My Local Business Online

Jan Kearney - Your Local Business Online Marketing Consultant - call me 07847 554418

Jan Kearney – My Local Business Online

Helping you get your business found online by LOCAL people

  • Home
  • Problems I Solve
    • I need a website that works
    • I need more online visibility for my local business
    • I want to start video marketing
    • My WordPress site baffles me
  • Why I Do It
    • Privacy
  • Toolbox
  • Contact Me
You are here: Home / local business internet marketing / 5 Website Design Techniques To Avoid Like The Plague

5 Website Design Techniques To Avoid Like The Plague

April 9, 2012 by Jan Kearney

website design nightmare

Is she looking at your website?

I have a headache…

I’ve spent a few hours perusing websites while I work on some ideas.  I’m a bit stunned at some of the website design mistakes that my eyes and head have the misfortune of witnessing.

I’ll be honest, I don’t have a creative bone in my body.  I don’t do web “design” (or design of any description)  – I build local websites that work.  You don’t need anything fancy or swish to do that. Nice simple websites work.

Of course, you want your website to look good. Most importantly, it needs to work and be user friendly.  Are you doing any of these user unfriendly mistakes?

Website design techniques that turn your visitors off

  1. Black backgrounds with white writing – ok, I know some people need black with white writing, but the majority of your viewers are usually not partially sighted.  Reading white writing on a black background is HARD especially if you have tiny fonts. 
    If you want your visitors to read what you have written, use a pale (preferably white) background with a dark (preferably black) font.
  2. Everything in a huge bold font – font size 16 maybe the new 12, but 20 and 24 isn’t and definitely not all in bold either.  That just makes your webpage very difficult to read.
  3. Daft things that float down/across the screen – I know it’s Easter, but floating Easter eggs? Really? We’re not in the 90’s. Things that waft across the screen unbidden is not “in”.  They’re just infuriating, distracting, and unnecessary. 
    Oh, and make your website hard to read too (have you spotted a recurring theme yet?)  
    If you want to celebrate a holiday with your website design, please do it tastefully.
  4. Auto-play anything – I don’t care if video is the latest thing, I don’t care what your favourite tune of the moment is either.  People go to your website for information.  If you want to include video or music make sure there’s an OFF switch and preferably an ON switch first so people can switch it on if they choose.
  5. Speaking of on and off, Flash (arrhh arrhhhhh) – you know the fancy stuff that does things. 
    Just don’t. 
    It’s not needed in most cases.  It’s definitely not needed as an intro-page for a local business just so I can click to enter.  Like most sane people, I click the browser back button before it has even loaded fully.

So maybe I sound rather grumpy.  I admit, it’s late and I am tired (did I mention a headache?) The design mistakes above are all very valid regardless of the time of day. 

Don’t make your visitors run for the hills with horrendous website design.  Keep it simple and readable.

Please?

5 Website Design Techniques To Avoid Like The Plague by Jan Kearney
Your Local Search Road Map
Download your FREE report and worksheet now

local search roadmapGrab your guide to local search and learn:

  • What elements are important on your website
  • How to set up your Google My Business Local Page
  • How Google Plus can help you zoom past your competitors
  • Two things you should not neglect if you want to rank in the local search pack
  • How to power past your competitors and dominate your area

Simply add your name and best email address in the box below and I'll whizz your report and worksheet straight over to you.

Don't worry, I hate spam too (probably more than you!)  I'll never trade, share, sell, exchange your email address or any other jiggery pokery.

Related Posts

  • does your local website give your contact details?
    Your Local Website - Is It Time To Sack Your Web Designer?

    I was asked recently if I could “do anything” with a local website for a…

  • small business website
    Your Small Business Website – Is it REALLY Yours?

    It is important that your small business website is actually yours. Sounds an obvious statement…

  • How to improve your local business website
    How to Simply Improve Your Local Business Website

    Your Local Business Website Is Live! You have driven boldly onto the information super highway…

Filed Under: local business internet marketing Tagged With: local business website, web design mistakes, website design

About Jan Kearney

I believe that every business, no matter how small or how local can use the power of the web to gain more customers. I offer no bull coaching and mentoring so small business owners can strategically put the web to work for their business. I've been called a "compass" and a "navigator" and probably a few more names that aren't suitable for a profile!
Connect with me on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest

Meet Jan Kearney

I believe that every business, no matter how small or how local can use the power of the web to gain more customers. I offer no bull coaching and mentoring so small business owners can strategically put the web to work for their business. I've been called a "compass" and a "navigator" and probably a few more names that aren't suitable for a profile!
Connect with me on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest or Discover More About My Local Business Online…

Also On The Blog…

7 Useful image optimisation tips for search and social media

7 Useful Image Optimisation Tips For Search And Social Media

A web page without an image is almost naked, missing something, a finishing touch. Basic image optimisation can transform your web pages, product … [Read More...]

50 Fabulously free stock photo sites to bling up your blog

50 Fabulously Free Stock Photo Sites To Bling Your Blog

Not all of us have photographic talent. Creating your own photo images for your website, social updates, blog or presentations is HARD.  When the … [Read More...]

Is your business website Google-worthy in 2016?

Is Your Business Website Google-Worthy In 2016?

Creating your own local business website is never an easy task, especially when the guidelines change regularly. As always online, the only thing you … [Read More...]

Jan Kearney
and My Local Business Online
Helps small business owners get to grips with the web and get found online.
2 Stanley Villas, Greenway Road, Runcorn, Cheshire
Phone: 07847 554418

You need to know

This website uses cookies. By continuing using the site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies. Info on the cookies used can be found in my privacy policy.

Jan Kearney is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk.

More Info

  • Contact Me
  • About
  • Privacy

Copyright © 2021 · Epik on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in