Are You Losing Sales Because of These 4 Simple Website Mistakes?

Losing website sales and traffic is sometimes simply a case of web usablity - your website just isn't clear to your visitors. By fixing these simple mistakes, you'll easily increase your conversion rate and make more online sales.

Mistake #1: No Clear Web Navigation System

Is there a clear navigation system of links both at the top and bottom of each of your web pages?

Does your visitor scroll down to the bottom of a web page only to find one or (even worse) NO links there? Do they have to scroll all the way up to the top of the web page to continue browsing your website?

Guess what - your customer is out of there. So many websites make this mistake and needlessly lose traffic.

Another mistake websites make is putting the navigation system in an out-of-the-way place that makes it difficult for the user to find. Maybe it blends in with the background. Maybe the font is so small, visitors easily miss it.

Don't assume your visitors are web savvy or automatically know where to look to navigate your website. Make it easy for them by having a clear, easy to find navigation system. They'll stay on your website longer, which increases the chance that you'll make the sale.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the WIIFM Principle (What's In It For Me?)

Does the home page state clearly and concisely what your website can do for your visitor?

Forget about telling your visitor how wonderful you are, how much experience your company has, how many years you've been around or how many awards you've won.

They don't care. They want to know what you can do for them - and they want to know it now. In the fast-paced, hectic world that is the Internet, you have about 3-5 seconds to convince your visitor that your website is worth their time. That's it (and that's being generous).

Your website should have one clear statement - in an easy-to-find place - about exactly what you can do for your customer. It should state the major benefit of doing business with you or the major benefit of your product. Your web visitors shouldn't have any questions about your site's purpose after reading that statement.

For example, instead of, 'Welcome to our web site about affiliate programs', how about 'Complete reviews of over 500 different affiliate programs. Find out who has the highest payouts and the best selling products for your website.'

Mistake #3: Overloading Your Visitor's Senses

Have you ever gotten eye strain from the first 10 seconds of reading a website? You know the ones I'm talking about - bright red font on a bright yellow background. Or dark purple font on a midnight black background.

What was the webmaster thinking (or smoking)? Quick fact: If your visitor has to work to read your website, they're already gone.

While your website may not be this bad, take a second look: Is there an overload of bold font? Is the web font so small you have to squint to read it? Are there tons of blinking images all competing furiously to capture your readers' attention?

Make sure your website isn't turning visitors away because it strains their eyes or overloads their senses.

When all else fails remember that the old standby is best: black font on a white background is the easiest for everyone to read.

Mistake #4: 'Am I Still On The Same Website?' - Having an Inconsistent Layout

If you want visitors to remember your website, nothing says 'professionalism' more than a consistent layout throughout your website. Keep your navigation bar in the same place on all pages. Keep the colors consistent and the logo in the same spot if you have one.

There's nothing more confusing than clicking on a link and feeling like you've entered a completely different website. Trust is a big factor when it comes to making sales online. To keep that trust, give your visitor a feeling of always knowing where they are and which website they're visiting!

So there you have it - 4 simple website mistakes that cost you traffic and sales. These mistakes may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many webmasters make them. Steer clear of them and you'll automatically put more money in your pocket at the end of the day.

Kate Fox is a contributing writer to web conversion: how to sell more with your website

For more free tips and articles on how to improve your web conversion rate and make more sales, visit: web conversion: how to sell more with your website

apartment cleaning near Highland Park ..
In The News:

Hyundai AutoEver America suffered a data breach affecting 2,000 current and former employees, exposing names, Social Security numbers and driver's license information.
Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.
Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.
Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.
New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.
Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.
The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.
Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.
Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.
Major data breach at Conduent exposes personal information of 10+ million people. Government contractor hit by cyberattack affecting Medicaid, child support systems.
Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.
NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, beginning their journey to Mars with arrival expected in 2027.
Learn how to set email reminders on iPhone and Android so you never forget to reply again. Simple built-in features help you stay organized and on top of messages.
Discover how Apple's passkeys revolutionize Mac security by replacing vulnerable passwords with biometric authentication and encryption for ultimate protection.
New survey reveals 78% of parents fear AI scams targeting their kids, yet nearly half haven't discussed these threats. Learn why this dangerous gap exists.
Chrome now autofills passport and driver's license info automatically. Google's latest browser update adds official document support with encryption and user control.
Scammers impersonate Department of Veterans Affairs employees claiming veterans owe money, but real VA communications only direct to VA.gov or official channels.
The AltoVolo Sigma hybrid-electric aircraft flies 500 miles at 220 mph while operating 80% quieter than helicopters, featuring safety systems and compact design.
Google search scam alert: fake customer service numbers can give scammers remote control of your phone. Learn how to spot these traps and protect yourself.
Electric vehicles overtake gas cars in total CO2 savings after just two years of driving, with emissions benefits growing over time as power grids get cleaner.
Louvre Museum reportedly used "Louvre" as password for surveillance system during $100M jewel heist. Learn how weak passwords put even famous institutions at risk.
Bipartisan AI jobs bill from Sens. Hawley and Warner would require companies to report AI-related layoffs and hiring to Department of Labor quarterly.
Joe A. from Shelton, Connecticut, lost $228,000 to a ZAP Solutions cryptocurrency investment scam after his divorce, highlighting rising online fraud.
AI-powered autonomous trucks from Waabi and Volvo target U.S. freight driver shortage with Level 4 self-driving technology and NVIDIA computing platform integration.
Survive flight disruptions with expert travel tips: Book early morning flights, download airline apps and know your refund rights during service cuts.

Website Content & Usability

Writing for the web is totally different to writing for... Read More

Email Addresses in Web Pages

You want to give your site's visitors a way to... Read More

WYSIWYG Versus Coding: HTML With A Purpose

After years of working with entrepreneurs who developed their first... Read More

The Road to Better Results

A lot has changed in the way sites are optimized... Read More

Do Dancers Need A Website?

Dance is how you pamper your soul and satiate your... Read More

The Number One Reason Most Websites Fail

Failure, just like success, is measured differently by each and... Read More

How to Listen on the Web

When building a relationship, listening is more important than talking.A... Read More

Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) & Web Accessibility

There's been widespread speculation about the new legislation being introduced... Read More

Make Your Web Site User-Friendly!

Making a web site is easy. Making a good web... Read More

Five Essential Questions to Answer Before Creating Your First (or second...or third) Website

Right after the thought, "I need a website," people usually... Read More

Give Your Business a Cash Infusion

Whether you have your own business already, or are looking... Read More

What Business Owners MUST Know BEFORE They Commit To Having A Web Site

Q1.Why would I need a web site? A1.- Improve my... Read More

Allocating Your Web Site?s Budget Properly

I had a client say something to me the other... Read More

MySQL Database Handling in PHP

Most interactive websites nowadays require data to be presented dynamically... Read More

7 Killer Ways To Increase Your Online Sales

Every online entrepreneur I talk to is asking the same... Read More

Duplication vs. Individualism

How can we add Word Rich Content to our Websites... Read More

From Search to Sale

The Internet car buyer is an elusive animal. Trying to... Read More

How To Convert More Sales On Your Website

One of the biggest mistakes that most online retailers make... Read More

How To Get Your Customers To Trust Your Website

Research reveals three important facts:1) The Internet is one of... Read More

The Power Is In The Pipes: How To Get Maximum Leverage From Your Website

What is the most important part of your online business?Many... Read More

Tell me what your website does!

You know exactly what your organisation does and what your... Read More

Warning: The Truth About Having a Web Site!

If you don't have a web site yet, are thinking... Read More

Non-Profits: Successful Online Strategies

More and more non-profit organizations are developing websites to help... Read More

Content Management

More and more businesses are recognizing the importance of content... Read More

HTML Editors - How to Choose the Right One for Building Your Websites

There are lots of HTML editors on the market, however,... Read More

cleaning lady near Arlington Heights ..