The web, most especially the internet has changed quite a lot in the recent past. There are a lot more websites in designed for various functions and capabilities. While some webmasters chose design over functionality, some others favor functionality over looks and design but in essence, a great website should be laid out in such a manner that both aspects (design and functionality) are well integrated. so whether functionality or design, this article, looks at the most important aspects of a great website, the little titbits that are most necessary and can negatively affect a site if not properly configured. [See Also: Life-Changing Technological Inventions]
Codes
While you are wondering what a site's php/html code is doing here at number one, it is worthy of mention that a site's code is its foundation and an integral part. If you buy already existing themes and templates then you are not alone and are like over 90% of web masters. There is nothing wrong in buying an already made custom theme compared to a commercial version however, the simpler the code, the better. This does not mean that you should have a skeletal site since great design means more codes but as a matter of fact, the cleanliness of the codes and the pathway formed makes a remarkable difference. In the simplest form, would a search bot have to go from A to P to E to N before getting to Z or would it simply head from A to Z?
Navigational Structure
Quite often I have come across websites that have a poor navigational structure. Note that this does not mean that if a website has a poor structure, that the site is missing out on a vital function because it all lies on the sole reason the site was created or is being created in the first instance. Take the Google homepage for instance, you wouldn't find a lot of navigation links there and as a matter of fact, is one of the few top ranking websites that with the simplest homepage but it is well adapted for its functionality. The abundant white spaces are there to ensure that you don't get distracted; simply search for the information you came for. This then takes you to a result page with a lot of resourceful links leading to answers to the question you asked. In essence, the primary focus should be on which layout that more positively impacts your users and that is exactly what you should stick to. You would agree that it is frustrating if you are reading an article on a website and then decides to check out one other article that was referenced before finishing up your reading, but then you only get to discover that nope! there is no way back, you can't find the home button butt can only rely on the mercy of your browser.
Fresh Content
The first 2 highlighted points focus on site designs and not necessarily on what is offered however, a site's content is even more important than its design and makeover. This is the ultimate key that locks a visitor in. There has been a lot of noise about fresh and quality content however, note that it is not every web portal that is designed to thrive on fresh supply of contents. Take corporate websites for instance, there is really isn't much to say everyday or every other day that will keep the site fresh however, it is highly imperative that in as much as there are just a few new additions to make every now and then, care should be taken to update any information that might have been outdated. This is not only great for the search engines but will go a long way in creating the best of impressions in the minds of your visitors because there is satisfaction and more especially, confidence in knowing that a website is not redundant but is very active and means that the site owners still keep to whatever is published be it 5 or 10 years ago.