Unless you want to hide a page or site, searched is the goal.
The four Web Site Building Blocks
#1 - Web Site Design - Searched, Indexed and Ranked
Fire Up Media web sites get 100% searched and Indexed by major Search Engines.
Unless you want to hide a page or site, searched is the goal. If you are not searched and accurately indexed by the search engines, new users will probably not find you unless they know your name. That fact is typically not a good thing and something you want to avoid pretty much at all costs.
#2 - Layout
The layout is what controls the struggle between user Frustration and Satisfaction.
- Layout is the "flow" of the site; how pages are grouped by subject and navigation ranking.
- Layout should not make the user think where to find the desired content.
- Designed for a novice to the sites subject matter.
- Wording should not assume subject matter knowledge.
If everything else is working, user satisfaction is controlled by the layout.
#3 - Content
Content is the sum total of your data. It includes your text files, media and graphics.
- It is the reason why people will come to your site. Users normally go to sites for content and function not just looks.
- Content should not be "old" and should be renewed with a frequency high enough to stimulate return users.
SEO gets the users to your site, your content makes sure they come back for more. Just imagine video serving sites without new videos every day.
#4 - Visual Display
Visual Display is the "look and feel" of your site.
Sites designed for only a visual impact should be for people in the visual business. Goals and audience should drive the look of a site, not personal tastes.
Good looking designs are always better than old ugly designs
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then what 1000 words do you want your display to say to your users?