Most Web surfers are on 1024 x 768 resolution. Resolution is basically the number of dots per inch on your screen that makes things either larger or smaller.
When I started my Web business in the early 90s, 640 x 480 was the norm. Now, we’ve got flat panels and all kinds of new technology combined with the desire to fit more stuff in the same amount of space. Your resolution will determine how large or small your applications, Web sites, basically anything you do on your computer will be visually displayed.
You can check your resolution and see what changing it will do to how not only the applications on your computer display, but how Web sites layout for you by going to:
Start > Control Panel > Appearance and Themes > Display
then click on the Settings Tab on the far top right and change your resolution up or down. Then open your browser and go surfing. You’ll see there is a big difference in how 640, 800 and 1024 resolutions will cause the very same Web sites to be viewed.
It always has been important to target the most common resolution when designing a site and then ensuring the layout “degrades gracefully” for those on other resolutions. The same applies to Web browsers. They all will behave differently at the very same site.
Although these issues were more of a concern in the past, it is still smart to be aware of the differences user settings and choice of software can make in how your site appears and operates. Knowing your site’s target market and the settings they may likely have should also be a consideration.
To review browser, monitor, OS and other useful stats that should be considered when creating your site, visit W3Schools.com .
HTH!
At your service,
Judith
When developing a Web site you run into all kinds of twists and turns in the code that can have you baffled and your layout appear inconsistent. Standard and proper coding is crucial to attaining the look and layout you desire. Read the rest of this entry »
As many as you need to reach your goals! If you just want a business card/brochureware site where folks can contact you or ask questions, a simple starter site may do. But one has to be realistic and realize that a starter site is just that — a start. Any starter site, where the site owner would like to experience ROI, has to be created with plans to grow the site as needed and as market conditions dictate.
When it comes to search engine rankings, the more pages the better. And no, that does not mean babbly useless keyword stuffed verbiage in existence solely to increase the number of pages in your site to manipulate rankings. Unique valuable information worth linking to is what works best.
When you have useful individual pages targeting just one topic or issue, you kill two birds with one stone. You create a concentrated topical page on that issue or topic for search crawlers to index and you give your site visitors information on the one topic they may be seeking at that point in time.
Having mile long pages simply to avoid per page costs by cramming all your information into one “page” that scrolls endlessly is poor design from a usability POV. It also hampers good rankings because the page is about too much to be solidly about any one (or two) things to rank relevantly.
Look at your site as an archive, library or gallery of everything that has to do with your product and service that you will grow perpetually. Web sites should be looked at as a work in progress that is never completed. There will always be something to add, change or integrate!
Getting found, instilling confidence and encouraging inquires is what you want to accomplish, right? Not hesitating to add pages will help you accomplish just that.
At your service,
Judith
