| One of the most significant problems that
faces most web sites is slow loading time, which often annoys users
to the point where they give up and go to another site. As a result
of this problem it is extremely important to design your pages to
load as quickly as possible, which means keeping page size as low
as possible. By keeping your page layout simple, your site will
not only be more user-friendly, but it will also load more quickly,
ensuring that your visitors don't go to another site. The following
layout tips will help keep your users where you want them at your
site!
| I. Keep It Simple
One of the most important things to remember
when developing your page layout is to keep it simple. Gimmicks
like java script, scrolling text, and other unnecessary add-ons
only make your site slower, and are largely unappreciated
by users. In addition, it is generally a good idea to stay
away from video, audio, or graphics files which require plug-ins.
These forms of media require a long time to load, and many
users do not have plug-ins installed on their computers. If
you insist on using a plug-in not found on most computers,
it is a good idea to provide a link to a site offering a free
download of the plug-in.
II. The Four GIF Rule
Generally speaking, most servers load four
GIF's at a time, and it is therefore a good idea to limit
the number of GIF images used per page to four or less. By
doing so, you will limit the number of server calls, and your
pages will load faster.
III. Nestled and Vertical Tables
When laying out your web pages, it is typically
a good idea to avoid nestled tables (tables inside tables)
and long vertical tables, as they take a long time to load,
and will make your page load much slower. Ideally, your pages
should be comprised of stacks of tables, which make your pages
appear to load faster, as the top tables load first, giving
the user something to read while waiting for the rest of your
content to load.
IV. The Advantages of White Space
In order to avoid giving your site a cluttered
feel to it, make sure to use white space between content and
images. This tactic will not only make your content easier
to read, but will also make your site more attractive, and
give it a balanced look and feel. |
By following these four simple tips, you
can help give your site a professional look and feel, while making
sure that your site loads as quick as possible. Remember, as a rule
Internet users are among the least patient people in the world,
because if your site is slow, they know they can get the information,
products, or services they desire at another site.
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