How to Irritate Customers with your web site:

Here is a short list of things you should avoid on your web site.

Mucho Graphics!
Designers love graphics, web users don't. Keep your web site graphics down to 60k or less per page and if you do need to place "Mucho" graphics, then offer a text only version for users.

Hide Your Address Game:
A really significant number of web users only want a contact email or number to call, so why make them guess where it is. Put contact information clearly out front where it can be easily found and that includes mailing addresses and phone numbers.

Cutesy Icons and Name Game:
Ok, let's guess what the flaming spear icon means. Right, you think it is cute for a customer complaint link, but will your customers? Make links clear and easily understood!

Black Holes:
This is the term for web sites in which things go in but never come out. Answer your email contacts quickly! BTW, once a week is not quickly.

404's Out the Wazoo!
Click here for our special promotional details…oops..404 errors. Check every link on your web site for function or expect web users to go bye-bye!

Map and Compass Required:
Web sites should be easy to navigate and not require a lot of thought on where to find things. So why aren't you doing that?

The 1978 Sears Catalogue:
You go to a web site for information on new products or services only to find that the information on the site is dated, what a bummer! They don't care enough to keep their site current! Guess I know how they feel about me as a customer!

Register or Go Away…Bye!
We are so important and so nosey; that the only way we will let you in here is if you register first! Adios fella, I don't want spam from you I just wanted to see about buying something. Too bad, so sad! I still cannot believe some sites do this!

And the Total Is!
You've managed to locate an item, then navigate the shopping cart and before the site will tell you the total charge, including shipping it wants my credit card….noooooo-so sorry, Homey don't play that game! Put the total charges including shipping before you get real personal! This is becoming very important because some companies are advertising ridiculously low sale prices and then tacking on horrendous shipping and handling fees.

Ignore the 90%
During sales, I can literally count on a specific set of questions being asked by customers, so why aren't you answering those questions on your web site. Go ahead; make your sales easier, I dare you!

Copyright © 2002 Rick Williams

Multi-Media Design
515 E. Jennings St.
Newburgh, IN USA 47630-1440
Ph: (812) 858-0333 Fax: (812)-858-1136
email: info@themmd.com