Web Design Tips: How To Make Your Own Site

In the history of the world, few things have been as popular as the Internet is today. Regardless of what your interests are, there is a website for you. The sky is the limit once you have a firm grasp of web design. These tips can help.
When you are creating graphics or photos for your website, be sure to keep the file size small. If your graphics are too large, your page will load slowly and your visitors will leave. You can find many free or inexpensive graphics programs online that will optimize your images before you load them to your website.
Incorporate fixed-position navigation so the users can easily use your site. This means locking the navigation panel when a person scrolls down a single page. Not only is this convenient for your visitor, but it can also help internet marketers by facilitating any action for visitors (e.g purchase a product, subscribe to a newsletter).
Put in an element to search so you can have visitors search what's on your website. Those searching for specific information will instantly scan for a search option. When there isn't one available, they may just decide to try another site where they can find that information. Put the box on the right-hand top of the page.
Make sure that you use the right anchor text. The anchor text of a link should clearly describe what the visitor should expect to see when he clicks on the link. For instance, if a link leads to your widget ordering page, the anchor text might read "Order widgets." Specifically avoid using "click here" as anchor text.
Have the data that users enter into fields preserved so that it can be transferred over to other portions of the site where the same information has to be filled out. When visitors may be filling out multiple forms or information pieces, have the data fields retain their information, and auto-fill subsequent forms that are filled out. Saving the user's information in this way simplifies work for them, and is much appreciated by your website visitors.
Have a site map. These are useful to your clients and the search engines, as they give a detailed overview of your entire website. It can be a guide for viewers searching for a certain part of your site, and also allow you to keep track of its structure and layout.
In order to provide the clean yet effective site you have created in your mind, you need to purchase a site building and design program that offers the tools you require. This type of software is a lifesaver and extremely easy to use. Before long you will be designing some eye-catching sites to add to your portfolio. It doesn't matter how good your content is if your site is dated and unusable.
Creating a website that leaves your own personal mark online is easy when you understand web design basics. The better your skills become, the more professional your website will look. Use the tips you learned here if you cannot wait to design an excellent site.