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Page Layout

 

Having mastered the complexities of web authoring and file transfer protocol, the first stage in production is to decide upon a suitable layout for the site. It is important that the overall layout gives an impression of professionalism to install confidence in all potential users of the site. The first page, referred to as the Home Page or index page, should look good, explain what can be found in the site and clearly show how the user can access the various pages within the site.

It is also important that it downloads quickly. It is widely accepted that most users will only wait for 10 seconds before choosing to use another site. A useful starting point is to take a look at existing sites on the internet, especially those that attract large numbers of visitors and create a similar, but different design. As the site grows it may be necessary to redesign pages in order to maintain a fast download time. Our History on the Net site is now in its sixth design. The images below show how the home page has developed from a very simple layout to its existing format.

       
November 2000       January 2001            June 2003            October 2003         October 2004

 
November 2007

Ideally, the page layout chosen for the Home Page should be incorporated into the rest of the site. The beginner to web page design, keen to tryout out all the ‘tricks of the trade’ will often produce a site that is a mix of styles and designs which will run the risk of bewildering the user making him or her wonder if they are still in the same site.

A look at some of the most popular sites on the Internet such as Yahoo or Amazon will show that they use a consistent design throughout their site that leaves the user in no doubt as to the site they are visiting.

All History on the Net Group website designs use the same style throughout, are easy to navigate and download quickly. For those who would like their own website but do not wish to do the design themselves we offer a number of template designs which we can set up for you so they are ready for you to add information.

 

 

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