4 Big Mistakes To Avoid When Building A Website

In this day and age, almost every business has a website. From that bakery on the corner, to the pizza joint down the block, odds are they’re online. In today’s market, it is imperative that companies have a website to serve as a hub to all information for their audience. In addition, websites are often the first impression one has of their brand and product, so it important that they leave a great first impression for those who visit the site. Here are a few common mistakes businesses make when creating a website.

Not Optimizing Your Website For Searching
What’s the use of a website if no one can find it? When owning a website is it vital that you constantly work on SEO (Search Engine Optimization) if you want to remain high on search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. How you ask? By focusing on the right keywords, consistently creating online content, and working with your developer to make sure the major search engines have access to your website’s content.

Having a Unprofessional Design and Layout
While it is true that almost anyone can create a “website”, it doesn’t mean the quick and easy websites are doing anything for your business. Many of the free or inexpensive website creators have complete control of the domain, are poorly search engine optimized, and offer lackluster creative options. It’s quite easy to spot an “easy build” website as they all looks the same and have terrible functionality. Often these consist of inconsistent texts, imaging, and formats. These mistakes can often hurt the business substantially in the long run as they can lose credibility with consumers if they do not trust the content on the site.

Not Knowing Your Audience
Before you do anything else, you should know your business’s audience. Who are you trying to target? What can your business do for your audience? Why do consumers need your product/service? These are all questions you should be asking yourself to get a better understanding on what to include on your site. While adding a flashy chat feature might sound nice to you, it may not be something your target audience wants or cares about. Always be thinking about your customers and how they would be using your website.

Only Selling, Not Educating
A large function of any company’s website is to inform and sell, there is a fine line between over-selling and being informative. If you cross the threshold of over-selling, you’ll be pushing potential business away. The last thing a website visitor wants is to get bombarded in the face with your products. Consumers buy into a brand when they feel invested in its core product and values. By educating visitors on the company, the brand and the overall value offered, you will turn potential customers into loyal fans who align themselves with you and your brand.