The 5 Biggest Website Design Blunders

Let’s face it – some websites just really suck. Yes, there are those that are obviously stuck in the dark ages (we’re talking about YOU, slow-loading and flash-using website that hasn’t been revamped since 1999!), but there are also websites that suck on a subtler level. These are the sites that actually look pretty nice and are relatively current, but still baffle and annoy users while yielding NO results! What the heck is that about?

Now, we hate to be the bearers of bad news, but we are committed to always being honest with our readers. With that having been said, we’re going to be blunt and tell you that if your website isn’t as successful as you’d like it to be, it probably sucks (on a subtle level, of course).

Don’t feel bad. Many small to mid-sized businesses fall prey to simple web design mistakes that can really mess with their overall performance. Having a thorough understanding of these pitfalls is the key to ensuring that you are able to spot any existing mistakes and prevent future ones. Here’s a look at the top five web design errors that you should strive to avoid:

What the heck is the purpose of your website anyway? You’d be surprised by how many small business websites seem to lack any clear sense of direction. If you’re not using your web content to actively direct your visitors through the buyer funnel, you’re failing miserably. Consumers need to be guided and encouraged in the right direction in order to keep moving forward in the buying process. Every bit of content you share should be nudging your readers toward the final call-to-action, and a good CTA will tell consumers what to do, where to go, and how to feel.

With search engines getting smarter every day, your same old weak-ass keywords and H2 tags aren’t going to cut it anymore. You’ve got to evolve with Google algorithms! Some tips for 2017 include focusing on long-tail keywords, fostering social engagement, and build strong backlinks.

It’s amazing how many small businesses make it difficult for their current and prospective customers to contact them! Concealing your telephone number or e-mail address within a subpage of a subpage is a mistake that can cause you to lose a lot of business opportunities. After working so hard to inspire your page’s viewers to make a buying decision, you want them to be able to get in touch with you RIGHT AWAY – not force them to hunt through pages of content for your number. The more difficult it is to reach you, the more likely your prospect will turn to a competitor instead.

All devices matter! If you’re designing a website, you can’t set it up to only be compatible with desktop computers. Websites that aren’t optimized for mobile will alienate droves of web traffic, making it much more difficult for them to navigate your website, thus increasing your bounce rates.

Here’s a pretty incredible statistic: Nearly 75% of small business don’t use ANY type of analytics tools on their websites. In other words, 75% of small business websites operate at far below their potential! Without analytics, how can you be sure that your content is actually appealing to your audience? Analytics make it possible for you to measure success while ensuring the best possible experience for your users.

Are any of these mistakes holding your website back? Let the pros at Madison Taylor Marketing help. We’re here and ready to start talking with you today.