Errors to avoid when building or revamping a website

In the current digital era, initial impressions are made in milliseconds and the front-line combatant in this attention-getting war is your website. The stakes are high, whether starting a new online business or revamping your existing online presence. Imagine a beautiful website oozing with originality and flair. However, beneath the surface is a minefield of typical mistakes that might instantly destroy your digital ship faster than you can say, "click here." So, to save you from this, let’s go through some errors to avoid when building or revamping your website.​

Not Prioritising Accessibility
It's easy to become engrossed in a website's aesthetic appeal, but neglecting accessibility can drive away a sizeable percentage of your visitors. For example, problems like inadequate colour contrast can make using your website challenging for individuals with vision problems. Thus, be mindful of font sizes, colour contrast, and alternative text for photos. Consider using assistive technologies and ensure your website can be accessed using keyboard shortcuts. These seemingly small changes have a significant impact on how usable your website is and how people perceive your business as one that values all of its customers, regardless of their abilities.

Forgetting the Importance of Responsive Design
The amount of people using mobile devices to access the internet has increased due to the widespread use of smartphones and tablets. If responsive design is neglected, users may find their experience on your website frustrating as it may not display correctly on smaller screens. Thus, your website must easily adjust to different screen widths to reach your audience wherever they are.

Compromising User Experience for Aesthetics
A visually appealing website can make an impact, but putting aesthetics ahead of user experience might backfire. Excessive graphics or intricate animations cause load times to lag and divert visitors from locating the information they require. So, create a website that is aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound by balancing the two.

Not Investing in Customisation
Although generic templates can be cheaper, they frequently lack the distinctiveness and flexibility that make your brand stand out. Invest in customisation to fit your brand and unique requirements for your website. Increased creativity and control over the user experience are possible with a custom-designed website.

Using Features That Don’t Convert
Incorporating the latest bells and whistles into your website is tempting, but if they don't serve a purpose or help drive conversions, they're just adding clutter. Plus, adding gaudy features or flashy gimmicks without thinking through their efficacy is resource waste. So, consider whether a new feature will further your objectives before implementing it on your website. Put your attention on adding features that increase user interaction and promote conversions.

Having Unclear Navigation
Users may become irritated and leave your website if the navigation is unclear. Confirm the navigation is easy to use and intuitive, with logical arrangement and labels. Make it simple for users to locate what they're looking for by eliminating guessing and needless clicks.

Not Effectively Communicating Your Business Purpose
Your website should make it obvious to visitors what you do, who you are, and why they should care. Users may become disinterested and confused if your company's mission is not clearly communicated. Create enticing copy and graphics that share your value proposition and brand story succinctly.

Ultimately, you can ensure your website is set up to draw in, hold the attention of, and turn visitors into devoted patrons or supporters by avoiding these frequent mistakes. Remember that customers frequently form their initial impression of your brand via your website, so create a lasting impression!

Need help with keeping on top of it all? Get in touch to find out how our services can make managing your website a whole lot easier for you.