Most people make these mistakes without realizing it, but with a few simple tips, you can learn how to avoid them and create an attractive, user-friendly website. From using too much color to neglecting your users’ needs, read on to find out what not to do when designing your website.
1. Overcomplicating the design
When it comes to web design, less is definitely more. A common mistake people make is overcomplicating the design of their website in an attempt to make it stand out. The problem with this is that it can actually end up making your site look cluttered and unprofessional. Stick to a simple design with easy-to-navigate menus and clear, concise text and you’ll create a much more user-friendly experience.
2. Ignoring mobile users
In today’s world, it’s estimated that over 60% of internet traffic comes from mobile devices. Yet, many website owners still neglect to create a mobile-friendly version of their site. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re likely losing out on a lot of potential traffic and customers. Make sure your site can be easily viewed and navigated on all devices, from desktop computers to smartphones.
3. Using too much color
Another common mistake people make is using too much color on their website. A little color can add some visual interest to your site, but too much can be overwhelming and difficult to look at. When it comes to web design, a good rule of thumb is to stick to 2-3 main colors and use accents sparingly.
4. Making text difficult to read
Another common mistake is making the text on your website difficult to read. This can be a result of using small font sizes, poor color contrast, or both. When designing your website, be sure to use a font size that’s easy to read and choose colors that provide good contrast (e.g., black text on a white background).
5. Not using whitespace
Whitespace, or negative space, is the empty space on a page. It’s an important design element that can help to make your website more user-friendly and visually appealing. Yet, many people overlook it or don’t use it effectively. When used correctly, whitespace can help to highlight the most important elements on your page and make your site easier to navigate.
6. Not considering user needs
One of the most important things to consider when designing your website is your users’ needs. What are they looking for when they come to your site? What kind of information do they need? Answering these questions can help you to create a more user-friendly experience.
7. Making it difficult to contact you
If someone has a question or wants to get in touch with you, they should be able to easily find your contact information on your website. Yet, many people make the mistake of either not including their contact information at all or hiding it away on a hard-to-find page. Be sure to include your contact information prominently on your website and make it easy for people to get in touch with you.
8. Not having a clear call to action
A common mistake people make is not including a clear call to action on their website. A call to action is simply a statement or button that tells visitors what you want them to do next. For example, if you want them to sign up for your newsletter, include a call to action that says “Sign up for our newsletter” with a link to the sign-up page. Without a clear call to action, visitors may not know what you want them to do and are likely to just leave your site.
9. Not keeping the design up-to-date
Another mistake people make is not keeping their website design up-to-date. Just like fashion, web design trends change over time. If your website looks like it was created a few years ago, it may give visitors the impression that your business is outdated or behind the times. Periodically updating your design can help to give your site a fresh, modern look and make it more appealing to visitors.
10. Not testing the site
Before launching your website, it’s important to test it out to make sure everything is working properly. This includes checking all the links, making sure the contact form works and testing the site on different browsers and devices. Failing to test your site before launching can result in a lot of avoidable problems down the road.
These are just a few of the most common mistakes people make when designing their websites. By avoiding these mistakes, you can create a more user-friendly, visually appealing site that will help you to achieve your business goals.