There are many types of websites done for all sorts of goals by many companies or freelancers. Some are static websites and others are dynamic sites done for advertising, blogging, eCommerce…Etc.
Some sites attract millions of visitors on a daily basis such as Amazon & YouTube, while there are others which have a huge bounce back ratio. The reasons could be pointed out in their current web design facets.
Design is collecting of ideas and aesthetically arranging and implementing them, guided by certain principles for a specific purpose. In web designing, the intention is presenting the content of electronic web pages which the end user can access through the internet with the help of the web browser. Web design has elements like layout, color, graphics, fonts and content. Web designers often make common mistakes that can be avoided to make their website more interesting and fun for the user. Some of the basic mistakes include:
1) Urgency over Understanding
There are several types of people with different characteristics and that businesses/brands target these different segments in various manners.
Understanding lifestyles, emotions, characteristics and numerous other facets will ultimately lead businesses/organizations to better comprehend their target segments/markets. Once perfectly understood, implementing them properly as per the found factors in the research will guarantee an effective viewership /surfing experience.
2) Having massive images
Many people interested in websites like to use large images because they are clearer and less straining. However the same users do not like images that will take too long to load. The massive images add complications to the whole website. For instance the pages will take too long to load and it can be quite boring especially when the internet connection is slow. Slow page loading is time consuming and could affect your presence on search engines as well.
3) Using flash
Flash offers amazing animated experiences but it is not always the best in web designing. It has long load time and no mobile support. Avoid something that will keep off some users because you could be attracting very few and losing many.
4) Fixed height and width
Though fixed sizes restrain adaption for the users, they should be avoided completely in order to create room for a responsive web design pattern. Always avoid fixed sizes to avoid further complications and to make sure that it caters for mobile website viewers too.
5) Assuming your design fits all screen sizes
It is very important to note that not all screens can fit the design sketched or designed using the designers screen. Always be diverse and test your design work with other screens to be sure that they can fit in. Remember though most of the design is done in a graphic editor
6) Quality Testing
Long loading time & breakdowns are facets that can stop your website. Surfers do not like to wait long or for web pages to be broken as it is considered non user-friendly. You need to have a reputable hosting service provider for your hosting requirement and must monitor your website regularly for any mishaps. A well maintained website is a better reflection of the organization it belongs to.
7) Overuse of animations or effects
Most website designers are out to impress the user with the best animations which is a good idea. But it is always good to ensure that your website offers both a great experience and amazing content. When the two are used, then your website will be something to look out for.
8) Poor link treatment
Use the best link and knows exactly what a link is and its work. A good link is always required for one to go from page to page. Ensure your link is something worth the efforts and time of the user.
9) Action Plan
If there specific actions plan/steps to guide them in accomplishing their goals of visiting your site for. If the website is an eCommerce one, then your main reason is for people to browse through and buy an item. If it is a blogging site, you will have to provide them with a browsing experience that will guide them to setup their own or to view others topics etc. So the list goes on and on with being able to subscribe to newsletters if it is info related site like movie reviews, breaking news etc.
If the proper structure/setup is not put in place to guide the target surfers through the interactive process, then the website will become useless and inefficient leading to the failure of the website.
10) Outsourcing
This is another factor when considering your website. Sometimes organizations outsource their websites to web development companies. This is becoming a common trend. This is one of the cost effective option. But you will have to be more careful when outsourcing. For example if you are outsourcing your website to a web design company, you will have to take into consideration of that entity s experience, reputation, etc. to determine whether that organization is suitable or not.
