Avoiding Common Web Design Mistakes
Feb 21, 2013
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Because the internet is not going away, your website is the best piece of marketing your business has With that being the case, it is absolutely critical that your company website be designed and executed in the right way.
A common issue we've noticed over the years is that many business owners are extremely married to their idea of what, 'looks good'. Don't get me wrong, we want you to be happy with your site, however, a strong website will have the ability to reach your target audience, answer their questions, and do so with as little headache as possible.
Before you decide on a DYI solution, take a look at these common errors so you know what to avoid.
Misconception: Bigger is better.
Somewhere along the way, moving text, flashing pictures, and a use of neon color became a method of drawing attention. While it may work in Las Vegas, when we're talking web, simplicity is almost always the way to go.
When someone visits your website, not only are they looking for information about the products and services you provide, they want to find that information with as little headache as possible.
Still not convinced?
Fact:
If a visitor goes to a website and is unable to find the information they need in less than 5 seconds (yes, 5 seconds!) it's too late.
Problem: Genuinely not knowing your market.
If you sell denture cream, but your entire website appears to be catering to young, 20-something girls on spring break, you've created a massive disconnect that is going to be detrimental to your business. In addition to wasting time, money, and manpower, those who genuinely need your product are likely to look elsewhere.
We all have our preferences when it comes to design aesthetics; that in mind, you must have to keep your audience in mind. Your design may not be something you love and it may not highlight your creativity, but the best thing you can do is to separate your own taste from that of your audience. In many cases, they simply are not the same.
Problem: You don't have clear calls to action.
Easy to follow is a must, but in order to be effective, users need to know what they're supposed to do now that they've found your website. Do you want someone to buy your product? Do you want them to request more information via contact form?
If you aren't sure how to answer, it's time to ask yourself what your company provides. What are your benefits? Answer that and then decide on a call to action that will help your visitor get to where they need to be.
Egocentric thinking: Everyone is my 'target audience'!
Okay, I get this idea in theory. I do. But here's the thing... you do have a specific demographic that tends to naturally gravitate more toward your product/service offerings. That's not to say you should turn other clients away or offer sub par service, however, by determining who you should try to accommodate, you can focus on them and ideally produce more revenue long term.
DEFCON 1: Believing you can do it yourself.
I know, I know... you've read about free website templates. It looks easy enough and it'll save money, right? Not so much.
First impressions are everything and on the internet, you need to take it to heart. Not only to many DYI templates have quirks and issues you likely won't be able to remedy without web knowledge, the overall quality is not professional when you reach the finished product.
Leave the DIY projects to bloggers. If you're feeling really adventurous, purchase some IKEA furniture and have a field day putting it together... Whatever the DIY alternative, it shouldn't come at the expense of potentially harming your brand.
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