5 common Website Design mistakes to avoid for any small business
Having Low-Quality pictures on your website
Everyone gives you this advice, and it's my number one as well—not because it's obvious, but because it's so important. Imagine you're a yoga teacher with a studio, and your website doesn't even show pictures of the studio. How do you expect people to sign up for your classes? Or if you're a wedding photographer who only posts pictures of your pet on social media (it's cute, though), but for professional reasons, it's irrelevant. Don't take pictures with your phone and post them on your website. Pictures speak for themselves; they are an investment, and you must take them seriously if you want your clients to take you seriously. Set a budget and get professional brand photos taken for your website if you want potential clients to stay on your page."
2. Over information or too little information
Have you ever attended an Indian wedding? The buffet at Indian weddings can be overwhelming. They serve a variety of cuisines, and you're spoiled for choice. By the end of the reception, you might not want to eat anymore or will be so full that you'll want to leave. The same is true for a text-heavy website. You don’t want your website to be filled with so many words that your potential clients don’t know exactly what your services are. Nor do you want a website with barely any information, as that can make you seem untrustworthy. Instead, serve your clients an à la carte menu of information—just enough so they feel like they've dined at a Michelin-star restaurant. Everything bite-sized and perfectly crafted, leaving them eager to book your services right away."
3. Websites not Optimized for Mobile Phones
I was chatting with a wedding planner once, and she told me how her bride found her on Instagram and wanted to work with her. Since this bride was the only granddaughter, her grandparents wanted to pay for her wedding—but they weren’t on Instagram. The older couple only had a laptop, which, of course, they didn’t carry around everywhere. Unfortunately, this wedding planner’s page was not optimized for mobile. When the granddaughter showed them her Instagram, they were impressed, but not so much when they went to make a payment on the website. Long story short, you never know who your clients are. So, make sure you have a mobile-optimized site to look professional and be ready to receive that next cheque!
4. Websites without a Business Road Map
Have you eaten at IKEA? Sorry, it's not my intention to give food examples, but I love how the IKEA food court is arranged. Even if it's your first time, you'll know exactly where to go, with clear signs for food and checkout. That's exactly what you need on your website: a roadmap guiding your potential clients on what to do next, without being pushy. Gently remind them of what you offer, any discounts available, and what their next step should be on your site. Your website is the digital home for your business. You don’t want guests to leave from the porch. So, make sure your content welcomes them to stay longer and keeps them coming back when needed
5. Branding unaligned with the Business Owner
Who do you think of when I say black turtleneck shirts, blue jeans, round glasses, and someone who would wear the same clothes every day? It's Steve Jobs I’m talking about. Not only did he create an iconic brand, but he himself was a brand. Everything about Apple is cohesive across the world; no matter what store you go to, it’s the same layout. Branding is not just a fancy mood board; it’s the association your clients have with you. They associate you with those colors, that style, and that message. So, when you think of brand alignment, think about how it aligns with you as a business owner too. A vegan restaurant would feel misaligned with a chicken logo and a red background, just as a yoga teacher would feel misaligned if she did a brand photoshoot at a bar. What I mean is, dive deep with your website designer to ensure your brand aligns with who you are and your personality. Your website will be a gateway to you. Your clients want to work with you, so make sure your brand and business are as aligned with you as possible
