The Internet seems to change almost daily. Trends that were popular a few months ago can become outdated almost overnight. Nowhere is this more true than when it comes to website design. With each new evolution, new standards emerge.

Navigation bars are one aspect of site design that seem to constantly change. So, what are the current trends?

When the web was still in its infancy, navigation bars took the form of a graphic interface and some were even Java-based. These types of navigation bars worked very well and are still fairly popular today.

However, as webmasters soon discovered, the function of a navigation bar played a large role in how deep visitors would travel into a particular website. Many web designers realize that simplicity is what visitors want in a website, which is why the current trend in navigation bars is gravitating toward using text links as opposed to the graphic interfaces or Java applications.

One of the most popular ways to navigate a website now is through the use of drop down menus. Drop down menus are popular because they offer superior functionality and ease of use while maintaining the integrity of the overall design.

Drop down menus are extremely easy for the average visitor to use and blend seamlessly into the website design. They also offer quick navigation of the entire site by being easy to access, yet still unobtrusive.

A growing trend is the use of mega menus. Mega menus are useful for navigating large websites that have multiple pages and sub-pages. Essentially, designers could create sitemaps with links to every page, but as sites become bigger - and more pages are added - these sitemaps become too big and too tough to navigate.

Another option would be for the designer to use dynamic drop-down menus or expanding menus, which would give readers access to any page on the site. However, the problem with these menus is that they can be tough to access, and since most require Java Script, some users will be left out in the dark.

Mega menus bridge the gap between simple menus and expanding menus. They’re easy to use and don’t suffer from the accessibility problems associated with some of the other navigation tools. Also, mega menus look good and can be seamlessly blended into virtually any site’s design. check out the navbar at http://www.webassist.com/

While your website can still function well using older style navigation bars, you might want to consider a switch in the near future. Your visitors will appreciate it.

Ever wonder why some companies go to great lengths to make sure their phone numbers spell out something catchy?

It’s to make sure that people remember the number if they hear it and don’t have a way to write it down.

Think about it. You’re a small business owner wanting to get a web site up and running. You’re driving down the road listening to the radio. A commercial comes on that advertises professional web design and marketing services. The person in the ad hits all the right buttons - fast turnaround time, reasonable rates and easily updated content.

You’re sold. Then comes the number. 1-800-555-2390.

What are the chances you’re going to be able to pull over and write it down or even remember it when you’re ready to order?

Now imagine that the number is 1-800-WEB-SITES.

Easy right?

The same is true when we’re talking about domain names. When you’re marketing your web site and don’t have a physical object to give people with the address on it, you’re depending on their memories.

The problem is that many domain names aren’t easy to remember AND you most likely already have a web site and simply can’t change the URL.

So what can you do?

Get a second domain name. Domain names are inexpensive now and can easily be gotten for as little as $10. You then use this web site to give visitors a good idea of what your business is all about. How it operates, what it offers and of course, a re-direct to your current site.

The trick with the second domain is to make the URL something that’s relevant to your business and easy to remember.

Taking our small business example you might want to try a domain like www.websitedesignforwomen.com, which directly targets a specific market. This way, whenever you market yourself, whether it’s on the radio or speaking directly to someone, you can give them a name that’s going to stick in their brains without them having to write it down.

And even if they forget the rest of your marketing message, they’re going to remember your URL, which will remind them of everything you told them before AND point them to where they can buy your products or service.

Top 7 Design Trends for Web Sites continued…

4. Buttons

Back when the web was new, the way to navigate a site was either by moving your mouse over text rollovers or by clicking square buttons. Today, though, many designers are using buttons that have rounded corners or are full circles. Why? Some people speculate that humans prefer organic shapes. Others suspect that we have deep-rooted fears of sharp corners. Whatever the reason, round is the way to go.

5. Big type

A lot of people don’t like reading off of web pages. Too often small type together with the eye-strain that goes with staring at a monitor turn people away from text heavy pages.

But now, many designers are making it easier on the reader by employing bigger, easier to read type. And not only is the type larger, but designers are flowing text onto multiple pages rather than trying to make everything fit onto one. This might make the size of your site a bit larger, but your readers will thank you for the lack of headaches.

6. White space

Many people, especially advertisers, fear white space. They feel that if the whole page isn’t filled then they’re not getting their money’s worth. But the opposite is true. Pages that contain a lot of white space, or empty space between elements, is easy on the eyes and helps people focus on what’s really important - your content.

A good rule of thumb is: if it doesn’t enhance your message, leave it out.

7. Centered Layout

More and more sites are aligning their content in the center of the page with plenty of white space on the sides. Why? Well for starters, this helps to ensure that visitors don’t have to scroll side to side in order to read all of your copy.

Another reason why this is popular is that it helps people to focus on your content, which is why they’re at your site in the first place.

These are just a few of the current trends in web design. If you’re thinking about creating a new site, or giving yours an overhaul, give some of these a shot and see if you don’t get better results.