5. Use less text per page. The web is primarily a visual medium. Screen after screen of text is dull and unlikely to be read. Try to limit amount of text on any page to a few paragraphs by breaking long pages into several smaller pages.

6. Don't assume that other people will see what you see. There are many things that can make your web page look different to what you expected:

* Different browsers, even different versions of same browser, can display your pages quite differently.

* Some people use a screen that is 640 pixels wide; others have screens that are 800, 1,024 or 1,200 pixels wide. They may all see your site quite differently.

* Some computers may not display as many colours as yours.

* The fonts that you used may not be installed on other people's computers.

* Other people may have different browser settings to you.

* etc.

The moral of this story is twofold:

a. Don't waste your time trying to get layout "just right" as it will probably look different on other people's machines anyway.

b. Test your pages as widely as possible. For example, look at them on different machines and browsers, change browser's settings, use fewer colours, use different fonts, turn off images. Does your web site still look okay in all of these situations?

Remember, it's not enough to make a web site, you have to make a good one. With over two billion other web pages out there at moment, you'll have to work hard to ensure that yours stands out from crowd. Good design and good content will help you do this. Good luck!

If you choose a background color other than white for your Web site, make sure you choose a text color that is easily read on that background color.

Fonts We recommend using an easy-to-read font for majority of your text, but fancy fonts can be used for headings and subheadings. Take note of several Web sites that use fonts that you like. 4. What You Don't Like It is also important that you take notes on Web sites you don't like. What don't you like about them? Are they visually overwhelming? Difficult to read? Write down URLs of several Web sites that you do not like with a short explanation as to why you don't like them on your "What I Don't Like" worksheet. 5. Site Map Decide on how many pages you would like to start out with. More pages can be added in future as your company grows. Home Page - This is first page of your Web site and it is mandatory. It's also known as index page. It should clearly state what your Web site is about. It sometimes includes a mission statement and contains links to your "inner" pages. This page is your most valuable page, as it is front door to your Web site and will be first impression that your visitors will have of you. Inner Pages - here is a listing of some of most popular inner pages. You can customize this list by adding to it or subtracting from it to meet your needs: ·About Us Page - This is a page about you and/or your company. It may include your credentials or your resume. You may also what to include your picture. ·Links/Resources Page - This page contains a listing of links and resources that are relevant to your Web site and may be of interest to your visitors. This is a good place to list Web sites that you have affiliate programs with. ·Services/Rates Page - This page contains a listing of your services or products and can also list your rates and prices. ·Contact Us Page - This is a page that contains information on how to contact you. Often times it contains a form for your visitors to fill out. It may also contain your address, phone number, fax number and email address. ·Testimonials - This page may contain letters of recommendation or testimonials that your clients have written for you. ·Terms of Use/Disclaimer Page - This page provides a clear definition of how you intend to use information collected on your site. ·Site Map - This is a page devoted to site navigation and contains a detailed map of your Web site. ·Other - Write down any thoughts you have for additional pages.

6. Other Thoughts/Ideas Take note of any other thoughts and ideas that you have for your Web site. Do you want your navigation buttons to change when mouse rolls over them? Do you want a copyright statement at bottom of your pages (recommended)? Do you want a Flash movie added to your Web site? Message board? Polls? Any other special features? Add these to your "Other Thoughts/Ideas" worksheet.

Once you have filled up your journal with your thoughts and ideas, it is time to hand it over to your designer along with copy (text) for your pages.

Your designer will be most impressed with information and clear insight you're able to provide. You'll also save a lot of time by clearing up questions regarding your design before they ever crop up. Just like creating a plan for your business strategy or marketing efforts, creating a plan for creation and design of your site is highly recommended.

Viki is President of Mount Evans Designs offering creative, affordable Web designs, logo creations and ebook covers. Visit her site today at http://www.mountevansdesigns.com