The “Don'ts” of Website Design

• Don’t use page counters. Page counters make your site look like an amateur and you probably don’t have enough visitors to make a positive impression. In fact, you probably leave the opposite impression.
• Don’t use blinking or flashing text. People simply don’t like them.
• Don’t force people to download a new web browser or plug-in. Unless people are dying to see your web site, most will just leave.
• Don’t use framesets. Framesets tend to make website too busy and complicated. A good navigation plan solves the need for framesets.
• Don’t use Flash intros unless it adds value to the experience for the prospective customer. If its just an entertainment element, most people will skip it.
• Don’t use Under Construction Pages. If the page isn’t ready don’t put it up. Nothing ruins your credibility as a well established business as empty pages.
• Don’t use background music. If you are MTV, a radio station or Disney, this might work for you but for most web sites its only a distraction from the message you are trying to deliver. Music files also slow down the web site downloads.
• Don’t use animated text or animated images. This isn’t a professional look for a business.
• Don’t create automatic pop-up windows. These are one of the most annoying things to a visitor. Many browsers are set to block these pop-ups anyway.
• Don’t automatically resize a visitor’s browser window. Even if your web site looks best at a certain size, don’t change their browser size. Most people get annoyed and have there browser set to a view they prefer.
• Don’t automatically redirect visitors unless you have a good reason to do so. Redirecting visitors can confuse visitors and search engines.
• Don’t center everything on the web page. Centered pages are just harder to read.
• Don’t use busy backgrounds on your web pages. This makes it harder to read.
• Don’t use all capitals in your text. IT IS HARDER TO READ AND MAKES THE READER THINK YOU ARE YELLING AT THEM.
• Don’t use too many colors in a web site. Keep to a color scheme – preferably one that matches your company or product branding.
• Don’t write copy that focuses on your company. Place the emphasis on your prospective customer’s interests.
• Don’t make grammar errors and check your spelling.
• Don’t use clip art as it often looks cheap and tacky. Have images custom-made for your site that relate to your customer’s interests.
• Don’t forget to add a feedback form to listen to your visitors.
• Don’t forget to provide contact information on every page. This really comes into play if a visitor prints off a page and may not remember later where he or she obtained the information.
• Don’t forget to measure your results. Use Google analytics to track your web site traffic.
• Don’t design your site yourself. Unless you are a professional, you will likely end up with a “Homemade” image.

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