Don't forget the details - Creating your website

Don’t forget the details…

A well-designed site can help to set you apart from bigger but less focused competitors. But it’s important not to get carried away with the design and overlook other equally essential considerations. Spending time to get the details right will pay dividends in the long run, says Vernon Thorpe of Viarti Design.

Some of these elements may not be as exciting as your new home page, but they’re just as vital to providing a quality online offer.’

Here’s Vernon’s list of items not to overlook...

Consider your domain name carefully

Your domain name should be short, simple and clearly related to your store. You need to check that it is available and ideally register it to number of different suffixes such as .com and .co.uk

Words matter

There’s little point having a superbly designed website with words that are dull and information that’s hard to follow. When writing for the web it’s best to use plain language, avoid industry jargon and present information in clear, easy to follow sections. There are many agencies and specialist who can help you for a reasonable fee.

Diversity and inclusion

Make sure that your website’s words and images reflect the diversity of your customers and community. Consider gender, ethnic diversity and age groups – try to show that you cater for everyone so that customers from all backgrounds feel included and welcome.

Search engine optimisation

If you want your site to be ranked highly with Google and Bing then you must understand a little of how they work. There are tools that will help you do this, but again a little professional outlay can be money well spent.

Data privacy and cookies

If you hold or obtain any customer data then you must comply with UK General Data Protection Regulations — often known simply as GDPR. You will need a privacy statement to explain how you will use and protect any data you hold. Visitors will need to agree to the cookies that are used on your site

Copyright

You must own or have licences for any images you use on your site. You must also have permission to quote from any written works that are covered by copyright laws – generally, copyright lasts for 75 years after first publication.

Accessibility

Make sure there is enough contrast between text and background colours and that your text is large enough to be read on mobile and desktop devices. Consider if you need to translate any sections or information into other languages that may be used in your community.

Great web design without functionality is like a sports car with no engine.

Paul Cookson