Creating an effective business website design requires careful planning and attention to detail. Yet, many companies fall into common traps that can negatively impact their digital presence and customer experience. Whether you’re planning a new website design or looking to improve an existing website, here are nine common website design mistakes to avoid:
1. Choosing cheaper (or free) website options thinking it’s better value
Many businesses opt for cheaper or free website builders, thinking they’re getting great value. However, the reality is that these platforms often come with limitations. Free or low-cost websites may sometimes lack the necessary features to scale as your business grows, limiting functionality and performance. Over time, the costs to fix these shortcomings, or to migrate to a better platform, may far exceed the initial savings so be careful.
One scenario where this approach might be worthwhile is if you’re looking for a short-term solution, with plans to replace the entire website later. In such cases, a temporary, low-cost option can buy you time until you’re ready to invest in a more comprehensive solution.
2. Using a website templates instead of a custom website design
While templates can sometimes be a cost-effective and fast solution, whether they are the right choice for your business depends on your specific needs. For smaller businesses or those just starting out, a well-chosen template may provide an affordable, quick-to-launch option that works fine in the short term. On the other hand, templates often lack flexibility and may not fully be able to reflect your brand’s unique identity due to the design limitations. If your business requires a custom website design and development or a distinctive user experience, investing in a bespoke design will likely offer better long-term flexibility.
3. Neglecting mobile responsiveness
With the increasing use of mobile devices for browsing, businesses cannot afford to have a website that doesn’t perform well on mobile platforms. Many companies still design their websites primarily for desktop, failing to optimise for mobile users. In reality, responsive design, where the website adjusts to different screen sizes, is now a necessity. A mobile-optimised website ensures a seamless experience for users, no matter which device they are on, which in turn enhances customer satisfaction and can improve search engine rankings.
4. Failing to prioritise user experience (UX)
A website with poor UX can frustrate visitors and drive them away. Some common issues include confusing navigation, slow load times, excessive pop-ups, or hard-to-read content. If your customers struggle to find what they need, they are likely to leave and not return. Always focus on creating an intuitive and smooth browsing experience that guides users effortlessly through the site, encouraging conversions and repeat visits.
5. Ignoring the importance of ongoing maintenance and security
Some businesses treat a website like a one-time project, but this approach can lead to significant issues down the road. Websites require regular updates, security patches, and maintenance to function properly. Neglecting website maintenance makes your site vulnerable to hackers, bugs, and performance problems. These issues can be difficult and expensive to fix once they arise. By investing in ongoing maintenance, you can avoid these potential headaches.
6. Overloading the site with heavy media and unnecessary features
While it’s important for a website to look visually appealing, overloading it with large images, videos, or unnecessary features can slow down your website’s load time. Slow websites lead to poor user experience, higher bounce rates, and a potential drop in search rankings. It’s important to strike the right balance between design elements and performance, ensuring that your website is both engaging and fast.
7. Not designing for tomorrow’s needs
The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and designing a website only for today’s standards is a mistake. Mobile usage, industry shifts, and customer expectations continue to grow. A well-designed website should be future-proofed, meaning it is flexible and scalable enough to accommodate new technologies and trends, such as voice search, AI chatbots, or changes in SEO algorithms. Building with the future in mind, and with a sound digital strategy, will help your business stay competitive.
8. Failing to optimise for search engines
A stunning website is useless if no one can find it. One of the most common mistakes businesses make is neglecting SEO during the design process. Search engines like Google rank websites based on a variety of factors, such as mobile-friendliness, load speed, and keyword relevance. If your site isn’t optimised, it won’t appear in search results, making it harder for potential customers to discover your business. When creating a new website, incorporating SEO web design best practices into your website design can increase visibility and drive traffic.
9. Overlooking website accessibility
Many businesses overlook the importance of making their websites accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Failing to incorporate accessibility features, such as screen reader compatibility, alternative text for images, and keyboard navigation, can not only alienate a portion of your audience but also reduce your ranking on search engines. Prioritising website accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can interact with your site effectively.