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 Trends that were popular a few months ago can become outdated almost overnight.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.

Having a sitemap may seem redundant at first, but a well-constructed sitemap can be a tremendous benefit to your readers, and your return traffic.

What is a sitemap?
A sitemap performs the same basic function that an outline performs for printed material. It gives the reader, or visitor, an overview of the pages contained within the rest of the site. Sitemaps for small websites can include every page the site has to offer, while maps of larger websites may only include the major categories and subcategories.

Navigation purposes
While your website’s navigation should already be optimized for easy use, a sitemap is beneficial for people who get lost and can’t find their way back to a particular page. Having the sitemap ensures that there’s a way for the reader to get where they’re going, which makes it more likely that they’ll spend more time at your site, instead of navigating away out of frustration.

Convey your site’s theme
When a visitor loads up your sitemap they can quickly get an overview of what your site has to offer without having to read through each page. Web surfers typically want information “right now” so any time you can save them is a bonus for you.

Site optimization purposes
Your sitemap typically exists on its own page, and contains links to every other page on your website. When search bots hit the sitemap page they’re able to index every page on your site by following the links. It can also help boost your ranking in the search engines if you’re using relevant keywords in the links on your sitemap. Also, remember to put a prominent link to your sitemap right on your front page to assist the search engines.

Organization and relevance
A sitemap also makes it easier for you to add content or new sections because you can look at an overview of your site’s structure and determine what changes you want to make. The end result is that you’ll have a perfectly organized site with everything according to its relevance.

There’s really no downside to having a sitemap, and if you have a particularly large website, it should be considered mandatory.

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.