Web Design Mistakes You Should Avoid

A common misconception among novice web designers is to assume web designing is just about great aesthetics and layout. While the visual appeal of a website is an important aspect, it certainly is not the only component that a web designer should be concerned about.

Often, web designers are assumed to be search engine and social media experts. Clients may expect that the web designer will shoulder the responsibility of Google rankings, increased traffic, and an enhanced social image on the Web.

While SEO and Internet marketing might require experts in the specific areas, a good web designer needs to be equipped with knowledge and basic skills required to build a fully functional and adaptable website.

Going beyond design and appearance, a web designer has to consider many key aspects to ensure that the website serves to achieve its purpose for the client.

Below are five web design mistakes a web designer should avoid:

Temptation To Overbuild
Many web designers tend to get carried away. Too many moving elements, too many fonts or too much content can do more harm than good. It is important to recognize the importance of white space and achieve a balance between all the visual elements of a website. Showcasing all the skills in one website might be tempting but it might just be too overwhelming to the visitors.

Ignoring Cross Browser Compatibility
A common mistake many web designers make is to assume that once the design process is completed and the content is uploaded, their job is done. While HTML, CSS, and JavaScript coding might be the same, different browsers especially the older ones such as IE 6 & 7 often interpret the code differently resulting in an undesirable display. Responsible web designing requires that the website be tested across multiple browsers before launch.

Not Testing For Mobile Compatibility
With the increasing popularity of smart phones and tablets, web designers face new challenges. Websites need to be tested for different screen resolutions. Also, using Adobe Flash on a website can create complications for mobile viewing on devices such as iPods and iPhones. Addressing these issues with clients beforehand can save a lot of time and effort.

Creating Unrealistic Expectations For The Client
It is best to avoid any disappointment by educating the client about what a web designer specializes in. Ongoing Internet marketing and search engine optimization may not be every web designer’s forte. Many clients do not treat web design and Internet marketing as well as search engine optimization as different areas of web design. A common mistake web designers make is to not inform the client that their website might not be at the top of the search engine rankings overnight. Bringing clarity to the project can avoid any future complications.

Looking Like Your Competition
Web designing is a very competitive industry. There is no dearth of immense creativity and unique talent in the web design field. A web designer needs to identify his/her own key strengths and carve a unique identity. In other words, making a website that looks like some award winning website may not be the answer. Using exceptional content, reinventing marketing techniques, and creating very original designs can help web designers stand out from the competition.

A web designer is certainly not a search engine strategist, social marketing expert and Internet marketer all rolled into one. However, a web designer needs to keep up with the trends and be knowledgeable in building a site that will allow for a seamless transition into the other aspects that are a essential to a successful website.

Author bio:

 Brenda Panin is a regular contributor to several blogs. She is currently a web content writer for cluedesign.com.au. In her free time she writes about new business strategies and new technologies.