As you're designing your new web site, you'll be tempted with web design ideas that could turn into fatal mistakes. This is especially true if your web site represents your business. Below are five of
most common mistakes to avoid at all costs...1. Too Many Graphics
Having too many graphics (particularly large graphics), can cause your site to load entirely too slow. Visitors will get impatient and often times click out of your site -- never to return.
SOLUTION: When possible save your graphics as GIF files (gif.htm) rather than JPEG (jpg.htm). Also, reduce your graphic in actual size as much as you can without distorting graphic or picture.
2. Counters
A visitor counter or hits counter should not be seen on your site unless you have trememdous traffic. The reason for this is visitors really don't want to know which visitor they are, especially if they're visitor number four. There's no benefit to your visitor, nor is there any benefit to you. The only way showing a counter is advantageous is if you've had millions of visitors and wish to display popularity of your site or would like to attract advertisers with large numbers. Otherwise, you can use this space for a benefit-packed headline that leads your visitor to another part of your site.
SOLUTION: Most web hosts offer web statistics that reveal daily visitors, hits, referrers, etc. This feature will let you know how many people are visiting your site without whole world seeing information. If you're just starting out, make sure your web host offers this free service.
3. Banners
Limit your banners to bare necessities. Why? Because banners are graphics that can slow loading time and are a turn-off for many surfers on internet. For most, "banner" is just another word for "ad" and they avoid clicking on them.
SOLUTION: If you do have a banner or two, place banner at very top or bottom of your page. Or you could place a small banner in your sidebar. Most people will look at first picture they see and then start reading below picture, so any writing or links that are above banner may remain unnoticed. Also, banners on your site should be related to your product or service. Remember, everything on your site should work together to benefit your target customer.
