Set well constructed goals to keep your web from becoming a free-for-all. Proper configuration of
server hardware and software is vital. Longevity is important for
your web's data. The general format of your web should be inviting to users. Designing a good web requires proper tools and people who know how
to use them. Effective HTML use will increase
the quality of your web for current and future users.
Infrastructure
Your web hardware and software choices should reflect your final goals.
Do not pick hardware and software simply because it is popular. Carefully select
products which closely follow the current and future needs of your web. Strive to invest
in long-term technologies instead of those which are weakly rooted in current trends.
Reliable
Hardware and software should be completely
reliable. Building your web on
quicksand will destroy its value.
Extensible
Provide for future expansion and growth. Do not wire
your web together with technology which can't be modified to suit your needs
three years from now. Retrofitting prepackaged solutions in the future may
cost you many times more money than developing an extensible custom solution
today.
Longevity
Design for the long term. Create a clean structure and stick to
it. Previously valid URI should never return a 404 'Not
Found' status message. There is no excuse for you to remove
potentially valuable information from your web. However, you should also
keep all information updated regularly. Old information is extremely
valuable as long as it is not incorrect.
Clean Content
Keep your web as simple as possible for the user. Make sure all content is clear, concise,
and to the point. Provide an obvious means, for the user, to navigate through the web. Provide some alternative
to hunt-and-peck navigation for those who cannot find what they need; a simple search engine
would be in order. If it doesn't make sense, don't do it.
Just the facts
Avoid stating your opinions as if they were facts. For example, "My widgets will make
you more productive." It is likely to upset and confuse your users rather than
to sell your product. This could cost you credibility in the long term.
Make Sense
Even the smallest piece of content should relate, in an obvious manner, to
the other content within a given resource. If it doesn't make sense to include
the information, then get rid of it.
Annoying Advertisements
Advertisements are generally annoying to people. Be responsible about advertising.
You very well may make a little extra money from advertising within your web, but, it
could cost you users in the long term. At the very least, your advertisers should follow
your content guidelines. Advertisements are not a bad thing when kept
in context with the current resource. For example, advertising shoes when the current
resource discusses power tools does not make much sense. Unless, perhaps, these are
shoes which are designed specifically for users of certain power tools.
Simple Writing
No confusing words or phrases
Confusing words and phrases do not precisely convey your message. Use fewer words
which are more descriptive.
Simple is better
Simple sentences are easier to understand. Scrutinize every sentence to see if it can be simplified.