How to Avoid Bad Website Design
How to avoid bad website design: prioritize user-friendly navigation, choose quality visuals, and keep your content engaging and error-free.
Think of a business website like more than just a fancy online page. It’s not just a web address with some computer files. Instead, it’s a dynamic tool that lets you showcase your brand, share your values, display your products or services, and most importantly, attract potential customers. A well-designed website is crucial for making a good impression and getting people interested in what you have to offer. It’s not just about looking nice; it’s about creating a virtual space that helps your business grow by connecting with and capturing the attention of potential customers.
A good website is like a friendly and helpful guide for visitors. It should be easy to use, provide useful information, work properly, and look nice. To make this happen, a front-end developer and a marketing person team up. The developer focuses on making the website function well and look good, while the marketing expert takes charge of the strategy. They decide how to effectively sell the company’s products, plan messaging, figure out where to put things, create content, optimize for search engines, and track how well the site is doing. It’s a tag team effort to create and maintain a successful website.
Knowing what not to do in website design is crucial for having a successful online presence. Here’s a quick list of things to avoid, along with some tips on how to steer clear of these mistakes:
Steer clear of bad website design by focusing on creating, designing, and organizing effectively:
Page Problems After Web Searches
If your website has been around for a while, watch out for outdated or broken landing pages. These pages might not work right or have old information. Visitors, who could be potential customers, don’t want to end up there. Regularly check and fix your website pages, and make sure your CMS platform, like WordPress, is in good shape. That way, you always give visitors a smooth and up-to-date experience.
Better Search, Better Results
Having a search bar on your website is important, especially for online stores or catalogs. A good search tool improves how users explore your site, lowers the chance they’ll leave, and boosts sales. Use your website’s built-in search or consider getting a third-party solution for even better results.
Keep Visitors on Your Site
When you link to other websites, make sure they open in a new tab. This helps keep your visitors focused on your site. Avoid linking externally on crucial pages where you want people to take action, like a ‘Contact us’ page.
Speed Up Your Site for Phones
Make sure your website is fast, especially on phones. It depends on technical stuff like hosting and code quality. Talk to your web developer about making it speedy and check how it’s doing with tools like Webpagetest or GTMetrix.
Upgrade Your Website Platform
If your website platform is outdated, it can cause problems. Old platforms may not be good for SEO, and they might be less secure. Switch to a modern platform like updated WordPress or user-friendly services like Squarespace for better content and security.
Spice Up Your 404 Page
When people hit a dead end on your site with a ‘404 Not Found’ page, make it helpful and interesting. Suggest similar content, list important pages, or add a cool design and a funny message. Turn a dull moment into a positive one for your visitors!
Simplify Your Menu
Having too many options in your menu can confuse visitors. Plan your main menu carefully, and use the footer for important stuff. Keep it simple so people can easily find what they need.
Read Also: How to use Google Analytics to track website traffic and user behavior
Better Website Communication
Write Well, Look Good
Keep your words pro and error-free. Check everything – from main content to menu and sidebar. Professional language adds polish to your site.
Choose Quality Images for Your Website
Don’t settle for amateurish or low-quality photos and videos, especially on your Home page. Using too many generic stock photos can be dull – use them wisely. Opt for good-quality, real-life pictures of your business or brand; they help visitors connect and engage more effectively.
Respect the King – Quality Content Matters!
Don’t skimp on good content. Low-quality stuff won’t help your brand or convince visitors. Think about hiring a professional copywriter to boost your messaging and make it more effective.
Every Page Counts!
Unlike a physical store with a main entrance, websites have many entry points. Visitors can land on various pages like news posts, case studies, or your home page. Ensure each page is welcoming and informs visitors about your business, products, and services.
You can also check out How to Create a Content Marketing Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion
Don’t Just Build, Build Right! Creating a website just for the sake of it, without following good practices, often leads to wasted time and money. Invest wisely from the start.
