14 tips to keep in mind when designing websites

I am always getting articles emailed to me about web design tips and tricks, so I thought I'd share one that I have found to be a great basic rule guide.  Especially when you are just starting out building websites, you don't want to get too fancy right off the bat.  Just because you CAN do something doesn't always mean you SHOULD.  Here are 14 rules to live by:

        

       Images

1. Think small, like 10-12KB per image.
2. Always use graphics that fit the content.
3. Do not use images that blink or move or change or rotate or flash or do anything on your page. Or use them sparingly.
   
   

   Layout

4. Stick with standard layouts.You might think it's boring, but you'll keep more readers if you stick with something simple that they can understand.
5. Whitespace is a function of your layout. You should be aware of the whitespace on your pages and how it affects how the content is viewed. Whitespace is just as important in a Web layout as it is in a paper layout.
6. Use your graphics as elements in your layouts.

    

   Fonts

7. Serif for headlines and Sans-Serif for text.
8. Limit the number of different fonts.
9. Use standard font families.

    

   Advertising

10. Don't be greedy. If you have any control over the number of ads on your site, be aware that your readers are not coming to read the ads, they are coming for the content.
11. Treat ads as you would any other image. Keep them small, avoid blinking/flashing, and keep them relevant.

     

    Remember Your Readers

12. Test your pages in multiple browsers.
13. The same is true for operating systems. You can't assume that just because your page works in IE5.0 for Windows it will work in IE5.0 for Macintosh.
14. Write content that they want.

A complete copy of this article can be found at: http://webdesign.about.com/od/webdesigntutorials/a/aa070504.htm

Generating ideas for website design

Well, we all know that coming up with new and fresh ideas for website design is not an easy task.  Of course the type of client you are designing for will be the basis for most of your design ideas, but even still, you may be wondering how to come up with a new "look".  I often scour the worldwide web for template sites that can really get my mind moving.  Just having many ideas to look at usually gets my creative wheels turning and I end up with something that I am pleased with.

Check out these sites: http://www.dreamtemplate.com/ and http://www.templatemonster.com/

While you should never copy someone else's layout completely, these sites offer a wealth of ideas to get you started on creating the perfect look for your next website project.