Your website is the most important aspect of your web presence. Forget social media for a second, and forget email lists. Your website is the central hub of your online business. It must be engaging, powerful and striking. It has to inform and entertain visitors and lure them into your web. You’re looking for engagement and conversions. You’re looking to make a connection.
Too many websites fall short on these criteria, because they’re left unattended. Your website is an evolving beast; you’ll never finish it! Web design trends come and go, and new tricks are always available. If you haven’t updated yours in a while, you could be making some big mistakes. Let’s take a look at some of the worst offenders.
You’re difficult to contact
Your visitors and customer need to get in touch with you. It could be for customer service, essential questions or general feedback. Whatever the reason, your site should be open and inviting. Make sure you have a dedicated contact page with a real, functional email address. Embrace and encourage communication with your visitors; it will strengthen your community.
You have pop-ups
Pop-ups have been annoying the life out of people for nearly a decade now. Why any website owner would still use them is beyond us! Yet, it still happens in a big way. Prompts to join email lists and social media platforms are all too common these days. You may increase conversions in a small way, but you’re damaging the trust with a majority of users.
You forgot about content
Content makes the world go round. Well, the internet world. The content we digest and share with others shape our online lives. Social media exists and thrives off content. Whether it’s videos, images or articles, we hunt them down and share them widely. It’s the best way to attract more users and customers to your website. Create engaging articles or videos and let them spread organically through your community.
It’s all too busy
We asked our friends at Kashurba Web Design Group about the biggest website mistakes in 2015. They said that the number one mistake was overpopulation. The best web design in 2015 is simple and bold. In the past, websites focused on cramming content and information into a small space. Nowadays, it’s all about minimal, powerful images and copy. Take away anything that doesn’t belong and clean your website up. Simplify your design and services.
There are no social links
Your social media platforms are the key to building a loyal community. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram help you reach out to new customers. They also help you connect and engage with existing ones. Use them to your advantage! Install social media connections on your website to maximise your social presence.
There is no call to action
Finally, take note of this one crucial mistake. Your website needs one or two vital conversion goals. It could be a sale or an email sign up. Whatever it is, make it the center of attention. Give people a reason to do it, and make it visible. Build a powerful call to action and give it center stage.
Is your website making any of these mistakes? If it is, it’s time to make a change. Embrace the future trends and stay up to date!