The 6 worst mistakes in web design – and how to avoid them

Common Web Design blunders you should never commit

Despite investing a lot of time, money and effort in building websites, the results can sometimes be disappointing. The influx of visitors you expected just isn’t happening, and those who do come are quick to leave the site. While you may blame it on the content, or the marketing strategy, however, an often overlooked parameter is DESIGN. Yes, you read that right! Often, designers go overboard and incorporate elements that can turn away your site visitors.  From hard-to-read supposedly stylish font to excessive animations, there’s just so much you can get wrong with your site’s design.

Here’s our pick of the most frequently committed web design blunders and ways you can avoid them:

#1: Using too many fonts

You might be tempted to use 5-6 different fonts, but when it all comes together; it clutters up your web pages.

Solution: Stick to two or three fonts and ensure that they are easy to read.

#2: Overdoing CTAs

It’s recommended that every website should contain clean, concise Call-to-Action buttons, but stuffing them everywhere will not have the desired results

Solution: Make one clear request, to prompt users into completing the action.

#3: A soundtrack with no start/stop button

Music is a great way to grab user attention – or is it? If the music starts blaring automatically as soon as the visitor lands on your page, it could send the visitor away at once.

Solution: If you’re incorporating music, give visitors an option to ‘play.' Do not force it on them. Also, make sure there’s a ‘pause/stop’ button.

#4: Using unflattering images

Images are meant to complement your site, not downgrade it. Using free images or unprofessionally clicked images will only lower the site’s appeal

Solution: Avoid free stock images and opt for premium ones instead. Better yet, hire a professional photographer to click great pictures relevant to your brand.

#5: Forcing visitors to scroll right

Don’t make your website too wide, as most visitors are used to scrolling up/down on websites and do not usually scroll horizontally.

Solution: Use only vertical scrolling on your site

#6: Propping interactive media all over

Interactive messages with fonts, light boxes etc are excellent means of getting the message across to your visitors but use it too much, and you’ll end up distracting your visitors.

Solution: Moderation is key. Use interactive elements only to highlight the vital content.

If you’re a newbie into the web space or own an existing website with a poor design, you need to hire professional web designers to incorporate the best design practices into your site. Openwave is a global IT company, with 20 years of excellence in the field of web design. Consult with an expert Web Designer in the US today!