Text that is Easy to Scan 

When people surf the web these days, they skim. Think about what they are doing. Usually it is to try to figure something out, and they are trying to figure it out quickly. The trick here is to break up your content into smaller paragraphs, all with their own headings. A good rule of thumb for online writing is to keep your paragraphs six or less sentences long, and to title them. 

Easy Access to Recent Articles 

This is especially important when running a blog, but it is relevant for any website. Whenever you have moved content or a link to content from the home page, you need to make sure it is easy to find for your return visitors. A common scenario would be a return visitor who likes the content, but did not bookmark the actual link besides your home page. They have been using your home page as the method to find it.  Finding content after it has been moved, is often a daunting task for visitors. 

Have a Search Function 

Having a search engine for your site is an extremely valuable tool for your visitors, and should be located in a highly visible spot. For sites with more than 100 pages, you should think of this as a required function. The search function supports your users when navigation fails them, and it speeds up their ability to achieve their desired actions.  

Download Speed 

You have probably heard this a million times that it’s important to keep your site loading quickly, but it is even more important now with all the cell phone and PDA usage going on these days. Make sure your site loads quickly to prevent bounces and user frustration. 

Font Consistencies 

One of the easiest ways to give your site a more professional appearance is to look for inconsistencies. Having several font types on a single page reflects poor quality control, patchwork, and lack of proper web development skills. Usability wise, handling headers, content emphasis, and main content should the same throughout the site. This gives the user known expectations when viewing other pages, and improves their experience. 

Identify Non HTML type Files 

There is nothing worse than opening a huge PDF file by accident. Talk about hostile take over of my PC. When linking to files that are not the standard type of web files, they should be identified as such so the user knows that another application besides their browser will be opening it. This is another issue that is becoming more relevant with the rise of cell phones usage. 

Hyperlink Colors 

This one is extremely valuable, and should not be ignored just because there are a million other websites ingnoring it. In content hyperlinks should be underlined, and more importantly they should change color after visiting. The reason for making them change colors is so the user can identify what pages they have already visited. This method of navigation for visitors is still considered one the most primary methods. It’s a quick visual clue, and it should not be dismissed in trade for layout stile.