 |
| Most Websites Have a Theme. That theme is usually consistant throughout the entire website and all of its pages, components etc. ie-my website has a dark outers-type theme right now. I wanted to talk about themes a bit before going into this. It is important that you have a theme that you will be able to stick to. It makes the website look nicer, and it is an all around good deal. Be sure to follow your own star and make one that is for you and only you. Your website is a creative outlet. Lets limit the number of Generic Websites out there. Layouts I'll start this With Frames. Most frames Are located On the Left side of the page, top of the page, or are attached to the vertical slide bar near the screen bottom. I do not reccomend using frames, as people are ignorant and just paste any code from anywhere and do not customize it to their website. Nothing sucks more than going to a website with frames not suiting the website's theme, or not being the right size for the amount of content. It is good to have resizable frames, and make sure they fit different browsers.. For more on frames, go to www.sailormoon.org and go into the Luna's Purrings. Now, back to layouts. ^_^ Layouts are fun to play around with and be creative with. Never copy someone elses layout if it is original, or even at all. The site is supposed to be YOU, not them. Be sure to plan your layout according. Remember to PLAN. I know it sounds boring, but being impulsive is a waste of time, you'll end up playing around with graphics and colors for HOURS on end. Get an idea of your layout in your head, that will make it easier later. Then again, you can always go to a graphic making website and order one if need be. I'm currently designing layouts of my own for free use. One last important tip: Its a good idea to cator to those of different screen resolutions. I recently visited a website that would have been great, but I couldn't see half the content because it was for 600x800, and my browser is 640x480. Do something about this! Make sure you test your site with different screens, browsers and otherwise. Banners For your banner, decide the content and design of the banner BEFOREHAND. Decide on what information, graphics, and their sizes and pick a banner size accordingly. Make sure that the banner suits your website and is easy to read for people. Banners are often used in linking and should have a clear URL and site name. Below is My banner as a sample. The quality is a bit hazy, but you get the idea. The Name of My website is at the top, it usually is. Below would be the website URL or slogan. I always place graphics on the sides or faded in the background. The Banner is clear and simple to read. Your banner is a representation of your website, it can be any way you like it. It doesn't have to be a rectangle. Make it wavy, a rainbow shape, be creative. Just make sure that it is clear and readable. People use banners for linking and will attract more visitors if it looks presentable. Like I said before, if you don't make banners, you can go to a graphic making website and order one. And finally... Buttons Buttons are pretty simple. Buttons are just small banners that are also used in linking, but more often in affiliate programs. The name of the website is usually abbriviated, but the picture useedd on the button is the only thing people use to tell wheather or not to visit the site. Take the following button as an example. People assume that the website is about sailor saturn, because she is featured on the button. That is a simple assumpion. More generally, they may assume that the website is general anime/manga or sailormoon. But the most important thing on a button is the picture. Pick the BEST character and picture to represent what your website is about. It will attract more visitors that are likely to like your site. Also, be sure it is clear and appropriate. |
 |
 |
 |