6 Website Design Myths – Debunked

Designing a website can feel like a journey through a maze of advice. You’ll find all sorts of myths and misconceptions about what makes a website "work". Let's cut through the clutter and debunk six common myths about website design so you can focus on what really makes your site effective.
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1) Building a website is a one-off process – Nope!
Many people think that once a website is built and launched, the job is done. Not quite! Websites are dynamic, living parts of your online presence that need to evolve with trends, technology, and even the growth of your business. Web design has its trends that come and go. 

For instance, design elements that worked beautifully a few years ago may now look outdated or fail to meet modern user expectations. The most successful websites are the ones that are regularly revisited, refreshed and tweaked.

2) Once a website goes live, you can leave it alone – Not even close!
Hitting "publish" doesn't mean your website can now fend for itself. Websites need frequent maintenance to keep them functioning smoothly. Let’s take the example of a car; without regular servicing, even the best car will eventually break down. 

A neglected site will eventually experience technical issues. In fact, it may also rank lower on search engines. Top tip - monitor your website's performance, make security updates, refresh content, and address any technical hiccups regularly. These will keep your site secure, fast, and user-friendly. 

3) Less is best – Sometimes less is just… less.
There’s no denying that minimalism has its charm. Undoubtedly, clean, uncluttered websites look fantastic. But there's a common misconception that less content and fewer design elements are always better. The truth is that you should be aiming to strike a balance.

A minimalist design shouldn’t mean that the pages lack valuable content or user guidance. In fact, a site that's too sparse may leave visitors confused or unsatisfied. Don’t be afraid to include rich content where it’s needed. Incorporate information, imagery and calls to action that uplift the user’s experience and make it easier for them to find what they’re looking for.

4) The homepage is the most important page – Let’s broaden our horizons.
The homepage is often a user's first impression, but it’s not the only page that matters. Your visitors could arrive directly at a product page, blog post, or contact page through search engines. Thus, every page on your site should be optimised to serve a purpose, be it showcasing services or prompting action. Focusing solely on the homepage overlooks the potential of other valuable entry points across your site.

5) People search for my services on their laptop – Think again!
Mobile traffic now accounts for a major portion of internet searches. If your website isn’t responsive, i.e., adaptable to different screen sizes and devices, you're likely to miss out on potential visitors. A responsive website provides a smooth user experience that can be enjoyed anywhere, any time.

6) A new website will automatically bring more traffic – Patience is a virtue
The misconception that simply launching a new website will lead to a flood of visitors is unfortunately common. Building traffic takes time, strategy, and effort, especially in the competitive online landscape. Search engine optimisation (SEO), engaging content, regular updates and perhaps even a bit of marketing are all vital to attracting and keeping visitors. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a successful website.

Conclusion
Website design myths can make it hard to separate fact from fiction. However, you now know what makes a website work. Our advice - steer clear of typical errors and establish an online presence that genuinely benefits both your audience and your company.

Get in touch if you need some assistance by calling 01708 578 015 today!
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