Website Tips

These tips are for the improvement of your site. Following all or most of these tips will greatly increase your chances of getting an award if you're interested, so go read them. :)

Layout Tips

Obviously, before you do anything, you need a layout for your site. Here are tips on what kind of layout to make to suit your needs.

Have an simple layout that makes it easy for the viewers to get around. The most common way people organize their pages is using a left navigation bar or drop-down lists under the banner and before the content. You can be creative and make something other than that, but, be warned as whatever new idea you thought up of might not be the best for you and your site (I hope I'm not discouraging you to think up of something new, but rather telling you to do it with caution). Originality is always a big factor in a website and making a unique layout is always a plus.
Have easy, readable colors for your layout. If the colors are horrible enough to make your viewers' eyes bleed, then no one will give a care about what content you have since they won't even bother to read it. If you have a bright background, then use dark text. If you have a dark background, use bright text. Don't splash your layout with 10000 different colors. Have one set color scheme. The color scheme for this site is obviously blue. I use different shades of blue for each part of the layout. Do the same for your site. Of course, don't make your site have monotone colors all the time. It's okay to have, say, black background navigation bars and dark green for the content area, as long as they go together. Don't use two colors that clash with each other like red and purple.
Don't have too many images in your layout. There are some image-based layouts and that's okay, unless virtually everything on your layout is an image. Sure, images make your website pretty and all but they make the page take forever to load and the screen lag. Everything might load fine on your Broadband high speed internet but it's another story for people with slower browsers.
Don't implement music with your layout. It is unexpected and makes people jump out of their seat in terror when Route 116 music starts blasting out of the speakers set to its loudest. No one likes automatic music and it'll degrade your site instantly if the above scenario ever happens (which it most likely will). If you really want music with your site, put an option that says something like "Music Settings" and let people turn on the music themselves.
Before putting up a new layout on your site, test it out on at least Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox (the two main browsers that people use; any other browser that you can access is a bonus) to make sure it works in both. If it screws up horribley in one, fix up the problem because anyone viewing your site with that layout with the browser that it messes up on will immediately leave if everything's all weird and misplaced or isn't functioning properly.
Use Verdana, Tahoma, or Sans-Serif for your font. Times New Roman is... bad. o_O

Content Tips

Now, after you've fixed up your layout, it's time to start the content. Here are tips on what kind of content to create and setting the environment for your site.

Have correct grammar and spelling. This is SO important. Sure, people can understand the meaning of 'u and ur buddy haf to go ther to get thsi item'. They can probably even understand your whole site if you write like that. But people won't take the time to decode every single sentence. Sure, you can have the occasional lol and OMG! but don't use it in every sentence. It will not only make your content hard to understand but it will also make it look unprofessional.
Don't lie about the content you have. Let's say you have a link called 'The COMPLETED 386 Pokedex' and the only thing people see when they click the link is a list of the first 28 Pokemon leading to broken links when they were expecting all 386 Pokemon to appear on their screen. DO NOT do this. If you haven't completed your Pokedex yet, don't put up a link that says you have. Instead, take down the link and put it back up when you have finished the Pokedex. If you claim that you have done something that you have not, it WILL degrade your site and make it look bad.
Take time to give useful information on a subject. Let's say we translated my How to Use SSI page into this:

SSI lets you edit your pages faster. Change your pages to .shtml and put this in place of the part you want to include: 

Okay, now that's obviously confusing, unclear, unexplained, and just straight out lazy. DO NOT ever write something up like this and stick it up on your site just for the sake of it. People view your site for information, not to see how many pages of crud it has. Go deeper. Include a nice, detailed explanation of whatever you're trying to teach, what it is, what it does, and how you do it. If you're too lazy to write up something worthwhile then you might as well close down your site.
Along with writing up a nice, detailed explanation, you have to keep all of the long tedious paragraphs of juicy information organized or no one is going to bother to read it if all they see is a mass blob of words no matter how informative it may be. So, use sub-headings to seperate your information into sections like I did with my EV Guide, Competitive Battling Guide and just about every guide that I wrote that needed to be organized. Trust me, it is much easier to read and navigate through than a mass blob of words. ;)
There's nothing that annoys me more than those dumb Skating Pikachu, Catch Whoever, Raise a Pikachu, or anything along the line of copy/pasting a code for a game from another site. Such pages dedicated to these games are what I call "cheap content". Copy/pasting codes doesn't take any effort; it's making the original code that does. So unless you actually made the original code yourself, please don't put up pages with games from another site because you don't know how annoyed I get when I see one... And, as always, QUALITY OVER QUANTITY.

Annoying Things

Now that you have created your content, here is a list of things to avoid putting up on your site.

First of all, I absolutely HATE links that lead to stupid pages that are there for the sake of it, like "So and so has eaten your brain!" and "OMG you clicked here. OMG you clicked here. OMG you clicked here." x10000 times. They are absolutely pointless and just an excuse for making it look like you have a lot of content, but they are really just mounds horse droppings. Now you may be thinking "Well you have a Click Here! page that is pointless as well." The Click Here page is just a fun thing and it actually has some humor in it, not like pages like repeat the same sentence over and over again.
Don't open an absolutely 100% empty site with a bunch of broken links on the navigation bar. Or, you just create a page for that link but all it says is "This page is coming soon!" Close down your site, make a few pages and reopen your site again. You do not have to create ALL of the pages at once though. It's okay to have some broken links on the navigation bar, as long as the majority of it is finished.
Uh... this tip is a weird one, so I'll just go straight up: Don't be annoyingly stubborn, mean for no reason, and just don't give your viewers the image of a little bad tempered boy with a bloated ego sitting in front of the computer. This is what I mean by "seting the environment for your site". Attitudes like "What makes you think I want to affiliate with a site that just rips hits off me?" are very annoying and the lack of immaturity is glaringly obvious. If you want to explain that you don't want to affiliate with small sites, say something like "I don't affiliate with small sites because they will get me no hits, and the only reason to affiliate is to get hits, right?". You can see that the second quote is much more calm and cool than the first.
This tip is all based on my opinion so you don't exactly need to follow it: don't rank your affiliates. Well, it's okay if you have something like "Top Affiliates", and "Regular Affiliates" but something like "Mini Affiliates" is just pathetic in my opinion. Mini affiliates are usually put on a whole page of their own and usually get no attention since people know that the mini affiliates are probably all bad sites that the owner just affiliated with because he/she felt sorry for the person running the mini affiliate. Which is probably true. If you don't want to affiliate with someone or their site doesn't meet your affiliation rules, just tell them and spare them the knowledge that they were put on the rejects list... (Well, I guess that was a little too harsh... o_O). Again, this is all based on my opinion and does no affect your site whatsoever except through my eyes. And one pair of eyes compared to thousands doesn't really matter that much anyway.
Don't have any images that flash or distract the eyes when someone is reading your content because it makes reading a whole lot harder. This goes with ads as well; it's better if you don't have ads that contain images at all but at the very least, make sure that "You have won a free laptop!" doesn't blink over and over that the viewer has to refresh the page to get a different ad that isn't so distracting.

The Webmaster Him/herself

Additionally, a website is not all about its content, and its layouts and what-not. It's also about the person running it. The quality of a site all depends on how the webmaster acts. If there was a webmaster that argued with everyone and just acted annoying, his site will not be liked even if it had mountains of content. Everything about him is reflected on the site no matter how mature he is on his own site and how nooby he acts on others. So, this will guide you on how to become a good webmaster, avoid being hated, and just generally be liked around the community.

The Way You Speak

Otherwise known as "grammar". Sure, it's the Internet and you can talk however you like. But if you haven't noticed already, most starting websites fail because the owner doesn't even know how to type out a legible sentence for people to read. Here are the general rules on how to talk appropriatively:

NEVER use chatspeak. Even if you're just discussing something on a forum, much less your own content, NEVER EVER use chatspeak. Except on IM's, a webmaster with "U dont no what ur missing out on" is not likely to get any respect if people haev to stop for five seconds to decode his message.

Use good grammar. Capitalize your 'I's, put an ending punctuation at the end of every sentence, spell your words right; you know the drill. You've been learning that since elementary school and this is the time to apply all that you've learned.

NEVER make run-on sentences. "Hey, can someone visit my site we just added a few new pages like AAP, Movesets, and a whole lot of other stuff visit now!" Okay, you can clearly see that someone really needs to brush up on their grammar skills. Put periods after your sentences and take a breath every once and a while. It's really disturbing to the viewers and gives them the idea that you're just babbling on and on. Trust me, people will pay loads more attention to you if you don't write run-ons because the first thought they get when they see one is "This isn't worth reading".

Okay, so those are a few pointers on how to construct your sentences. Also remember that, when you address people, keep your cool. If you see something that you don't like, don't start flaming them and ordering whatever you saw to be taken down. Instead, address them calmly, asking for it to be taken down. Look professional when you do it as well or else no one is going to take you seriously.

First Impressions

You might have heard this 100 times in your life already but I'm going to make it 101 anyway: FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT. Since this is the Internet and no one can see your face, the impression that people get of you all based on the way you act. Those who use good grammar and stay calm through and through are the ones that give people the impression that they know what they're talking about and that they're someone you should respect and listen to. Those who can't even spell "your" right and those who blow up at the littlest things are usually ignored and regarded as someone who isn't worth listening to.

If you're ever going to go give others a good impression and make them respect you, you must also treat them with respect too. For example, when asking for help on a concept, make the person who you are asking feel comfortable and try to make a bit of a conversation instead of "Oh god help me!!! I don't know how to do this and I've tried so many times and failed!!!! Please, HELP ME!!!!" Okay, the person would first of all be taken aback by your sudden outburst. They also get the impression that you are a desperate person who, if not handled carefully, is ready to throw themselves off a cliff. That pretty much sets the other person on their toes, huh?

Instead, say something like, "Hey, [person's name]! I'm a really big fan of your site and visit it every day. I see that you use PHP. So far, I only use SSI and I heard that PHP is so much better. I've tried using it but it's just not working. Can you help me?" This person is much more relaxed and you can see that his message is a lot longer. You can see that there is an introduction and the message isn't straight to the point like the other one. Try making friendly talk and give compliments to the person to flatter them slightly so they will be more comfortaable around you knowing that you are a person who often visits there site. This message gives them the impression that you are a cool, collected person worth helping. Again, you always have to be professional when it comes to webmastering, no matter how casual the Internet is. ;)

Getting Known By Others

Seriously, people. Don't hide in a little shell while you're creating a website because you're either 1) too shy to reach out and speak to others 2) afraid of people thinking that you're a noob and getting flamed 3) don't "like" talking to others or 4) all of the above. Sure, everyone is a noob at some point in their life and you've already seen a lot of poor people get flamed by others but seriously, if you consider yourself a noob, then, instead of no communicating with anyone, you might want to analyze yourself again if you can't even build up the confidence to interact with others.

No one likes visiting a site where the webmaster is unheard of and only their site is the only piece of evidence that they actually exist. People are more comfortable viewing a site of a close friend's or at least someone that they've seen here and there. Also, if more people know about you then the more fans you'll have and the more support, which is basically the whole point of creating a website: to do something you love and watch while people start bombarding you with compliments and praises. xD

Helping Others

Okay, in the last situation, you were asking help from another person. But now, we're going to switch the tables a bit and now a person has come up and asked you for help. Let's say that this is the first person who has ever asked you for help and at the moment, you have no idea what to say. You don't want to look stupid because the other person thinks you are an expert (or else they wouldn't be asking anything from you). Well, we'll take this situation apart. First, let's say that this is the person's message:

"Hi, Silverwing. I see that you have a styleswitcher on your site and I want one on mine too. I've used your styleswitcher guide but it isn't work. Here's my code: [code of styleswitcher here]"

The first step to solving one's problem is to examine the problem carefully. You don't want to give the wrong advice or else you might look stupid. If you have no idea what's going wrong with this person's styleswitcher then just admit it and say so. There is nothing wrong with telling the truth and giving an excuse solution to the other person just to save your face isn't going to make you look any better, especially when the person replies back saying that they are confused about your advice. If you really do know what they are doing wrong them tell them what they are doing wrong and give them the correct way to do it. Just remember to be really clear and precise and don't try to issues that you have no idea about.

When people ask for help, they want to know hte whole story. Keeping something from them because you don't want them to get "too good" at something is just not right. Don't give them only part of the story and keep your tips and tricks to yourself. Don't hide anything. No one likes an evasive person who can't give decent advice. Of course, you also need to be carefuly not to bombard the person with so much information that their head is at the point of exploding. Dish the information out little by little so they won't be overwhelmed by it.

Also, if the person that came up to you is a newb who has no idea what he/she is doing, help them anyway. Don't try to act superior and lower their spirits by making them feel stupid. Sure, an idiot's an idiot but the thing is, every idiot will grow up and become experts. You just have to give people a chance. Explain patiently how to fix the problem instead of discarding their plea for help because you think you're too good for them. Who knows, the person that you helped will one day return the favor to you, so never turn anyone down no matter how stupid they may seem. After all, there is always someone higher than you that you look forward to for help, so how would you like it if they turned you down? So, before making a comment, always consider how the other would feel.

Giving Constructive Criticism

The difference between constructive criticism and just plain old crticism is that constructive critism is intended to help people while plain old criticism is meant to hurt others. You've probably heard this before at any place, mostly forums, where people give rates and reviews on other people's work. When reviewing another's site, always use constructive criticism. Comments like "This site is bad" and "You suck" aren't needed and don't tell what the other owner has to do to improve. All it does it dishearten them and perhaps make another enemy on your enemy's list.

Also, do not be afraid or hesitant to give out as harsh comments as it is necessary. If whatever you said will indeed improve the others' site, then so be it. Although it will be quite hurtful to the other webmasater that person will one day learn that what you said is in fact true and they will be forever thankful for it. That's the happy way of looking at it. :) That is, given the fact that the owner of the site isn't a noob. If, in fact, that the owner of the site is a noob and starts flaming you, I all I can tell you is to just ignore them since they aren't worth your time if they can't even take a few bad remarks.

But that doesn't mean always give negative comments. Pointing out good things on the website is always a good way to soften the blow and even out the field. Take this display of criticism:

"The layout is horrible."

Okay, it's stating that the layout is horrible but what exactly makes it horrible and how do you fix it? Statements like these make criticism into constructive criticism, because it is actually useful. Now, let's remake that and add in the elements of constructive criticism: what it bad about the layout and what adjustments will need to be made in order to make it nice.

"The layout is horrible. The colors don't match and the text is hard to read. Instead of using bright orange and red text, try dull orange and black text."

It's getting better. Although the above comment isn't too harsh, it can always do with a bit of encouraging.

"The layout is horrible. The colors don't match and the text is hard to read. Instead of using bright orange and red text, try dull orange and black text. You have a few pages of useful content and some interesting reviews, which is a good start. Keep going with your site because I see a lot of potential."

See how much more helpful that comment is compared to "The layout is horrible" and how much nicer and more welcome it is compared to the second one? It is always good to add a compliment as an after thought on every review. Of course, you don't have to be nice but it always gives the other webmaster a nice push that they will probably need. Then again, only treat those with respect that deserves to be treated with it; that means not immature noobs with ferocious tempers and bloated egos. Even if the noob is a noob, still try to be helpful. Remember, no one will learn if you don't give them a chance. That is, those who only expect praise are probably people that you shouldn't focus your time on.

Taking Criticism

Taking criticism is probably the hardest things out there. The most important part of it is: Keep your cool. Even if your nerves are at the point of exploding, contain your hot tempers because you are just going to sink even lower than the person that is criticizing you. And, it gives others a bad impression. =P

When someone gives you constructive criticism, always remember that they are trying to help you, not say bad things about your site just for the sake of it. So, whenever you see a particularily harsh comment, your first impulse shouldn't be to reject it and start making up excuses to cover your behind up but rather to take it into consideration. Everyone likes someone who could be flexible and is willing to change whatever is needed; not someone who is so confident in what they think is best that they just disregard others' opinions.

Asking for Affiliation

At one point during your site, someone will ask you for affiliation. They send you an e-mail to you with their site URL. Obviously you feel very proud of yourself if someone wants to advertise through your site. But how do you reply to the e-mail and what if it's a bad site? My rules of replying to affiliation requests usually are:

If they're OBVIOUSLY accepted because everything about their site is so superfantastic... Then just send a replying e-mail back to them saying that they were accepted. :) Of course, saying how much you love their site and what is so good about it is always something you should do.
If the site is okay and meets your affiliation standards... Send another e-mail saying that they were accepted but point out some of the few things that you saw that didn't make it as fantastic as the site above. It's always good to help.
If the site just scraped your affiliation standards... Again, reply back saying that they were now affiliated with your site but tell the other webmaster about the things that about their site that almost made you deny their request.
If the site just missed your affiliation standards... Then by all means tell them what is wrong with their site and what they can do to improve on it so it does meet your affiliation standards. Don't ignore them just because their site isn't good enough but there will always be a good side when you help others on their site so it meets the required standards. These sites are, in fact, the ones that you should help out the most.
If the site doesn't meet your affiliation standards... Then do the same as above.
If their site is just plain bad... This means horrible layout, no content, and basically something you wouldn't really consider a 'site'. If you ever get an affiliation request from this kind of site, then I usually just ignore it because there's so much to fix that it'll take ages to write out.

Remember, people, unless you're really tight on time, don't just say "If you don't get a reply, that means I didn't accept you." If you didn't accept whoever's site because they don't meet your affiliation rules, tell them why they weren't accepted and help them out instead of ignoring them all together. That is, there are some acceptions... Like I always say, always try to be helpful because there will always be a favor that will be returned.