Projecting Your Professional Image Through Web Design

To receive the attention you deserve as a professional web designer, you must be able to project it. First impressions are a huge factor when working with people through the internet, so being able to use your own web site to do so, is crucial.

In the beginning of the client/contractor relationship, the only way for a client to get a first impression is by how your web site is crafted. If your web site gives off a professional essence, they will be more likely to hire you because your ability will be present in the design.

Likewise, if your website is cluttered, hard to navigate or other negative elements are present, a client will be more inclined to look somewhere else. There is several website design tips listed below that you can use to help better represent your professional image for your website while also focusing on user-friendliness.

1.       The Kiss Approach: All the kiss approach means, is to create a simple design that is user-friendly. This involves an attractive color scheme as well as clean and simple lines. You should try and stay away from audio and crazy distracting graphics.

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2.       Visibility: Simply stated, a web page should have 800X600 pixels for screen resolution. The maximum width is 760 pixels.  These dimensions create a clear and attractive web site on screen.

3.       Graphic Optimization: Like with other elements in web design, graphics should be optimized too for easier use. Make sure they load quickly and include an “alternative” description so that those who are seeing impaired can read and others have the option of turning off the graphic.

4.       Fast Load Time: Nothing bugs people more than a slow loading web site. People will leave if the information does not load quickly enough. A good web site for loading will be less than 10k in size.

5.       Use CSS: CSS is Cascading Style Sheets and it helps to decrease the loading time. CSS helps with defining style elements on the website such as fonts, size, color, backgrounds and hyperlinks, plus much more.

6.       Consistent Navigation: Visitors need a user-friendly website if you’re expecting them to spend some time there. Include navigation links on each page so they can easily choose where to go.

7.       Use a site map: Site maps come in handy more than you think. Some visitors prefer using the sitemap to get to where they want to go. Plus, a site map will help your web site find exposure through search engines.

8.       Legible webpage: Just because you’re a web designer doesn’t mean you have to go extreme. Alternating a few fonts is a good idea, but if you’re using odd ones with a bunch of curls, chances are visitors won’t be able to read it and they will go somewhere else. Use easy and legible font.

Keep your style clean and simple and people will want to hire you. Your professional image will be projected if you utilize these tips. What else have you found to be helpful for projecting a professional web designer image?