It can be a lot of work to design your first website. With so much to do and think about, it can even become overwhelming. If like most people you are looking for a few pointers to get you started, then knowing about the five common mistakes often made by beginner web designers can be helpful. By avoiding these mistakes, you too can make a more professional and appealing looking website for your visitors.
1. Don’t use too many animated GIFs.
Too many animated images on a single page can be a big distraction for your visitors. Sure, animation can be fun and entertaining when used in moderation, but know your audience and know your limits. Most visitors will quickly reach for the back button when faced with a page full of blinking, moving, and spinning images.
2. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to font size.
Another mistake made by a lot of new web designers is displaying the majority of their text using too large of a font size. It’s true that larger font sizes can be great for title areas, but it is best to use smaller sizes when working with the bulk of your text. Smaller font sizes are easier to read and take up less real estate on the page, reducing the need for scrolling. Just don’t take this to the opposite extreme by making your font sizes too small or no one will stick around and try to read what you have written.
3. Avoid using too many fonts.
It can be tiresome to read a website that uses many different fonts throughout its pages. It is best to stick with a maximum of three fonts if you are trying to look professional. Your main body of text should be in an easy to read font like Arial or Verdana. A second font can then be used to separate any title areas. Though it is not necessary to use a different font for headings, it is still acceptable. A third font can be used in your website’s logo.
4. Do not center everything on the page.
While we are on the topic of fonts, it’s also a good idea to talk about text alignment. Many beginner web designers center most or all of their website’s text. This isn’t a good idea because it goes against our natural way of reading. Centering titles or small excerpts is okay, but your main body of content should be aligned to the left.
5. Smart color choices can make all the difference.
When deciding on which colors to use throughout your website, take the time to really think about your color choices. One common mistake found on beginner websites is text that becomes unreadable because of an unsuitable background color. If you have to highlight the text to make it easier to read, then it’s time to consider new colors. If you are unsure, black text on a white background is always a safe choice.
Designing your first website can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, by avoiding a few common beginner mistakes, your website can be a step ahead of its competition. By carefully paying attention to your fonts, colors, and alignments, and by making sure not to use too many animated GIFs, your website will be more enjoyable for your visitors. Something your visitors are bound to appreciate.
