How to Have a Successful Website
So you decided to make a website? Now what? There are a few tips and tricks you should know for you to have a site that people will want to visit. These ideas are for a webmaster who is making a personal/art/resource site.- First of all, being at least an average-ability graphic maker is a very, very good idea. Most people will not stay at a site if they aren't impressed by the graphics.
- A good-looking layout is definitely important. If you don't know how to code your own layouts, either a) learn or b)ask someone to make the layout for you. There are a lot of people who will do it for free ;) But, if you can, do NOT get a template layout from a site like Freewebs or Geocities.
- Again, about the layout, try to make it original and unique - don't be afraid to experiment, get inspiration (but never copy!) from others, and ask people for help. Trial-and-error is always a good way to learn ;)
- If you want people to visit your site, they need to know about it. Don't start emailing or PMing random people on forums, but put a link in your signature (on forums) or post a topic about your site. The forums where this is best to do would be art/web design forums, like Portfelia.
- Affiliates are a good resource to have in a site. But don't just ask random sites, ask webmasters who's sites you ENJOY visiting. Link exchanges are good ways to get more visitors =]
- Taking part in graphic challenges are great for 2 reasons: a) you will improve your skills and b) you will probably get some visits to your site. Most webmasters put up a link when you enter.
- Make sure your content is worth looking at. If you're going to have a blog-site, maybe you should try Livejournal instead. Really it's up to you what you want on your site, though. But always keep in mind your "target audience" - who do you want visiting your site? And how will you get them there and keep them there?
- Update your site! If you only update once every 3 months, people may wonder if you're even alive =P
- Finally, don't expect millions of visitors right when you first open. I barely had any visitors (if I had any at all) when I first opened my site, and now I have over a thousand hits in just over a month! Stick with it, and people will start visiting your site.
I hope these little tips help you make your site a 'better place.' Hopefully I'll be adding to this list as my site grows =)