Graphical Buttons vs. Text Links vs. Image Maps

One of the biggest mistakes made by web designers perhaps because they are new or due to an honest oversight is to use graphical buttons and image maps without using textual hyperlinks.

If you use images for buttons or an imagemap, always use a set of textual hyperlinks too (with image alt tags) that correlate with your graphical hyperlinks. Placing them at the bottom of the page is most appropriate.

Some folks surf the web with images turned off and therefore will have trouble navigating your site. This is especially true if you do not use image alt tags either.

If you expect your visitors to turn on their browser's image viewing just to navigate your site, that will only happen when pigs fly or if they are super-duper interested in what you have to offer, because it is unique and they cannot get it elsewhere. Unless you just invented a new light bulb, it is likely your competitors have their site designed effectively. And I have not seen any pigs fly in my lifetime, have you? In all honesty, I hope I never do. :)