How Poor Web Design Kills
Your Website Traffic


Six Facts About Websites and Web Design Usability That May Be Driving Your Customers Away


1. Poor web design forces users to read websites.

That's too bad, because most people only scan websites.  Having reams of information on a web page is more likely to cause a user to click away than to stay and ultimately convert to a paying customer or client.  People are in a hurry to get the information they are looking for on your website.  They don't need to read everything you have to say on a subject before deciding whether to convert (pick up the phone, fill out a web form, download your article, etc.).  And finally, most people are quite capable of scanning the important stuff on your website.

2.  Poor web design forces users to figure things out.

They will limp along until they either find a way to use your website or they will click away to a competitor's site.  But the line between limping and abandoning is very thin.  Weak navigation on every page, poorly organized content, and links that aren't obvious get in the way of customers getting the most out of your website.

3.  Poor web design lets users make unprofitable choices.

Remember, people are in a hurry. Often they will guess what to do on your website instead of taking the action you would prefer.  Up to a point they perceive no downside in guessing until irritation sets in. At that point you can say goodbye forever.


Tell us what you want from your website!

Call us today (877) 898-3957

  1. What are your business goals?
    Is your goal is to grow your business by 20% next year?  Or increase customer loyalty by 40%?  Or simply to educate the public about your company or organization?


  2. What are your online marketing objectives?
    A good website objective might be to dominate online searches in your local market for 10 major keywords.  Or achieve an organic (natural) first-page search ranking on Google for 3 critical keywords.

  3.  

4.  Poor web design distracts users with website "noise".

Web pages should be free of unnecessary words so that users can get to your point quickly before making a conversion decision.  Pages that look "busy" are a distraction than a benefit.  Eliminate distracting animation.  Links that will take the user away from your site should only appear on a "Links" or "Partner" page wherever possible. 

5.  Poor web design doesn't stick to a single topic for a page.

Each page should be devoted to a single topic.  The information should be concise and free of words that add no value to the topic.

6.  Poor web design forces users to read instructions.

A simple call to action such as "Call (555) 234-5678 to place your order today" or "Click here to order" is more likely to be followed than the following:

"If you would like to place an order you may may do so using our convenient online shopping cart.  Before ordering you will need log in if you are an existing customer.  If you've never purchased from our company before you will need to first register on the 'New Customer Registration' page which can be displayed by clicking on the link shown on the menu bar at the top of this page."


Related Articles:

How to Increase Offline Advertising ROI By Using the "Online Marketing Force-Multiplier Effect" Five Tips for Using Search Engine Marketing to Grow Your Business
How Web Forms Increase Offline Conversions



For even more information about how MELCOOPER Consulting can design and develop your organization's new website please call us at (877) 898-3957 or click here to request more information via email.


SPOTLIGHT: Good Web Design



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But how can a company determine how much to invest in good website design?  Continue>>


In business for almost 20 years,

MELCOOPER Consulting, Inc. offers an array of services to growing businesses that are ready to leverage online marketing strategies to increase sales, build customer loyalty and expand market share.

Our services

June 2009 - EnterConference

EnterConference, a provider of online audio and web conferencing services. 


Our services

July 2009 -
Air Conditioning by Luquire

Air Conditioning by Luquire, a full service aire conditioning, heating, and plumbing contractor in Montgomery, AL. MELCOOPER was hired by its advertising agency partner, SMI Advertising, LLC, to perform a complete redesign of the Luquire site to include a tool offered by GenBook for scheduling services online 24x7.


Our services

August 2009 -
Residential Mortgage Corp

Residential Mortgage Corporation (RMC), a mortgage brokerin Montgomery, AL. MELCOOPER was brought in by SMI Advertising, LLC, to build a brand new site for the client that includes the integration of a secure, online Universal Mortgage Application Form (Form 1003) for taking mortgage apps online.


Our services

August 2009 -
Paul Beckman Campaign

Paul Beckman 2010 Campaign. A site for the Friends of Paul Beckman Campaign. MELCOOPER was hired to build this site for Paul Beckman's campaign for Alabama House District 88 in 2010.