1. Content and Text Layout

Effective content and layout makes it easier for visitors to find information on your pages. The following suggestions describe changes to your website that will help your visitor to read more of the information on your site.

1.1 Utilisation of Space

Do your pages require the user to scroll and contain a large amount of unused space at the top ?

The following advice applies if your answer is ’Yes’:

Your website has a lot of under utilised space. Web pages are not like printed pages because you can’t see the whole thing and as such you are effectively asking users to navigate when you ask them to scroll. Move the information scrolled off the screen up and break up information on the page using boxes and headers.

1.2 Placement of Important Information

If your pages require the visitor to scroll is all your important information at the top ?

The following advice applies if your answer is ’No’:

Your have important information on your website that requires your visitor to scroll. Your visitor may not notice the information or may loose interest because of the effort required to navigate your website.

You should place all important information at the top of the screen so that visitors can see it without scrolling.

1.3 Readability of Text

Excluding articles that you would expect your visitor to print is there text that goes more than 60% of the width of the screen ?

The following advice applies if your answer is ’Yes’:

You have text on your site that occupies more than 60% of the width of the screen.

Newspaper articles are written using columns so they are easier to read. It takes a lot more effort for the visitor’s eyes to track their way across the average 17 inch screen. Break up your text using images or use tables to place it into columns.

1.4 Headings on the Home Page

On the home page is each piece of information clearly marked with a heading of some sort ?

The following advice applies if your answer is ’No’:

Your home page does not have headings making it harder for visitors to locate the information they want.

Headings help the visitor to find the information they are seeking. Think of what happens when you pick up a newspaper.

It is best to break up the home page into boxes of information that can be clearly located using a heading.

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