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Websites are unique in that they tend to have a feel that is more vertical rather than horizontal. This allows you several options when developing the website layout that you want for your site.
Large majorities of websites are designed using tables. This makes them very sectional and easy for readers to quickly look at and scan up and down. However, with these tables you have several options of your own.
Two Columns or Three?
Websites are designed using basic tables. This allows you the option to have two, three or more columns. It is important to remember that if you have a lot of information that you want on your homepage, you may need to find different ways of spreading it throughout your website.
A homepage should be easy to read and you don't want to deter visitors by having too much going on and making it difficult to read. If you go with the two-column format you are going to be able to have a column on the left for links to your various pages.
The second column will contain the information that corresponds to the page that you are on. If you are on the homepage then you are going to have the latest information and features in this area.
With a three-column format, you can have several links on the right, links on the left and important information in between. This format is good for sites that may have a lot of pages, but not a whole lot to say on the homepage.
Other Uses for Multiple Columns
When designing your website layout you will also want to determine if you are going to be selling advertising space. This can be an effective use of a three-column design. You would use a similar set-up similar to that above, however, you would use the far right column to highlight advertisements.
Advertisements and affiliate links can also go at the top and bottom of a homepage. Most website layouts that you see will essentially frame the important information with the advertisements. Advertisements can also be utilized to break up pages by placing them between paragraphs of text. You can also run your links across the top of the website and frame your text with advertisements to the right and to the left.
Three-column designs can also be used to effectively show off featured products and related links. If you use a two-column design you may want to highlight your links across the top of the website and use the left and right columns for advertisement space.
The Professional Appearance
Using website layouts that incorporate tables and columns often give sites a more professional appearance. Many of the first websites were single column pages that read straight down the screen. Links may have been at the top of the page, and then the link just sent you further down the page.
These types of links often work well for FAQ pages, but if this is your entire website, it often shows a lack of knowledge of web design. If you are having your website layout designed or if you are doing it yourself, it is wise to invest in a program that will allow you to develop a website that uses tables and columns for a more professional design.
Action Steps for Your Website Layout
- Research your column options by visiting several websites. If your competitors are using old-fashioned one-page sites, out do them by using columns and tables.
- Look at the different options that each design provides you.
- Have your web designer design the site in two or three different styles so that you can see the differences.
Important Points for Website Layouts
- Tables and columns give a more professional look to your website layout.
- Tables allow you more flexibility in how you can present your information.
- Tables are often great if you need to organize products with images and similar listings.
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