10 Web design Mistakes that can damage a small business

10 Web design Mistakes that can damage a small business

When the World Wide Web made its first appearance back in 90’s I was still a High-Schooler. So what was happening in the real world had no influence on me, really. I recall 1996 we went to the Rand Easter show, and you could go visit these cubicles where “The Internet” was out on display. Only when I finished studying I really got into the why’s and the how’s.

It’s as if everything came in phases. First it was a case of, “YOU NEED A WEBSITE”. Then came “MAKE IT RESPONSIVE ON ALL DEVICES”. Soon after was “SEO”. I guess there will always be something, but you would think by now Most small business owners know that if you just have a website…it must look great! Now, I’m afraid with a struggling economy Price is a huge factor, but when using the cheapest Web designer…a) You don’t stand out and b) It can damage your business irreparably.

As visual beings, some things appeal more to us than others. Colours, offers – I feel like I am always saying this – but your Marketing should be seen as the face of your Business. The first thing people see when looking for a service or Product. So should it not look “Great”? Because let’s be honest, no matter your service, we all have Competition, and if you are not getting business…your Competition is.

Here are the Top 10 Things that Make clients think twice about Using your Business

1. Your website URL has WordPress or Wix in it.

You know what I mean right. Websites that look like this www.onlythebestcars.wordpress.com or http://onlythebestcars.wix.com/ Immediately I know you attempted to build your own website. Nothing wrong with teaching yourself how to “website”, but if you have competition willing to pay for a proper website URL, ie: onlythebestcars.com, you are already 1 step behind. Like I always say, researching, asking a Professional and offering to pay for a lunch is a “great TIP” on how you upskill yourself before you get up and running.

2. Your Business Email ends in Gmail.

onlythebestcars@gmail.com. Same argument as above. If you want to be a Legit, growing business, look like one.

3. Using Images without purpose

When you land on a website, you are already “judging” – deciding if this company will understand you, get your needs. This is all relevant based on what you are after of course, but if you land on a website and there is a giant image occupying the space, with no call to action or relevancy behind it, what then? You need to entice your “new possible client” visiting your site. The average user decides on whether they will be using you or not in…0.5 seconds. So, you need to use every opportunity on your site to try convince them that they need your service or product.

4. What kind of images are you Using?

The images chosen needs to show off your Product or Service. Images chosen needs to relate to your message. Saying “Crazy” prices, “best deals” only gets you so far if there is no examples of these crazy deals being sold prior.

5. Too much Unused space

I always thought that the phrase “less is more” was a way of being lazy, but it’s not. Like all things, it boils down to balance – sure you can have all the beers, but once it starts showing in terms of your Body size…that’s on you! Have your beer, work in some exercise too!

6. Too much USED Space

Fonts always seems to be a solid indicator. The text either looks “lop-sided” or feels squashed with it’s block. It also lacks consistency – Then it’s left aligned, then right, then centred. As a designer, we do this but again balance. Negative space only works if applied correctly!

7. Shadows, Glows, Bevel and Emboss

So when I started designing many, many years ago I used bevel and emboss on everything! Everything “glowed”. It made it look shiny and new, but it’s also very 90’s and a clear indication that a. Your designer just started out working for himself or b. He’s not a good Web Designer!

8. Terrible Layout

Things falling, things floating, 2 columns and then 3 columns, oh and this image! Use this image! Bad alignment. Again, this takes us back to the top. You need your website to look Sexy and appealing so that new users Go – Yes…YES I need this product!

9. Obviously it’s a Template

Templates simplify the Web Design side of things, but the problem is that consumers “assume” it’s now easier than ever to make a website. It’s not though – not if you use an expert. The problem with using an inexperienced web designer is that they copy and paste…and in a world with so many wannabe designers…Unoriginality is very easy to spot.

10. The SEO trap

Google AdWords and Facebook is set up in such a way that yes, you can – with enough research – educate yourself on how to get your name out there. So when someone approaches you to say, “I’m an SEO Expert”, search their specific Keywords first. As an example, if you say You are a SEO Expert but your website is only on page 20 of google…well there’s a problem then isn’t there? Simple trick that makes all the difference!

Well that’s it. I really hope you find it Informative and Insightful. What’s that? You want to learn more? Sure! There is a whole blog dedicated to challenges like the Above, as well as a monthly Video. Otherwise send me a mail directly info@designerneeded.com

Good luck!

Images Sourced from: https://www.pexels.com