When possible, keep content to 2 screens (1-1/2 printed pages).
Many people will not scroll down. If you exceed 2 screens, have a
good reason for it and use anchors to improve navigation.
Put the most important information early on in the page. Design pages so that key content is "above the fold."
Always
be aware of the size of your files and the amount of time it takes to
load the page. Try to keep your main pages (including graphics) to
under 60 KB.
Use subheadings and bullets to make pages easier to scan. Most users scan pages rather than reading all the content.
Content
Use the clearest and simplest language appropriate for the site's content.
Make sure there is a reason for creating the page.
Keep your content "fresh." Change something on your site at least once a week.
Make information on your site short, simple, and to the point. Provide original content. Write in active voice.
Name folders and files with no spaces or special characters (other than underscore).
Make titles consistent (the name of the page should be the same name used when the page is referenced elsewhere on the site).
Graphics
Use jpgs for complex images, gifs for images with solid areas of color.
Test how your page will look when printed and ensure this is acceptable.
Do not use animated images.
Use clipart only if there is a good reason for it and it contributes to the site.
Links and Navigation
Do not use the URL as the link. Give the link a title or descriptive name.
Do
not include live links to pages that aren't finished (instead use a
place holder that is not a link). Don't leave placeholders up for long
... if you can't deliver, don't put it up.
Links to non-district pages should open in a new page.
Make sure all links and images on your site work. Also test your site with different browsers and screen resolutions.
Do not set pages to automatically refresh.
Text
Make sure all text on your site is easy to read.
Avoid the use of underline for anything but links.
Minimize the use of bold text. Avoid blinking text.
Avoid using words in all caps, even for headings. This is very hard for people to read and is a little like shouting.
Use italics sparingly since they tend to be illegible at smaller sizes.
Sound
Use sound only if it relates to the content of the page.
Don't have sound autoplay when someone lands on your page. Let the user decide whether he or she wants to hear sound
