4 Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Website

As a branding and web designer, I’ve seen many people venture into the journey of building their own websites. And as I always mention, this is perfectly fine if you are starting out or don’t have the budget to pay a professional to do it for you.

But I’ve also seen that without the experience and knowledge of how the website creative process works, it’s very likely they fall into some common mistakes when building your own website.

Whether you are starting your own business or you’re a freelancer, or simply someone looking to establish an online presence, understanding these mistakes can save you from headaches, frustration, and missed opportunities.

1. Lack of Planning

Many people dive into website design without proper planning.

It’s like embarking on a journey without a map or destination in mind. That’s why I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to take the time to define your goals, understand your target audience, and envision the desired functionality of your website before you even begin the design process.

Think of planning as the foundation upon which your entire website will be built. By outlining your goals, whether it’s to promote your services, showcase your portfolio, or provide information, you’ll have a clear direction to guide your design choices.

When Planning your website consider:

• your goals (what’s the main purpose of your website)
• your target audience (what do they need from you)
• your site structure (what pages do I have to create)
• your content (what do I need to write so I can deliver the information they need)

Last week I created a video where I talk exactly about Planning, and I give you the 3 Key Steps you need to take to plan a professional website for your business. So make sure you watch that too.

2. Poor User Experience

When it comes to website success, user experience takes centre stage. It can make or break the impression your visitors have of your site. However, one of the most common mistakes DIY website creators make is neglecting intuitive navigation.

Imagine arriving at a website and struggling to find what you’re looking for, getting lost in a maze of confusing menus and disorganized content. It’s frustrating

That’s why it’s essential to prioritize easy and user-friendly navigation that ensures a seamless browsing experience. And to achieve this, make sure that your site has clear menus that are prominently displayed and easy to locate.

Another crucial aspect of user experience is responsive design.

Responsive design means that your site adapts to different devices, from desktop computers to tablets and smartphones. Your design should be flexible enough to accommodate various screen resolutions, providing an optimal viewing and interaction experience for every user.

3. Inconsistent Branding

Brand consistency is key to building a strong identity, it is a crucial ingredient in building a strong and memorable brand for your business, and your website is probably the most visible piece of your branding, as it interacts with your audience on a 24/7 shift!

Yet, it’s surprising how often DIY website builders overlook this essential aspect.

Consistency in your branding elements, such as colours, fonts, and logos, is crucial to conveying a unified and cohesive visual message.

Think of your website as a digital representation of your brand. When visitors land on your site, they should immediately recognize and connect with your brand identity.

By ensuring that your branding elements remain consistent throughout every page and section, you create a harmonious and seamless experience for your audience.

4. Overloading with Content

It’s very tempting to include as much information as possible on your website, but overcrowding it with content can overwhelm your visitors.

After all, you want your visitors to know everything about your business, right? However, providing too much content is a common mistake that can actually work against you.

When visitors are bombarded with too much information, they can quickly become overwhelmed and lose interest.

To avoid this, it’s important to keep your messaging clear, concise, and focused on your key offerings. Determine the most essential information you want to convey and prioritize it.

Remember, less is often more when it comes to website content.

The goal is to provide a pleasant and seamless browsing experience for your visitors. By keeping your content concise, and well-structured, you can ensure that your website effectively delivers the most important information while maintaining a clean and uncluttered design.

These are the 4 main mistakes I see people make when building their own websites. For sure we can talk about a few more but these are the most common ones.

If you can avoid these mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a polished and effective website that attracts visitors and achieves your goals.

If you find yourself overwhelmed or uncertain, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional web designer who can guide you through the process and help you achieve optimal results.