Getting Started by Developing

What is the first step in developing my site?

The first step is to review your site plan.  Verify that you have included a design that is based on content that is understandable, short, factual, well-written, and interesting.

Is there a suggested structure for my site?

You should build your site so that it supports the planned content, the design, the navigation structure, the color palette, the element structure, and the directory/subdirectory plan.

What should I consider when I am developing a page?

Some common issues for consideration are page length, browser compatibility, monitor settings, storage size, text appearance, and graphics.

How long should a page be?  

Optimally, a page will be less than 3 screens in length with the critical information available in the primary viewing area of the first screen .  This means that a user does not have to scroll excessively to find information.  A page that is less than 3 screens in length will generally print on 2 pages.

What is meant by browser compatibility?

Different browsers (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla) display the HTML in slightly different manners.  Just because a paragraph lines up perfectly using IE, it may be out of shape in Netscape.  

What impact does monitor settings have on a page?

If your monitor display size is set to 800x600 pixels, your pages should display properly for most users.  However, if you develop your pages for the 1024x780 pixel monitor setting, the text and graphics may appear distorted or abnormally large when viewed at 800x600.

What is meant by storage size? 

As you are aware, documents on the web are electronic files.  These take up space on the Internet.  If your picture is a large picture with lots of colors, its size will be larger.  The larger the size of your page, the longer it takes for a user to see the information.  Pages and graphics work best if they are between 25K-50K.

What about text appearance?

Avoid special fonts.  Just because a particular font is installed on your computer, does not mean that it is available to Web users.  Generally speaking the text color should be in direct contrast to the background color for the most clarity.  Do not use tables for exact placement of graphics without providing an alternate means of accessibility for software used by persons with disabilities.

What about graphics?

Graphics can greatly enhance a user's visit to your site.  Be cautioned that animations and blinking text can be annoying.  Use graphics carefully, taking into consideration their size.  Provide text equivalents for all non-text elements such as graphics.

What are hyperlinks?

Hyperlinks are "hot spots" that when you click on them, they will move you to another document or element within a web site.

Now you are ready to publish your site.

Page updated:  11 Dec 2008 09:53:31 AM -0600