Biggest Website Pitfalls (And How You Can Avoid Them)

​Erratic Elements. Avoid different for the sake of different. When users visit your website, they have expectations. They expect the menu to be on the top or the left of the page. They expect to be able to click back to the homepage from anywhere on the site. They expect businesses to include a “contact us” section. If you’re going to break from online tradition, make sure you have a reason and that you are keeping your website user friendly.

No Platform Research. Don’t jump and use the first website design platform you see. Maybe it’s the best; most likely it isn’t. If you take the time to research which provider best suits your needs, you will be in a much better position when you’re ready to fully customize your website.

Too Much Text. While text is important—it’s what communicates valuable information—it’s visual dead space. Be sure to include images to break up the monotony. Choose images for their relevance and storytelling ability, not just space-taking ability. If you do use stock images, be careful which you choose. Some will tell your story perfectly; others will make your website a cliché. Don’t be a cliché.

Fluff Pages. Make sure all of your webpages offer something valuable. Don’t include fluffy filler pages. They will distract users and detract from your website’s professional image. When every page includes something valuable and interesting to your users, they will enjoy using your site, thus improving customer satisfaction, web traffic, and brand image.
​
Difficult to Read Text. Make your text easy to read so your users can focus on your message, not your formatting. Keep all text at an appropriate size and style for its role. Difficult to read colors, WordArt, overly animated titles, and small text are all examples of problematic text.