1. Draw the line between design and implementation
It takes a wide range of skills to build a leading-edge web site. If you want to focus on design and content, you need to have a clear plan for where to draw the line between design and implementation, and how the sites are going to be implemented.
2. Think in terms of information architecture
It is tempting to think of a web site as a collection of pages, each with an assortment of content placed on it. That is, after all, how things work in the physical world. If the site you are building is more than a few pages, though, you’ll be able to create much better results with less effort if when you think in terms of the data patterns that underlie the site’s content.
3. Pick the best CMS for your needs
All but the very simplest of sites should be built in a content management system. A CMS makes adding content, and keeping it updated, much easier. To choose the best one for you, you need to understand the pros and cons of hosted vs. self-hosted, and open-source vs. commercial soltuions.
4. Know What jQuery Can Do for You
Interactivity is what brings the web to life. Most interactions on the web are powered by JavaScript, a powerful programming language that nearly all browsers support. The jQuery library makes common JavaScript web page interactions simple. Even if you are contracting your programming work to others, you’ll be most effective as a designer if you understand what's easily implemented with jQuery.
5. Drive traffic with SEO and social media
Most web site owners want their sites to be found – they’re investing in their sites to attract an audience, whether they be customers, fans, or converts. To do so, you need to integrate the site with social media, and pay attention to SEO.
5 Tips for Better Sites
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About the Author
Michael Slater is the cofounder and CEO of Webvanta Inc., which provides a hosted CMS and site-building services for web designers. He has been working with the web since its inception. During the past three years, has has provided development services for dozens of designers and has focused on ways to help designers build more effective sites.
Michael is the author of half a dozen books, ranging from Microprocessor-Based Design to Organize Your Photos with Photoshop Elements.
