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Creating a user-friendly website demands expert knowledge in web coding, structure, design concepts and image editing software. Following the basic steps below is a good start.

Rule number one: Use valid web standard coding with CSS (cascading style sheets) to ensure that your website is cross browser friendly and renders properly in all browsers. Use HTML and CSS validations as you build at World Wide Web Consortium, www.validator.w3.org. Table based layout design is dead. Learn to use proper coding.

Rule number 2: Page loading time is crucial. Internet users want it fast and furious, so try to keep your page size to under 32k. Optimize your images so they are as small as possible and use images sparingly. Eliminate excess or heavy Flash elements and javascripts. Also, remember to use descriptive "Alt" tags on your images.

Rule number 3: Create a clear and easy to use navigation menu. Be sure your viewers can quickly find their way around. Simple and concise navigation is best.

Rule number 4: Fonts, text size and paragraph structure. Use an easy to read font of at least size 10 px, 72%, or 0.75ems. Learning to design with percentages or ems also helps people with vision disabilities as they can more easy adjust the font size in their browsers. Stick with a good readable web font, verdana, georgia, arial, times new roman.

Rule number 5: Use good design elements and structure to make your web pages more attractive, inviting and easier to follow. Header tags, H1, H2 etc. break up chunks of text and adds emphasis. Keep paragraghs short and to the point using key phrases and punch lines. Don't bore your viewer. Use dark text on light backgrounds. Always use excellent writing skills with proper grammer, punctuation, spelling and user friendly vocabulary.

Rule number 6: Keep your web pages attractive and easy on the eyes and ears! Have a good understanding of color theory and design concepts. Avoid annoying elements like pop-ups, movement and sound that can not be turned off immediately.

Following these basic and web standard concepts will ensure a good start to designing a user-friendly web site. Attracting visitors, search engine optimization and marketing, and helping a visitor respond favorably once they are on your web site are a whole other matter.

Learn more about this author, Lori Marshall.
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