Newsletter issue #9 - 1st December 2004
This issue
Hello and welcome to the December edition of the Webcredible newsletter!
In this issue:
- Feature article: Making accessible forms part 1
- Top tip: Use consistent orientation items
- Useful program: Link popularity checker
- Top link: A List Apart
- New articles in November
- Webcredible news in November
Enjoy!
Feature article: Making accessible forms part 1
Online forms are used to buy products, sign up to newsletters and contact you. As such, they're one of the most important parts of your website. Find out how accessible the forms on your website actually are and discover whether you're preventing some site visitors from using them...
Read this article in full at http://www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources/web-accessibility/accessible-forms-1.shtml.
Top tip: Use consistent orientation items
Orientation items include page elements such as the page title, main heading, breadcrumb trails (e.g. Home > About us > Jobs), navigation and links. If a web user clicks on a link that says ‘Jobs’ then the page title and main heading of the destination page should both read ‘Jobs’ too. Why? Three reasons:
- Web usability Consistency both between and on pages is fundamental to helping your site visitors orientate themselves. If a site visitor follows a link that says ‘Jobs’ then they'll expect to be on a page about ‘Jobs’. If two of the first elements they see, namely the page title and main heading, both say ‘Jobs’ then they'll instantly know they're on the correct page.
- Web credibility Mistakes and inconsistencies can lead to a major reduction in online credibility. If you're perceived as not having taken the time to check your own website for errors then what can potential customers expect you'll do with the products/services you provide them?
- Search engine optimisation Search engines place a lot of importance on the words contained in page titles, main headings and links. By placing keywords in these elements and using them consistently you'll be optimising your pages around these important keywords.
Useful program: Link Popularity Checker
Ever wondered which sites are linking to your site? Now you can find out with the Link Popularity Checker, which will let you know which sites are linking to yours. The more links you have pointing in to your site, all other things being equal, the higher in the search rankings your site will appear.
You can download this handy program from www.checkyourlinkpopularity.com.
Top link: A List Apart
A List Apart is a fantastic resource for web developers, especially those with a strong interest in CSS. With leading edge articles from some of the world's best web developers, it's a must-read for anyone who wants to learn from the best.
Check it out at www.alistapart.com.
New articles in November
- Beware of opening links in a new window
- CSS shorthand properties
- The secret benefit of search engine optimisation: Increased usability
Read these and many other articles at www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources.
Webcredible news in November
- January web accessibility training course announced
- Webcredible selected to judge IVCA Biz-Net awards
- Webcredible to attend Techshare 2004
Read these news stories in full at www.webcredible.co.uk/about-us/latest-news.shtml.
Web accessibility & CSS support packages
We now offer a range of accessibility and CSS support packages, offering you access to one of our accessibility consultants anytime you like. Please read more about this innovative service in our web accessibility and CSS help section.
Web accessibility training course
All our courses for this year have now sold out. The next training course, which has received remarkable feedback from participants, will take place in our training centre in Aldgate, London on Wednesday 26th January.
To receive a £60 discount on the course, for more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our web accessibility training page.
About Webcredible
Based in London, UK, Webcredible is a user experience consultancy. Tailor-made usability, accessibility & design solutions include:
- User-centered design
- Accessible web design
- CMS services
- Usability
- Accessibility
- Training
- Website review lite
Please contact us on 0870 242 6095 or info at webcredible.co.uk, or consult www.webcredible.co.uk for further information.