Day 4: Website Design Mistakes to Avoid
08 March 2010
Over the next few weeks, we will launch new designs for our 10-Day Makeover participants. As we prepare for the unveilings, here are a few mistakes we found that we hope you will avoid. The screen captures are "before shots" for the participants.
Mistake 1 - Leaving off the margins. We don't mean to say that you need to think "inside" the box, but some conventions, like margins and text that aligns down the left, make a web page easier to read.
Mistake 2 - Not providing value. While many people think of the home page as an index or table of contents, you should never pass on the opportunity to provide value. Offer information that will help visitors.
Mistake 3 - Ignoring the data. Whether it is your own analytics or a study on best practices, be aware of behavioral data that can make or break user experience. Click-tracking studies show that the first click is often on the first link in the body. For Affordable, that was a complicated design application (not a good starting point for the first-time visitor).
Mistake 4 - Emphasizing art over utility. Cool graphics, video, and music can add personality to a good website, especially when they are relavant to the content. These same elements can be distracting if they do not support the central message.
Mistake 5 - No Logo. Having a logo says you are serious and engaged in your business. A website without a logo reflects negatively on the stability and intent of the company.
Mistake 6 - Large grey blocks of text. Visitors will want to scan your text for words and phrases that either match their interest or answer their questions. Headlines, subheads, bolded text, bullet points, and colored links make reading easier.
Mistake 7 - Being Incomplete. Your website is always "under construction," so you don't have to say it. Better to appear complete and small than large and out of control. The same idea works for your message. Read your headlines; do they present a complete thought?
Mistake 8 - Skip The Testing. Designers are often horrified at how different browsers or operating systems display their creations. Start with the most common and refine from there, but never skip the testing.
Mistake 9 - Not Explaining Things. The reality is that most visitors don't want to think hard. They want you to tell them what to do, why, and how. It may feel over the top, but your response rates will increase.
Mistake 10 - Communities Without A Moderator. Here is a twist on the famous saying, "If you build it, they will follow someone there." Moderators can provide examples, give instructions, model behavior, encourage participation, and maintain the conversation.
MORE RESOURCES:
- Day 4: Professional Design Unveiled
- Day 4: Web Design That Google Likes
- Day 5: Website Writing Guide
- Day 5: Website Content Writing Best Practices
- Day 5: Web Content With Value