Internet Marketing: 10 Deadly Sins of a Poorly Designed Web Site

Face it. There are tons of web sites out there but very few that actually pull their weight and get results. Effective web site design is not easy. If it was, every business that put up a web site would realize enormous success. It takes many different skill sets to pull together a killer web site.

That being said, here is a list of web site design sins for your edification. Consider these deeply and I highly recommend you make sure your web site doesn’t commit them.

Web Site Sin # 1 – Web site does not have a crystal clear objective. Why do you have or want to have a web site in the first place? What do you want it to do for your business?

Web Site Sin #2 – No clear call to action. This sin dovetails on the previous one. Once you are clear on your web site’s objective, make it real clear to your visitor what action you want them to take. Clearly spell it out. Trust me, leave no room for interpretation.

Web Site Sin #3 – Web site does not have a means to capture visitor’s contact information. You are missing a tremendous opportunity to gather prospects who are clearly interested in what you have to offer – hence qualified prospects to market to going forward. Do whatever it takes here. Offer what we call an “ethical bribe” in exchange for their contact information.

Web Site Sin #4 – Web site doesn’t give visitors a reason to come back. Unless your web site is a one-time sales web site, you must keep it chock full of new and great content to keep it producing for you.

Web Site Sin #5 – Web site has no substance, all style. Dovetailing on the previous sin, focus should be more on adding valuable content as opposed to having flashy animations. Flashy animations may wow your visitors once (if you’re lucky), but great content starts building a relationship or dare I say a dependency on you. Bottom line you’re adding value to your prospects.

Web Site Sin #6 - Web site has an “it’s all about me” mentality. Keep the copy conversational in tone and focus clearly on what’s in it for your visitor. Make them feel that it’s all about them – make them feel special.

Web Site Sin #7 - Web site is inconsistent with your “Brand”. Your web site does not have to be the best looking site out there. It is far more critical to be consistent (same overall look, feel and design as your other marketing materials).


These next three sins are absolutely inexcusable and should not require much explanation. Nothing will frustrate your visitor more and detract from your credibility faster.

Web Site Sin #8 – Poor or inconsistent navigation. Don’t make people think. Make it real easy for visitors to find what they are looking for.

Web Site Sin #9 – Dead links. This is a credibility killer. Always do what you say you’re going to do. It is amazing what people can read into a dead link – the worst being that you simply don’t care enough about you visitor.

Web Site Sin #10 – Slow web site. I know, it’s hard to believe but not everyone is using high speed broadband Internet connections yet. A little compassion here goes a long way.

© 2006 Online Marketing Muscle -- All Rights Reserved.

Liked this article? Want to use it in your eZine, blog or web site? You have my blessing so long as you include this complete blurb with it (including links):

Online entrepreneur Dean Mercado, "The Motivational Marketer", is creator of the acclaimed 'Pumped Up Networking' system geared to explode your business through professional relationships.  To learn more about it and to sign up for his FREE eZine the 'Marketing Minute' – a weekly multimedia eZine designed to give you a jolt of marketing wisdom in less than 5 minutes, visit www.OnlineMarketingMuscle.com.