10 Ways to Have a Healthy Website
by Nancy Boyko

1) Optimize content for search engines

Determine what the most simple, commonly used keywords are to describe the content of your website, and insert them in the page titles. Search engines also recognize text more readily than graphics; displaying titles and navigation as text rather than graphics can boost rankings. Ensure that photos are properly tagged with descriptive words, and pay close attention to the language on your website. Clear and concisely written text using your keywords are most recognized by search engines.

2) Ensure that your website is accessible

People of all abilities and health conditions use the Internet - doing simple things like tagging images with meaningful replacement text ensures that your website will be processed by software used for the visually impaired. Inserting a period "." after the "alternate" or "alt" text creates a natural break for this type of software. Creating contrast between the text and the background color of your website is also useful.

3) Ensure that content on your website is legible

Typefaces for text content on websites are limited to standard fonts that are installed on most computers, like Arial, Verdana, Times, Georgia. The most legible font for onscreen display is considered to be "Verdana". It is also optimal to build a site so that the font can be re-sized easily by the Internet browser.

4) Keep it simple

As with designing any product, typically, the simpler it looks, the more usable it is for more people. In a website environment, that means limiting the number of fonts used to about 2 or 3 maximum, using a coordinating color palette with about 3 main colors, and ensuring that images and text are visually aligned. Look at some of the large commercial websites that serve a large variety of people, like LLBean.com or IKEA.com; notice how the text and graphics are quite neutral, and the photographs are clear with minimal embellishments.

5) Keep animated elements to a minimum

Moving images or banners can be a nice interactive feature on a website, if they are displayed as a secondary element. Displaying the main navigation or content in an animated environment, however, opens the door to end-user confusion and frustration. It is best to keep the main navigation and text elements displayed in a neutral manner. Internet users are typically keen on speed, so the faster they can get to the information they need, the more favorable their experience is on your website.

6) Establish goals for your website

Knowing what you hope to achieve with your website - especially before you start to create one - is essential. Staying clear on the goals of the website helps you and the designer / programmer know when to use particular elements or features, what technology to use to build the site, and what content to emphasize.

7) Keep your content current

This is especially important if search engine rankings are a concern. Search engines "pay attention" when content is updated regularly on websites. It also shows your website visitors that things are happening or are active in your company or organization. It may simply mean ensuring the copyright year in the page footer is current - these small details show that you are "open for business".

8) Hire a professional

Your nephew or grandson may know how to build a basic website, but does he have formal training in how to design for a particular audience, or program your site so that you can maintain it with little or no programming expertise? Does he really know how to sell your company? How about writing your content so that it is optimized for search engines? These are elements that can "make" or "break" your website - so invest some money in your online image. It could affect how you are perceived by potential customers.

9) Keep an open mind

If you hire a web professional, consider what they have to say. Despite pressures from leadership within organizations, a web professional knows how much effort is entailed in including particular features on a website, and can advise whether it is worthwhile to pursue or not. Some features may make sense on some websites, but not on others. This comes back to the importance of setting goals, and ensuring these are in alignment with the website content and features.

10) Promote your website

Establish a plan of how you will promote your website once it is online. If you are a member of a professional organization or other group related to your industry, for example, check whether you can build an online profile for yourself with a link to your website. Include your web address on all of your communications, like your e-mail signature line, business card, brochure, print advertising - get it out there. It is especially useful if you can approach other related websites to link to your site - this can also increase your search engine rankings.