Ever landed on a website and felt like you were drowning in words?
Or maybe you were blinded by a neon color explosion? We’ve all been there.
And trust me, it’s not where you want your customers to be.
Dive in with me as i break down the top 10 website design blunders that could trip up your business, and of course, i will share how to dodge them like a pro.
Problem: Have you ever visited a website and felt overwhelmed by walls of text? That’s what happens when the homepage is jam-packed. Most visitors are in a hurry, often skimming rather than reading in-depth.
Solution: Aim for brevity. Use short paragraphs and bullet points. For instance, if you’re selling handmade soap, don’t write a 500-word essay on the homepage. Highlight the key points: “All-natural ingredients. Refreshing scents. Gentle on skin.”
Problem: Remember that neon-themed party you went to where everyone wore multiple bright colors? A website with too many colors can feel similarly jarring.
Solution: Choose a consistent color palette, ideally 2-3 primary colors that reflect your brand.
Problem: Frames can mess with the overall user experience, making it hard for users to bookmark or navigate. Similarly, if your website’s URL is “www.mystore.com/buy123productABC,” it’s neither user-friendly nor memorable.
Solution: Steer clear of frames and opt for URLs that are straightforward and descriptive, like “www.mystore.com/womens-shoes.”
Problem: Remember those websites from the early 2000s with excessive flashing banners? They were distracting, right?
Solution: Animations can be useful but use them wisely. If a short animation can explain your product’s functionality, that’s valuable. If it’s just for flair, think twice.
Problem: Imagine walking into a store and not being able to find the aisles or sections. A hidden or confusing navigation menu on your website has the same effect.
Solution: Prioritize clarity. Your website’s navigation should be intuitive and easily accessible.
Problem: Without feedback, how would you know if your design resonates?
Solution: Involve real users. Collect feedback, conduct surveys, and make necessary adjustments.
Problem: Ever tried to reach out to a business and felt like you were on a wild goose chase? That’s how users feel when contact information is buried or absent.
Solution: Place your contact details, such as an email or phone number, in a visible spot, like the footer or header of every page.
Problem: We’ve all been on websites where ads pop up at every scroll, overshadowing the actual content.
Solution: Ads can be a legitimate revenue source, but be selective. Ensure they’re relevant and don’t overwhelm the user.
Problem: Ever tried viewing a website on your phone, only to find the text too small or the layout all jumbled?
Solution: A significant chunk of web traffic comes from mobile. Make sure your website looks and functions well on all devices.
Problem: Stale or outdated information can give the impression of a business that’s no longer active or doesn’t care.
Solution: Refresh your content periodically. Highlight new products, share recent testimonials, or post upcoming events.
To wrap things up, web design is indeed an art that melds aesthetics with practicality. By sidestepping these typical missteps, you’ll not only improve your website’s overall user experience but also amplify your business’s online visibility.
Keep in mind, your website often sets the stage for customer relationships, so give them something memorable!
