have to change again rather sooner than later. Before striking a deal, do your homework. Do your best to find out more about web design company/ designer that you’ll work with. First of all visit their web site- if you’re not impressed, go away. If they can’t do it right for themselves- how they can do it right for you? Second, ask them to show their portfolio- see what they can do for their clients. Third, don’t be shy to ask for references. See if they work closely with clients and respond well to their requests.

And always remember- your website is face of your company. Leaving it in bad shape can really damage your image and turn away many of perspective customers.

The only way to make sure you can stick to your timelines is to get materials from clients delivered within a specified time. You should never allow a client to submit their materials to you at their leisure. Too many business owners think their work is done once they have finally found a Web designer to do their project. At point of hiring you, they tend to believe they can just pace themselves and get to you when they have time. This will never work if you want to run a successful Web design business.

You need to set parameters for how and when you want materials delivered to you, in order to do work you are hired to do effectively. If you complete 75% of a Web site but have to wait an extra two weeks just to get 3 paragraphs of info from a client to finish last 2 pages; you’re not making most of your time.

When you sign with each client, lay down some specific time periods in which you expect them to deliver all their materials. Instead of sounding like a dictator, explain to clients importance of getting their materials to you in a timely fashion. Help them understand that it is essential so you can complete their site in time frame you have given them. Make sure you also tell them how you want materials delivered to you and in what formats so they are able to get it right first time.

Must Number Three: Get Approval for Everything You Do

Depending on how you run your Web Design business, there should be several steps to each project you do. It is very important that you get approval for each phase of your projects. The last thing you want is to do a lot of work and then have to redo it because someone claims they didn’t approve what you did. You will find times when clients change their minds after you’ve done something and they won’t see how hard it will be for you to redo it. Make sure you get approval before moving on to next step so you can avoid doing extra work or just doing things over.

Although you may find you have a good relationship with a client, it is a good idea to get approval for each phase of your project in writing. You just never know when you may come across a client that decides to change their mind after already having approved something. In order to prevent any problems with a client, getting approvals in writing will help keep everyone in their place. If someone request a change to something they already approved and they want it done for same charge as you bid on in beginning, you will have their approval in writing to back you up when you bring it to their attention.

In Summary:

Implementing these 3 crucial musts into your business practices will not only help you get things done more efficiently; it will make your life much easier. Allowing projects to overlap because clients don’t deliver their materials on time or in proper fashion, is just bad business. Set guidelines for submitting materials, sign contracts with each client and get approval for everything you do and your business will run much smoother and be more enjoyable for you and your clients.