Most Visited Site in 2008?

GasBuddy.com may be one of the most visited sites for 2008. The site itself isn’t a visual masterpiece. It also isn’t full of stuff that elicits ‘oohs and ahhhs’ from its visitors. It is simply a tool. A well liked tool these days! It’s easy to navigate and straightforward with the information you need. It doesn’t get much better than GasBuddy.com when it comes to delivering just what you requested.They definitely follow the K.I.S.S. approach (Keep It Simple Stupid).

So, GasBuddy.com gets “two big thumbs up” from me for simplicity of use and its straightforward reason for existence.

Non-Traditional Website

In my opinion, this is a very cool website. Enfatico’s site breaks a lot of rules and does it fashionably. No header, no footer, compact, simple navigation and terse content. The big, bold image of the sledgehammer on the front page really sums it all up. It’s effective and in your face. I like it.

“Why slap them on the wrist with a feather when you can belt them over the head with a sledgehammer?”
Katharine Hepburn
American actress

Interesting Content Article

Recently, I’ve been searching for some good articles about content. As you know from this blog, I believe that relevant, high quality content is vital to the success of any website. I found a good article discussing the importance of content this evening at SEOmoz, written by Eric Enge. I would encourage you to read his article. I think you’ll appreciate what he has to say about the importance of developing rock solid content. He has quite a few good suggestions that are very applicable to web designers. And, as a refresher…go back and read my article, “Finding a Great Writer for Your Content.”

Great Tutorial for Creating “Grassy” Text

PSDTuts put out a tutorial last month detailing how to create text that looks like a well manicured lawn. The tutorial is very detailed so that even rookies like me are able to complete this task. I’m sure that advanced PS users will be able to breeze right through this tutorial. However, it’s a great tool to have available…especially in today’s “green” mindset. So…just keep this tutorial in the back of your mind (or bookmarked) for future reference.

Major Complaints about Corporate Websites

I found this article earlier today that discusses the top 10 complaints users have about corporate websites. Since have a website is incredibly important in this day and age, it’s probably a good idea to listen to what the end users have to say about certain aspects of a site’s usability. As a web designer, I think it’s unbelievably important to be able to listen to your client, address his/her needs and desires and at the same time make sure you create a site that is user friendly. This list is helpful in accomplishing the goal of making a user friendly web site.

While it specifically targets corporate websites, I think many of the issues brought to light apply across the spectrum of all websites. It’s a good read and just adds another tool to your web design toolkit!