Features of a "Professional Website" Part 1 of 5

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: DECEMBER 19, 2003

personally knows a computer savvy individual. However, this short term savings can term into a long term nightmare.

How many of these features does your web site have?

1. Consistent Navigation

Buttons for key sections stay in the same place on every page.

2. Functional Links

Links within the web site should ALWAYS work. Links to other web sites
are checked regularly.

3. Logical Organization

Topics should be organized in a useful manner.

4. Consistent Look and Feel

Site pages should be similar enough to let visitors know where they still are.

5. Appropriate Use of a Database

If more than five pages show different information in the same configuration,
(e.g. catalogs, directories) then dynamic pages should be used.

6. Ability to Grow

How difficult is it to add new topics later? Were key topics overlooked?

7. Fast Navigation

For sites under fifty pages, no page should be more than two clicks away from any other.

8. Target Audience

The site is tailored for the people you want to visit.

9. Optimized Images

All images have been optimized for slower Internet connections. Optimized does not have to mean hideous either.

10. A Goal

The web site built with a particular goal in mind.