Rule # 8 - Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should

There are a lot of things that you can do with Web coding, and it's fun to experiment sometimes just to see what's all possible. But too often, these elements are used inappropriately, making it painfully clear that there are certain things you just shouldn't place in your Web site.

Before adding a lot of extra "fun and flashy" elements, think carefully about the purpose of your site. Anything that doesn't directly promote that purpose might detract from your message and even annoy visitors. In general, the following should be avoided unless you have a compelling reason to use them:

Background music - Just because it's possible to add music to your site doesn't mean you should. Sites that sell music or promote a band or musical groups are obvious exceptions. There's a big difference between having music samples available for the visitor to listen to at their convenience and having music play automatically when the home page opens. Always offer your visitors a choice to listen, rather than bombard them with music that they cannot shut off.

Blinking Words - Your site is not a digital billboard or LED display. There are other much more effective (and less annoying) ways to draw attention to headings or words. Use bold, itatlics, or increase the font size. Or use white space to set off a heading or title. Color can also be used effectively for this purpose.

Animation - Unless you are an animation artist, it is not advisable to use animated GIF images on your site. Sure, there are tons of cute and funny graphics out there, but unless that is the purpose of your site, you don't need them. Visitors are looking for information presented in a pleasing and attractive way. Animated icons and pictures will detract their attention and may even call into question your credibility.

Pop-up windows - These can be really annoying and distracting because they interrupt the site visitor and distract them from the site content. There are plenty of sound design principles you can use to draw the visitor's attention to a newsletter sign-up box or special product offer without tossing a box in front of someone. If you really think you need to use one, use them sparingly!

Finally, don't forget to update your site! Your business is dynamic - always changing, growing, and reinventing. Your Web site should be, too. Read your content reguarly and make sure it is current and still reflecting what you do. Change special offers and marketing tactics as needed, and check links frequently, especially those to other sites. You never know when a site will cease to exist.