What is an image map? These are those graphics which you will be able to click in order to have access to other links. They are an important tool since your web page is greatly widened in horizon. Viewers would simply press the tab buttons to easily navigate to other web pages. Image maps can either be a JPEG or GIF.

Image maps are creative means to define the functionality of your web page. Here are some rules to apply in crafting your own image maps:

Make them easy to find. Search engines should be able to point the various access points on your web page. Text links and other graphic images should be properly posted so that going to other pages would be easy for the searcher’s use.

Make your image maps easy to navigate. Flexibility on your web page is a must. Image maps should be crafted in a way that those who use text browsers can still connect between links. Also, it is essential to have an option available for those surfers who choose to hide graphic images from their sites.

Make your site easy to download. Be sure to find an image map which has smaller sizes in length and in width. Keep in mind that image maps are more difficult to download than larger graphic images; but you may find one which has smaller dimension proportions which will aid on a faster download.

Make sure to use mouseover effects. This variation on navigation makes it quick and easy to download series of files than using on and off buttons. Be sure that you have one readily available and accessible over your site.

It is greatly recommended to use text based links for these types of viewers: those who use search engine indexing, those who do not use graphic images in their browsers, and those who utilize text browsers only.

Following these steps will make your readers view your site over and over again because of easy access and perhaps because of the rich content too. Improving your site’s reputation on the Web is challenging but you can start with these tips.

Tags: Image Maps in Web Design