I've updated my Pinterest page with some of my latest web portfolio screenshots - take a look here. If you like please share or repin!

Creating a website allows you to showcase your unique brand or personality. Web design is open to unlimited potential, due to the wide range of tools and templates out there. You don't need to have a degree in coding or graphic design to create a website. Yet it's still important to analyse what works and what doesn't in the field of web design to make your site more user-friendly. The following are a few common mistakes that can be made even when using seemingly fool-proof templates.

1. Including too Much Information

One of the easiest ways to drive away your audience is by overloading your website with too much content. Although it's logical to try and provide your viewers with as much info as possible, this can be confusing and make your site look cluttered. Whittle down your message to a few key points that will fit into a streamlined format. Short, relevant facts and messages can include links to more in-depth content on another page. Online viewers respond well to bullet points, short paragraphs, and visuals.

2. Using Small or Blurry Photographs

When it comes to posting images, less is not always more. This is particularly true if you are posting images to be used as thumbnails in a gallery. Be sure that your viewer gets a clear view of what they're looking at, or they'll quickly lose interest and leave the website. Clear, varied, and large photographs can make your website more visually appealing.

3. Using Too Many Images

Although using images is vital to make your website interesting to viewers, you don't want to overdo this feature either. Just as it's easy to provide too much text, it's also easy to overload your website with imagery and graphics. This will make it harder to navigate. Keep in mind that images take longer to load than text, can obscure your main message, and may not translate well to mobile formats.

4. Not Updating your Content Regularly

Once you have created the perfect website, it's easy to leave it for a long period of time without any updates. However, this can make it hard to find in search results and gives your audience little incentive to keep visiting. You can use UK web hosting services to keep up a blog as well as your main business website. This provides an ideal opportunity to post regular content and link it to your full online network.

5. Not Including a Summary Page

In addition to your products, blog, or other main webpages, you will want to have a summary section that makes your website's purpose very clear to viewers. A brief description on the main page can provide this purpose, as can a separate "about me" section.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a website that is streamlined, easy on the eyes, and useful to visitors. It will entice your audience to come back often, and share what they see with others.
 

Bluestacks, the app player that allows you to run Android apps on your PC has now been launched for Mac. With a huge library of apps available it allows users and developers to experience these apps on their desktops or laptops.

The big appeal of Bluestacks is for playing games, many of which don't have native ports on the desktop. I installed Angry Birds and the game worked well with no lag.

Some apps don't work so well such as those that require specific hardware like GPS receivers but in general with its intuitive interface, Bluestacks is a clever piece of software.

Download Bluestacks now.

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Making a house cosy for winter doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. In fact, there are many modifications the homeowner can carry out that will not break the bank. While the idea of beginning any kind of redecoration during the colder months may not be pleasant, it is possible to make a few simple changes around the home to make a real difference. The winter can also be an ideal time for individuals to make changes so that when the New Year comes in, their home is just as they want it.

Think of the warmth

The fire in the living space is important. While many people have opted for central heating, this just warms the room without giving it a cosy glow. A traditional fireplace, complete with a mantel and hearth, is a must for any home that is aiming for a cosy feel. There are fireplaces that suit homes of contemporary as well as traditional design. Wood burning stoves are also becoming particularly fashionable. By installing any of these cosy options, soon the whole house will feel warmer, not just the living space.

Feature walls

A popular decorating choice at the moment is creating a feature wall in the living room. Many people choose one wall, or just the chimneybreast, to decorate in a bold style. Large print wallpapers can really make a statement. Even better, these types of statement changes to the living space can be achieved in just a couple of hours. Wallpapers that feature reds or oranges are ideal for adding warmth to a room and will work very well if the other walls are neutral in colour.

Living space furniture

Creating a cosy corner in a living space is easy due to the large variety of corner furniture available. A corner seating unit can help make the room look a little more spacious, particularly if it is not pushed up against the wall. Opting for black sofas can really help create a focal point in the room and will contrast nicely with neutral and feature walls.

Adding an occasional table is also a must. A popular choice is the leather-covered table or dark wood table, which can also add a touch of warmth to a room. If additional storage is needed, then there are tables that come with storage compartments incorporated into the design.

Lighting

To achieve a cosy feel in any room, the right lighting is a must. A room will not feel warm and cosy if the only light that is used is the main light. Lamps are a good idea, because they can be placed around the room and moved if needed. A coloured shade can be added to match the feature wall or another aspect of the room and will also help continue the overall warming theme. Wall lights are a good choice in alcoves, as these can add light without being too bright.

Whichever decorative touches are chosen, it is the overall effect that is important. Winter can be dreary enough without the home feeling cold and stark as well, so why not make a few simple changes to create the ideal living space?