Know what you are paying for:

One of the most common complaints I have gotten from clients is that they don’t really know what all they paid for. I have had people come to me saying they thought they were buying a website and were given a template. Most people who are just given a template this no use to them, if that is what they were looking for to begin with they could have found that themselves.
Make sure your web designer has been professionally building websites for at least 2 years. Very often, people selling websites have no idea what they are doing.

Another common complaint with web designers is – I like my website but nobody is visiting it!
This is a major problem for web site owners who are looking to get new leads and potential customers online. Here is a list below of common mistakes made by rookie web designers take note of these common mistakes to make sure your next web designer has full knowledge of these areas:

Common Mistakes

•  No Keywords or Keywords don’t match text
•  No Title Bar or Title Bar doesn’t describe page
•  Page wrong width, not centered, or too short or long
• Insufficient content – majority of pages should have 250 to 450 words
•  Not enough appropriate pictures – should show what you do
• Pictures distorted or take too long to load – resolution wrong
• Poor placement of navigation
•  Broken links
•  No service area, copyright, licenses or affiliations
• Inappropriate use of Flash

Remember you have one chance to make a first impression. Your website is your online resume and first impressions do count.

1. Your name (Company name)
2. How to contact you: Phone number, contact form, email, social network – all the above
3. Where is your location

Your website guest should never have to scramble to find any of this information. If I have to click on 5 links just to get directions or a phone number I am off the site within seconds and most people are.
Have a website that is informative with the option to read more is key. Tell your guest what they are there to know, who you are and why they need your services.

Navigation:

A website that is easy to navigate it essential. Have you ever clicked on a website and you don’t know what hit you? Some websites are so cluttered with useless information that you can actually lose focus of why you are even there to begin with.

Designing with the user in mind:

If you can Design your website to make your guest feel welcomed you have accomplished a good goal. Cold unwelcoming websites may offer your guest with the information they need, however I have heard business owners complain that they have lost clients because they client did not like their website, thus coming to me for help. Although I am happy to help out any way that I can, would you not rather just have it done right the first time?

If you are building your own website, or paying a professional to build one for you, a few essential steps to take before starting.

• Draw the desired layout of your website on paper, focus on the links you want, desired pictures, information etc.
• Find websites related to your website and pick what you like and do not like. This will give your designer a clear idea of how your website should look once completed.
• Have your front page written out. Some guest to your site may never make it past the first page. Make an impression on them from the moment they land on your website.
• Communicate your needs and wants.

Designing with users in mind will ensure each guest leaves your site wanting to come back.

MGLC Design