4 stages of web site design

Typically, web site designs evolve. In the beginning, many web site owners become enamored with "bells and whistles" that, on the surface, might appeal to their target audience. Flash movies, Java applets, animation and other rich media has become increasingly popular over the years.

However, in the rush to have the "coolest" site design, web site owners forget whom they are designing their site for: their target audience. Your audience might find that Flash movie irritating after viewing it multiple times. Your audience might not be able to find your site in the search engines. "Bells and whistles" are attributes of a web site that need to be measured and tested to see if they increase or drive away sales.

Below are the various stages of evolution web sites typically undergo:

* Stage 1 - Style Over Substance
* Stage 2 - Designing for Online Visibility
* Stage 3 - Designing for Your Audience
* Stage 4 - Site Redesign
* Conclusion

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