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Web Design Wednesdays


Published by: Jason Ciment 12-07-2011  |  POSTED IN: Web Design Wednesdays

Avoid Design Mistakes by Browsing the Website Wall of Shame

 

Which website problems stand out the most to you? The answer to this question can differ from user to user depending on their patience, online browsing prowess, and technical knowledge of how a highly functional and optimized site should load, look, and run. Yet one thing remains certain: in terms of user feedback and observations, no webmaster ever learned anything from a compliment, which is why this Web Design Wednesday encourages business owners and designers alike to spend some time looking through a helpful site called Problem Websites.

Basically, Problem Websites is a showcase of various sites that presented usability issues ranging from the obvious basics to the intricate details, both of which are priorities to my Los Angeles website designers. However, contrary to what you might think, aesthetic and functional issues are not unique to cheaply designed, lesser known websites. Among the noteworthy "offenders," are Western Union (for broken forms), the Stratosphere Hotel (contact information impossible to find and bait-and-switch advertising), and Chase.com (for use of standard http:// instead of a secure connection- yes, on a site collecting financial data).

This site illustrates an important concept, which is that the construction of a usable, shareable, appealing website that drives traffic and fosters conversion is not a one-time accomplishment but an ongoing process that shifts and grows along with your business. Imagine you’d never heard of any of the brands listed on Problem Websites. The quality of their products or services would be a moot point if its forms are broken or keep erasing your data, it greets a user with a "Click Enter" followed by a slow Flash load, it shows offers no means of making a purchase or requesting information, or (and this happens more than you’d hope) the site itself won't even load unless the URL is preceded by www. I could go on, but it’s really helpful to see the screenshots and descriptions for yourself, as well as view the tips they offer to visitors on how to avoid ending up as their next featured site.

Thanks for reading. Jason.
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe below to this blog.
 
About Jason Ciment
Formerly an attorney and CPA, Jason has been working online since 1997. His columns on affiliate marketing can still be found on www.Clickz.com and his book on search engine optimization can be found at www.seotimetable.com.

This blog is published 4x per week and covers website design and SEO tips as well as a wide range of tips and advice for working and living online more efficiently and enjoyably.
 

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