Use the left-hand links to get information on how to architect a site for maximum usability.

Website usability is the quality of a user's interaction with a website. Usability influences whether many users will return to a website, how often they will use it, and how happy they are with their overall experience. When users cannot find information they seek on a website, this can lead to wasted time, decreased productivity, and increased frustration. This can also lead to the loss of repeat visits, and in some cases, a loss of money. When a visitor arrives at your site, it must be clear immediately what your site is about, what's in it for them, and what action they should take. Remember, "the competition is only a click away." If users feel at all frustrated they will leave.

Before you start planning your new website, think about the following:

• What are your user’s goals. How effectively is your site meeting the their needs?
• Is the path to a visitor's goal obvious? Is content easy to find? Is your site laid out in a way that makes sense to the user?
• How well does your site perform? Do pages load quickly? Does the search function work properly? Are links broken or misleading?

What information or resources can you provide to keep visitors on your site longer, and to keep them coming back?

It is important to make VISITOR goals your SITE goals. This ensures an engaging user experience that will encourage interaction with your site and content, lead to repeat visits, and provide greater returns for your online advertisers.