Your website might have best looks / graphics but still the download time for the web page must be less because if it is higher that the expectation of the user then their will be a less probability that he is going to return to your website.
Minimize the use of images: Whenever possible avoid images which take most of the download time of a web page. Images do enhance the look of a website but that doesn’t mean your web site should use 85% of the images. Use slices of image in combination with excellent html to give a look of one big image thus reducing the download time.
Optimize images: Optimization of images plays an important role in reducing the download time for a website. Once you have finalized the images you think that are necessary to be placed on a website and can’t be ignored, then optimize it. Do not use bmp format images instead use gif and jpeg and reduce the size using tools like Adobe Photoshop and MS – Paint.
Use Table creatively: Use tables to enhance the look and feel of the website. Since these tables are HTML code they load easily. It can be used any where like home page, menus, navigation bar and also in placing images.
Avoid using animated gifs: Whenever possible avoid usage of animated gifs since they take more time to load. Animated gifs can catch the user attention easily but still not recommended to use, if it is necessary then use small images.
Design Simple Icons: Design simple and small icons to catch the attention of the users. Avoid usage of big images which again add to download time of the page
Use background images instead of big images: whenever possible use background images, it can be efficiently use for header and footer or for the background of the HTML page. Instead of using the big images of uniform design you can use a part if image and put it as a background, it can be easily done if you are using tables.
Use CSS whenever possible: CSS is recommended for a website to give a constant look through out. CSS can be helpful for creating rollover effects too, and since it is code, it doesn’t take much download time.
Use Flash sparingly: Flash can produce much enhance looks for a website, but it will take much longer time to download when compared to HTML page. Try to avoid full flash website, instead use flash header or intro if required. If you want to use flash web page use it along with HTML page because it will reduce the download time.
Use HTML maximum: When designing the website use HTML maximum. Using HTML tables, CSS and simple font you can produce great web pages. Avoid using big images, animated gifs and flash files.
Keep checking you website loading time: Before finalizing the design of the website check of the downloading time for the pages of the website. This can be done using Microsoft FrontPage or Dreamweaver or online at NetMechanic or Site Solutions. |
