I don’t like stupid websites mistakes that make my life difficult. If I arrive at a site after a search, I’ll bounce in an instant if I can’t find what I am looking for in a flash.
Imagine asking a simple question and getting an encyclopedia of details. A website should give me some basic information and direction, not four hundred places I can click. All the basic information and navigation should be simple, clear and easy to find.
The following are my top ten things that drive me crazy about websites.
Ten Stupid Website Mistakes
- Where is your phone number? I want to speak to a human being. Make it big and put it on every page so I can find you. Design matters but being helpful matters even more.
- Tell me a simple story. Don’t make this like a Rubik’s cube that is so complicated, I can’t find what I need. Did you ever consider having prospects navigate your site so you could watch and learn from the problems they face? A small test in advance of launching can help.
- I love passive information. If I can click on a one-minute video that explains who you are, what you do and why I should care, you get a gold star. Give me a quick overview of who you are and I can decide if this is for me.
- 1, 2 and 3. I love simple steps. I like the Chipotle school of navigation where I pick the form (burrito, salad, bowl), pick the protein (chicken, beef, tofu) and pick the toppings (this, and this but not that). Is your navigation as easy as 1,2,3?
- If I have to fill out your form to download an e-Book, video, whitepaper or to have someone contact me, keep it super simple. Don’t make me tell you who my fifth-grade teacher was. (Mrs. Butler). Please keep it simple.
- Clean, crisp design and photography help make my visit easy. Dark designs with too many words mean I’m bouncing out. I just want a little information to get me in the door. Then, maybe I’ll want to download a more detailed piece of information.
- Search me. Don’t hide your search bar. I may want to find one little piece of information and a well-placed search bar can make all the difference in the world.
- Minimize the pop-ups. I realize a pop up grabs my attention and can get me to sign up for your newsletter. But don’t annoy me – make it subtle and simple and easy to click away.
- Stock photography is for losers. Use some original pictures that I’ll only see on your website. What does it say about you when you show me images I have seen a million times on boring brochures and tradeshow booths. Spend a few bucks.
- Humanize everything. Make me feel like I just walked through your front door and a real, live human greeted me. Think concierge service – may I help you? Don’t hover and annoy me if I’m just looking, but find ways to make me feel welcomed. Help me get an impression of your brand through how you say hello.
Rant is over. I feel better.
I’m not a website design or development expert. I’m a human being who just wants information. There is a good chance I can be very helpful to you if you are beginning a website project or want to refresh your current site.
Text me at 919 720 0995 or email me at jeffslater@themarketingsage.com
Photo credit: Unsplash Anastasia Petrova – Marked safe for use.
