Thanks to brilliant platforms such as WordPress (my, ahem, platform of choice!), Squarespace, ShowIt and Wix, designing your own website has never been easier. However, that’s not to say that it isn’t still kinda possible to make a bit of a mess of things.
But, that’s no reason not to give it a try. Especially when you’re first starting out, designing your own website can save you serious money. And I would always encourage people to put something out into the world (even if it isn’t 100% there) rather than to shy away entirely.
Which is where I can help. I’ve rounded up the top 8 DIY design mistakes that I spot from website newbies. Avoid these, and I promise that your website will be stronger, more engaging and easier to find.
Mobile traffic now makes up over half of all internet search; it’s a figure that’s only rising. If your website isn’t optimised for mobile, then you’re potentially losing over 50% of your audience before you even get a chance to hook them in.
Take the time to make sure your website looks just as good on mobile as it does desktop. Things to watch out for include:
Most DIY website providers have a mobile optimisation option built in – so there really is no excuse!
RELATED: 10 KEY WAYS TO KEEP CUSTOMERS ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR LONGER
This one is super common – and it isn’t a surprise. When you have a design background, you tend to be pretty comfortable with pixels and image optimisation. It becomes second nature. Yet if you aren’t already design based, chances are this will sound like a bit of a foreign language.
What might look like a nice clear and crisp image on one screen can look mighty different the moment it’s uploaded to your website. It can blur, distort and look a tad unprofessional.
Take these two images: which one looks better to you? Why?
There is a ‘BUT’ here – although you want your images to be high quality, you don’t want them to slow down your website. I recommend reducing your image size before uploading to avoid this. For more support on this, read my guide 7 ways to use images to improve your SEO.
There’s a lot to be said for stock photography: it’s professional, should be the right quality for website use and it is also often free. But, cover your entire website in stock photography and you will do your business a disservice.
The problem is, many of us end up using the same stock photography. So, when someone lands on your website, it may not necessarily feel unique to them.
If you can’t justify an entire brand shoot (and don’t have the means to take your own high end photographs), try to mix it up a little. Can you at least include a few images that are yours and yours alone?
Your use of fonts is VERY important when it comes to your website. It needs to be readable, professional and consistent.
Certain fonts simply don’t work in a professional context anymore. Comic Sans being a prime example (if I could ban a font, this would be it)!
There are a few things you need to check:
Here you’ll find a fantastic guide on how to pair up your fonts – so if you aren’t sure, give it a read.
Similarly, you need to make sure that your colour combinations make sense; by this I mean that they are true to your brand and are actually enjoyable to look at.
There’s a lot that goes into this (an entire blog in fact!), but remember that the colours you use are about so much more than aesthetic. Colour psychology comes into play, as does an awareness of different colour vision defects.
Start off by analysing how compatible your colours are. You can use colour wheels to help with this, and also explore different articles on complementary colour theory.
PLEASE don’t forget the importance of white space!!
I do appreciate that when you have a LOT to say, it can be natural to try and squeeze as much into your website as possible. Afterall, you’ve got gorgeous photos and wonderful copy that you want to show off, right?
But, white space gives your website and the reader room to breathe. Without it, your audience can become overwhelmed and tune out from the core message you are trying to get across. Your calls to action will find themselves lost in a sea of noise – and no one wants that.
Remember: you do not need to fill every single gap. Be strategic, and be specific.
Which leads me to my next point – you need to include just the right amount of copy.
Often, copywriting is overlooked on DIY websites. It ends up as a copy and paste job with no real thought put into it.
The thing is, your copy can make or break a website. And that also goes for the quantity of it that you include.
Your website should be the perfect mix of copy, images, white space and branding. All of these elements should be broken up in a way that is easy to navigate and digest.
Why not sense check it with a trusted friend or business buddy? How much of the information you’ve included do they actually retain?
RELATED: HOW TO OPTIMISE YOUR CONTENT SEO STRATEGY.
Metadata refers to the HTML elements working behind the scenes within your website content; these elements connect the information on your site to search engines, clarifying its relevance and core points for search engines.
Basically? It helps get you seen. And so if you choose to wave it off as an unnecessary stress, then you’re going to experience a considerable dip in your website traffic.
Your meta titles and descriptions are a brilliant way to start ticking those SEO boxes. Plus, you don’t need to possess a single iota of coding or technical knowledge to do it.
FIND OUT MORE HERE: WHAT IS METADATA AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
I’m so glad you asked!
My ‘Elevate Your Website’ package looks at everything your website currently has, and takes it to the next level. This includes a thorough audit, report and then (if you decide to go ahead to the next stage) implementation of all those key, juicy changes.
Not sure if this is for you? Book a call and let’s have a natter over a cup of tea. I can’t wait to hear from you.
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