When it comes to Hawaii website development, making too many mistakes can cost you clients.
Whether you’re a new business or an established brand in need of a website facelift, whether you’re a young entrepreneur or an experienced marketing business owner, not focusing on proper website development could mean losing potential customers.
Nobody wants to browse a website that’s difficult to navigate. And no one will hire a web developer who cannot keep up with the competition.
In order to avoid losing business, here are 10 common Hawaii website development mistakes to watch out for.
1. Focusing on website development without a plan
Most people think building a website from scratch comes easy, especially for someone with experience. The statement is true, for the most part. But what many Hawaii web development experts fail to consider is the purpose of the online presence of a business.
It’s important to have a plan and structure in place before developing new website. With a clear goal in mind, it’s easier to work on a layout, navigation options and even build a more efficient sales funnel. Converting visitors into clients should be your top priority.
2. Not making websites responsive
Nowadays, most people prefer the use of mobile devices to desktop PCs or laptops. Let’s face it, it’s easier to take your phone out of the pocket now, rather than wait to get home when you need to search for information or a product.
Focusing on a responsive website design has become crucial these past few years. And your Hawaii web development expert should definitely keep up with the ‘trends’.
Not having a responsive website can cost your business clients. Your web page has to look good on a phone or tablet. Having a beautiful layout on a desktop just won’t cut it anymore.
3. Trying to develop a website “too unique”
When you’re trying to establish your brand and stand out from the crowd, it’s only normal to want your website to be unique. However, another big web development mistake is ignoring what works in favour of something that might not.
Keeping your friends close and your enemies closer works like a charm in the web development business as well. A unique layout and website functionalities are a great advantage for your brand. But having a completely different approach to what already works could backfire.
There’s no need to revolutionize the concept of a website. Stick to what works if you want to see results.
4. Not making the website easy to navigate
Your new website should be easy to navigate. Many web developers aim to impress clients with innovative functionalities and complex navigation features, but many fail to take the user’s experience into consideration.
While being inventive and original is a great advantage, a common Hawaii website development mistake is failing to look at a website from a visitor’s point of view.
A beautiful website design, an attractive layout and carefully crafted headlines aren’t enough to keep your visitors around. If the average Joe has difficulties browsing your website, you may find yourself losing business in favor of your competition.
5. Ignoring the importance of visual elements
Having cluttered menus and an unresponsive web page are clearly important Hawaii website development mistakes. But so is ignoring the importance of an appealing graphic design.
The first thing a visitor sees when they visit your website is the design. Using the wrong colors, fonts or even low quality graphic elements could put off your visitors in seconds.
Distracting your potential clients with banners and pop ups won’t lead to more conversions. Instead of opting in or make a purchase, an off-putting design will only determine your visitors to leave.
6. Not focusing on user experience
It may seem unimportant, but a slow website, a default theme or visible sample pages on a website can put your reputation as a business in jeopardy. User experience is important, so taking your visitors for granted should not even be an issue.
If you’re looking to increase your conversion rate, your website needs to load quickly. A good Hawaii website development expert will focus on the layout next. And using a default theme everyone is already familiar with will probably turn potential clients away. And do you know what “Lorem Ipsum” means? Neither do your clients. So make sure your website offers a great user experience and doesn’t look amateurish.
7. Making important information difficult to find
One of the most common Hawaii web development mistakes is not focusing on making the important information easy to find. Contact info, FAQ sections and more should be visible and easily accessible by the average Joe.
Regardless of the size of your website, it’s always important to put your clients’ needs first. Having a beautifully designed website is essential as well, but a professional web developer will know how to make the important info easy to locate.
8. Not updating and maintaining the website
If you think seeing your company’s website up and running means you’re done, you’re in for an unpleasant surprise. With so many online threats lurking the internet nowadays, it’s advisable to always keep your website updated.
Although in some cases auto-updates are an option, having someone maintain your website on a regular basis will ensure your online presence is professionally taken care of.
9. Ignoring to focus on quality content
Graphic design and a menu easy to navigate aren’t enough to ensure a great user experience. They don’t call content ‘King’ for nothing!
The quality of your content is the number one element that ensures the search engines will notice your website. In addition, you need to offer your visitors a reason to stay. And quality content can help! Whether you’re simply describing a product or have a company blog, keeping things interesting and engaging can make a huge difference.
10. Not paying attention to details
Broken links, too many stuffed keywords or flashy banners all contribute to a poor user experience on your website. When you hire a Hawaii website developer, make sure they’re able to focus on the little details, as well the obvious ones.
If you want your website to convert more visitors into clients, make sure the person in charge of building your website avoids these common mistakes. Nothing puts off potential customers more than an unprofessional online presence.