There are so many misconceptions about web design that it can be hard to know where to start. I don’t want you led astray! On today’s episode of Mythbusters, I’ll go over some of the most pervasive myths and truths about designing your site.
Myth 1: Pretty graphics matter more than functionality.
If your website looks pretty, but it’s impossible to use, then it’s not doing anything for you. 38% of people will stop interacting with a poorly designed site. Make sure your links are working properly, the load time is quick, and your content is easy to read.
Myth 2: Desktop web design is more important than mobile.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Thanks to advancements in tech and social media, everyone is viewing sites, discovering new businesses, and booking appointments on the go. In 2022, mobile phones generate 60.66% of website traffic, while desktops and tablets are responsible only for 39.34%.
This stat alone should convince you how important the mobile version of your website is. It’s no longer an afterthought. Make sure it’s easy and engaging to use.
Myth 3: Design it once and you’re set.
Wrong. Sorry, but a website is one of those very important assets that will constantly be in flux – just like your business. A good base design should last you several years, but you’ll need to monitor the content to make sure the information on your site is always up to date.
Because of this, it’s vital to have a site that you are able to maintain yourself. It’s a good idea to switch up the imagery every so often as well to keep things fresh. If you notice your website is tough to maintain, isn’t pulling in clients like it used to, or simply looks outdated, then it’s time for a refresh.
Myth 4: The web design of the home page matters most.
In most cases, designers will focus on building the home page first. It sets the tone for the rest of the site. However, your home page is not the most important page for your business. Most visitors will spend the majority of their time browsing the interior pages of your site.
Instead, make sure the content of the pages that drive the most bookings is clear, persuasive, and engaging.
Myth 5: I have to list every link in my navigation.
Whenever I see a website with 10 links in its menu I cringe a little. If you take one piece of advice from this list, let it be this: don’t have more than six links maximum in your main navigation. Any more than that is overwhelming to the visitor and decreases the importance of your calls to action.
Speaking of calls to action – highlight the most important link in a way that makes it stand out from the rest. Put it in bold, a different color, or make it look like a button.
What about the footer? Dump everything there if you want. There is no limit to how many links are at the bottom of your page. Have a blast.
Myth 6: Using industry jargon on my website proves my expertise.
Actually, it’ll probably just make people confused. If a 3rd grader can’t look at your website and understand what you do, revise it until they can. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to realize that your offer is the solution they need to solve their problems. Now is not the time to be pretentious.
Myth 7: Stock photos are fine.
Stock photos have vastly improved over the years. Honestly, there are some amazing resources I pull from again and again. Stock photos are excellent for social media and the occasional website photos, but PLEASE don’t rely on stock photos for everything.
Investing in brand photography will do business wonders. When businesses rely solely on stock photos it’s incredibly hard for them to stand out in a crowd. Most likely lots of other companies in your niche have also used that photo as well… boring.
With custom brand photography, you’ll increase brand consistency, show off your unique personality, and increase memorability in your web design. So invest in that photoshoot and pepper stock photos on your website to fill the gaps.
Final Thoughts
I hope I’ve sufficiently busted these common web design myths and given you something to think about when looking your own website over. If you want expert eyes on your site to ensure you haven’t fallen victim to bad web design, I’d love to chat.
