Top 10 Website Pet Peeves
Just about all of us have a pet peeve or two. People who talk during movies, the barking dog next door, someone kicking your seat on an airplane, to name a few. Websites are no different. Whether shopping, doing research, or perusing blogs and news outlets, users want fast, accurate, hassle-free information. Tech geeks and average Joes alike aren’t going to come back if their experience with a site is annoying. Here are 10 avoidable offenses that make Parthenon staffers cranky:
- Out-of-Date Content — High-quality content requires commitment and effort. Unlike a magazine or newsletter, a website is an ongoing project that requires ongoing updates. Broken links and old information indicate the site’s being ignored. If a site is so outdated visitors can’t remember the last time they saw a different product or story on the homepage — they’re going to stop coming back.
- The Lost Homepage — The homepage is arguably the most important page on your site. It’s the page that most, if not all, of your viewers will see. Every page should allow visitors to go home.
- Registration Forms — Name, email, zip code, cell phone, gender, favorite color... where does it end? Most users loathe filling out mandatory registration forms, especially when they’re trying to do something simple.
- Flash — A little Flash goes a long way. When it helps communicate a complex concept or generates interest to draw visitors in, fine. But lots of Flash becomes more noise than signal. Viewers especially appreciate the option to skip Flash intros.
- Coming Soon — In the Web world, pages are constantly being added, edited and revised. That’s why “Sorry, this page is still under construction” isn’t necessary. Every website is under construction. Instead, consider posting some content the page will eventually include; or better yet, don’t push the site live until it’s actually ready.
- Typos and Bad Grammar — A mistake in spelling, punctuation or grammar makes you look sloppy and careless. More importantly, it’s embarrassing. Don’t underestimate the impact of poorly written and poorly edited content. Visitors may be turned off by careless errors and never come back.
- (Don’t) Contact Us — There are few things more frustrating than not being able to locate a contact phone number or email on a website. Sites should list their contact information on every single page. Even more baffling? Filling out a “Contact Us” form and never hearing back.
- Pop-up Ads — There’s a reason why pop-up blockers were invented. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a sign-up box, advertisement, whatever — the general pubic doesn’t like them.
- Sound — Catchy jingles, voiceovers and sound effects. Just leave them out. Or at least give the option of turning them off.
- Bad Design — Slow loading pages; ugly, hard-to-read fonts; and confusing navigation can have a significant effect on a user’s willingness to return to a site.
