Design / Usability

---

Home Page Best Practices for Local Businesses
In this article, local marketing specialist Lorrie Thomas offers tips to make your homepage more effective. She discusses the importance of clarity, identifying your niche, employing professional website design, and clear calls to action. Feb 9, 2010

Clear Hyperlinks Increase Conversions
Having clearly identifiable hyperlinks can increase your conversion rate, according to usability expert Todd Follansbee. In this article he explains how to develop a consistent hyperlink policy for your site, and make text links work harder for you. Jan 5, 2010

How good are you at writing for web page skimmers and scanners?
Most people don't read webpages thoroughly. The skim or scan. In this article, web writing expert Nick Usborne explains how to write for fast-moving readers so they get the gist of your message. Dec 22, 2009

How to Choose Effective Website Photos and Images. Part 2
In part 2 of a series, web design expert Sandra Niehaus discusses ways to use images to support and reinforce a business brand. First, she explains a need to have a clear understanding of the brand. Then, consider image colors that help support that brand. She provides many examples as well as resources where you can learn more. Dec 15, 2009

How to Choose Effective Website Photos and Images. Part 1
In part 1 in a series, web design expert Sandra Niehaus explains four guidelines to help you select the best photos and images for your site. The article is richly illustrated to help you evaluate a great picture as you look at it and understand how to crop it appropriately. In addition, she offers four places to obtain excellent stock images. Nov 3, 2009

Button Balance: Using design to differentiate and prioritize buttons
Design and usability expert Sandra Niehaus explains how to design your web pages and landing pages so that buttons are in balance with both their environment and priority. She explains and gives examples of how to vary color, size, shape, style or treatment, and placement to achieve balance. Sep 29, 2009

6 Steps to FAQs that Build Your Sales
A well-designed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section can supplement your information architecture, build customer relations, improve sales, and cut support costs. In this article, usability expert Todd Follansbee leads you through the six steps to develop a powerful FAQ on your site. Sep 8, 2009

Navigation. Part 3. The Rest of the Story
In this final article in a series on website navigation, usability expert Todd Follansbee explains the importance of consistent visual cues for links, graphics, buttons, and alt tags, and other navigational elements. Jul 7, 2009

Low Cost User Testing with UserTesting.com - Darrell Benatar (9:39)
In this video interview, UserTesting.com founder Darrell Benatar explains how his web-based user testing tool enables businesses to test users remotely, with results in as little as an hour. May 12, 2009

Creating Your Site's Own Unique Voice and Feel
Unless your site stands out from the rest, visitors won't return, won't remember you. Dr. Wilson explains how a unique "voice" and ambience or look and feel are necessary, and why cookie-cutter template sites can't challenge the competition. Apr 28, 2009