It may seem that using a lot of flash on your website would be a good idea, but it can be really off-putting to many visitors. Simple websites that deliver the information visitors need work the best. Read on to learn how to design a clean, simple, and very appealing website.

Graphics are important for any designer but beginners should focus only on the standard graphics on their first several builds. PNGs work well, but bitmap images may be too big. PNG is the right choice for non-photo images, such as text buttons and screenshots. If an image has in excess of 256 colors choose PNG. If it does not, GIF is another option. Photos require JPEG to ensure high quality.

Avoid trying to add every new gadget to your website. It can be tempting to make your site look cutting edge by including every new web design option out there but it can end up turning people off. Simple will generally get the job done even better than a flashy layout.

Always ensure you are giving meaningful feedback, as this is what creates the communication between a website and its visitors. For example, if an action taken by visitor results in an error, do not simply display “error occurred. Instead, provide a message that explains what happened and how the visitor can correct the error by taking a different action. Without this feedback, visitors are more likely to grow frustrated and just give up by leaving your website.

Have a site map. These are useful to your clients and the search engines, as they give a detailed overview of your entire website. It can be a guide for viewers searching for a certain part of your site, and also allow you to keep track of its structure and layout.

To help your visitors be able to easily read your site, you should design it using contrasting colors. If you use colors that contrast, it makes the text stand out. If you have black text with a black background you will not be able to see the information, but if you have black text with a white background it becomes simple to read.

Make sure the content on your website is compelling and interesting. People ultimately visit your site more for the content than for the glitzy design. Useful, informative content which matches what visitors are looking for will ensure your visitor numbers continue to increase.

Make sure your business logo is well-designed and prominently on every page of your site. Your logo is a key component of your brand, and it should be one of the first things people see when they go to your website. If you can’t come up with a good idea for a logo, there are design firms that will make you one at a relatively low cost.

As stated above, it is better to stick with simple designs on a website. You can find success when you keep things simple and quick to load. These two things will help ensure your visitors have a pleasant time navigating and visiting your website.