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2008-05-14 07:19:12 -- Mistake 1: Lack of logical navigation and usability.
Make your navigation straight forward and simple. Don't confuse visitors by changing page layouts or moving navigation from page to page. Use the same layout for each page of your site. Get your visitor to the info they want as quickly as possible. Make sure to also let visitors know where they are and where they've been by distinguishing between active and visited links.
Mistake 2: Poor programming.
Your site should load quickly and make proper use of html/css. Sites that are put together wrong can be penalized by search engines. And does your site function just as well in Explorer as it does in Firefox, or even Safari?
Mistake 3: Form over Function.
Ahh, the age old argument of form vs. function. Although design plays a large role in building credibility and branding, too much design can easily overshadow your message/content.
Mistake 4: Text that doesn't speak to your visitors.
On the web, honesty is the best policy. Answer all questions that your visitors might have, especially the ones you don't want to answer. Unanswered questions is why most visitors leave a site. Remember, they don't have someone behind a counter to ask questions of. This is the difference between losing a visitor and gaining a customer.
NOTE: It's a good idea to have someone outside of your company write your copy. That way, personal biases or office politics can't hinder your efforts.
Mistake 5: Not monitoring your website's effectiveness.
You can monitor your website's effectiveness with Google Analytics. It's a free online tool that gives you all sorts of helpful statistics that you can use to make your website more effective. A good programmer can setup your free account and begin your statistics.
About this Author
Heath Meyette earned a BFA in graphic design from Cal State Fullerton with a focus on web and logo design. In 2000 he co-founded Think Tank Designs, a web and graphic design agency in Southern California.
Heath's logo work at Think Tank Designs has been featured in "American Corporate Identity" which highlights the best logos and identities from across the nation.
He also contributed to the book, "Breaking Into Graphic Design: Tips from the Pros". In the book, Heath provided insight to other graphic designers on how to start their careers in design.
Heath currently teaches Digital Identity at the Art Institute - Inland Empire where he's an active part of the Art Institute - Inland Empire and San Bernardino Valley College Program Advisory Committees. He consults on the design programs for each school, offering advice that can be used to produce better, more effective designers and programmers.
