When designing your website it’s easy to fall prey to design over function. You get caught up in all the font choices, design elements, and photos, but you also need to think about the functionality of your site.  Is it easy to navigate? Is it clear what you do and who you do it for? Is your website working for you?? Below, I’ve listed six mistakes to avoid when designing your website.

 

The Text is Difficult to Read

Using all caps or a decorative font, or centre aligning your entire copy makes it difficult to read. Text should be aligned left and regular case on a website, especially on a blog, making it easier to read. When text is centered on the page, this makes it difficult to follow the flow of the copy.

There are exceptions such as elements like headings and subtitles, and when you’re including short descriptions under those headings and subtitles.

Make sure that whatever colour text you use has some contrast against its background. Choosing a darker or neutral text on a white screen, or white text on a dark screen will make a world of difference.

Also, choose an easy to read font and make it big enough so it’s easily read on mobile

 

Homepage Has No, or Little, Text

Including text on your homepage is a great opportunity to make it clear what you do and who you serve. This is the perfect place to include your brand’s mission statement, drawing in your Ideal Clients.

Adding text to your homepage also makes it easier for search engines to understand the content on your website. By optimizing the SEO on your homepage, engines will search your primary keywords.

The more valuable content included on your homepage, the better. Including your brand mission statement and a section about you and your business will make what you do more clear to both search engines and visitors on your website.

 

Unclear Navigation

Visitors to your website need to easily find their way around.

Most people visiting your website are visiting for a reason. Determine the goals your audience is trying to achieve — and then have a plan to get them there!

Without a plan, your amazing website ends up being significantly less useful. If the user can’t easily navigate their way to what they’re looking for, they will  leave your website before finding it. 

Be sure to use a clearly structured and labeled navigation bar, with plenty of references throughout your website to the various pages visitors may like to explore.

 

Mobile Design is an Afterthought

Forgetting to make your website mobile responsive is a mistake you can’t afford to make. With the majority of traffic coming from mobile devices, don’t make this an afterthought.

One of the reasons I use Showit is you can design your mobile site side-by-side with your desktop site, thereby making it impossible to forget!

The mobile version of your website should go through the same amount of testing that a desktop version is given. Sometimes the design elements don’t work as well. Replace it with a different element that conveys the same idea.

 

Not Including Reviews and Testimonials

Reviews are an important part of the purchasing process for many people. And when reviews are missing, it makes people wonder whether if it’s a reliable product or service.

Think about the last time you bought something from Amazon. You probably looked at the reviews—even if the product was cheap. Now imagine you were buying something that was thousands of dollars. The reviews are gonna count for something.

Ask past clients for testimonials you can use on your website. If you’re just getting started, consider doing a few free projects in exchange for a testimonial and some feedback.

 

It’s About You, and Not the Client You’re Serving.

Focusing on what you do and who you are does not allow your potential clients to visualize themselves achieving the goals which brought them to your site. You want to create an experience for your Ideal Clients where they can envision themselves benefiting from what you offer.

Being personal is okay, but always think about how the personal elements enhance your brand. 

The transformation that you offer your clients should be the focus of your website. You’re there to help them along the way. Double-check your about page—is it all about you, or is it about your client? Even the stuff about you should be there to build your brand and point back to your ideal client.

 

 

 

A Tip for Designing Your Own Website

As you design, when in doubt, remember that less is more. Fewer but more carefully chosen words, fewer but more intentional images and fewer but more robust pages will go a long way towards enhancing your client experience through your website.

 

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