Good web page design is more than putting the logo at the right place. But you don't have to be a world class designer to build a site that works.

Here are the three principles of good web page design:

1. KISS - Keep It Simple & Succeed
2. Make Room For Content That Gets The Click
3. Use A Tool That Delivers Results

Let’s take a closer look at each rule.

1. KISS - Keep It Simple & Succeed

Dozens of colors, fonts and font sizes, tons of images and banners... They’re all signs of amateur work.

The more special effects you put on a page, the lower the readability... and the sooner your visitors leave.

The same with graphics. If they don't add value, forget about them. Simplicity is what top ranking sites have in common.

Just think of Google. They use the most advanced technology in the world, but their home page looks dead simple. In fact, it's one of the secrets of their success.

Good web page design goes unnoticed.

Reading from a computer screen is different and more tiring than reading books or brochures. If you want to pass on your message, make sure there's nothing that distracts your visitor.

So...

1. Forget banners. People click on in-context text links. Banners have low credibility.

2. Avoid heavy animated files, large graphics and any other stuff that keeps your visitor waiting.

3. Use photos and illustrations if they add value to your text or improve the readability. If they don't, don't use them.

4. Pick an easy-to-read font like Verdana or Arial, and write short paragraphs.

5. Do not use frames (separate web pages brought together in one window). They work in context. But search engines only find the pages, not the context.

Keep It Simple, Silly. Then you Keep It Simple & Succeed.

2. Make Room For Content That Gets The Click

You can have a great site builder that has the ability to create wonderful designs, but what's the use if you don't know how to attract visitors and keep them on your site?

Of course, a web page should look well-designed. But the Internet is about information, or content.

Search engine users type in words, not logos. And the engines respond with web sites that feature these words. So CONTENT RULES - that's the best Internet marketing tip ever.

If you want to sell your products, tell your visitors what the benefits are. Give them as much information as you can. Keep them on your web page with content they love. Text that warms them up to contact you or buy your product.

Good web page design means: presenting content in the best possible way.

3. Use A Tool That Delivers Results

If you follow the principles of good web page design, even a computer illiterate can create a web site. But when you intend to build a web site that WORKS, you should not use JUST a site builder or any piece of web design software you come across.

Use a tool that delivers results, saves time and money, and lets you focus on your business. Not convinced? Watch the SBI! TV - this link will open a new window.

Being a Site Build It! Certified Webmaster, good web page design is the foundation of the sites I build.