Designing a Website to Maximise Revenue

One of the greatest thrills you will get when starting a website is the first time you see the design appear on the internet.

 
It will give you a real sense of achievement and a feeling that your business is starting to take shape. You're on the way to living your dream. 
 
But it takes time, thought and effort to get the design right.
 
The most important thing you can do is learn from others and avoid trying to reinvent the wheel.

The first step you should take is to study as many successful websites as you can. This is to identify color schemes you like, page layouts you think work and how other publishers use images and fonts.
 
I recommend that you take a look at the following sites:
 

TIP #1 - The Top 100 Most Visited Sites in the World
 
The leading websites in the world spend hundreds of thousands of pounds studying how their users navigate around their sites, what colours work and how to promote their products and services. You can benefit from this research simply by studying their websites.
 
To find the most visited sites, go to www.alexa.com . On the right hand side of the page you will see ‘Movers & Shakers’. Under this is the Top 500 Sites. Click the link that takes you to the complete list. Select sites that you think look interesting.
 
I recommend that you print a copy of the sites you particularly like and build up a folder of ideas.
 

TIP #2 - Visit Newspaper and Magazine Sites
 
Newspaper and magazine sites spend a lot of money and time creating optimal layouts for content. Here are some you can take a look at:
 
 
Then select a few other newspaper and magazine sites. Look for sites both in your industry and also for subjects that may have the same audience. For a list of magazine websites, use the directory on www.mediauk.com. Some of the sites are subscription websites, others are advertising driven. Most are simply promotion sites for their print magazine. Take a look at their designs.


TIP #3 -Look at the Top 50 Blogs

The top bloggers spend alot of time thinking about how best to display their content. Take a look at the most read blogs on the world to get some ideas by going to the top 100 blogs at Technorati. Again you should print off the designs you like.


TIP #4 - Other Successful Subscription Websites
 
On this website, we mention over 100 subscription websites, most of which are very successful. Take a look at these designs, colours layouts and features.


TIP #5 - Study What Your Competitors' Websites Look Like
 
By looking at your competitors' websites, you will be able to decide whether you want to emulate what they do or try to design your website in completely different way. There is no right or wrong answer to this. You must decide what will work best for you.