This list of common web design and development mistakes is based on our experience, feedback, and clients comments from the web designers.


1. Web site is designed for the OWNER, not for web site VISITORS and USERS.
Do you know how people react when they navigate your website? Making a
website useful for visitors is essential to turn them into your customers.

2. Not clear what your web site is about.
It is very important to deliver a clear message about the purpose of your site. What do you do? Otherwise, people will get confused and will leave quickly.


3. Wrong colors combination
Bright backgrounds, image backgrounds are somewhat destructive for the human eyes. There are certain rules apply for eyes-friendly colors combination. It looks, like many web designers neglect this basic rule or simply unfamiliar with this concept. Incorrect use of colors will cause web site visitors leave quickly without exploring your site.


4. Too much Flash.
Unless you are in a motion pictures business, use Flash in moderation, or better, do not use it at all. Flash intro pages and banners are very annoying for the visitors. Did you know, that many Internet users block Flash, Pop-ups and Java script on their computer. So instead of viewing your masterpiece, visitors will see a blank space. Flash is good tool for marketing and sales presentations. Moving page did not find its place on the web - so lets move on...


5. Confusing navigation, dead ends.
This is very common mistake. For example, you have navigated a site, clicked on a link - and you do not know where you are and how to go back. Another common mistake - too many steps to get the information you are looking for. When web site has complex structure, a flow chart must be made to simulate navigation. Creating simple and logical navigation requires knowledge, practical experience and common sense.


6. Unnecessary use of computer programming when developing a simple informational website.
Do not get your site programmed in an exotic programming language unless it is necessary for your application. Informational web pages should be done in HTML - simple classic.


7. Pages load slowly.
The web page should load in 30 seconds. If your page takes longer to load - it needs to be revisited.  Always remember that large number of Internet users still have a dial-up connection.


8. Site layout is incorrect.
Your page should fit at least 800x600 resolution screen without scrolling it horizontally. The pages must be designed to look the same in all available browsers. The site must be tested in all popular browsers and different screen resolutions prior to publishing on the Net. Telling people that your page looks best in one particular browser with certain screen resolution will not make them switching the browser just to view your site. They will leave your site and never come back.


9. Hard to read content.
Small font, bright font color on bright background, hard to read font. Choose clear rounded font, make enough space between lines. Do not make paragraphs more than 4" long. If too much content - locate your paragraphs vertically, like newspaper articles.



10. Site does not use SSL, where it is needed.
If you collecting any kind of personal information from the visitors, you must collect it securely. Use Secure Socket Layer.


11. Never update your site after it was developed.
Outdated information on the websites is common mistake. In our opinion, if you do not have money and capability of keeping your site up-to-date, it is probably better to shut it down.


12. Misunderstanding the Internet Marketing Strategy.
Web site is not the same business marketing tool, as print advertising, TV or radio ads. They have the same purpose - promoting your business and services, but require a different marketing strategy.


13. Web site is designed by amateur designer.
Everyone with basic computer skills can create a web page from a MS Word document. Usually people who have mastered their first webpage are very proud of their creation. They should be. It is a good experience. Web site owners should know, that the Internet users can easily distinguish between professional and amateur web site.


14. Unnecessary Java and other scripts.
Unnecessary scripts is common mistake.


15. Boring content  pages.
Did you know, that 75% of the information is absorbed visually and only 25% by reading the content. How do I know that? Well, I have over 20 years of experience as manufacturing engineer at GM assembly plant. I have developed thousands of Operators Instruction Sheets, User manuals and Training materials for the employees. Pictures worked best. Combine your content with images, schematics, flow charts, graphs, separate paragraphs by bullets - the result will exceed your expectations.

16. Too many feedback forms on the website or the form is too long.
Have you ever tried to fill out the form(s) on your own website? If you think it is takes too long to fill out - your visitors think that too. Be polite to your visitors. Ask for the information you really need. Don't copy your competitor's form. Instead make it shorter, user friendly - and you will get the customers.

Internet visitors are picky and demanding - show them your respect, and you will get orders in return.

 

Web Design Mistakes - How to avoid Web Design Mistakes. Web Design Mistakes Guide.
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