subject: The Top 5 Web Design Mishaps [print this page] Mishaps # 1 - Not Understanding Your Market
There is a reason websites in different market segments are designed the way they are, and that is because that particular format has proven to be successful over time. In other words, you do not want to have a very flashy site with wild graphics and colors if your potential visitors are conservative in nature.
The opposite is also true, if you are in a field that likes the extreme; then your website should reflect that. The best way to avoid this pitfall is to look at a few of the most popular sites in your segment and figure out how you can take that concept and make it better.
Mishaps # 2 - Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS)
I am sure you have heard the above statement and nothing could be truer when it comes to websites. Your visitors are looking for either instant gratification or answers to there questions. The last thing they want to do is to figure out how to navigate your site.
A visitor to a website today must be able to immediately find what they are looking for or they will not be there too long. There are too many other alternatives where they will be able to get what they require without having to figure out how a website works.
Remember, the vast majority of the people using your site will not be computer savvy. If you feel it is absolutely essential that your site has complicated search features, be sure to also include an easy to understand menu that anybody can use with a click of the mouse.
Mishaps # 3 - Capture Email Addresses
If somebody took the time to visit your site at the very least they must be remotely interested in the product or service you are promoting. I find it is always a good idea to offer something for FREE, such as an E-book explaining why they should be using your product or service in exchange for there name and email address.
This will provide you the opportunity to develop a list that you can use once or twice a week to send them an email updating them on the latest developments in your field. As time passes and with any luck they will start to look at you as an expert that can be trusted. In the future when they have a need for what you are offering, hopefully you will receive very strong consideration when the buying process begins.
The vast majority, if not all of the big-time internet marketers state there success only came after they came to realize the power of the list. So, constantly and continuously work on increasing the size of your list.
Mishaps # 4 - Create a Useful and Enjoyable Experience for Your Visitors
Most of the individuals that create a website are in it for monetary enrichment. Time and again the most successful internet marketers will tell you to make sure your sites meets the needs and expectations of your visitors.
You want to make certain your readers or viewers enjoy their experience and find it useful. If you are able to create this type of environment, you will find them returning time and again, which hopefully will lead to financial rewards for you in the future.
Mishaps # 5 - Ensure you are Targeting Your Niche
There are very few websites today that can be everything to everybody. Make sure to fully understand who your market is and what they are looking for. An example of this would be a website that is based on physical fitness.
If this is your target market, would it be appropriate to promote diet cookbooks? I would say the answer to that question would be yes, but would it also a good idea to start writing about health insurance. In my opinion that would be stretching it a bit and might alienate some, if not all of your readers.
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