What does it take to have an award-winning Web site? According to the Web Marketing Association, it takes a combination of qualities.
Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association’s Web-
Award Competition has set the standard of excellence for Web site development.
Here are the seven criteria on which Web sites are judged in the annual competition.
* Design. Many people judge a book by its cover and the same goes for Web sites. If a site looks old and unsophisticated, it will lose much of its credibility.
* Content. “Content is king” has been the mantra of most award-winning Web sites. People visit a Web site for its content. If the content they are looking for is missing, they will leave the site disappointed.
* Innovation. Sometimes called the “wow” factor, innovation is something new and attention-getting that adds value to the site and enhances the user’s experience. It could be a new technology, new search method, new navigation system, new content or a new design.
* Technology. Use of technology could either enhance or hinder a Web site’s usefulness. If a site uses too much...