The Problem with DIY Website Builders

You may have heard of website builders like Squarespace and Wix that allow you to create your own website without having to be a tech whiz. These website builders are great, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind when designing your website to make sure it's user-friendly, accessible, and makes a good first impression. All of these factors can have a big impact on how many customers you attract and how successful your online business can be. Let's dive into the four key things you should consider when designing your website.

USABILITY
Usability means making sure your website is easy to use and navigate. You don't want potential customers to get lost on your site or have trouble finding what they're looking for. Keep your website simple and user-friendly by having a clear navigation menu, using easy-to-read headings, and making sure your website is mobile-friendly.​ You can improve usability by:

• Having a clear navigation menu that's easy to find and use. Your menu should include all the important pages on your site, like your homepage, about page, and contact page.
• Using clear and concise headings to organize your content. This helps visitors quickly scan your page and find what they're looking for.
• Making sure your website is mobile-friendly, so it's easy to use on smartphones and tablets. A mobile-responsive design means your website will automatically adjust its layout to fit smaller screens.

ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility is about making sure that everyone can use your website, regardless of their physical abilities or limitations. An accessible website means everyone has an equal opportunity to access your content. This is an awesome thing for so many reasons. Not only is this great for humanity, but you've just expanded your market! There are several easy ways you can improve accessibility, but know that accessibility is a big topic. Some quick and easy ways to improve accessibility are:

• Making sure your text is readable. Put light colored text on dark backgrounds and dark text on light backgrounds. Don't put white text images or videos.
• Removing text from images. Screen readers can't read it, and text inside an image will shrink on a mobile device meaning no one will be able to read it on a small screen.
• Using descriptive alt text for images. This is a short description of the image that screen readers can read aloud to people who are visually impaired.
• Providing text transcripts or captions for videos. This helps deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors understand your content.

SITE STRUCTURE
​Site structure refers to the organization and layout of your website. It's important to keep your website well-organized and easy to navigate so that your visitors can find the information they need quickly and easily. Your website's structure should be simple and intuitive, with a clear hierarchy of pages and content. You can use internal links to connect related pages, making it easy for visitors to move around your website. Some tips for good site structure are:

• Keep your navigation menu simple and intuitive. Visitors should be able to find what they're looking for without having to think too hard.
• Use internal links to help visitors move around your site. For example, you can include links to related blog posts or products.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The first impression is everything when it comes to your website. Your website should look professional and trustworthy so that visitors will feel confident in doing business with you. Check out my other blog post, WHY DESIGN MATTERS, for a more in depth focus about first impressions. To make a good first impression, you should:

• Use high-quality images that are relevant to your business. Avoid using low-quality or generic stock photos.
• Use a color scheme that matches your branding. This helps visitors recognize your brand and remember your website.
• Make sure your website is fast and responsive. Slow-loading websites can be frustrating for visitors and can make them leave your site.

In conclusion, while website builders like Squarespace and WIX have made it easy for anyone to create a website, it's important to keep in mind the key factors that can increase conversions and ensure a positive user experience. Usability, accessibility, site structure, and first impressions all play a crucial role in the success of your website. Remember, your website is often the first interaction potential customers have with your business, so make it count!

KEY Take aways

• Keep your website easy to use and navigate with clear headings and a mobile-responsive design.
• Improve accessibility by using descriptive alt text, captions, and keyboard navigation.
• Create good site structure by keeping your navigation simple.
• Make a good first impression with high-quality images, a consistent color scheme, and a fast and responsive website.

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HIRE A GUIDE
Are you a small business owner who wants to take your website to the next level? My Design Guidance service can help! Let me help you implement these key factors into your website to ensure that it not only looks great but also converts visitors into customers. Reach out today to learn more about how I can help you create a website that truly stands out!

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