1. Search Engine Optimization
12.Write the text and "storyboard" your site much like creating a good product specification.
Use a word processor to lay-out all of your pages. Make sure that the flow is simple for the
novice Internet user. Try to keep the body content each Web page to one to two 8½ x 11
sheets of paper, or if heavy information, minimize graphics and limit the size to no more than
six pages. Focus on making the message clear. Creativity, and how quickly the page loads,
is more important than the use of extra artwork for the sake of "cute". And when this is done,
call a Marketing Consultant first, definitely before you call a web page designer. Message
and Placement sell on the web.
13.It is important to consider some aspects of eCommerce: web-based commerce with a
human touch is very effective in most cases, especially with 60% to 70% of all shopping carts
being abandoned. Do not design around human contact if it increases the ability to sell your
products. Factor it into your design. While this may be against the Amazon.com hands-off
model, some firms like Face Time Communications are integrating AOL Instant Massager
with their website eCommerce applications to answer last minute questions. Reports are that
buy decisions increase six-fold if questions are answered. Customer Service is evolving, and
it is alive and well on the web.
14.Double check the site architectural concepts.
15.There are obviously "things" that a Web architect must know. Much of this is contained in
this site and many others linked to this site below. You still need to have a minds-eye image
of what is possible before you spend too much money doing it. We recommend that for
optimal search engine placement that you start by reviewing this site once, and then on the
second pass spend more time on the Web by "surfing" my links and those linked from our
links.
16.For all sites that you identify, go to their website and visit their home page. Choose the
browser option to view their Home Page HTML source (this might be a complex process).
Scan these sites for search engine placement keywords and terms to make sure that your list
is as complete.
17.Marketing is everything. It brings potential buyers to your door. But proper design is vital,
because without effective design the buyers who see your home page will leave before it
finishes loading. The average home page loads in 48 seconds at 28.8, and the average
visitor stays at a home page for 35 seconds, obviously many leave before the page finishes
loading. We can learn from this.
18.Create/Design the site by taking content and art, mixing it with navigation and style,
testing it on family and friends, and always listen to comments, grunts, pregnant pauses, and
blank stares. Specific advice on development of a page is at our Quality Site Criteria page

2. and we suggest that you visit it now, before you code your first Web page! Try not to copy a
page layout from another site. Use your own words, ideas, and artwork whenever possible,
making sure that the message in the image matches your text. Make sure that the visitor
knows what you are saying/selling at all times.