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Ten Tips for Achieving a User-Friendly Web site

So what does a user-friendly Web site have to do with public relations? That’s a tech issue, right?

No, No, No!

Web site usability has everything to do with public relations. If your group’s Web site is less than user-friendly, that drives potential adopters and donors away.

And if your circle of volunteers is mostly less than tech savvy, take comfort in knowing that the best Web sites aren’t the most elaborate.

To help all of us remember this fine point, here are my top 10 tips for achieving a user-friendly Web site.

1. Stop Your Flash Addiction.

You’ve got this great volunteer, this kid from the local college majoring in
Web design, and she’s got Flash! Now you’ve got plans. Your rescue’s Web site will feature an elaborate animation of a dog playing a fetch on the front page before the navigation appears. You’re on the cutting edge, right?

Actually, this is one of the single worst things a group can do to its Web site. Overloading on flash animation causes computers to slow down, especially the few people (and yes, they do exist!) using dial-up. And some browsers, notably Firefox, aren’t flash-friendly.

But Flash does have its uses. Only in small doses, however. It can be great for just a touch of animation on a regular Web page, preferably a home page. For an excellent use of Flash, please check out the home page for The Washington Humane Society (www.washhumane.org). Notice that the animals in the photograph shake their tales and wag their tongues. That’s a good amount of Flash.