These days having a great website is pretty much essential for any type of business to succeed. Even companies without any apparent need for a webpage a few years ago, now run the risk of falling the way of the dinosaurs without one. I mean really, when was the last time you saw a phone book?
Every industry and scale of business within that industry has an unspoken expectation of how a website should look. For example a web-based advertising company should have a spectacular website, whereas a Mom & Pop Lock and Key company isn’t expected to have a site nearly as advanced. Having said that, there has been plenty of market research done since people began building websites and it’s clear what web surfers like and don’t like.
Here are some things that might seem cool but are just unnecessary and could even be harmful:
1. Animated graphics
Dancing logos or flashing call-lines might seem like great ideas to draw attention to your site, but they’re not. This is something to absolutely avoid. This is where internet marketing and print marketing part ways. Your customers are already on your webpage so there’s no need to force your presence, just give them the information they’re looking for.
2. Additional automatic pop-up windows
Alright, there is almost nothing more obnoxious online than an in-your-face pop-up window blocking a site as soon as you open the page. This is the webpage equivalent of yelling over your own host of your own television commercial. It makes no sense and leaves the reader feeling bombarded.
3. Automatic sound effects
You know when you open up a webpage and all of a sudden there is bizarre music playing or a startling voice out of nowhere? We’ve all been there. Have you ever liked it? Didn’t think so. Automatic music or sound effects also leave the browser feeling bombarded and likely scrambling to find the mute option so they don’t get in trouble at work for goofing off.
4. Java functions that load extra applications
Java functions are pretty tantalizing, I’ll admit. These types of applications that allow you to play videos or rollover a picture for sound seem pretty cool, but everything has its place. Placing these technological gems right on your homepage could definitely cost you customers. Also, these functions often require the most up-to-date java updates and could require the visitor to leave your page to download the update. Not quite the right effect for driving business to your site.
5. Pop-out tabs that cover part or all of the screen
Again with the pop-outs! Talk about distracting your customers. It’s most likely that a customer has come to your page in search of particular information. Pop-outs essentially force the information you think the customer needs rather than providing them with the information for which they are actually looking.
Most importantly, a multitude of these flashy features on your site may end up lessening your website’s searchability. In other words, it could make it harder for search engines to find you or your information because it’s formatted in these more complex formats.
The key to having a really impactful website that will be worth the cost and effort is a page that is above all functional, easy to navigate, clear and informative. Unless you are indeed an internet-based advertising company or say, a website design business, your site doesn’t need to be completely tricked out. Cutting out these flashy website add-ons will not only appease more customers than not, you’ll also, without a doubt, be saving on your webpage startup and maintenance fees. Sometimes, it really does pay to keep it simple.