When developing a web site it is important to make sure you follow some guidelines to provide the best user experience for your users. Here is a list of guidelines that you should follow when developing your site;
Keep compatibility with as many browsers and Operating systems as possible
Although most Internet users are using either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, there are still alot of users still using other web browsers as well as other Operating Systems that may render your web pages differently. To ensure that your web page is compatible with as many browsers as possible, stick to the HTML standards as much as possible and leave out any fancy designs that may affect how your web page is displayed over multiple OSs. Always use HTML Entities when using characters with an ascii value > 127.
Keep image size small and load time at a minimum
Internet users hate web sites that take forever to load. Make sure you keep your images optimized and your HTML code at the bare minimum to ensure that your web pages load as quickly as possible. Your goal should be getting your web page loaded within 8 seconds on a 56K modem. WebDesign provides optimization features which can be found under the 'HTML Tools' menu.
Provide an easy to use navigation system
Make sure your links are all together providing your users with an easy way to find the pages they are looking for on your web site.
Fix broken links
Broken links are a common problem among web developers although there is no reason why a web page should contain broken links. It causes frustration among visitors and creates unhappy customers. Not only should you check the links connecting the pages within your site, it is important to make sure that external links are working and updated to reflect any changes.
Keep a consistent look and feel
Your web site should use the same colors and basic design as each and every other page. This will make it easier for users to find what they are looking for and quickly become familiar with your web site. Design a template and use that as the basis of every page. Style sheets are a great way to keep a consist style across your entire site.
Double check spelling and grammar
A web site filled with spelling and grammar errors is unpleasant and unappealing to your users. Use WebDesign's Spell Checker to ensure that your spelling is correct. Always read over your web pages to find grammar mistakes and other spelling errors not picked up by the spell checker such as words that can be spelt multiple ways.