If you run a business online or off then you understand the importance of having a website and online presence. However, if it’s your first website, or you designed your website yourself then you might have made mistakes. Luckily, a lot of these mistakes are easy to correct.
If you’re relying on your website to drive traffic your way, then you’ll want your website to be a well-oiled machine. Below we highlight the ten common website design mistakes that most beginners make, and what you can do to fix these issues.
1. Lack Of Vision
Your website needs to exist for a definite reason, not simply because you think you should have an online presence. You need to decide upon the purpose of your website before you even begin building.
Your website must have a definite purpose, as every page on your website will work to fulfill this purpose. For example, your website could be used to build authority, source new leads, sell a product or service, give information about your business, and much more.
You’ll want your user to land on your website and immediately know what your website is all about.
2. Rushing To Market
Instead of getting your website up as soon as possible it’s important you take time to research your market first. For example, if you have an older target market you’ll need to make sure your website is easy to read, digest, and navigate.
By having an understanding of your market first you’ll be able to build a website that actually serves them, instead of simply taking up space.
3. Complicated Design
In order to have a successful website it needs to be simple, not flashy. Having an overcomplicated design will only lead to confusion.
The goal of your design should be to create the best possible user experience across your website.
4. Design Is Too Trendy
Trends come and go, but timeless design lasts forever. By building your website on the back of solid design principles you’ll be able to create a website that outlasts certain trends and fads.
Websites that rely on trends will become outdated very quickly.
5. Out-Of-Date Content
If you haven’t updated your content in years then chances are it’s not up to date with your current business, or the latest web standards. If you have older content your site your visitors may assume you’re out of business, or aren’t as innovative as your competition.
If you have a blog make sure you update it on a regular basis, as nothing looks worse than a vacant blog.
6. Poor Quality Photography
Low-quality photography, or outdated stock photography gives your website an amateur feel and won’t do a lot to draw your visitor into your website.
Images can help you build a connection with your audience, but only if they’re aligned with your message and business. Make sure you either hire a professional photographer, or use high-quality stock photos that aren’t cheesy.
7. Having Broken Elements/Links
Every element of your website needs to be working. This means you need to test all of your links and pages, so your users don’t end up with the dreaded 404 page.
You’ll also want to check all of your internal links to make sure you’re not leading your users to a dead end.
8. Poorly Designed Logo
Your logo is a central piece of your branding.
By designing your logo yourself, or getting a cheap logo designed, you won’t do much to further your branding or website. Although your logo is a subtle part of your design it can communicate a lot about your business.
9. Poor Font Choice
Font choice is another subtle element that most business owners neglect. The font you choose needs to compliment your design and increase the readability of your content.
This is when it can be helpful to consult the opinion of a professional designer. But, if you’re choosing your own font choice the simpler font is often the better choice.
10. No Call-To-Action
You must lead your visitors somewhere. A website without a call-to-action is akin to nothing more than a virtual business card. Once you’ve proven yourself valuable to your visitors you need to direct them to take action.
That action can be signing up for your email list, giving your business a call, or a multitude of other options.
Getting your website into tip top shape can take a lot of work. But, it’s time well spent because a well functioning website will help your business grow for the long-term.
Written by: Kevin Wood
