Here are the basic design tips that would be useful when you start designing your site:

1.  Keep elements close to each other.

Some books refer to this as proximity of elements. It refers to the distance between the elements of a Web Page.  Elements that are too far apart create the perception that they do not belong together.

However, too close and too cluttered also may your site too complex and claustrophobic.

2. Align your text to the left

Left alignment of text is the most effective and most consistent, as compared to right and center alignment. People are used to reading from left to right and therefore would easily find the beginning of any text.

3. Use contrasting colors for the text and background

For ease of viewing, always use contrasting colors for the background and text. Black and white is the most commonly used contrast.

While both provide excellent contrast, tests indicate that black text over white background is easier to read.  For business sites, this type of contrast also works better.

Certain color contrasts, such as red and blue, should be avoided because they are perceived to be harsh.

4.  Dont use justified text

Justified text results in uneven white spaces in the document, doesn't look natural and is harder to read.

5.  Avoid automatic pop-up windows

Pop-ups are java scripts that well, pop-up while you viewing or reading a site.  As a marketer, you are tempted to do this when you wish to call attention to something, like signing up for your newsletter or download a free e-book.  While this may call attention, they can also be very annoying. One of my first sites had a pop-up because I was over-eager to use all the scripts that I learned but well-meaning friends told me they were just annoying and an open invitation to click out.

6.  Do away with the background music

Unless your site has something to do with music, putting music on a business site is not advisable. First, music takes up a lot of bandwidth and takes longer to download. If your visitors do not know your site and would just want to check it out, they might not be willing to wait until your music loads.

7. Avoid the Splash page

Splash page is that page that viewers see before the actual home page is shown.  Sometimes it is a video or a graphic countdown. This splash most often is a showcase of the web designer's creativity and "flash" genius. Keep in mind, however, that "splash" takes up bandwidth and can take up to 10 seconds.  Your users may not have the time to wait for your splash. If you think you really need a splash, at least, give your viewers the option to "skip intro''.

8. Mind your Grammar and Spelling

Some authoring software have spelling and grammer checkers so make sure you use them. If they don't have, do a manual review. If you are not confident of your own abilities, have a trusted colleague go through your text. Whatever you do, make sure you proofread every single page before you upload.

9. Avoid using Capital Letters

Use a combination of upper and lower case. All caps is interpreted as "shouting" in the Web, which is somewhat equated as "no manners".  All caps is also harder to read.

10.  Optimize your space

Look at each page of your site as if it is prime real estate that is open for tenancy; each part of the page is important. With this in mind, you must only include those things that serve a purpose. Before you put in any element, ask yourself: does this serve any purpose to my visitors or to my business. If not, do away with it. 

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