Typical Codes and Conventions of a Website

Typical Codes and Conventions of a Website

• Title/masthead/name: This is the first thing the website user will see when entering a website, so it is important that it stands out and looks appealing (e.g. - bright, vibrant colours, biggest thing on the page etc). Obviously if darker colours suit the house style more, then it would be necessary to do so in order to keep some kind of theme throughout the website pages.
• House Style: House style is also very important for websites since it helps to keep a consistent theme/look throughout the website. For example, it would look strange if one of the web pages had a dark background and another of the web pages had a brighter background. The same thing applies for text and images and how they are laid out; it does not only apply to colour.
• Menu/Navigation: Having a menu is important because it allows the user to navigate their way through the different pages the site has to offer. Typically, the menu would be out of the way, either on the side, top or bottom of the page. Normally, when the user's cursor is hovering over one of the options listed on the menu, it is indicated by a change in colour (for example) of the option. When clicked on, the option could stay in the changed colour to remind the user which page they are on.
• Copy/Text: Copy/text is obviously important for a website as it is a way of communicating information to the user. It is needed for pretty much everything in a website.
• Main Image: The main image is important as it sets the tone and mood of the website. The main image is usually in the background, so the user will see it in the background whilst reading text in the foreground. If the image was of a soldier in black and white, for example, it would set a serious and almost sad mood/tone, whereas if the main image was of people partying, then it would set up a fun and dynamic mood/tone. The lighting, the camera shot/angle, the special effects (if there are any) etc also help to achieve the correct mood/tone.
• Social Media links: Social media is almost always linked on an artist's/band's page. Normally, the icons for the relevant social media platform would, when clicked, take the user to the artist's/band's social media page.
• Adverts: Adverts are frequently used on websites to increase brand exposure.