1. If you're using an icon based navigation, make sure it's easily understandable and, preferably, has a text explanation underneath.

2. All site categories should have clear, easily understandable titles - avoid ambiguous wording and make sure the text is set against a contrasting background.

3. If you have to include ghastly advertising banners, try to reduce their impact by incorporating them into the navigation bar.

4. Include the branding/logo of the site in the navigation bar and use it as a link back to the site's homepage.

5. If you've time, build a text-only version of the site and let 'outsiders' try out the navigation - the less web-savvy these people are the better! Set them some tasks, like finding certain pages or ordering goods, and note any difficulties they encounter.

6. Users should be able to go through the site without having to use the browser 'back' button - try it out!

7. Unless you're planning your page as a portal, don't stick external links off the front page of your site. If the links point to more interesting content than what's on offer, your visitor will quite probably bugger off ne'er to return.

8. Keep your navigation in a separate HTML table as it'll load faster that way.

9. Use context sensitive 'help' links where needed. If you've a complicated sign-in procedure, put links to explanatory pages next to items where users may get confused.

10. If you want to encourage user feedback, litter the site with 'call to action' buttons in appropriate articles, linking to feedback forms and bulletin boards.