10 Simple Steps to Creating a Useful Website

Building a usable website can seem daunting, especially if you are new to website development. However, it is an essential aspect of modern business that can help you reach a wider audience, establish your brand, and generate more revenue. In this guide, we will provide you with 10 easy steps to building a usable website that will help you get started.

1. Focus on Your Content

Your website's content is the most important factor in attracting and retaining visitors. Your content should be unique, informative, and engaging. It should also be optimized for search engines, which means including keywords in your content and meta tags. Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) should be conveyed clearly and immediately upon hitting the page, so that visitors can understand what makes you stand out from the competition.

2. Use Effective Title and Description Tags

Your title and description tags are the two most important tags when it comes to referencing your page content. The title tag is what appears at the top of your browser, while the description tag appears below the title in search engine results. Make sure that your title tag is relevant, descriptive, and includes your target keywords. The description tag should also be informative and engaging, encouraging users to click through to your site.

3. Format Your Content Well

Formatting your content is important, as it makes your pages more accessible to visitors and search engines alike. Use bold, italics, bulleted lists, and other formatting techniques to break up your content into easily-digestible chunks. Visitors tend to scan pages rather than read them, so formatting your page appropriately will make it easier for visitors to find the information they are looking for.

4. Ensure Proper Code

Having proper programming in place is essential for building a usable website. Web standards have changed substantially over the years, and it is important to make sure your pages validate both HTML and CSS. Proper code will make it easier for search engines to index your content, which will improve your website's ranking and visibility.

5. Avoid WYSIWYG Editors

Avoid using WYSIWYG editors like Front Page and Dreamweaver. While these editors make it easy to build a website, they often generate code that is not compliant with W3C standards. This can lead to a poorly-performing website that is difficult to maintain and update.

6. Don't Design in Flash

While Flash animation may seem technically impressive, it often serves to distract visitors from your product or service. Flash also creates major problems with getting properly indexed by search engines. If you must have a flash page, it is essential to offer an HTML version as well.

7. Optimize Your Graphics

Graphics play a huge role in website design, but it's important to use them judiciously. Make sure that your graphics don't have any extreme contrasts between colors, and avoid using really bright colors as they can be hard on the eyes. Your logo or brand should be prominently featured on the front page and in other locations.

8. Make Your Site Easy to Use

Check that your website is simple to use and navigate. Ensure that all legal documents, such as privacy and return policies, are in place, and that your contact information and pricing are displayed prominently. Visitors should be able to contact you easily with any questions or concerns.

9. Offer an Opt-In Newsletter

An opt-in newsletter is a great way to generate return customers. This allows for direct marketing to people who are already interested in your product or service. Keep customers informed about new products or changes to your services, and encourage them to return to your site.

10. Use a Trademark or Tag Line

A trademark or tagline can be an effective way to convey your brand identity and communicate what your business does. Your trademark should be memorable and unique, and should effectively convey your message

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