Creating a website for your business or personal brand can seem like a daunting task. With the rise of user-friendly website builders and online tutorials, many people are now opting to DIY their own websites.
While this may save you money in the short term, there are several common mistakes that people make when creating their own website. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when DIYing your website:
1. Not having a clear goal or purpose for your website
Before diving into designing your website, it’s important to have a clear goal or purpose in mind. Are you looking to sell products, showcase your portfolio, or simply provide information about your business?
Knowing your website’s purpose will help guide your design choices and ensure a cohesive and effective website.
2. Neglecting to do proper research
One of the biggest mistakes people make when creating their own website is not doing enough research. This includes researching your target audience, competitor websites, and current design trends.
Knowing what your target audience is looking for and what your competitors are doing can help you create a website that stands out and appeals to your desired audience.
3. Choosing the wrong platform
With so many website building platforms available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. Some platforms may be better suited for e-commerce websites, while others may be better for blogging or portfolio websites. It’s important to carefully research and compare different platforms before committing to one.
Our top choice for beginner-friendly platforms is Wix, the #1 website builder on the internet today. We recommend Wix for all our clients because of its ease of use and
If you're a creative entrepreneur or service provider, check out this article to read about why Wix may be the best platform for your business (plus a free landing page template to get you started)!
4. Poor website navigation and organization
Having a cluttered and confusing website can turn potential customers away. It’s important to have a clear and organized navigation menu, making it easy for visitors to find the information or products they are looking for. It’s also important to consider the hierarchy of information and prioritize the most important content on your website.
5. Neglecting mobile responsiveness
In today’s digital age, more people are accessing websites through their phones or tablets. Neglecting to make your website mobile responsive can result in a poor user experience and potential loss of customers. Make sure your website is optimized for different devices to ensure a seamless browsing experience for all users.
6. Having a slow website
In addition to mobile responsiveness, website speed is crucial for user experience. If your website takes too long to load, visitors are more likely to leave and go to a competitor’s website. To avoid this, optimize images and videos, and minimize the use of large files or heavy design elements.
7. Lack of branding and consistency
A website is an extension of your brand, and therefore it should reflect your branding and messaging.
Using inconsistent fonts, colors, and design elements can make your website look unprofessional and can confuse visitors. Make sure to incorporate your branding elements throughout your website for a cohesive and memorable experience!
Learn more about what we include in our brand design projects here to get a better idea of what to focus on for your own branding visuals.
Summary
Creating a website is an important investment, and it’s natural to want to save money by DIYing it. However, it’s important to be aware of these common mistakes and put in the time and effort to create a professional and effective website.
Ready to level-up your website with a template that's already 80% done-for-you?
My website templates are designed using the easiest website builder on the internet today, Wix. Not to mention tons of free resources and a step-by-step, video-guided Wix Course included with every purchase, you'll feel empowered as you customize and launch your brand new website into the world with confidence!
Not feeling too confident in your abilities, that's okay! Consider hiring a professional web designer to ensure a successful online presence for your business or personal brand.
Interested in working with me?
I'd love to hear from you! Just tap the button below to inquire.
