7 Deadly Sins
In the mist of Covid-19 (Corona Virus), we at JDS WebDesign are hoping everyone is safe, washing your hands frequently, sneezing and coughing in your elbow, and practicing social distancing. Over the next several weeks, we are planning on blogging about how to make your website more business friendly. We will have some tutorials on our favorite plugins and features, which will make your site more efficient.
The seven deadly sins, a review of a past client’s new web site. While it is very unusually for a past client to ask for a review of their current site, it is even more unusually if they will actually pay you for a review. Knowing that the reason for departure was based on a new board, and the new board’s relationship with another web design agency, I have kept ties with the marketing director of a non profit organization in the mid west. Because this is not a current client, the name of the web site or organization will not be revealed.
After a few minutes, they had committed not just one, but all of the deadly sins. The marketing director was wondering about why all the engagement numbers, especially number of visitors had took a nose dive. I explained Slow Page Load Speed, way too many ads and pop-ups, was not mobile friendly, confusing navigational system, unsecured site, poorly constructed content, and auto playing video.
Slow Page Load
It took over 10 seconds for the site to load up. Way too many ads and pop-ups (which I will discuss later), really hard to figure out the type of site. Was it a site for promoting ads or non-profit organization? There was over 40 ads on the site. Checking the back end plugins, no optimize (for images and content) plugins. The hosting was on a shared network (I have my ways to tell). No content delivery network.
Too Many Ads and Pop-ups
While many sites use ads to generate sales, the ads need to be non threaten. There was over 40 ads (on the left side, right side and above the hero image). Once the site loaded up, a pop-up sign in form showed up. After closing down the pop-up (could not tell if they wanted my email or a donation), I scrolled down about 20% of the site and was greeted with another pop-up. Navigating to the about us page, only to be greeted with the same pop-up. Very annoying…to say the least.
Not Mobile Friendly
Wondering how the site would look on a tablet, I pulled out my iPad. Nothing but ads. Site was not responsive. Most of the content was spilling out of the columns. Pop-ups did not have closing features, which force you to place an email or click on the donation button.
Confusing Navigational System
The site had both top navigation and sidebar navigation system. The sidebars were unique to the page, which you was on. However the links did not work or sent you to the wrong section or pages. Very frustrating. Anything more spoke about this area…will surely give you a good idea of the site.
Unsecured Site
Google wants you to have a secured site. Visitors want to feel safe on your site. There are some free and/or cost effective solutions. Hosting companies will generally provide you with a inexpensive solution. And if they do not, then it is worth the investment.
Poorly Constructed Content
The content was bad. Felt like the site was created by two writers. One was trying to provide a story, the other one was discussing themselves. Hard to follow most of the content. Grammar was another story, which does not make sense to discuss.
Auto Playing Video
There is no excuse to have auto playing video or music on your site. Remember the majority of visitors check out site at work, so to be blasted with sound upon visiting your web site.
Conclusion
Web design is problem solving, not problem creating. After forwarding the list to my former client’s marketing manager, they advised all the issues were new and (supposedly) improved features. However the numbers did not support the new web design agency claims.
Image courtesy of J Kelly Brito.
JDS WebDesign is a Web Design and Brand Marketing Agency located in Marietta, Georgia. We create AWESOME on line presence for Start-ups and Influential People/Organizations. To learn more about us or how we can help you and your organization, you can contact us or schedule a meeting.
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