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Seven Sins of Web Pages To Avoid

Since 2001 I've been doing sales web copy. Many times a client will come to me and say they're just not getting what they need in sales and send me to their website. When I arrive I need to shake my head sometimes. While it's true my copy can help them, they often have larger problems that have nothing to do with content. So here's my list of seven deadly sins to avoid on your web pages.

1. Slow load times - Most people around the world are still on dial-up Internet access. Hard to believe, I know, but very true. Pages with tons of images and java scripts might look nice, but people are impatient. They're not going to wait for your page to load. Instead they just go to the next page in their search. 

2. Flash Intro - Again, think bandwidth. And think about yourself when you search. Have you ever sat through a flash intro...ever? Maybe you have and you really, really want one. So be it. Just be sure to give the visitors the option to skip it. Those dial up visitors will thank you, if they haven't turned around and left. You can still have a professional looking site without overloading on flash and that's the key.

3. Curser Followers - You know what curser followers are, don't you? It's those annoying little dots, lines, letters or animated animals that follow your cursor around as you move it on the screen. You know? Junk. For a personal page that's fine, but for a professional page, it's trash. Get rid of it. 

4. Animated Banners On Home Pages - Banners, animated or not, are images. The more images you have, the longer the load time. Animated banners are also very distracting. You want people to notice you and not your banners. Now some people use Banner Exchanges as a means of getting visitors to their site. Simply put these banners on other pages. If you've got strong SEO, and copy to get people there, then people they'll explore your other pages. That way you still get your banner impressions. 

5. Color backgrounds - You might love the color red, but on a black background it's an eyesore. Make sure the colors you pick for your site that won't blind anyone (or make them sit three inches in front of the screen to read it).

6. Too much on one page - Whether it's copy, or advertising, all this info shouldn't be on your home page. If your visitors have to wade through tons of information at the home page you'll lose them. Your home page is designed to welcome your visitors and tell them what you do - short and sweet and with some SEO. If they can easily navigation the site they'll explore the other pages to learn more. And if your sales copy is good they'll do business with you. Just remember your home page gets people to the site. The rest of the site sells your products and services. 

7. Size matters... type size that is - As with sin number six and color it’s important to make your type the right size. Type that's less than 8 point or larger than 16 point should avoid. Bigger isn't always better...but neither is having to squint to see the words. 

So if you're not getting sales take a good look at these seven deadly web sins to see if you're guilty. If you are, be sure to make changes A.S.A.P because they’re key to your profitability. 

About the Author: Winters Productions (www.wintersproductions.com) offers affordable copywriting and design services for small to large business.