Site design for better optimization

[chrisswanson11]

I am looking for advice on what I should do reduce the load time of my websit. Also, to enhance the design to portrait a more sophisticated, professional image. I had the website designed by a company who used one of their templates but I am realizing that I would like to change how it looks at the same time, improving the load time.

Any suggestions on where to go for advice or any specific ideas on design?

[Nick W]

You can probably get some reasonable advice right here I'll start you off..

• Use a strict doctype and use XHTML and CSS
• Stick to a tableless design - dont be scared, it's easy really
• As part of all of the above, cut out all unecessary tags like <font> for example
• Use the HTML Validator to help you do this with your strict doctype - you dont have to validate fully unless you can, but it'll help you find the crud in the design
• Think TEXT - think information and ask yourself which of your graphics, flashing knobs and showy whistles are really needed to communicate that information and to sell your product
• Stick all CSS and JS in external files - it'll increase server load on the first call but reduce page download time on subsequent page views for users - always a good thing - aswell as that, it will push your conent nearer the top of the codeflow..
• Think about using a decent content management system and incorporate all of the above when tweaking the templates to taste.

Well, that will give you something to think about perhaps. Go ahead and get a bit more specific if you like, i'll try to help, and im know there's a few others out there that will too

Nick