Website Mistakes That You Should Try To Avoid

By: Chris Walker
Submitted: 2007-01-17 14:55:56
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If you happen to have a Web site (or plan to build one shortly) this is a must-read. A Web site should offer customers with useful information that can actually help find solutions to their problems. When I used to search for home businesses, I got sick and tired of poorly designed Web sites shoving awful products and countless links down my throat; there was no explaining on their behalf and no advice given… all I saw was an “order now” button. A Web site should offer customers value and convenience because that is what they are looking for.

So you must keep in mind that you are designing a Web site to help people, not to deprive them of their time and hard earned cash. Many Web sites make the mistake of not having high quality content—and in its place are links and clunky banners. Bottom line… quality information comes before all.

Questionable Navigation

Too many Web sites have dismal navigation setups. This is a huge mistake. Never make the error of having poor navigation on your site that would even make Sherlock Holmes scratch his head. It makes it confusing and hard to surf through (most likely forcing the visitor to leave). Just take a look at my Web site; it may not have fancy graphics or a slew of irrelevant pictures, but it gives you what you need: valuable information presented smoothly with a simple setup. Simplicity ultimately allows you to easily find what you are looking for.

I was once a customer, so I know what it feels like arriving on a website flooded with link after link… you just don’t know where to click next. You feel paralyzed and never find what you’re searching for.

Unnecessary graphics

You should also try to avoid using graphics unless they are absolutely necessary. Fewer graphics soak up less bandwidth, allowing for faster load times. So unless you absolutely need it, don’t place too much graphics on your page. While heavy pages may not be a problem for those who have broadband, you can’t assume everyone has broadband services--some still have high-speed dial up, and for them it is a pain.

Make them come back for more

Give the customer a reason to come back to your site. You must make every reader of your Web site remember your site’s uniqueness. Show your personality and make it a great experience for them. Avoid the mistake of coming across as being “too formal” and “boring.”

Other common mistakes Web designers make that should be avoided…

It’s important for you not to spam—this can get you banned from the search engines. You should also keep good records and remain well organized. Always make sure your income (i.e. affiliate commissions, reseller sales, Google Adsense) exceeds expenses (Internet bills, pay-per-clicks, the cost of the computer you own, products you buy to grow your business, web hosting, domain name, etc.).

Never lie to your readers: honesty is the only option.

Preventing common mistakes will allow your business to grow much faster.

Chris Walker is the owner of: http://www.ultimate-home-business-advice.com. Get all the best advice on great home businesses that really work. Gain access to essential tips and resources. He is the owner of all said material in this article. You can distribute his material on a non-exclusive, royalty-free basis, while he retains full rights to his work. You can use his article as long as you do not change any of the content without his permission.

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