It’s hard to believe that over 50% of Australian businesses don’t have a website even in this digital age where the internet is everywhere. Only 47% of Australian businesses have a website according to ABS. It’s important to consider web design whether you’re growing your business by getting a website or even just updating your current one. Hiring an experienced web designer and not providing input for your website’s design can affect your presence online.
During my time in the web design industry, I learned these 6 common web design mistakes that you need to avoid.
1. Opening up new windows
Building websites that open new frames or windows is something I never do. While this was once trendy, it’s a big mistake now. Opening extra windows slows things down and confuses visitors. If someone clicks a link and gets a surprise new window, it’s just frustrating for them.
2. Making contact information difficult to find
It’s important to make your contact details easy to find on your website whether you’re connecting with the public or other businesses. Forgetting to do this can mean missing out on potential business. It’s a common mistake made by some designers and many website owners. Ensure your contact details are clearly visible across your site. I typically place contact details in the header/footer and create a separate contact page in the websites I create. Having contact information readily available adds credibility and authenticity to your business. Don’t overlook the importance of displaying your contact details.
3. Including out-of-date information
Many websites have outdated information or don’t give visitors anything helpful. It’s a big mistake you should avoid because old content can make you look less reliable, and users won’t like it. Keep your content fresh and accurate all the time. And if you find any mistakes, fix them as soon as possible.
4. Heavy graphics and imagery
Adding large images and graphics is a BIG NO for any website. While this was common for desktops in the past, it’s even more critical today because of the prevalence of mobile devices. People nowadays have less time and patience to wait for webpages to load. Users will leave the site if it takes too long to load. Keep your web design straightforward and steer clear of heavy graphics and images whenever you can.
5. Non-Responsive web design
It’s common knowledge that more people use mobiles and tablets for internet browsing than desktops. This means one thing – your website design must cater to both mobile and desktop users. Responsive website design is the solution, and it’s what I implement for every site I create. Responsive sites adapt to whatever screen they’re viewed on. Don’t overlook the importance of responsive web design.
6. Spelling and grammar errors
Errors in spelling and grammar on your website on your website can make you seem less professional to your visitors. Simple mistakes in spelling and grammar can turn users away even if you have great content to share. Use professional copywriting services if you need. Working with professionals like us will be your assurance that your website will have top-quality content. We will make your website look professional for your visitors. If you’re doing it yourself, be sure to proofread everything carefully before posting, and don’t rush updates. When posting from a phone or tablet, watch out for typographical errors and autocorrect mistakes.
Conclusion:
Even small errors can cause big losses. Make sure your website doesn’t open new windows for pages. If people can’t easily find your contact details or they’re missing altogether, it will affect your business – so, fix that fast. Avoid putting outdated info on your site and don’t use heavy graphics. Don’t forget to have a website that works well on all devices, and check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
It can be hard for business owners to get everything just right, so it’s a good idea to get help from a professional web designer to ensure that you are getting the best value of time and money for your business.
