Almost everyone has a website these days. Whether it’s a blog, a portfolio, or a corporate site, it’s easier than ever to get started. In fact, all you have to do is use a quick CMS platform like WordPress, and you’re up and running in just a few hours! As you can expect, this process leads to a lot of mistakes. It leads to a lot of things that leave web designers shaking their heads in shame!
Some of these mistakes are more deadly than others. Some will actively drive traffic away from your site, and no-one wants that. I hope I haven’t got you too worried yet! But, here are the most deadly mistakes made on modern websites. Are you making any of them?
1. It’s not optimized for SEO
You may have heard of Google. The biggest website on the planet? Yep, thought so! Google has the power to send thousands of visitors to your website every day. It all relies on making your way onto Google’s first page of results. If you’ve never heard of SEO, then you’re already making this mistake! It stands for ‘search engine optimization’, and it’s all about the little tricks and techniques that boost your Google ranking. Learn more about SEO, and make it a key part of your strategy.
2. It’s too fussy
One of the most important elements in web design is the ability to leave space. It’s to encourage simplicity and ease of navigation. A lot of website owners instinctively want to show off everything. They want to present as much as possible. It’s up to you to fight this urge, and keep things as simple as possible! Give people only the necessary information, and lead them to the right places. If you want our advice, find a digital design agency that will help you find the perfect balance here.
3. You haven’t thought about branding
If you run a website, in any capacity, you now own a brand! Whether it’s a simple blog or your portfolio as an artist, your website defines you online. That means creating a powerful brand identity that resonates with people. It must be instantly recognizable and unique. You can do that with a quality logo, and carefully chosen colour schemes to start with. Make sure your branding is then consistent across every platform you run.
4. It’s too slow
There’s a fascinating statistic floating around the internet. It comes from Amazon.com, who claim they would lose $1.6 billion a year if their site slowed down by just one second. Visitors are unwilling to hang around if a website takes too long to load, and this is something you should take seriously. Not only is bad for user experience and sales, it has an effect on your Google rank. Google will only suggest websites that are snappy and quick to load! Use a website speed checker to make sure yours measures up.
These mistakes are common and very easy to fall for. Are you making any on your website right now?