by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: February 14, 2010   Last Updated: September 17, 2010

Websites are a way to reach out to thousands of people and make an impression.  It is the goal of most to make the best impression possible. They may only be on the page a few seconds before they make a decision to read on or leave.

Take a plain old paper and pencil and jot down the adjectives you are hopeful people would use to describe the website.  These will be very individual and unique. This is a great way to design and develop your spring cleaning project of the website.

Words may include a myriad of ideas like, crisp, clean, professional, savvy, eclectic, or simple ( to name a few). Identify the set of adjectives and then check the design.  See if it fits the bill or if changes need to be made.

1. Update information
Go through the text and contact information and make sure everything is accurate.  Phone numbers and email addresses may have changed.  More people or family may have to be listed.  If the website has pricing and delivery prices make sure they are updated and accurate.

2. Check the links
Nothing is more frustrating then a broken link.  If someone is interested enough in a subject to click on a link  they want it to go somewhere. Visitors lose interest quickly on a road to nowhere.

3. Check font and color
Reasonable size font is an interesting term.  One major international company prefers that all resumes come in a specific font and size. Only the hiring managers are privy to that specific information.  Since they hire on a point matrix, the size and font of the resume could be the difference between getting the job or not. That is how important font and size can be. Get a consensus.

Print should be easy to read.  If the text is too bright, light,or dark guests will not be able to read the information.

4. Minimize clutter
Too many options on a web site leaves the visitor overwhelmed.  The website should be like a well made map.  It should be easy to read and guests should be able to see and get where they need to be.

5. Make sure there is time to finish the job
A website under construction is a waste of the visitors time.  They don't appreciate the under construction sign.  It simply means they can not get the information they want, when they need it.  So pull the website down and make sure it is completed in a timely manner.

For some people it helps to think of a website as if they were inviting guests into their home or place of business.  Appearance means everything.  They will never arrive at the text unless there is a clear clutter free way to get there.

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