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Browser Inconsistency

Do you know what all your users are seeing? Your site could differ based on what browser it is being viewed on or what operating system the user is utilizing. With so many options from Apple or Mac, Android or iOS, you need to have the right coding to ensure every user has the same view of your content. This must be done in the coding phase and stands as a crucial component to the success of your site. One bad user experience could snowball your site into obscurity.

Unorganized Content

Everything has its place, especially on a website. Yet, without the proper knowledge of web design, traffic and eye patterns and layout, you run the risk of creating a site that is aesthetically gorgeous but functionally inept. A good design agency knows how to stay between the lines of form and function. If your site isn’t balanced in this regard, users might believe your company operates in the same manner. And that is something no one wants.

Bad Navigation

Which way is up? While it may seem like a minor detail, an unorganized navigation scheme can be the death of an otherwise gorgeous site. Overlapping links and multiple pages leading to the same content can become confusing, especially in regards to page rankings and SEO. Unless you keep your site organized on all fronts, you run the risk of becoming a ghost on search results. That means less users and less traffic for your company. However, if your website can still be found, you run the risk of confusing your core users and in the age of social media, word spreads fast.

Endless Scrolling

How much content are you going to have per page? Should you link pages together or just increase the page’s length? When it comes to page design, you have to know when enough is enough. Sure, we love bells and whistles, but at what cost? Content can weigh a page down and when users are unable to find the content they are looking for, they’re likely to go elsewhere. On the flipside, if you aren’t providing enough content, they will do the same. The number of pages your site has is just as important as what those pages contain. That’s where a web design firm’s expertise comes into play. They can help you choose the right mix and help you keep the content you want and eliminate the content you don’t.

Readability and Resolution

Just as with browser inconsistency, the size of the screen can play a big role in whether users can effectively use you site. Have you ever gone to a page that required scrolling left and right just to read the content you came for? What about a site that looks as if it were built for a mouse, when viewed on your phone? When in doubt responsive web design is the way to go, but it’s more than that. A web agency can help you choose the right functionalities for your needs and ensure your users are getting the best experience. If most of your traffic comes from tablets, your site should be built with a tablet-first design. The same goes for mobile and desktops. You must know where your audience is coming from, before you can build an experience that speaks to them.

While these five missteps are just the tip of the iceberg, the ongoing theme is that a web design agency is a crucial component to any website. With so many possible pitfalls, it’s important to have experts who understand how to avoid the traps and clichés that plague a countless number of sites.