In recent years the capabilities of what we see on the web have skyrocketed, whether that was the gamification boom of a few years back or the virtual capabilities of websites today. The game is constantly changing, and keeping up is far more complex than it once was. This is especially true for smaller businesses without web-specific departments, website mistakes are easy to make.
That being said, in many sectors, it isn’t about the thought-provoking or game-changing; it’s simply about getting it right. It may be no surprise for you to hear this, but we still see businesses missing the mark with their websites. It’s far more common than you would think. In this blog, we will talk about the top 5 website mistakes that we see, so that you can have a flick through yours and make sure everything is up to scratch!
Number one – Websites on the go!
The first problem we encounter time-and-time-again is that the website itself hasn’t been optimised for mobile use. You’ve received a project, and all looks great on our computer screen; the definition is slick, the navigation smooth, and the theme sweeter than a Solero on a summer’s day. However, one perspective doesn’t do enough in today’s world.
The latest figures suggest that over 80% of smartphone users have used their device to make a purchase. But will they have purchased from you if your website isn’t usable on their mobile phone? No.
What are you waiting for? That’s a huge percentage of potential profit heading down the drain if your website isn’t ready for mobile traffic. In this day and age, there is no reason why your website shouldn’t work on mobile, desktop and tablet.
Number two – How do I reach you?
As a business owner, you’ve piled your money into an all-singing, all-dancing website. But on your website, you’ve hidden your contact information beneath a pile of products, blogs and general waffle. How are customers expected to get in touch with you if they can’t find your information?
Ok, we know; you probably think that the blurb on your site has answered all potential questions. But that isn’t always the case. Second-guessing what your potential customer may want to know can be a fatal mistake as a business owner. Keep the FAQ’s simple and put all your contact details in a clear and obvious place.
Number three – I don’t have time for this!
We seem to be encountering slow loading websites more frequently. It’s avoidable and can make or break a great website, this one is an easily avoidable website mistake!
We always look at visiting a new website as an opportunity, for example, a great night out with your mates. What good is knowing that there was a brilliant birthday party that you missed because you didn’t have time to go? Well, for us, websites are the same. There’s no point in having the best site on the web if your loading time means people don’t have the time to be there.
A large chunk of mobile shoppers are scrolling to kill some excess time. So think of the scenario; someone is on the train to work, nearing the station they’ve been hurtling towards. They see your advert on social media, and love the product; they’ve simply got to know more! They head onto your site to see that ominous colourless screen that appears whilst a site loads. They see the station is approaching, feel the train gently slowing. Do they have time to wait around to see what loads on your site? No!
The truth is, a lot of customers shop this like, on impulse and to fill gaps in their day. You’d lose those people if your site isn’t optimised to load quickly! Slow and steady does not win this race.
Number four – So what do you know about your site?
Website mistakes that are specific to the business owner and not the customer. Once you’ve hired a graphic design agency to tick all the aesthetic boxes. The development of your company is firmly in your hands. So, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not setting up Google Analytics.
Why are analytics important? Well, that’s like asking why is knowing who buys your products important. Knowing the difference between success and failure is learning as much as possible about your audience.
If someone said to you, I’m a business expert who can tell you exactly how to sell your products to as many people as possible, you’d probably hire them. Essentially that’s what an analytics platform does. Yes, of course, it doesn’t just tell you the secrets to life, but it gives you enough raw data for you to fill in the blank spaces yourself. Don’t turn your back on analytics.
Number five – What’s next?
Last but not least, a mistake that we see far too often is the lack of a clear call to action within a website. This is more than often the case within sectors where businesses offer a service rather than a product.
When it comes to the flow of your website, you should always have an end goal in mind. Whether that is data capture, phone calls to your business or brand awareness. Knowing your end goal means that you can direct people to interact with your business in the way that you want.
We suggest making the journey through your website as clear and straightforward as possible. Using buttons to direct your customers will help to drive the necessary outcomes of your website. Put your contact information front and centre for all to see. Or hire a web design agency and let them do the hard work, so you don’t have to.
Now is the time to remove those easily noticeable website mistakes and start optimising your online real estate. The more time you spend on your website, the more likely you are to convert traffic. Start optimising your success today.
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