Web Page Do's and Don'ts

Page Updated July 28, 2007
Content Written/Updated April 04, 2007

Do

Keep it simple; function first. (You can always add style later.)
Check your spelling.
Use proper grammar and style. (Please let me know if I make such errors.)
Learn XHTML. (At least learn HTML.)
Make your site accessible.
Make it easy for your visitors to learn what your site is about as soon as they see your home page.
Make it easy for visitors to get where they want to go fast no matter what page they're on.
Expect visitors to come into your site via pages other than your home page, so every page should let them know where they are and what you're site is about.
Link all of your logos to your home page.
Use a tag line under / next to your logo, so visitors know what the site is about.
Make sure your home page title (in the <title></title> tags) starts with the name of the home page for easy bookmarking.
Post a terms of agreement / user agreement and don't forget to include a privacy policy and disclaimers.
Link to a site map on every page.
Link to an About Us section on every page.
List all people who have contributed to the site.
Make sure that authors are given credit for their work.
When using forms, keep similar field types together.

Don't

Don't use too many graphics. (Unless there's a reason for it.)
Don't use fixed tables sizes that don't print well.
Don't use fixed table sizes that force the viewer to scroll horizontally.
Don't go crazy with cool features. (I know it's so cool that your website makes all sorts of crazy sounds and that you can make alert windows, but only use them if they are necessary.)
Don't make your visitors install plug-ins. (Find another way to do the job without plug-ins or make sure that the plug-in is absolutely necessary.)
Don't use pop-up ads (over or under the current window) or ads that cover up the content your viewers want to see.
Don't use a backgrounds that takes attention away from your foreground.
Don't use a background color similar in brightness (or darkness) to your foreground color (even if you're using a background picture to cover up your background color).
Don't underline words unless they are linked to another page. (Visitors will think they are links and get irritated when they try to click on them. Use italics, bolds, various font sizes, and colors to make unlinked text stand out.)
Don't steal graphics. (Make your own, buy the rights, or use stock graphics that are available for free use.)
Don't steal content. (Make your own, buy the rights, or use stock content that is available for free use.)
Don't steal trademarks. (You may get sued.)
Don't claim endorsements that you don't have. (You may get sued and risk violating false advertising laws.)
Don't claim partnerships that you don't have. (You may get sued and risk violating false advertising laws.)
Don't have links to other web pages open up in a frame.
Don't open every page in a new window. (External links are fine, but links to pages in your own site should only open in a new window if there's a reason for it.)