5 Common DIY Website Design Mistakes You’re (Definitely) Making

There are several online tools out there that allow first-time website owners to attempt a DIY design. Although the effort is something we can commend, a DIY project for your inaugural website is generally not a good idea. Your site’s design goes beyond just looking great! A great website design pulls visitors in, keeps them interested, and works hand-in-hand with your search engine optimization (SEO) to boost your brand to the top of search results. We’ve discussed some missing design elements that could hold your site back. Now, let’s take a look at some common mistakes with DIY site design.  As you’ll see, even seemingly microscopic design flaws can limit your site’s success.

You’re Formatting Your Text All Wrong

We get it; creative formatting can be visually appealing at first glance. However, sometimes formatting large clumps of centered text can be a burden on the eyes when trying to find relevant information on a site. Instead of large chunks of text, make sure you separate your page ideas in brief paragraphs and tell-tale headlines.  Also, remember that the color of your text matters. While there is nothing wrong with adding a little pizzazz to your site’s text, make sure it is legible against the background you have on your website. Text that is visually jarring will instantly turn visitors off and send them directly to the arms of your competitors.

Too Many Creative Ideas

Creative minds often want to find a way to express all of their ideas across a first-time website. However, too many cooks in the kitchen rarely create an edible meal. Consistency in style and font across your site is essential to creating a brand that sticks with an audience. Mismatched stock images and a completely new style on every page may not directly turn users away, but it definitely doesn’t build the trust your brand’s stability needs.

There is Too Little Going On

Some people think that the minimalist look on a website is the key to success. A couple of key images may be worth 2,000 words, but it’s definitely not enough for Google to recognize your website as a relevant source. A healthy amount of text (500 – 1,000 words) on your site pages can help Google crawlers understand what your page represents and how it can tie in with related searches.  Also, if a web surfer stumbles onto your page on a whim and you don’t have much in the way of brand information, you could be the perfect fit for their search needs, yet, without information, how could they know at first glance?

Hidden Navigation Menus

Modern internet users love to have everything at their fingertips and easy to find. If your navigation menu is a hamburger option in the corner of your screen and is halfway covered up by an intrusive ad (true story!), we guarantee that visitors won’t have the patience to stay. A hidden navigation menu on desktop may seem like a cleaner option, but it’s not one that is inherently user-friendly. When it comes to menus, we suggest kicking it old school and spreading your main page links across the top of your homepage where all visitor options are easily accessible.

No Page Titles On Your Website

Say it with us: Accurate title and meta descriptions on pages build trust and can actually bring in new visitors to your site! Titles and meta descriptions are essential for your site to appear for  a search query. A compelling page title and meta description that gives visitors a glimpse into what you want to show them are more likely to get a click than a generic page name like “Services” that just has a few random sentences from your services page. Also, your titles and meta descriptions are an excellent opportunity for you to use important keywords and search phrases that can increase your page’s search engine rank.

Avoid Tiny Site Mistakes With Professional Design From Big D Creative

If you want your business’ first website to be something that helps propel your brand forward in your industry, work with a team of professionals to achieve perfection. The design team at Big D Creative has created successful websites for companies of all focuses and sizes. We approach each project with an artistic eye and a developer’s mind. Together, the outcome is always a website that is visually appealing and SEO-friendly. We want to meet you and discuss your dream website. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule your free consultation.