10 Biggest Mistakes That Kill A Website Design Project
A website design project is not complete without a thorough understanding of what needs to be done. It’s crucial that you know the 10 mistakes that will kill your website design project before it even begins. These are some common mistakes I’ve seen over and over again in my time as a web designer, and they range from the obvious to the obscure.
Mistake #1: Not knowing who your target customer is when designing your site –
You need to know where your customers will come from in order for them to find you on Google or other search engines. Your logo should represent this if possible, and your content should speak directly to these people as well.
This is because when it comes to advertising, everyone from the young to old, buy based on emotions. If you can’t get them inspired and feeling something, they’ll just move onto someone who might make them feel something towards their product or service.
Mistake #2: Not considering the company’s branding guidelines –
A lot of people think they can design a logo for the company and just go with it; but branding guidelines are important. These branding guidelines should dictate your color scheme, fonts, size, use of company logos (not to mention having permission from the company), and even how your site should be laid out. So if you’re thinking about tailoring your website around your own whims, you better think again.
Mistake #3: Hiring a web designer who doesn’t do any heavy programming –
This is the biggest mistake I see people make when hiring a web designer. If you are asking for an online store in your website (for example), then they need to have experience with e-commerce and database programming.
If you want a basic site that showcases pictures and has some contact info, then you don’t necessarily need heavy programming, but it’s something to think of when deciding on a designer.
Mistake #4: Not including your target customer –
The most successful websites I’ve seen are ones that attract their target audience. When designing your website, you need to keep this target audience in mind and include them throughout the design.
You don’t want a single page with just useless things like company history and legal disclaimers; that’s not what people want. They want to know about their product or service!
Mistake #5: Not including an e-mail contact –
If you want people to contact you for a quote or even just general information, then make sure your website has an e-mail address on it! I’ve seen multiple websites where you have to call them on the phone with some special number that’s just annoying as hell. Obviously, they’re not going to convert users who want a quote.
Contacting you by email should be easy and simple to do, so make sure they can!
Mistake #6: Not including your company name –
Your website needs to include the name of your company somewhere in the content or header image if possible. Many people don’t think much about how their customers find them through their business name; but in reality, people use this to find you on Google or other search engines. Many people don’t know how to navigate and use the Internet, so make it easier for them by having your company name prominently displayed somewhere on the site.
Mistake #7: Using stock photos –
People see this all the time: using stock photos all over the place. Yeah, it’s easy for you to do since you don’t have any photos of your own; but ultimately this will hurt you by showing that you are a company that isn’t willing to create something new or futuristic.
Why should someone choose your product if their competitor is doing the same thing? If you can’t even create something new and different, why should your customer?
Mistake #8: Being vague –
When someone enters your website they are looking for specific information; so don’t leave them guessing about what you do or who you are. Be sure to include an “about us” section along with any product information on the same page.
Also, this helps you show that your company is transparent and cares about how customers find them. It’s all in the details, people!
Mistake #9: Not including product videos –
Websites are becoming much more interactive nowadays; so if you want to set yourself apart from everyone else (you should), then make sure you include videos of your products or services.
This is also a great way to show off what makes you better than your competition. If they’re selling the same thing as you, then make sure yours is better!
Mistake #10: Not being mobile-friendly –
In today’s tech-savvy world, everyone has a smartphone and you need to be ready for them. Make sure your website looks great on every device and is highly responsive or mobile-friendly (depending on what devices it will be used on).
Don’t stick with the old-school desktop layout when everyone else is getting away from that; don’t make your customers scroll around a ton just to get the information they want. You’ll lose them and probably never get them back!
The best thing about a mobile-friendly website is it can be used on any device, including desktops and gaming devices like the Xbox or PlayStation. Or even your personal computer; depending on what you’re using to browse the Internet.
Hire professionals to avoid these mistakes!
If you aren’t a web design expert, then I highly suggest hiring someone who is. Don’t waste your money just to figure out that it was all for nothing…hire some professionals!
By doing this you will be more likely to succeed and avoid any missteps along the way. Making mistakes in starting your own business can cost you a lot, so don’t make the same mistakes that many do!
A website design company would be the best place to start your website venture, without having to worry too much about making costly mistakes. This is how you will succeed and avoid any missteps that could risk everything.
Web design companies would be the best way to get your startup company off on the right foot. The mistakes mentioned above cannot be remedied, but by hiring some professional help you can avoid them from the moment it’s created!