It seems that everyone has a website these days. Some for fun, some provide information and some are used to earn money. Regardless of its purpose, the point is that anyone can build a website. However, building a good website seems to be another story. Too many common mistakes are made when constructing a website and these mistakes go far to dissuade frequent visitors.
Pop-ups
I cannot think of anything more annoying than having a pop-up (especially a sneaky one that is not easily closed) right in the middle of something I am trying to read. Anyways, a pop-up can be counterproductive to your website as it may simply lead a visitor to a new website.
Long web pages
Avoid using a long, continuous page to relay information. Instead, use links and short pages. A long page gets tiring and overwhelming whereas links to shorter pages allow for easier navigation to a specific topic or sub-topic. Long pages also tend to make the site look amateurish – like you did not know how to create a new page.
Too many graphics
Graphics are nice when appropriately used. But excessive graphics tend to slow down the loading of the page and this annoys people. Stick to simple, related graphics.
Under construction links
Avoid putting in links to pages that remain under construction. If you have not finished a page, leave the link out until that page is ready to be published. It’s annoying and leaves the visitor feeling the site is incomplete – they are less likely to return.
Plug-ins
People get concerned when they are asked to download a plug-in to install before they can view your site. The extra work is annoying and, if the plug-in involves a program that is obscure, chances are they will pass by your site and onto the next.
Lack of Content
Having minimal content not only hinders the ability of search engines to find your site, thereby reducing your hits but also annoys visitors who view your site in hopes for a clear idea of what the purpose of the site is. Content based sites always seem to rank high in search engines too.
Music
Automatic music is generally annoying because it is not expected. So someone surfing the web at work may not want the rest of the office to know what they are doing – music or loud sounds is a sure giveaway. Anyways, web surfing is often done while working or listening to music already – interfering with that is aggravating.
By turning your head to these things when designing (or redesigning) your site, you can help keep your visitors happy and returning for those much coveted hits!
