Designing a Web Site for Your Congregation

Tell Users What to Expect

It's nice to let users know what to expect before they click one of your links. For example, will the link take them to another page, download a sound file, or display a mailto window? Using clear and specific words for your links lets users know what to expect.

Provide an Introduction
A brief introduction at the top of a page helps users know what information they can expect to find there.

Help Orient Users
When users first arrive at your site, help orient them by providing an overview of your site. Use titles that accurately summarize the contents of the pages. For large or complex pages, provide a table of contents, an index, or even a search mechanism.

A Link Should Indicate What It Links To
What happens when a user clicks a link should be apparent from the link's name or context. For example, a mailto link could be indicated by an e-mail address. News group links should be the name of the group. Graphics can be used very effectively for this purpose. A graphic with New indicates new information or a graphic with a book and question mark in it would indicate Help is available.

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Prepared for Making Christ Known Conference November 22, 1997
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