Common website design mistakes that drive customers away

Let's face it, no matter how appealing a website is, it holds zero value if it doesn't serve the simple purpose of enhancing customer experience. It is common-knowledge that websites are designed not just to enhance user interface but to get ahead on search lists as well. Hence, pointing towards the fact that functionality reigns over a cosmetic appeal. Having a glitzy website is great, but if it offers poor navigation, weak content and countless errors, you will end up losing traffic by the dozen.

Source: Pixabay

Here are a few design mistakes that should be avoided at all costs.

Missing H1 tags

What's the use of creating a beautiful website with stunning pictures and an appealing website scheme if nobody is going to find it in search engines? Very often, website developers and designers forget about essential SEO elements. The most common mistake: removing an H1 tag. Something which is mostly overlooked because there is no place for it on the page. The H1 tag is an important component of online visibility, as it is one of the first things search crawlers land on to determine what the page is about. Having this tag improves your chances of ranking higher.

Not being mobile friendly

With everyone going mobile, having a mobile-friendly platform should be the top agenda while designing a website. This again another factor which helps websites remain relevant in Google searches. So much so that Google's new search update penalizes sites that are non-responsive in mobile searches.

Poor legibility

The aesthetics of your font and the legibility are also crucial elements of web design. A good design interface will only go as far as grabbing the user's attention. If you want your users to take away important information from your website, you need to use font colours and sizes that are easy to the eyes. Bizarre font styles can make reading a pain and though you might initially come across as avant-garde it will eventually drive users away.

Large media files and images

Images are a key way to hold attention and its always prescribed to use beautiful imagery to add to the feel of your website. However, while you're uploading stunning images on your website, ensure you keep an eye on the size of your media files. Remember that the user has a very short attention span now, so if even a slight lag can just deter them from returning. Something as simple as file size and download time can pretty much make or break the deal for your website.

Not updating your website

If you thought your job pretty much ends at just creating a website entity and letting it be out there in the wilderness of the internet, then guess what, you're in for a rude shock. Without regular updates and content, the initial traffic will run dry rapidly. Periodical updates to the themes and plug-ins will ensure that every possible entry point is well-protected. Several popular websites, including WordPress, can auto-update as long as your website is properly configured for the same.

While taking your business online is a great step, but you need to realise that it is as much as a commitment as your real-time business dealing. So, whether you're creating a new website or redesigning an existing one, keep the above-mentioned website development and design points in mind to attract more users.

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