What is an Excellent Web Site?

There are many flavours of web sites, targeting all sorts of different types of people. Nonetheless, there are certain qualities that all excellent sites have in common.

• Design is distinctive, practical, attractive; not a clone.
• Navigation is clear and consistent throughout the site; visitors easily understand how to navigate the site.
• Text is crisp, informative, error-free.
• Pages are generally one-two screens in length; not much scrolling required.
• Graphics support text, and don’t slow loading
• Pages load quickly (around 10-15 seconds with a 56k modem).
• Clients can find answers to their questions quickly.
• Gift - there is information on the site which is for the visitor's use or inspiration, whether or not they use your services .
• Web pages coded in modern XHTML form, for next generation Internet needs.
• Most formatting is handled by cascading style sheets (CSS).
• Code fits international W3C standards.
• Code design keeps the needs of handicapped persons in mind.
• The site works well on a variety of current browsers (such as Explorer and Netscape) and platforms (including PCs and Macs).
• Applies techniques to help search engines find your site.
• Gives your clients the impression they would like to deal with you - this may mean a splashy site for an underground artist and a more conservative one for a financial services company.
• Liquid design (optional) – page fits on an 800x600 pixel screen, resizes to look good on larger ones as well.