A recent Forbes Magazine article written by (Ilya Pozin) points to the top 7 rookie web design mistakes. Ilya points out that “as a small business, your website is a vital piece of your marketing and branding efforts. Visitors are coming to your website for a specific reason, and you want to ensure that you answer their questions and use your website to sell your product or service.”
1. Putting urgency over understanding your target market.
“Instead of focusing on getting your website done as soon as possible, you must first research your target audience in your specific market. Then, design your website around your research.
For instance, if your target market is older, perhaps the font size should be larger. Or if your product is geared towards a younger demographic, then you need to think about catering your site to be smartphone compatible.”
2. Design is too busy or flashy.
“Flashy websites don’t look good on mobile phones or tablets, and a large majority of Internet users now visit websites from these wireless devices.
If within three seconds [your reader] can’t figure out what to do next, you might need to go back to the drawing board.”
3. No clear call to action.
“What do you want users to do once they’ve found your website?”
4. Paying too little or too much.
“Simply put: don’t blow your [entire marketing] budget on your website, but do your research to ensure you’re receiving a quality product.”
5. Stale, out-of-date content.
“Customers expect your website to contain the latest information about your products, services, and company.”
6. Trying to target everyone.
Know your market. Take the time to isolate a niche.
7. Taking the DIY route.
“If you don’t have design experience, do you really think you can do your brand justice? Remember first impressions are everything.”
You can read the entire article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ilyapozin/2012/03/27/top-7-web-design-mistakes-small-businesses-make/#7089bc116858
