Designing a website? Don’t do so while thinking of your end. A website design is key to your business credibility and online conversions. However, too much care will create a bad impression. You want your website to make your readers feel like you care yet not scream, “I’m the best!”.
Don’t design with your users in mind, either. Still, remember that websites need to be user-friendly; all features and links should be easily accessible. Make sure your website is clear and easy to understand for your users.
Don’t overuse plug-ins. Not only are they a waste of time, they can cost you sales. Use them well, but don’t load them with unnecessary features.
Do not prioritize aesthetics when designing. A study said 75% of users find websites ugly, but this lack of design will also affect user experience. Users want to easily see the relevant content without scrolling and without struggling to read the text.
Avoid using outdated plug-ins as well. The aforementioned study also mentioned that users prefer plug-ins that are active and functioning.
Avoid using outdated scripts. Many scripts are just not up-to-date, and some will cause security issues. You need to be able to easily update your scripts without having to mess with FTP or webmaster tools.
Avoid using outdated data. Your users will also be accessing the internet through proxies that your site uses. Make sure that your site is linked and connected to one of the main servers.
Avoid using links that are no longer relevant or up to date. If you are having trouble getting your links to work, make sure that you use one of the most popular links on your site. You will avoid confusion and be able to keep your site active and functioning.
Ensure comments are not deleted. Comments can be a fantastic way to get your site noticed. However, if you have too many old ones, feel free to delete them. Don’t keep any comments on your site that don’t relate to your keywords. I recommend using a custom-developed theme with a good commenting system.
Don’t make it hard for users to post comments, either! Ensure that your webpage allows users to post comments and that the comments section is easily accessible. This will reduce the confusion and user frustration.
Do use a custom developed theme. Even if your current theme is pretty cool, the devil may be in the details. You need to be able to customize your theme easily and quickly to avoid mishaps. This will also avoid confusing your users.
The previously mentioned study also said that users are willing to pay to have a site that gives them the ease they want from their visits. Never let your users down. The last thing this study considered was the cost of hosting.
This wasn’t just a regular study, but a paid one. That means it was given to bloggers to review. However, the findings from that study are valuable and relevant. If you are interested in a paid study, make sure you are aware of the limitations of the study and the findings.
That said, just remember that when users visit a website, they are interested in a certain topic or niche. If they find that on your website, they will probably not mind staying. If your website doesn’t meet their needs, users will likely get frustrated and stop using your services.
Users are willing to pay $120 per month for a satisfactory website. If users cannot find a service they want on your website, it’s best not to charge $120 for that service.
When users want something, it is usually not because they have run out of ideas. More than likely, they are hungry. Why? Because your website provides them with satisfactory services.
The next part of the study was on UX and usability. In this part, we found out that people like simple sites. When it was simple to use, they would prefer that. When it was so simple to use, they would probably not mind paying $50 for that service.
The illustrated Do’s and Don’ts, along with research insight, will help you improve your website design. Keep it simple and value-adding for your customers!