Learn from Successful Web Sites


to it at a later date.

Don't try anything new.
This is related to the idea that change is bad, but deserves separate mention because it is significant. Popular sites home pages don't use any hot new internet browser technologies. No Flash, no streaming video, no frames, etc.

You may remember a few years back when there were "What's Cool" pages on that would link to pages that featured whatever the hottest new technology was. These sites are the ghost towns on the information superhighway.

The most successful sites have used browser technology that hasn't changed much since 1996 or so. By using well established technology, sites can make sure they are not losing any users that do not have the latest PC, browser, plug-in, or internet connection. Any of these new technologies should be avoided unless there is a clear reason to use them, especially at the top level of a site.

These same sites are using the most sophisticated technologies available where no one will ever see them; on their servers. Databases are being used to serve constantly changing information, sophisticated user tracking is being done, images are being dynamically generated, and pages are even being customized for individuals. This is generally where new technology should be focused, not on the user's end. No matter what technology is used on the server, if the web paged delivered to the user is standard HTML, computer users will be able to use it.

Conclusions
Successful sites use several techniques that can be incorporated into new sites and the development of existing sites.

  • First, surfers are looking to quickly get to the content they want, so one needs to make sure that content and links are very easy to find.
  • Next, for sites that are intended for a large audience, one needs to design for users, not designers.
  • Sites need to load very quickly or surfers will click the back button. Any non-essential graphics should be eliminated.
  • Changes are bad when it comes to usability, so change needs to be managed carefully and directed deeper into the hierarchy of the site. This will keep the interface consistent and also keep bookmarks and links from breaking.
  • Finally, sites intended for wide audiences should avoid any new browser features because these tend to limit your audience. Main pages should be designed for old browser technology and newer techniques should be
    The copyright of the article Learn from Successful Web Sites in E-Business Basics is owned by James Lewin. Permission to republish Learn from Successful Web Sites in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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