As you know, Page Layout refers to how the elements are arranged in the design of a web page's message and path the designer(s) want the users to understand. Therefore to have a "good" layout, you as the designer and as well as the user should be able to understand the importance of each page element and the relationships between them!
This rule is not only for web designers, but all designers. The rule of thirds is the dividing of the design into three rows and three columns. Provides visual interest with balance.
All designers use grids, even experienced ones. Grids aren't always visiable, but the seperaing of an artboard/canvas makes for a clean, balanced, and orderly design.
When it comes to design, the viewer's eye will perceive elements the way you want them to, as long as it done correctly. Thats's why visual heirarchy is important, so the most important elements obtain the biggest part of the user's attention.
Most if not all design is based on balance and harmony.If there is no balance then the viewer can get distracted from the message that is trying to be communicated. A design will lot out of place without balance.
It is known fact that the human eye can get distracted easily. Therefore to catch the attention easier, you need to make sure that the content is thoughtfully planned out; Keep in mind, sometimes you can use distraction to your advantage.
This rule is one that can be forgotten about, but white space is equally as important as the rest. When designing for layout, you don't have to fill the whole page with content. White space is going to give the users a moment to breathe. You can use it to help you divide your content, and create a path for the user to follow.
Visual Flow can be confused with visual hierarchy, even though closely related they are different. The flow is how well the elements are arranged so that the page is smooth and has logical flow throughout. Setting focal points will help with this.
Keep your design consistent. With everything from looks, typefaces, layout, colors, etc. The overall look will be coherent and look like a family.
Once you have the eight key fundamentals down, the last thing you have to os think of who the Target Audience is going to be.
With a clear understanding of who you are directing you design to, it can really help pull everything together as a whole. This can only benefit you in the long run; You have to remember that Web Users are impatient and want things to be instant. So if your design is not properly planned it will distract them greatly, enough to even leave your page.
Now you have all of the basic knowledge to be able to start the design process. This doesn't me that these are the only things you need to know, but its the where you should start.
In the end, the success of your design is going to be determined by the users. Therefore if you provide a good visual balance with interesting layout choices, your websites message should come across clearly.