There are a lot of different factors to consider as a web designing professional.
One of the most important things to remember while designing website is to always check your website for errors and debug your work, ensuring that your website is free of any design errors before launch.
This should be done systematically every few hours without fail. By making sure to thoroughly document your code, it is easier to spot which particular sections caused the errors during your testing.
The most foolproof way of debugging your website is by testing it thoroughly and regularly checking all of its content and links, at least once a week.
At the bottom of your page, it would be a good idea to place details for contacting you or the webmaster so that you can be immediately informed to be able to immediately fix these bugs on your website.
Here's a list of five web designing errors to remember and avoid before launch:
1. Broken Links
One of the most annoying web designing errors both for the designer and the user to see is a broken link.
A broken link, also known as a bad link, is a hyperlink that is unresponsive when clicked or leads to a plain white screen with simple black text saying "404 Page Error" or "404 Page Not Found" or any similar variation.
A 404 Page Error simply means that the page could not be found on your server, and this usually occurs because of any of the following:
- The most common reason for the 404 Page Error is due to problems with the .htaccess.
- If the 404 Page Error also says "You don't have permission to access the website," it could also be a permissions problem. (Read more about various HTTP Status Codes)
- Another reason for your 404 Page Error could be a memory limit issue with your web hosting provider.
- Sometimes the error also appears when the page was already deleted, but it was already indexed by Search Engines.
Tool: Broken Link Checker
2. Unorganized Content
Another common error to avoid is disorganized content. The content you place is not only what brings your viewers to your website, but it is also what also keeps them clicking and coming back.
Since a lot of users just scroll through the web pages, they check, make sure to keep it simple but interesting.
Try to say everything you want in as straightforward way as possible. Use images only when necessary and try to keep it short and concise.
However, even if you have the most compelling content on your website, if the content layout is structured horribly, your website will end up as another web designing failure.
3. Inconsistent Interface Design
It's a good thing to be creative, however going overboard with your creativity can also ruin your web designing career.
Some designers, especially those who want to showcase their artistic side, try to create too many different designs for every web page and hyperlink within their website. Not only is this annoying for the user, but it is also very confusing.
Remember to keep it simple and easy on the eyes. Nowadays, people prefer minimalist designs over big flashy websites. Again, keep it straightforward and concise.
See Also: Quick Tips for Web Design That You Need to Follow in 2017
4. Poor Navigation Features
Navigation around your website should be both effortless as well as flawless. It should be user-friendly, meaning any and all users on both the desktop website and the mobile website should be able to find their way around your site with ease.
Too many hyperlinks may confuse users and may lead to frustration
Do not try to put too many unnecessary hyperlinks or navigation shortcuts. As much as possible, don't put extra strain on the user to find what they are looking for.
5. Outdated or Wrong Information
Using outdated or wrong information is also another thing to consider before launching your website.
You should ensure that all of the data and information on your website are not only correct and accurate, make sure that it is up to date.
Final Thoughts
The five (5) items enumerated above are a short and handy checklist of things to remember to avoid when web designing.
They should be checked right before you launch your website as they are usually the most common and most frustrating mistakes you can encounter.