Things to consider when creating a website?

[KatyMac]

A friend has to write an essay on how to create a website

She an do the techy stuff (to some extent) but needs info (preferably on websites/documents) that she can cite within the bibliography)

We have been googling but we aren't sure what to google for

Any ideas or help?

bump

Message withdrawn

Anything from w3.org is good for citations.

Depending on what exactly she wants to cover maybe google for "website accessibility guidelines", "website layout guidelines", website content guidelines, etc.?

Thanks for those I will pass them on

They look good

Take a look at things like

alistapart.com

boagworld.com

Thanks - I have passed these over

Google Webmaster Guidelines may be handy, for referring to with regard to how search engines (well Google at least) likes to see a website.

Really important to consider the general design of the layout and how easy it is to "use". Worth looking at a variety of examples and comparing the good the bad and the ugly!

Also, consider the amount of fancy moving things (sorry, can't think of technical words at the mo!) cos they can just make everything slower and generally more confusing

The two links I posted are both good for these.

For aesthetics, look for articles on the golden triangle, rule of thirds and vertical rhythm.

If it is for a business website here are some things (some of which I have learned the hard way )

Put your contact details on every page.
Have a facility for people to email you.
Put the pages only screen sized so that people don't have to scroll down to see what you offer.
Put hardly any info on your home page but just enough to say concisely what you are offering and which pages they will find what on.
Too much text and people are snoozing and googling something else.
The trend at the moment is 'less is more' websites regarding design
Don't expect everyone to find you and give you business just because you have a website. Look on it as a kind of brochure that you can email to people; if anyone contacts you because they found you in cyberspace then thats a bonus.
Don't forget that websites are regulated by the disability discrimination act, I won't go into all the details I am sure you can google that.
If you are having a business website then remember that it represents you to everyone who looks at it who hasn't actually met you. So have one built professionally.

Can't think of anything else.