As a veteran in the Internet industry, I have seen the good, bad and ugly when it comes to
websites. I've compiled my top ten list, (well actually, I'm an overachiever and I
came up with 12) of the biggest bloopers an author can make on their website and tips for
avoiding them.
The first two are huge blunders, but if you have three or more on this list, you could be
seriously chasing away visitors, otherwise know as clients.
1. Confusing website addresses. If users can't remember your web
address, or if it's difficult to type correctly, they'll never get there. Invest in
your own domain name (i.e., www.yourname.com).
2. Don't update your site. A static site gives visitors no reason
to return. Freshen your content at least every other month.
3. Overuse fonts and large type. Keep type size to the equivalent
of 10-12 points. Headers can be a bit larger. Multiple typefaces and big print
are distracting and signal the work of a beginner.
4. Long scrolling pages. Murphy's Law dictates that the
information users will want will be buried at the bottom of the Grand Canyon page.
Break content into smaller chunks and put on separate pages. No one likes to
scroll.
5. Left to right scrolling? Always minimize unnecessary mouse
movements. It's difficult to read while scrolling up, down and sideways.
6. Laundry list navigation. Organize content into descriptive
categories (no more than ten, but fewer is better), so visitors can find what interests
them. Make sure your content is no more than three clicks away for the user.
7. Pages that read like a novel. Give users information in
bite-size chunks. This is your chance to show them how you are unique. Think
unique marketing statement. Your content should be interesting and offer value.
8. Audio and video. This could offer a top ten list on this alone.
Music and video are hogs when it comes to download time and offer little substance
in return. These media types are also very distracting. Avoid using high
bandwidth media.
9. Divert users to a list of links. You want to attract and keep
visitors and get them to come back. More time spent on your pages, increases the
odds the user will do business. Links send users to other people's websites.
10. Use cheesy pre-packaged graphics or animations. Both are the
mark of an amateur. Animations waste download time and are distracting. You're
trying to build a brand name. Clip art doesn't make you unique. If you found
the graphics, chances are others will be using them, too.
11. Require too much information from users. People are busy.
Respect visitor's time and privacy. Users are leery to give out information.
Tell users what you plan to use the information for and let them know you will not
sell it to any other party.
12. Use unreadable backgrounds and text colors. Dark backgrounds
require light text colors. Light backgrounds need dark text contrast.
Busy backgrounds compete with content and make pages difficult to read.
My parting advice is simple: Project a professional image, especially on the web.
An amateur website will not build readership. Your web site is an
extension of you. Make sure your image is as polished as your novels.
-- Less is more!
-- Identify website goals and make sure content supports those objectives.
-- Hold your breath during the download time. If you're gasping for air before your
page comes up, it's taking too long.
-- Do what you do best, then hire a professional to develop your website.
Lisa Craig has enjoyed a fifteen-year career in the high-tech industry, focusing the
bulk of her time on emerging interactive technologies, including multimedia and web
development. She helps authors, professional speakers and business coaches leverage
the web to increase sales and bookings. Craig writes category romance,
women's fiction and non-fiction. She is a regular contributor to several online
writers' magazines and runs her own freelance Internet and web design consulting business.
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