1. Phone number, address, and hours of operation are difficult to find. This information should be text based and visible on every page. If your location is difficult to find, consider including a link to directions.
  1. Use of images instead of text throughout the site. Search engines cannot recognize text in images, so it’s like the information does not exist. This hurts your rankings in search engines. Images also create a longer load time which hurts your page ranking even more.
  1. No clear call to action. Every page should have a call-to-action that is above the fold—explaining to the user exactly what needs to do be done next.Example: Instead of “Download Now” it should read “Download your free report” so that the user knows they will receive a free report when clicking.
  1. Lack of regular updates. For security purposes, protection of customer data, and having a restore point, a backup and update of your website should be completed on a regular basis. If orders are placed on the site, it is recommended that this be completed nightly. For other sites, it is recommended to complete the backup and update monthly. (This article provides additional details about the dangers of an outdated website).
  1. A poorly coded site. A site with clean coding allows it to load faster, provides a better user experience, and assists in search engine rankings.
  1. Poor content and layout. Break your content up by using photos, line breaks, bold fonts, etc. This helps users to find what they seek as they scan the content.
  1. Long forms with more information than necessary. The typical user does not want to give out a lot of information online. They want a quick, simple, secure process to receive what you are offering (a free report, for instance).
  1. Site content and images are not shareable. Given the strong impact of social media platforms, it is important for content to be easily sharable across the internet. This also increases exposure for the website/company. If users can “pin” images to Pinterest, it creates a link back to the site and helps drive traffic as well.
  1. Do not require pop-up windows. Although this can be a good way to gather emails, requiring that users accept pop-ups usually results in them leaving the site quickly. Unless there is a reason that users must enter contact details before viewing your site, do not ask. Make pop-up boxes optional. If a user feels stuck, unable to the content they seek, they will leave your site and find the information elsewhere.
  1. Poor photographs. Invest in quality photography, whether through a professional or stock photos. While relevant text is important, images make a website look attractive and grab user’s attention for your content.

 

If you are not confident in the quality of your current website design or if you want to ensure that your new website is consciously designed for the success of your business, contact us today. We provide professional website design and development services as well as website training and consulting. Call: 303-218-5287 today.