When it comes to website graphics and design, you must

When it comes to website graphics and design, you must always make sure that every detail runs smoothly and serves a purpose. To help guide you, here are seven very important steps to observe and help you bring your website to the top of it's game.

1) Do not use splash pages

Splash pages are the first pages you see when you arrive at a website. They normally have a very beautiful image with words like "welcome" or "click here to enter". In fact, they are just that -- pretty vases with no real purpose. Do not let your visitors have a reason to click on the "back" button! Give them the value of your site up front without the splash page.

2) Do not use excessive banner advertisements

Even those who know nothing of technology understand that nothing good comes from an advertisement, so why should you waste your time using them? Rather, show them that you don't have to shove things down their throat, and you can show them your product respectfully, give them something to enjoy! Remember, nothing good comes from an advertisement.

3) Have a simple and clear navigation

Always give people a short and narrow path around your website. Make it look good, but do not add all of the complicated dropdown menus or flashy fake links. Just give them the upfront so that no matter who comes along, they can easily get your product with no hassle. Make your website easy to use.

4) Have a clear indication of where the user is

When people visiting your site get attached to what your offering, you should want them to know what part of the site they are in at that time, right? No one wants to get lost in the web! This way, they can be positive of where they are, and how to get to the next page and navigate around the site. Remember, confusion leads to a ghost site!

5) Avoid using audio on your site

If people are going to visit your site, make sure that they're not bombarded with audio on your site. Audio that you have no control over on a website screams spam, and that causes the customer to leave instantly. Don't force people out! If you must use audio, give people control over it, and don't have it automatically start up!