Best Websites

What does it mean to have the best website?  Is it about Style, Substance, Visibility, Service, Profit, or What?

Frankly, the only opinion about your website that really matters is that of your targeted audience.  Aim for a website that meets or exceeds the needs of your audience and also the goals of your organization.  If your audience responds to it, then it is good!

Some audience characteristics to consider when designing a website:

• General demographics (age, gender, physical ability/disability, geographic location, etc.)
• Information format preferences (visually-oriented or text-based?)
• Information retrieval preferences (impatient—need info fast? or got time to browse?)
• Computer specifications (internet connection speed, type of computer, etc.)
• Web experience (occasional web surfers or high-tech?)

Got some time to kill?  Check out the Webby Awards from 2007. I guarantee you'll find some new and useful websites on their list.