There are a plethora of websites online with more and more being launched each and every day. In order for a business to effectively make its presence known, they must be very careful with the design strategy of their website. With so many common mistakes in website design, a vast number of businesses simply get lost in the shuffle. Consider the design and user experience when planning the layout of your site. There are a handful of essential elements that every business must keep in mind for website success. I’ve listed the top six website design mistakes that I commonly see.
Confusion with Product or Services
This mistake is far too common. When a business fails to clearly identify its product or service and the benefits of that product, the target demographic can be completely missed. It is crucial that every business precisely states what they have to offer and to whom in order to be successful in business. This is true in every aspect of business strategy and is not just segregated to website design.
Too Much Design
There is beauty in simplicity. Keep your website as simplistic as possible. The easier it is for customers to navigate, the more likely they are to purchase your product or service. No one wants to get online just to get lost on a site. There are plenty of other providers out there with basic sleek websites that can get them what they need with less flash. Customers are likely to take their business elsewhere if you have too many annoying links and graphics pestering them during their online experience.
Business websites should be clean and free of clutter. Simplicity is the key. With more white space you allow the customer’s eyes to easily hone in on what they need with much less hassle. Never cram too much into a single page. Space the information out to make your content easily legible.
Too Much Clicking
Too much clicking of a mouse can be aggravating even to the most patient of individuals. Be sure not to have too many links displayed for the customer. Too many steps to achieve what should be a very basic and easy process can easily turn off a potential customer.
No Fresh Content
Another common mistake and factor is the lack of fresh and updated content. In order to keep clients visiting your site as an authority on the product or service that you offer, there must be fresh, engaging and constantly updated content. Give users a reason to keep frequenting your website. Whether you employ the use of a blog or post new events and offers, by keeping all content fresh on your business’s website, you will effectively invigorate your audience base to purchase your products or services.
Disorganized
Disorganization of a business website is fairly common. The structure of your content is vital to the life of your business online. Users tend to scan through information as opposed to meticulously reading every detail. If you do not have a website that is easy to scan with well-defined key points that can be easily spotted and deciphered, most visitors are less likely to read your content. Keep all information up-to-date and formatted as basic as possible.
Not Tested
Websites that are not tested prior to launch can have many flaws depending on the browser or device. You do not want to irritate potential customers with a site that is flawed due to such a simple misstep. Be sure to test on a variety of browsers and devices before the launch of your business’s website to ensure easy accessibility for your target audience.
In conclusion, think about the user’s experience. Ensure clarity, organization, and simplicity is strategic in your website design.
Have you observed any other mistakes that create a poor website user experience?
