Elements of Bad Website Design – Things that Make Your Site Look Untrustworthy
Creating a website that looks professional and trustworthy is crucial for any business or individual looking to establish a strong online presence. Unfortunately, many websites fall short of this goal, not due to a lack of effort but often due to a misunderstanding of what makes a website look untrustworthy in the first place.
Below are some key elements of bad website design that could be hurting your site’s credibility. If you find that any of these are an issue for your site, contact WSI Star Web Solutions to have them addressed.
Poor Layout and Navigation
A confusing layout and navigation structure can frustrate users, making your site seem unprofessional. Websites that lack a clear hierarchy or intuitive navigation system force users to work harder to find the information they need, leading to a poor user experience and a perception of unreliability.
Outdated Design
Websites that look like they haven’t been updated in years give the impression that the business behind them may no longer be operational or that it doesn’t value keeping up with modern trends. An outdated design can include everything from old fonts and color schemes to archaic layouts and user interfaces. On the other hand, modern web design includes appropriate white space, clean typography, hamburger menus, mobile responsiveness, calls to action and so forth.
Slow Loading Times
In today’s fast-paced digital world, users expect websites to load quickly. A slow website not only tests the patience of your visitors but also suggests a lack of professionalism. Slow loading times can be due to a variety of factors, including unoptimized images, poor hosting choices or bloated code.
Non-Responsive Design
With a significant portion of web traffic coming from mobile devices, a non-responsive website is a major red flag. If your site doesn’t adjust to fit different screen sizes, it can appear broken or unreadable on phones and tablets, making it seem outdated and untrustworthy. Going forward, work with your web developer to choose a responsive web design.
Overuse of Ads and Pop-ups
While advertisements might be a necessary source of revenue for many sites, excessive or intrusive ads can severely harm the user experience. Pop-ups that interrupt reading, ads that blend too closely with content or just an overwhelming number of ads can make a site appear spammy and unprofessional.
Lack of Clear Contact Information
Trustworthy websites make it easy for users to contact them. A lack of clear, easily accessible contact information may lead visitors to question the legitimacy of your site. Ensure your contact details are up to date and easy to find.
Poor Content Quality
Content riddled with spelling and grammatical errors, outdated information or that fails to deliver on its promises can quickly erode trust. High-quality, well-researched content is key to establishing credibility and engaging users effectively.
Unsecure Website
Today’s web users are more security-conscious than ever. A website that isn’t HTTPS secure not only puts users at risk but also appears untrustworthy right from the start. Ensure your site uses HTTPS to protect your visitors and enhance your site’s credibility.
Make Your Site Trustworthy
Avoiding these common pitfalls in website design is crucial for creating a site that looks professional and trustworthy. Regularly review your website’s design, content and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
Remember, your website is often the first point of contact between you and your potential customers, so making a strong first impression is key to building lasting relationships. To discuss the custom web design services available through WSI Star Web Solutions, contact us today at 844-412-8786.