Creating a Web Page

TEXT - GRAPHICS - OVERALL - DESIGN LINKS

To create a good Web Page is similar to creating a Masterpiece - put a little time and effort into it and you will be surprised with the results.

Below I have put together a list of tips that I used as a guideline when I created this site. I hope they may also help you but remember, everybody has their own opinions, techniques and preferences when it comes to design, style layout etc...

TEXT
	Try not to use the BLINK tag excessively. To display important information it can be great but otherwise it can tend to become a bit of a headache to the viewer. Instead, why not change the Font Colour or the Font Style. This may also accomplish the effect you are looking for.
	If you like the layout of a page that you see on the Web, click 'view document source' from your 'options' menu on the toolbar, and you are able to get an idea of how the page was put together - DO NOT copy this information unless you have permission to by the author, there is nothing worse than copying the work from somebody that may have spent long hours putting it together.
	Java and Java Script have the right affect when used properly.
	If you are going to use Java pop-up windows, use them sparingly. Using it Once='hey that's, neat', twice='ok, pretty neat site', third time='ANOTHER box!, these are getting really annoying...', many more times='I'm off to another page!'.
	Put your Email address or a link back to your first page on every page. This way the viewer is able to contact you without trying to remember where they saw your address before, and will not allow them to get stuck on a page and have to use their 'back' button to try and find where they started from.
	Proofread your spelling. nobody likes a page that doesn't make sense.
	If you have a lot of information for one page, why not make it into several pages. Viewers like to scroll down your page, but 15 minutes of scrolling can tend to make the decision for them to move on to another page (unless the information they are reading holds their interest).
	If you are using a lot of text, why not use the <BLOCKQUOTE> and </BLOCKQUOTE>, and <P> tag. Also put spaces between your paragraphs, this way you can give the viewer some time to pause and not frustrate them with continuous text.
	Name that Link. If you are wanting to link to another page, instead of using: 'Visit HERE to see what Geocities is about!. Try 'Visit GEOCITIES to find out what it is about!'.
	Try not to use the 'Under Construction' sign. If your page isn't ready - don't make a link accessible. There is nothing worse than surfing to a site to find out that you have arrived at destination nowhere.
	Use Linking appropriately. Unless you are specifically using links as part of your site, too many all over the place can become rather confusing.

GRAPHICS

Try to use graphics under 40K in size.
Use lots of little graphics rather than one big graphic. They are faster to load.
Remember to add the to your image tags. This will enable viewers who have turned off their graphics to see what would have been placed there.
Get into a habit of putting the WIDTH= and HEIGHT= into your image tags. This allows the browser to know the size of the graphic it is loading therefore it can load the rest of the page faster.
Re use your graphics. The image is in your directory, why not use it again - it will save you space in your directory.
Sometimes 'Less' is 'More'. Don't overload your pages with graphics that take too long to load. Not everybody has a fast modem.
If you have graphics that are of a great file size, why not check out the Gif Wizard and reduce that size tremendously. (Don't forget to sign their guestbook and tell them how great they are).
Using a graphic that looks like a button? - make it LINKABLE! There is nothing more irritating than seeing a graphic that looks like a button and it can't be clicked.
Try to make your gifs 'interlaced'. This will allow your image to load in low resolution and then into the image. It enables the viewer to have an idea of what is going to be placed there.
If you are using an image for your background pattern, don't forget to offer an alternative colour tag for Browsers that don't support background pattern. eg: . If your font colour is grey and you haven't included that tag, a viewer with a browser that doesn't support background pattern will only see a blank screen.
If you are creating your own graphics, write down everything that is happening -font size, height, width, font type etc. This will make it easier when it comes to adding the Width and Height tags to your document, and is useful for future reference.

OVERALL
Make your Web Page 'Browser Friendly'. If you decide to use Frames why not offer an alternative (eg: for the index page have something like: 'Please choose your viewing preference - Frames or No Frames'. Or use the tags. Make your site easy to navigate. Make your content interesting. Make your Web Site 'stand out' from the rest. Give it that individual touch.

If you want to find out more about Design, Style and Layout etc...why not check out the:

DESIGN SECTION

GOOD LUCK - REMEMBER, YOU ARE THE WEBMASTER OF YOUR SITE!

Do you have a favourite 'Tip or Trick'? - Why not add it here!
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Or Email: - websister@geocities.com -, with the Subject line: - Tips