If you want to not only attract, but also retain visitors with your website, then it's time to think about the design.
With that said, your current website design could be turning people away for multiple reasons.
Here are just a few common pitfalls when it comes to website design and how your business can remedy them:
Non-Existent Contact Information
Making visitors jump through webpage hoops just to find your business's contact information is a major website no-no.
Not only is it frustrating when contact information isn't available, but a hard-to-find phone number and company email also results in lost leads.
Your website's design and layout go hand-in-hand, so make sure you include your contact information in the layout.
For starters, include your contact page in your website's main navigation bar. Likewise, make sure the contact page includes all the pertinent information, like your email address, physical address, and phone number.
If you're afraid your contact page is too tucked away within your site, then use an eye-catching, graphically enhanced call to action throughout your site. An effective call-to- action will always redirect a visitor's attention to your contact information.
Font Overload
Your content is the most important part of your business's website, which is why it needs to be cohesive and legible.
As the following article looks at, along with the 3 common pitfalls in business website design is an overload of font styles and colors.
First of all, there's nothing wrong with a traditional font style such as Courier or Arial.
When used with an interesting design and background, traditional fonts are quite effective. Whatever font you choose, make sure you use it consistently throughout your site.
Likewise, unless your background is black, choosing black for your font color is a wise choice.
Other colors could get washed out on the page, especially if your visitors have a different screen contrast than yours.
Too Many Graphics
A busy layout with too much graphic design is the downfall of many business websites.
Sure, using interesting, eye catching graphics with your design will help draw attention, but too many graphics will actually draw attention away from what really counts: your content.
Graphics that have to do with your brand, such as your business logo, are fine. However, try to avoid using unnecessary graphics just to fill up white space on the page.
In addition, if your graphics require flash, use it sparingly and make sure visitors can see a visual load time indicator on their end. Otherwise, they might assume your site isn't working when really it's just loading.
Boring Landing Page
Your business's landing page is the first impression visitors will get of your website.
By not taking the time to create a stunning landing page, you'll lose customers faster than they can hit the back button. To avoid this, put the bulk of your design efforts into your landing page.
Other pages on your site can and should include elements of the landing page design in order to keep up with consistency. However, the landing page itself is where you'll set the tone for your magnificent site, so make it count.
When you're ready to take your business website to a whole new level, take advantage of some of the design pointers above.