Since everyone and their parent company is on the web, you must take steps to professionalize the look and presentation of your website. In a way, you are competing against these other companies. If a web viewer does not appreciate your company’s web presence, they can seek out ten other companies that sell the same products or services. You do not have to be a design artist to make your website professional. You must simply become acquainted with the rules.

1. Easy Navigation

A webmaster ideally designs his or her site to be an interactive experience, and one of utmost convenience. The very idea of a website that is difficult to navigate, hard to understand, and full of unnecessary complications is off putting to the average viewer. If the average viewer wanted such a mess, he or she could mow the lawn or run for office, yes?

2. Generous Use of Images

Colourful images bring a lot to an otherwise boring website. While you do want to avoid animation, well-placed photos that have relevance to the company objective will serve you well. Avoid cartoonish figures (unless they are the central theme of your site) and silly stock images. Each photo should convey a specific emotion or direct a viewer’s thinking to the proper place. Use graphic images sparingly; icons, logos and web layout amenities should be good quality graphics. Do not gratuitously use graphics, as this can be distracting.

3. Keep Colours Complementary

Make sure that the layout of the site and the colours are consistent. You can use three or more colours in design, but make sure that they fit together. Most corporate websites, you will notice, tend to use two main colours, a main accent and one subtle accent. For the most part, you lean towards minimalism. Minimalism, in terms of colour, is preferable compared to over saturated pizzazz.

4. Keep It Interesting

While you do want to avoid tasteless flash, you do not want to create yet another boring corporate website devoid of all things tried and true. Remember, you can use a limited number of graphics, animation and Java tools. You must think visually but with an ultimate view towards a business objective. In other words, use as much flash as possible, but make sure it serves a purpose.

These four tips will help you to professionalize your message and stand out from your amateur competitors.