Advice for Webmasters...
Okay, yes, I will admit, I am quite the hypocrite for creating a page such as this one, considering I am a very beggining webmaster, and my site is not all that good. Still, I am using this page to offer some advice to my fellow begginers. Most of these are my opinion, and are based upon what I have seen at other sites that I like and don't like. This page will be updaed whenever I find something new I want to add.
Linking
-k.i.s.s. (keep it simple stupid) is a good rule to follow
-make the link names something everyone can understand.
-For example, I know little symbols may look nice, but people who are new to the web might not even know they are links, let alone what links they are.
-Also, keep the link name plain. If it is a link for other links, put links. If it is a link to codes for your site, put link me or codes.
-Watch for broken links on your site. That above all, may discourage a visitor form coming back, or even prevent them from visiting your site.
Layouts
-This advice is probably old goose to you by now, but is important still; layouts are nice, but content is #1.
-Don't have colors that are to bright, people won't be able to read your site, and will just get annoyed.
-Have a 800x600 resolution. That is the setting for most viewers anyway, and those that do have 1024x768 can see 800x600, while 800x600 can't really see 1024x768.
-Don't have a layout (such as a frames one) that has a text box that is so small it is barely readable. -Yet another overplayed point, but you should have a standard font. I use verdana. Some other good ones are times new roman, courier, or comic sans ms. Not everyone has the special fonts, and they can sometimes be hard to read.
-Scrollbars, yes bright and pretty colors are cool. At least make sure the user can see them, it really bugs me when I am on a site that has scrollbars that blend in to the site's background so I can't move them.
-Zip, PNG and other big graphics are really nice, but keep them to a minimum. They are very slowloading, and sometimes(most times) visitors will not want to wait for it to load. Keep that in mind in other cases also.
Content
-Try to have something original on your site, something that people can only get at your site.
-Be sure to have some sort of extras type thing that includes stuff like avatars, backgrounds, sound or movie clips, quizzes, etc.
Updating
-Try to update often, I know I will keep checking sites that I know are always getting something new added or are changing.
-Don't curse off or be rude in your updates or other content on your site. It will only drive people away.
Hits Tips
So, you want more hits? I myself am still tying to figure this one out, but I'll help as much as I can.
-Get some afilliates and join cliques/fanlistings/webrings(it helps if the sites' topics are related to your site).
-Apply to be listed on site directories or for awards.
-Use the meta tags at the beginning of the html for your site after the title. Here is an example(from htmlgoodies)
Overall
-Keep your site clean and professional looking. It sets a nice impression with your visitors.
-Try to stay away for servers or hosts that have pop-ups or huge annoying banners. Everyone hates them!
Once again, please don't get mad at me for anything I have said here, nothing is objected at anyone or any site in particular. I hope this helps you out!