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Building A Website-Is It User-Friendly

By Vickie J. Scanlon



People new to the Internet have a misconception as to what the "Internet" can offer them. Some believe that all they have to do is put a website up and the money will begin to roll in. Whoa! That's a nice thought.

Though the thought is nice, it's really not true. If you want to make money with your website, you have to treat it like a true business. And, if everything online is foreign to you, anticipate a time to learn. Let's begin with your website.

When building a website, there are certain elements that are becoming more and more important in the eyes of Google- SEO and your website formatting. So, what does that mean for the individual putting up a website? Let me explain.

First, when building your website, you should try to be aware that the data should:

1. load quickly
2. navigation should be easy to follow for human and search engine alike
3. sitemap-should be descriptive and accessible

Why should you look at these three elements? These three elements can help your website to become more accessible to the search engines. Let me explain.


Is your website Loading Quickly?

When you construct a page, you should always ask yourself-"Is my web page loading fast enough for the user? Why? Load speed is beginning to gain more emphasis in the eyes of Google. Which means, they are going to include this in their algorithm of elements to consider when measuring page rank.

They feel that page load speed can offer the user a greater experience, and you, the webmaster, a better opportunity to make money. Thus, take the time to test your web pages before you put it online. It will save you time, with rework. (Please note: load speed alone will not give you revenue-but it does give users an opportunity to view your content).


Website Navigation and Sitemap

Your website navigation is the door that opens your website to the user. Metaphorically speaking if you have navigation that locks the door to your visitors-you see no traffic. Why? If the search engines can't follow your links, neither can your users.

This holds true for your sitemap. Your sitemap should be descriptive and accessible. Note: There is more than one type of site map that I am speaking about, the sitemap for the user, and the sitemap(s) for the search engines.

Both website navigation and your sitemap can open the door to both, users and the search engines. If you present the information in an understandable hierarchical way, it can lead to Google giving you a breadcrumb in the SERBs. A breadcrumb is an added link under the main link-to entice the user to your site. The more links in the SERPs, means more exposure for your website.

To conclude, when building your website, it's wise not to ignore your navigation, sitemap and load time, you could in fact be ignoring your opportunity for better page rank and revenue. 


About the Author:

Vickie J Scanlon  -- Visit her site at: My Affiliate Place for articles,  "How to" info for affiliate marketing/internet marketing, tech accessories, utilities security software, accounting software, notebook deals for business .

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