Designing a website requires more analytical skills than programming skills. Most web designers assume that their job is to simply code a set of given instructions for the site. The truth is, as a web designer, you are responsible for a website’s usability, functionality, creativity as well as its aesthetic interface. Failing to focus on all of these elements will result in serious mistakes that will not only hamper your reputation as a website designer but also create problems for your client.
Here is a brief insight on some of the most common mistakes web designers make and how you can avoid them.
Mistake # 1 : Using Flash
Using Flash to create visually stimulating content may be tempting. However, there are problems that will more likely impact the site’s performance in the online market. Flash is a form of animation, not text, and therefore it is not search engine friendly. Search engines don’t have algorithms to read animated content just yet. Flash also slows down a website considerably, because of heavy animation. Your site may lose visitors due to slow load time, and may not be compatible on some Smart phones.
Solution: Use HTML 5
HTML 5 is the latest programming language that is highly effective for creating flash content. Why? Because it’s search engine-friendly, fast and flexible!
Mistake # 2: No Call to Action
Most potential customers would like to know about the company. A call to action is tabs/buttons on the page that prompts the user into reaching out to you. Example: “Call Us”, “Start a Project”, “Register With Us” and other related examples. If a customer can’t figure out how to reach you, how can your business grow?
Solution: Always have About Us on Homepage
You can always link the “About Us” and “Contact Use” pages from the home page menu for users to learn about the business are and what services are provided.
Mistake # 3: Clutter, Clutter Everywhere!
A cluttered website loaded with pop up ads, flashy designs and content that is totally out of focus will be a huge put off for any visitor. You will not impress anyone by loading your website with so much visual noise. Remember, less is more.
Solution: Keep It Clean
Use a clean theme and simple graphics. Don’t use too many colors, fonts or images. Keep the content focused on a particular niche. Keep an extra page/link for any out of niche services where users can move to if they want. If you make the site as simple and readable as possible, your users will spend more time on your website.
Mistake # 4: Unnecessary Registration and Surveys
Customers simply hate it when they visit a page and have to face an annoying survey or pop up registration form. These are the most common complaints that drive traffic AWAY from any site. When visiting a site, users like to feel in control. Forcing them to fill in surveys or throwing ads in their face will not keep them on your website for long.
Solution: Registration Only When Necessary
It’s ok to ask for site registration, but keep it simple. Keep a contact form link or a small form available on the main page instead of adding pop ups. Remember users when they come back to your website, so they don’t have to log in repeatedly. And only require a registration if it is necessary – no one wants to feel forced to register just to browse and learn about you. Avoid driving customers away for the sake of building a customer database.
Mistake # 5: Font, Images, Colors Gone Wrong
Know who your audience is. Using a comic font for a finance site, hot pink for a men’s apparel site, or copying images from other websites are indications of a very poor website design and a lack of professionalism.
Solution: Clear Your Concepts
Understand the intricate relationship between the three factors and their contribution to a professional website. Before creating a website try to understand your client’s products and service, do your research of that industry, ask questions, and figure out what color schemes he/she would like for the site.
Website designing isn’t all rocket science, provided you know the basic rules of the game, have a good aesthetic sense and a creative mind to support your work. If you know how to create a balance between usability, interface and technical functionality, you will be able to give your client the perfect website.
