Posted by Charlotte Lamb, Designer

There are good reasons why most websites follow an unofficial set of design rules that guide placement and layout of the content. Research into the way that people use websites has revealed that users tend to scan firstly along the top of the web page from left to right and then down the left hand side of the screen from top to bottom. These places correspond with the usual menu and headline locations and these would appear to be the places people look to guage content and navigation links. The amount of time spent looking for the thing they want by visitors to your site is tiny, measured in seconds, so make it as easy as possible for them to find what they want. Avoid cryptic link titles so that visitors stay with your site rather than moving on to your competition.

The headline is the next place the visitor looks at, it is the most effective way to grab their attention. Writing concise headlines can help visitors find the information they want quickly and keep them on your site.

Don’t use too many colours and shapes on the page – it’s visually distracting to page visitors.

Leave white space around your content so visitors don’t have to struggle to find what they want in a clutter of things. (Compare this to the paper-covered desk where locating the right piece of paper becomes time-consuming.)

If you add pictures, choose ones that enhance what you are saying, or illustrate your product nicely and effectively show your visitor the thing they are searching for. Beautiful pictures are attractive but may not hold visitors on your website unless you happen to be selling the images as art.

If you would like to see the report about this from the BBC Working Lunch programme the film is here.

We have 10 years of experience with the web, we know what makes an effective website. Call us on 01962 737989.

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Posted by Charlotte Lamb, Designer

It’s good to say thanks to the people who make your business a success, and now it’s the perfect time to get your christmas cards ready. (OK, I know it’s early November, but if you need them printed you need to think about it now!)

A bespoke Christmas card can be designed to include your logo, message and your contact numbers so that you can thank your customers as well and remind them of your continued existence. Get the cards out early and they might stay on the desk of your customer for weeks, maybe even until January. Most marketing materials don’t last quite as long as that. (Except perhaps calendars – maybe you need to consider having those printed at this time of the year too!)

We prefer digital printing, it’s perfect for short runs of cards that look great and won’t leave you with hundreds of cards left over for next year to clog up your desk drawers. We have designed loads of christmas cards over the last few years, call us if you would like one for Christmas 2008.

Call I to Eye on 01962 737989 and get started on your Christmas cards to thank your customers.

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