8 Deadly Sins Of Website Design

Is my website making money?

How often do you ask yourself the above question?  For most business owners who have enough to worry about.  Their website is often a forgotten tool specifically if you don’t rely on e-commerce to drive your business.

I interview Richard Swart of Aspen Web Services late last year about what business owners can do to improve their website and make money from their website efforts.

Richard gave me his 8 Deadly sins of website design. (I also recording this as a podcast which you can listen to below.)

Sin #1: Confusing Graphics–  We look at a website as a graphical piece but sometimes we forget that it needs to be functional.  Too many cute graphics and displays can have the opposite effect.

Sin #2: Overwhelming People With Content- You only have a short amount of time to get someone’s attention.  Giving them too much content on your home page can turn people off who are overwhelmed with what they are seeing.

Sin #3: Too Many Choices–  Follow me on Twitter.  Like me on Facebook.  Sign up for my newsletter.  What do I do?  I see this a ton with websites where they have 10 things they want you to do on their home page.

Sin #4: Being Rude– People who are visiting your website are guests and should be treating accordingly.  Make sure they know what to do and how to navigate your website.

Sin #5: Lying To People–  Most small business owners aren’t trying to purposely deceive people but sometimes it happens unintentionally.  There are also times where it is intentional.  Just make sure that when people click on a link that they get what they are expecting.

Sin #6: Not Providing Enough Reassurance–  You need to reassure your visitors that they came to the right place.  Make sure they understand what you do and how you can help them right away.  Testimonials are also a great tool here as well.

Sin #7: Invasion of Privacy–  When you are collecting information from people get what you need and no more.  Asking for too much info and people start getting leery.

Sin #8: Ignore Your Customer– So your customer signs up for a newsletter or buys a book from you and then you never talk to them again.  Once your client engages with you.  Engage back and build a relationship not a one sell stand.

Your website for your small business can be a money generator, credibility builder and an engagement tool.  Take a look at your website and see if you are committing any of the deadly sins of website design.