There's a lot of businesses getting on the Internet, so why not learn from their mistakes? Some of the more common errors made by businesses as they 'startup' are below.
www dot somebodyelse dot com forward slash squiggle star dot blah blah blah forward slash...
Just how do you think people will remember that?
And who would you trust more - a company who have invested the small amount it costs to register an easy to remember domain name or a company using anonymous free web space? A clear, easily recognised domain name, such as www.a6media.net is available for about ten euros. That's not a lot is it?
The same goes for your email address. An email address such as spain@a6media.net is far more reassuring to your customers than a6media@hotmail.com.
Be recognisable on the Internet, register your name now, before somebody else does, and use it for your website and your email address.
Have slow web pages
We have a few suggestions on making your site better for your customers, but in a nutshell: make sure your pages are clean, clear, communicative and that they load quickly. Really, really, quickly.
...Or poorly designed pages
Background images are one of the most common mistakes made on websites. For the majority of cases a simple background colour is best as patterns (particularly animated patterns) can be distracting and confusing for someone who is trying to read your page. Look at what very successful sites do and emulate (not 'copy') them.
Out of date information
Make sure that everything you say on your website is up to date and accurate. That particularly, and most importantly, includes your contact details. If you are going to run special offers on your site make sure they are current or they are in a clearly marked history area. Too often one comes across a web page with 'Special Millenium Offer, valid until March 2000' blazoned across its homepage.
This lack of contemporary information will give a poor impression to your visitors.
Unclear messages
People visiting your site must be able to work out who you are and what you do within the first 10 seconds. If it takes any more than that you have probably lost them. This sounds obvious but it is incredible how often people get it wrong. make sure the title of your page is clear and concise too, such as 'A6 Media :: Low cost effective web design' or 'Shenanagans Irish Bar - Offering home cooked food and the best pint of Guinness in Spain'.
A maze of pages
Make sure your site is easy to navigate and that common links are easily found. For most web sites, sticking with standard layouts (ie. navigation bars at the top or on the left) and standard navigation terms (such as 'home', 'about' and 'contact') can be a great help to your visitors. Avoid unclear, graphical-based systems so that your customers feel comfortable surfing around your site.
If you can avoid these common mistakes you will be well on your way to providing a user friendly web page that helps your customers and gives them confidence in you.
Whether you are just building your website or are looking at overhauling an existing site, the A6 Media team can help you build a site that will help your business grow. Get in touch now to see how we can help you.
