Website design is one of the most important elements of any business startup. It’s also one of the most easily overlooked, which is a big mistake since a single flaw on your website could be the thing that turns away potential customers. Besides that, it’s expensive to build a website, so you’ll want to get it right the first time in order to avoid shelling out more money to fix things. Though you may not be ready to acknowledge it, here are a few web design mistakes you might be making that are costing you excess time, money, and customers.
1. Ignoring the Target Audience
Every niche has a target audience that should be included in the design of a website. It’s easy to forget about who you’re targeting and focus on good design in general. However, not all websites are created equal, and if yours doesn’t appeal to the people who will buy your goods or services, your business will suffer. For example, if you’re running a real estate business your target audience wants professional photos, and lots of them. If you skip that step, it’ll result in lost revenue.
2. Forgoing the Call to Action
Does your website have a call to action at the end? Is it clear and compelling? If the answer is no to either of those questions, you’ve fallen victim to a very common design mistake. People like to be told, nudged, or reminded what to do with a certain piece of content. When a potential customer visits your website, give them a clear sense of direction that will lead them to your homepage, contact information, or other point on your website that will achieve the goal you want for increased business.
3. Poorly Incorporating Content
The copy on your website is just as important as the design. It should be both high quality and visually appealing. Begin by using only fresh, current information to enhance your products or services. Stale, outdated content will quickly be skipped over. Then, focus on the design. Are the font and colors you use conducive for reading? Are the paragraphs too blocky? Update your content and design frequently to captivate your audience and keep them coming back.
4. Doing the Design Inhouse
Unless you have a web design specialist on your team already, the design of a website is better served when outsourced to a professional. It might seem like doing the design yourself will save you money, but that’s usually not true. An unprofessional design will result in lost revenue, and you’ll be forced to spend more to fix it. It’s much more effective for your business to hire a professional to design your website for you.
5. Skipping Responsive Design
Everyone is making the switch to mobile design, and if you don’t, you’ll fall behind. According to Smartinsights, people spend more time on a mobile device than on their desktops or laptops, which means that if you want to reach the widest audience possible, you’ll make it possible for your audience to access your website wherever they are.
6. Failing to Integrate Social Media
Social media and a successful website go hand in hand today. With all of the competition out there, it’s not possible to have one without the other, which makes it extremely important for you to integrate social buttons and sharing options into your website, and make sure that they work properly. Working social buttons will enhance the level of trust from your customers and allow you an opportunity to interact with them on a social level.
Don’t get caught wasting valuable time and money on a website that doesn’t work properly. Take these tips to heart, and develop a website that your target customers will enjoy.