Things to keep in mind while creating a site.

[aloksingh]

1- Good Layout
2- Easy Navigation System
3- Less and complementary use of graphics
4- Appealing Color Schemes
5- Targeted Content

I think that these are the things to keep in mind while creating a site. If you have some other tips, then please add to mine.

[Submerge]

I've been focusing on easy navigation currently. I think it's key to keep links in very visible easily navigatable areas. I hate having to look around forever personally.

[boron]

I can add:
1. Domain with a keyword(s) in it.
2. Reliable Hosting with (enough) mySQLs, bandwith, PHP, cPnel, FTP...If you have only 1 mySQL you won't be able to add any scripts on the site...Fast hosting. Check PING from your PC to hosting server first.
3. Title - keyword(s) in it. Subtitle: say in two-three words what's the site about.
4. Introduction text placed in the middle top of the Home page. Not over 100 words by my opinion. Explain "How it works", what can be expected from the site. Keyword as a first word of a text. Keyword in footer of the site. Keyword in image ALT tag.
5. Menu on the left column or on the top in one or max. two rows placed below the header.
6. Make a Site Map with text links of all inner pages.
7. Simple text links in menus. Avoid JavaScript made menu, since Google ignore them and it will not index pages related to those links.
8. Clean layout, only one graphic/logo in the top main area. It is user friendly if visitor can see content in this order: Title, subtitle, logo, introduction text.

[Reckless]

Easy Navigation System is the most important one if you ask me, if someone doesn't understand how to navigate your site they will leave.



I can add:
1. Domain with a keyword(s) in it.
2. Reliable Hosting with (enough) mySQLs, bandwith, PHP, cPnel, FTP...If you have only 1 mySQL you won't be able to add any scripts on the site...
3. Title - keyword(s) in it. Subtitle: say in two-three words what's the site about.
4. Introduction text placed in the middle top of the Home page. Not over 100 words by my opinion. Explain here "How it works", what can be expected from the site. Keyword as a first word of a text. Keyword in footer of the site. Keyword in image ALT tag.
5. Menu on the left column or on the top in one or max. two rows placed below the header.
6. Make a Site Map with text links of all inner pages.
7. Simple text links in menus. Avoid JavaScript made menu, since Google ignore them and it will not index pages related to those links.

most of them are SEO tips, but good ones though

[boron]

While creating a site you need to think about four things in generaly:

-domain
-hosting
-user
-SEO

With new domain it can happen you won't be listed high in Search engines for several months because of Google SandBox. So it is a good idea to host your new site on some old domain you might have.

If you will have a slow hosting, site will load slow and no design will help you.

Navigation and SEO...it's all for user, it's all one thing on the end.

[domokun]

USP - Unique Selling Point

A website, dont forget, competes on a global scale. Your website needs to be unique and it needs to have a purpose