A well-designed website can be a powerful tool in engaging visitors, promoting a brand, and driving conversions. However, there are certain elements that can quickly turn a website from good to bad. And a bad website, of course, is an under-performing website, which is just going to hurt your bottom line.
In this post, we will explore the five things that make a bad website, and how to avoid them.
1. Poor Navigation
One of the most frustrating experiences for users is navigating through a website that lacks clear and intuitive navigation. A bad website fails to provide easy access to important pages and information. Users should be able to find what they are looking for quickly and without confusion. Implementing a clear menu structure, using descriptive labels, and providing search functionality can greatly enhance the user experience.
2. Slow Loading Speed
In today’s fast-paced digital world, users have little patience for slow-loading websites. A bad website takes forever to load, forcing visitors to abandon it in frustration. Optimising images, minimising code, and leveraging caching techniques are just a few ways to improve loading speed. Remember, every second counts when it comes to retaining visitors and keeping them engaged.
3. Cluttered Layout
A website with a cluttered layout overwhelms visitors and makes it difficult for them to focus on the content they seek. Excessive use of flashy graphics, multiple fonts, and intrusive advertisements can confuse and frustrate users. A website should aim for simplicity, with clean and organised design elements that guide users’ attention to the most important information.
4. Lack of Mobile Responsiveness
With the rise of smartphones and tablets, well over half of all website visitors are using mobile devices so responsiveness is no longer optional; it is essential. A bad website fails to adapt its layout and functionality to different screen sizes, resulting in a poor user experience on mobiles. Designing a responsive website ensures that it looks and works well on all devices, providing a seamless experience for users across platforms.
5. Outdated Content
A bad website neglects to keep its content fresh and up to date. Outdated information, expired promotions, and broken links create a sense of unreliability and diminish trust in the brand or organisation behind the website. Regularly updating content, removing outdated elements, and fixing broken links are vital to maintaining a good user experience.
6. Broken Links and Error Messages
OK, I said 5 things. Here’s a sixth. Nothing is more frustrating for users than encountering broken links or error messages when trying to access information on a website. These issues not only disrupt the user’s journey but also reflect poorly on the credibility and professionalism of the business.
Broken links can occur when pages are moved or deleted without proper redirects. Error messages, such as “404 Not Found,” indicate that the requested page could not be found. Regular maintenance and monitoring are necessary to identify and fix broken links promptly.
7. No Calls-To-Action
Make that 7. Probably the most important, so I can’t leave it off.
Without well-placed CTAs, visitors may browse your website without any clear direction on what action they should take next. This lack of guidance can result in missed conversion opportunities. Whether your goal is to generate leads, make sales, or increase subscriptions, CTAs are essential for guiding visitors towards the desired outcome. By incorporating persuasive and strategically placed CTAs, you can significantly increase your chances of converting visitors into customers.
Having good CTAs on your website is so important, that will be the subject of my next post.
Impact on Business Success
The impact of poor performing websites extends beyond user frustration. It can directly affect a business’s bottom line. Research has shown that users are more likely to abandon their online purchases if they encounter difficulties with a website. High bounce rates and low conversion rates can significantly hamper business growth and success.
In addition, poor website performance can also negatively impact search engine rankings. Search engines prioritize websites that offer a seamless user experience, including fast loading times, mobile-friendliness, and relevant content. A poorly performing website may struggle to rank well in search engine results, leading to decreased visibility and fewer organic traffic.
In conclusion, a bad website is characterised by poor navigation, slow loading speed, cluttered layout, lack of mobile responsiveness, and outdated content. By avoiding these pitfalls and focusing on user-centred design principles, you can create a website that engages visitors, builds trust, and achieves its goals.
Remember, your website is the face of your brand online. Invest the time and effort into making it a good one!
