Mistakes to Avoid

I recently read this article, "Top 10 Mistakes in Web Design." It gives some sound advice for what to avoid when making your sites:

1. Bad Search Engines:

There's nothing more annoying that not being albe to find what you're looking for on the web. When search engines don't account for typoes, plurals, etc, people will get frustrated and leave your site.

2. PDF Files:

These are fine for a link that needs to be printed, but when your site suddenly navigates to a PDF it breaks the flow of the site and causes usability issues.

3. Not Changing Color of Visited Links:

 This can lead to confusion, especially in larger sites, as people may forget where they've been and where they haven't.

4. Non-Scannable Text:

People on the internet don't want to sit and read a novel. Use headings, bullets, keywords, and short paragraphs to help break the text up.
5. Fixed Font Size:
Make sure to style your text so people can change the font size if desired. If not, it can cause readability issues, especially for older people.
6. Page Titles with Low Search Engine Visibility:
Consider carefully what you use for your page title, as that what search engines find. Make sure your most important words are in the beginning of the title.

7. Anything that looks like Ads

People have gotten used to ignoring ads. So, make sure your designs don't look like ads or users may not notice them.

8. Violating Design Conventions

Don't go too crazy and unique with your web layout. Keep consistent with basic web design ideas. That way, its more comfortable for users.

9. Opening New Browser Windows

New browser windows clutter the users computer screen and disable the back button.

10. Not Answering Users' Question

Make sure to present the info users need in an easy to access place on the site. If you don't give users the info they need they will leave your site.