Few things can do more to set your website apart than having exceptional web design. Potential customers will naturally trust a website that is easy to use, up-to-date and looks professional. Unfortunately, the other side of the coin is that when your web design isn’t up to the standards of your competitors, your company can quickly get left behind and overlooked.
But good web design can be easy, especially if you know what to avoid. The following common web design mistakes are entirely avoidable, and knowing what not to do can give your website a huge advantage in the competitive world of online marketing.
- Not Having a Clear CTA
Your CTA, or call to action, is one of the most important parts of your website. Your CTA is the final takeaway; it’s what you want your readers to do or remember when they leave your site. A CTA is at its best when it is concise and completely clear and understandable. Bogging down your CTA with too many words or overly flowery language will only bury what should be a simple message. Keep your CTA short and clear, and you’ll see more results.
- Web Design Clutter
Just because your web design team can do something doesn’t always mean that it should. It can be tempting to show off your grasp of graphics and interfaces, but keep aesthetics at the forefront of your web design decision-making. A simple look and a streamlined format will make it easier for your readers to see and understand your message, which is the entire purpose of your site. A cluttered site can conceal your message and turn viewers away.
- Website Speeds
It’s a good idea to keep your website up to speed in more ways than one. If your website can’t operate at high internet speeds, viewers will click away before the page even finishes loading. People expect instant information when they access a website, and if yours can’t provide those speeds, it’s an unfortunate fact that many viewers won’t bother waiting to see what kind of content you have to offer.
- No SEO/Analytics
If you’re not using SEO or search engine optimization, you’re wasting an opportunity. Good SEO can dramatically improve your web traffic by placing your website much higher up on search engines. People who are searching for topics related to your site will be able to find your page much more easily with SEO. The analytics that go along with SEO is key to understanding your audience and will allow you to customize your content for that audience.
- Design Issues
Find a professional with a thorough understanding of good online aesthetics when you’re finalizing your website. Seemingly small things like font choice, color usage, and general style will give your audience an unchangeable first impression of your website. Make sure your website uses attractive, current design choices, so your viewers will feel as though they can trust your website immediately and will enjoy clicking through to see what else you have to offer.
- Lack of Information
It might sound obvious, but people come to your website for information. They want to learn more about your company, how they can contact you, what you can offer them, and why they should choose your goods or services over any others. You might have a beautiful, highly functional website, but if it doesn’t offer your viewers the information they need it’s impossible for your website to do its jobs properly.
- Irregular Updates
The internet is constantly updating, which means your website needs to do the same. If readers notice that your content never changes, or that your last blog post was in 2018, many of them will assume that your information might no longer be up to date, or that your website is dead. People are reluctant to trust what could be outdated information, which can quickly drive them away from your website if it isn’t updated regularly.
Build a Great Website by Knowing What Not to Do
With these tips in mind, you’ll find that it’s much easier to create and maintain a highly interactive and useful website that will benefit random viewers and regular customers alike. By making sure that your website has all the simple things are taken care of—aesthetics, information, CTA, and more—you’ll have a website that is easy to care for and easy to use.
