What happens when your site has a sudden increase in traffic? Great for your business but not for your webserver. A high amount of traffic on a site increases workload on server, which means that it might take longer for people to download site, and can, in a worst case scenario, crash your server, leaving visitors stranded. There are some ways though, to help decrease amount of work your server has to do.

1. Decrease File Sizes This is probably easiest to implement. Obviously, less data server has to send, less work it needs to do. If you have graphics that are 800x600 in size, and you only show them as 200x300 on page, it would be better to decrease their size in an image editing program before using it on site. You can also remove all unnecessary tag's and comments from web page code. Dreamweaver can actually do this for you at a click of a menu option. You can also download Absolute HTML Compressor to do it at www.download.com (its free).

2. Avoid dynamic pages The next thing to consider is use of dynamic pages (i.e. php, asp, xml, etc). When a user opens a dynamic page, web server first has to process dynamic page code, convert it into HTML, and then send it to visitors browser (a browser has no idea what php code actually means, only HTML).

Here are some excellent tips that can help you develop a user friendly site and please your visitors senses. Give yourself a chance before they get away.

1. Use lots of white space. Don't feel that because you have a whole screen that you need to fill it up with stuff. Your page should follow a clean outline. Include your site name at very top. Below that list subject of your page and below that expand on your topic. Leave adequate space between each section. Don't cram a lot of pictures and ads. If you have an ad keep it off to side or subtly intersperse it between your text. The idea is not to overwhelm your reader.

2. Don't use animation and flashing objects. As advertisers we feel need to get our viewers attention. This is important but we need to do it gracefully. Flashing objects and scrolling images distract your visitor and take away from content. If your product is better demonstrated with animation or some other multi-media, allow your viewer to select option. Don't force it on them.

3. Every page of your site should contain an 'about' link. The internet can be a rather cold and quiet environment. If someone can come to your site and find out about who you are and what you are about, they can feel a little better about doing business with you or taking advice from you. Always include your business address and phone number and email address as well. This lets viewers know that you are serious about your business and that you welcome contact. 4. Include a 'Privacy' Link Viewers like reassurance that you have a policy that follows privacy guidelines. They want to know that you will not sell or give away their information. In these days of rampant spam, your privacy policy needs to be prominently displayed. Many viewers and business partners won't do business with you unless you have it.