Flash, Frames & Blinking Banners – Avoid building an entire site in Flash. Search engines cannot find or read a site built totally in Flash. A good alternative is to create an html site and implement Flash elements inside this type of site. Frames are difficult for users and search engines can’t read sites built in frames. Avoid frames completely! Too many blinking banners, moving text or images can be distracting to the visitor and give the wrong impression. Too much bling is not a good thing for a website.- Poor Content, Too Much or Not Enough – What you say on your site is extremely important. Be brief and get to the point with effective, powerful words. If a visitor has to scroll multiple times to read all the text they and move on. People are typically in a hurry and want the info fast. Have you been to a site with no text and wondered what they were all about? Text on the home page is important for the visitor and for the search engines. Don’t make them guess what’s behind door #1, tell them what you are about so they will want to explore further.
- Confusing Navigation – It’s critical to create a path or site architecture for your site. Where do you want the visitor to go first, second, third, etc.? You can control the path visitors take through your site by the order and placement of the navigation. Remember to always have a Home button so the visitor can get back home after they’ve been to other pages in the site. Although it’s common practice to have the logo click back to home; it’s surprising how many visitors still do not know this.
- Cheapest Price – Hiring the cheapest web company is a big mistake. View their portfolio and check references. Design is one thing; it’s the follow up afterward that is also critical. Does the company return phone calls and respond promptly to email inquiries? How quickly will requested changes be made to your site? Did they ask you about your target audience? A cheap or amateur site may not project a professional image to potential clients.
- Titles, Meta Descriptions & Meta Tags – Have you ever attempted to drive a car with no gas in it? Having a website without titles, meta descriptions and meta tags is like trying to drive a car without gas. You won’t get far and neither will your website. These elements are essential for visitors and search engines.
What web faux pas have you made? Share your story by clicking on the icon below to “Leave a Comment”.
