__Flash animation.

Flash movies are commonly used on websites these days. However, to view them often requires users to download a plug-in, if they don't already have it. It can chew up your machine's resources and make it darn near impossible to get out - even a 'Skip Intro' link is hard to click on if your computer is too involved with Flash! Plus load time can be far too long for those without high-speed Internet connections.

Of course there are legitimate reasons to use Flash. But if you use it make sure visitors have OPTION to view it. A couple of suggestions are:

* Put two links on your entry page: one to view site using Flash, other to view it without Flash.

* Move your Flash movies deeper within your site. If your visitor wants to view them, they can simply click on a link.

__'Forced' disclosure of personal information.

You may have seen sites that ask you to enter an email address, a name, or other personal information before you're allowed to 'enter' site. Again, this is an easy way to lose a visitor! Without knowing anything about a site, what reason does visitor have to give up personal details?

Give your visitors option to sign up for your newsletter, product updates, etc. But let them into your site first. If they like what they see, they'll willingly provide you with contact information. This helps *you* too, by 'pre-screening' people on your list to help ensure that it contains only interested prospects and not just people who were 'looking around'.

__S-l-o-o-o-w loading pages.

Huge graphics and HTML errors are just a couple of things that can affect load time of your web pages. Many HTML editors will check your code for errors, or use NetMechanic's HTML Toolbox: http://netmechanic.com/ . NetMechanic also offers a free tool to help minimize size of your graphics.

__General 'unprofessional' look-and-feel.

A few of more commonly seen design problems include: spelling mistakes; bright/clashing colors (or too many colors); too many fonts; a sloppy or disorganized look; too many banners or graphics blinking, flashing, dancing, or beckoning from screen; lots of broken links; and horizontal scroll bars.

Creating a web page is easy. Creating a *good* web page, however, takes a little more thought. A clean, well- designed site is worth effort. Your bottom line will thank you!

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Angela is the author of Online Business Basics, a practical guide to building a profitable Internet business on a beginner's budget. It's received rave reviews -- see why by visiting http://onlinebusinessbasics.com/article.html or request a series of 10 free reports to get you started: http://onlinebusinessbasics.com/freereports.html

It is also a useful exercise to check how your site looks on different browsers and on computers using different screen resolutions. You could ask some people you know to let you view your site on their computers or you could check out systems used at your local library or Internet café. It is well worth doing - you may see some things that need to be changed to make site look good regardless of browser.

How others view your site is obviously of critical importance. Why not ask your visitors for their feedback on your site? You could invite them to send you an email or to fill out a short, on-line questionnaire. To encourage them to respond you might consider offering an incentive such as a free ebook or report or you could hold a prize draw for a product that you sell for best or most interesting reply. The Internet is constantly changing and it is vital to keep up to date with trends. Use your visitors to tell you what they want so that you can offer it to them before your competitors do!

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Gillian Gaston is a marketing specialist with 18 years' experience. She is a partner in JGN media, which offers expert information and resources for on-line business. Visit: http://www.jgnmedia.com

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