What you should avoid when building a new website

We’ve all been there. You put in loads of effort planning a new website – crafting content, getting the perfect images, working with designers, overseeing development, and finally launching the site. But then, it doesn’t live up to expectations.

Your rankings take a nosedive, and the conversion rate goes south. Chances are, you made some missteps along the way. Maybe you didn’t give certain aspects the time they deserved, or perhaps you weren’t even aware of what to focus on.

Here are some of the biggest website mistakes to steer clear of in your next website development project:

  1. No Analytics to Measure Performance:
  • Analytics are your best friend. If you’re not tracking data using tools like Google Analytics, you’re essentially boxing with both arms tied behind your back. Analytics give you insights into what’s working for your customers, which marketing channels are effective, and where users drop off before conversion. It’s a vital tool for informed, data-driven decisions.
  1. Poor SEO:
  • Don’t build a fantastic website that no one can find. SEO should be a top priority. Consider aspects like URL structure, page structure, site content, robots.txt, web server redirects, Core Web Vitals, and optimized images. Neglecting SEO can be a costly mistake.
  1. Difficult to Find Contact Information:
  • Make sure your contact information is intentional and easy to find. Display it strategically based on user behavior. Creative ways of presenting calls-to-action (CTAs) can guide users towards relevant actions. Don’t forget to utilize your website’s header, footer, and navigation for contact information.
  1. Poor Page Speed and Mobile Friendliness:
  • Page speed matters. Slow sites can significantly impact your conversion rate and even your search rankings. With Google using page speed and Core Web Vitals as ranking signals, a well-executed, fast, and efficient mobile experience is crucial for user experience and potential search ranking benefits.
  1. Overlooking UX and Research:
  • User experience (UX) is the key to good website design. Research what your users want and expect. Ask questions like who the website is for, what actions you want users to take, and how to make their journey easier. Conduct research with customers, testers, and leverage tools like Google Analytics and Hotjar for data-informed decisions.
  1. Not Vetting Your Design Resources:
  • Not all designers are equal. Vetting your design resources is crucial for a successful project. Ensure they have experience in web design, understand responsive design, and can create designs that translate well to the web. Choosing the right designer from the start can save you headaches down the road.
  1. Not Utilizing a Seasoned Developer:
  • Anyone can build a site, but a great site requires a seasoned developer. Inexperienced developers can make coding mistakes, create clunky editing experiences, and implement outdated technology. Invest in a developer with experience in website development to avoid issues and ensure a powerful, valuable site.

Why a Good Website Matters in 2024:
Your website is the front door to your organization. It’s not just about design but also about load speed, user experience, layout design, and simplicity. A positive website experience builds a strong first impression, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversions. Avoiding these website design mistakes is crucial to creating a website that not only looks incredible but also functions exceptionally well.

Consider Hiring a Web Development Agency:
Given these potential pitfalls, hiring a web development agency might be a smart move. Agencies come equipped with comprehensive analytics, integrated SEO strategies, UX expertise, page speed specialists, and seasoned developers. They provide a safety net to ensure a smooth website development process, making it a worthwhile consideration for your next project.