Before learning
how to design websites in
HTML, it's good to
know how web page structure works. There are key
elements every web page needs to be presentable and
functional.
While features vary from one
site to the next, the following elements should be
present on most websites.
Just to give you
a feeling for HTML, here is a simple
demonstration of what pages look like in code.
Visual
Structure
Designing with HTML involves
looking at a lot of code that seems boring and
nonfunctional. But good visual design begins with
proper HTML coding.
You'll need to divide the web
page into sections either with CSS formatting or
tables. Then add images and colors to make it
visually pleasing to your visitors. Your web page
should have a good balance of images and colors...
not too many or too few... so that it flows without
distracting visitors.
Customer
Friendly User Interface
The
user interface marks the foundation of your site
and determines the user's overall experience.
Whether creating a log-in system for shopping or
some other purpose, make sure it caters to your
visitors.
The site
visitor shouldn't have to guess at how to use your
site, and there should be no roadblocks when they
are trying to create an account, search the site,
or shop for products
Navigation
Make sure your navigation
area is highly visible (above the fold of the web
page) so customers won't have to look for it. Main
navigation menus are regularly placed at the top or
left-hand side of a page... this is where customers
are used to seeing it. Test all your navigation
links frequently to be sure they're working. When
learning HTML, you'll probably learn how to design
text link menus, but there are also fancy menus
with various features you can learn later
on.
Headers and
Footers
The header is located at the
top of a page, and of course, the footer will be
included at the bottom. You'll learn about both of
these when learning HTML. In the header, you'll
likely have a logo and perhaps main navigation
links depending on how your page is laid out.
Be sure to place your page's
main headline directly beneath the header image so
readers will see it first off. The footer should
have some of your primary links, including contact
information, privacy policy, about us, disclaimers
and copyright information.
Site Copy
Your site's copy can make or
break your website. Use well written copy that
explains what your site is about and how it can
benefit the user. The copy on the home page doesn't
have to be lengthy, but it should be written to
grab and keep your visitors' attention. Make sure
there's a "call to action" on every page if selling
products/services.
Subscription
Form
Most websites these days
build
a mailing list and
offer a newsletter
or e-zine of some
type. Even if it is only for site updates, offering
a mailing is a great way to get repeat visitors and
make more sales. Include the subscription form on
every page. Hover forms that pop up (only
occasionally for each visitor) have been proven to
get great results!
These are the main areas of a
page you'll need to work on when learning HTML.
Having a professional web page structure can give
your site a winning chance among the thousands of
competitors you might face!
