Web navigation menu is one of the important elements of a good Web design. Since online visitors are always looking for information, your navigation menu helps them find the info they need at the soonest possible time.

Though a simple menu will do, many Web designers are experimenting with different techniques to enhance online experience. There is a comprehensive analysis and numerous examples at Smashing Magazine about the current trends on navigation menus.

Among these items, I find the use of vertical tabs very appealing but quite risky since most online users are not yet acquainted with this style.

But if you’re just starting with your site, do not forget the basic elements of a web navigation menu. For instance, try to use conventional yet creative icons like shopping cart so it will not be hard for customers to look for the appropriate links.

In like manner, use basic terms such as “About Us”, Products/Services, Sitemap, FAQ, and “Contact Us” to avoid any confusion and frustration on the customers’ end. If you terms exclusive to your industry then do not hesitate to use it. The idea here is to help all your online visitors get the right information as few clicks as possible.

With so many companies offering affordable and high quality Web design services, some entrepreneurs rush to set up their online store without clear goals and web strategy. If this seems to be you, better STOP now or suffer the consequences later.

Here are some questions you should answer before getting in touch with your friendly Web designer:

1. What do you want to achieve with your Website? Is it for informational purposes only? A marketing tool to promote your products or services? A marketing tool to drive online customers to your brick-and-mortar business? Or a full-service online store?
2. Who are your target customers?
3. Who are your competitors? Spy on their activities, marketing campaigns and Web designs
4. Are you familiar with Internet marketing methods such as search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), e-mail marketing, PPC, and other techniques? Though many companies offer Internet marketing services, basic knowledge of these things help plan a good website.
5. How much is your budget for both Web development and basic online marketing?
6. What is your measure of success or ROI? Is it conversion, leads generated, traffic generated or online sales? This is connected with your overall goal raised in the first question.

A tag cloud is a navigation system which uses a set of keywords in different sizes, weights or colors. It gives your online users the big picture about the focus or contents of your Website. If you take a look at the tag cloud of productivity site Lifehack.org below, you can quickly spot that its thrusts are on productivity, communication, management and software.

Contrary to misconceptions, it is not created to replace your regular navigation system or categories but basically works as a support system to help online users visualize the contents of your site.

Tag clouds are commonly used on user-generated or Web 2.0 sites like Flickr, Hubpages, Technorati and many more. It does not mean though you cannot use it in your online business. Moreover, it provides added benefits which may prove useful to business owners. It can help you monitor the community trends, foster community participation and improve searching.

There are different types of tags. Commonly, it is arranged alphabetically with more emphasis on size or color on the commonly used tags. Others are using it according to frequency of usage or relative importance. In some cases, tag clouds are arranged based on the similarities of keywords.

If you are running an online store, the product page is one of the most important parts of your site. Needless to say, having the right elements in your product page is very crucial in sales conversion.

Before you follow this improvement tips, try to understand the mindset of your customers about product pages. To them it’s a one-stop source of all information not only about your products but competitors as well. Here are some of the basic yet effective tips to improve conversion rates of your product pages:

Images

1. Provide at least 3 high quality images. Do not forget to use “see larger image” option to better appreciate the product.
2. If you are selling a wearable item show images that it is worn by your typical target customer.
3. Use white background to add some a simple yet elegant appeal to your product
4. Though it’s good to provide many images, consider also its effect on your page load. Unfortunately, patience is not a virtue of many online customers.

Product Info

5. Answer the question, “Why you should buy this product?” Emphasize the key benefits or advantages of your products or services compared to competition. Be careful not to exaggerate.
6. Offer both the overview of product (short description or summary) located at the higher portion of your page and detailed information (specifications, additional features, positive and negative testimonials) below the fold.
7. Adjust the wordings to the comprehension level of your target customers.



8. Add “call to action” phrases such as “add to cart” or “buy now” to encourage purchase. You can also highlight the savings or discounts in case you’re offering it for a limited time. Place it either on the right-hand portion of the screen or below your short product description.

Extra Features

9. Include product a comparison chart in case you have other similar products or services which a customer may want to evaluate as well. You can even compare your products against leading brands, if you’re confident about your distinct advantages
10. Include a “related products” link to encourage more purchase. Follow Amazon.com’s system called “What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing Items Like This?”

For many entrepreneurs engaged in online business, the biggest concerns are improving search engine rankings and conversion rate. Indeed, it would be very difficult to generate sales and sustain your business without these factors. Unfortunately, some forget about the importance of a good Web design.

Strictly believing that more traffic would result to better sales, they tend to forget that a website must be user-friendly to foster loyalty and return visits.

In the words of Stoney deGeyter at Search Engine Guide, “SEO and SEM without good usability is like inviting people out to eat at a rat and roach infested restaurant. You may bring people in, but you won’t make them happy.” He then expounded on this idea and made this conclusion:

By fixing usability issues you can sell more while without having to spend a lot of money always trying to bring in a lot of new traffic. A little goes a long way. Once you are able to increase your conversion rates, every dollar you spend on marketing and SEO will be more effective and have a much bigger impact on your profit margins.

If truth be told, SEO and Web usability are interdependent of each other. But before you let in anybody to your house, make sure it is presentable and comfortable. So, which comes first? I guess you already know the answer. For more tips on how to improve your Website, check our Web development and Website Related archives.