Common Website Problems

26 May 2007
THERE ARE SOME VERY REAL TRAPS TO BE AVOIDED WHEN DESIGNING A WEBSITE. THESE ARE CONSIDERED TO BE THE TOP ONES :

Excessive Download Times

Visitors will often not wait for your web site to load if it is taking any longer than 12-20 seconds. There are a number of factors which contribute to slow downloads including; too many images, file size of images is too large, wrong image file format has been used, too much text on one page. The size of the link to the Internet your web host has can also affect the download time - a small-congested link will affect the performance of your site.

Bad Navigation

You do not want your visitors to be confused while at your site and leave in frustration. Ensure the navigation is consistent on each page.

Poor Graphics

A badly designed site will have a negative impact on how visitors perceive your business and they may well decide not to use your services. Remember you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

Too Many Graphics Not enough Text

A picture may say a thousand words but it means nothing to search engines. On the web, content is king, so you should have at least 100 words of copy on your first page with your keywords up the top of the page. Splash pages where the first page is a montage are pretty but they don't give any information about what you do, and your regular visitors will get sick of seeing the same opening page.

More is Better (Not)

Too much of a good thing basically, these are the sites that offend your senses with too many colours and flashing pieces of "eye candy". Style over substance may look good, but its not going to get your message across (unless you are an internationally recognised brand).

Over reliance on New Technology

Many websites rely on very new technologies and don't offer a simpler version for visitors to view.

Message is hard to find

On so many websites it is difficult to know what the company actually does, and you have to hunt for the information. You want your visitors to know in the first few seconds what it is that you can do for them. You don't want your visitors leaving after only seeing one page. If you are the top widget maker in New Zealand tell them on the first line!

Not providing a Flash Alternative

It is considered that websites that are built completely in Flash, should offer a non flash (html) alternative for low bandwidth users. Design is subjective, what one person thinks is good design another will pour scorn on.