Last week, we discussed some fundamentals for proper user interface design, which is important because if you aren’t effectively supporting active exploration throughout your website, you shouldn’t be designing at all. After all, how pretty something looks should be miles away from your focus if you can’t even figure out an effective navigation system.
But that’s the challenge, isn’t it? With web design, everything needs to work together to be as effective as possible. So, while you’re attempting to build a proper foundation for your next project, remember these bad habits and do your best to avoid them to ensure your site’s success.
Poor Social Skills
Clients want friendly collaboration with designers who aren’t awkward, and can effectively communicate their desires and concerns. That’s the blunt nutshell. People skills are often overlooked in the web design industry, as designers are often behind the scenes. However, poor communication skills can also end your career well before it’s started, so you should do yourself some justice and learn effective communication practices to support your skillset.
You need to learn how to handle difficult clients, pestering project directors, and overbearing marketing departments—all while maintaining your stress levels (see: vein popping out of your neck). Just because you can create a killer site concept doesn’t mean clients are biting at the chomp to work with you. “It’s all about who you know,” may be exaggerated, but it certainly isn’t false. And unless you discredit word-of-mouth referrals (does anyone?), you’ll see your projects increase as you hone your speech-craft.
Cluttered Designs
Keep it simple, people! We may have exhausted this particular stance, but only because we see it too often. Let’s clarify: keep it simple by making sure everything on your site is easily accessible and efficient. When we say “simple,” we aren’t directing you to a minimalist theme from freewebsitez4u.com. In fact, if you’re design strategy starts with a free website generator, drop it like it’s hot. Why? These free website generators are optimized for quick, visible websites on the cheap—not for full, functional, content-driven lead generators.
That also goes double for any form of obtrusive pop-up. Pop-ups may get the attention of your viewer, but that isn’t always the point… especially if it alienates them, or they feel like they’re getting spammed. Full screen pop-ups are even worse. You know the kind—the ones that hide the “x” so you can’t even close it. While it may temporarily lead to increased conversions, you may lose some fans in the process as they flock to cleaner sites that are easy to navigate. Speaking of…
Horrible Navigation
You knew this was coming. Everyone, especially those in design, can think of a time they went through a site they were working on, wondering, “What were these designers thinking” when you come across the navigation bar at the top. Wouldn’t it be great if we could improve this across the board?
Function should always be your top priority, so do your sites a favor and start with functionality. It’ll save you many headaches in the long run. Right now, we’re championing fixed headers. They’re anchored to the top of the page, and follow you regardless of which section you’re in, or how far down the page you’ve scrolled. It’s also a good chance to highlight your social icons and contact information. The longer they’re on your website, the greater chance they’ll convert to a lead. Better yet, provide your fans with a site they love coming back to, and they may promote you on their own. Never discount the power of popularity.
Media Streaming
I know, I don’t speak for everyone, but is there anything more annoying than a website that automatically starts playing a.) Music, b) Videos, or c.) advertisements? When most people enter a site, they expect to view content. They don’t need distractions from seven different banner ads playing seven different videos at the same time, right? All of your SEO work might be for naught, and who’s your biggest hurdle? Yourself!
Some call it “shouting,” a way of establishing yourself above the competition through guerrilla marketing tactics. It’s a user experience down-grader for sure, and it shouldn’t be something you actively support on your next project. If your site contains:
- Videos that play automatically without prompt
- Text that scrolls in ads, or anywhere on the screen
- Automatic launching of music or music apps
- Screen sized pop-ups or advertisements WITH automatic videos…
You’re probably being annoying. And I say that with love.
Zero Credibility
Internet users are cynical, aren’t we? Anyone with some petty cash in their back pocket can start a blog or site these days, and they can write whatever they want on it. That’s where things start getting scary.
It doesn’t matter what you’re attempting to accomplish through your web site, whether you’re selling online doctor consultations or posting silly pictures of your cats’ shenanigans. You’ll have a difficult time if no one believes (or has reason to believe) what you’re saying is relevant, factual, or worth listening to.
You need to establish online credibility. Start a blog, beef up your online presence, communicate with similar organizations or established experts—anything to prove you’re worth listening to. The more honest you are, the more trust your viewers will put on your behalf.