8 Flaws That Make Your Site Virtually Un-dateable

First dates can be awkward. They make you question a lot of things. How do I look? Will they like me? What should I say?

As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Like a first date, you may think that the first visit to your website went great until you realize it’s been more than a week later and you’ve heard nothing back from your potential user. No emails, no comments, not even a single “like” or “retweet.” What went wrong? Was it something you said?

Ever wonder why that user never made a second visit to your site? It may be because your site is virtually un-dateable.

Here are 8 flaws that may kill your site’s chances for a second visit (date):

1. Links that lead to nowhere

404 errors, deleted pages, and awkward pictures alerting the user that “this page no longer exists” are all signs that you don’t want a second visit. Who would want to involve themselves with a site that doesn’t take time to make sure its links work?

2. Too much going on

Gifs flying about, not enough “white space,” and too many colors are the web equivalents of a guy wearing a three-piece Easter-pink suit, matching gator shoes, and more than a splash of cologne. Sure your site stands out, but it stands out in the worst possible way. Sometimes less is more.

3. No “About” Page, or section that introduces the site

If a user leaves your site without understanding what you’re about, then why would they spend more time with you to find out? Put yourself out there by sharing information that people want to know such as your site’s mission and purpose.

4. Hard To Find Social Media Icons

You want users to “Like” you on Facebook, and follow you on “Twitter,” but your social media icons aren’t clearly visible on your homepage. What are you trying to hide? Oh, wait. I see them now. They are those tiny globs of color in your header. It took me a while to find them, but I did and now I’m never coming back. Thanks for that.

5. Infrequent Posts

As they say, “content is king.” If it looks like you haven’t had any in a longtime then you won’t be guaranteed a second visit. Are you not ready for a commitment?

6. Unoriginal Content

We have all seen sites like yours before. Nobody wants to waste time on aimless content. What makes your site stand out from the rest?

7. No Navigation

You have to tell people what you want. They took the time to visit and you just left them hanging. No buttons, sections, or organized links. What now? Check please!

8. Pixelated Pictures

You must always put your best foot out there or else people will think you are not taking them seriously. Pixelated pictures are so tacky. Did you design your site in the dark?

Just because I think you need something to completely distract you from being productive here is a site full of “Ugly” sites for you to laugh at. My apologies if your site happens to be featured. I guess the joke is on you.

What are some things that have turned you off about a website?

[Image: alexbrn]