adamcurran

OK, that might be a bit strong, but there's nothing more frustrating than a rubbish website, and it can really cause people to get frustrated with the business, or in other words - you!
There are a number of things that lots of people do that's just plain annoying for internet searchers and I wanted to highlight a few so you can check your own site and make sure its as user friendly as possible.

1) Autoplaying of videos.
Ahhh the worst! You can change your browser settings so that videos don't autoplay but depending on the technology you use, you can override this. There's nothing that will make someone click out of your site faster (probably never to return again!) then you busting them having a secret browsing session in the office. Don't do it.

2) Pop ups.
Nothing worse! Whether these are asking people to join your own mailing list, or ads from other companies, people do not want to have their browsing interrupted, its as simple as that!! I know how important online advertising is but I don't believe that bombarding people with pop ups is the way to create a happy browser. Don't do it.

3) Its not mobile compatible.
How annoying is it when you have to scroll from side to side to read the whole of the page that you're on? As an internet user yourself you'll know that its not user friendly and it puts people off. Apart from being incredibly annoying, it will also affect your search ranking if you're not optimised for mobile so its something you need to get onto sooner rather than later. Don't do it.

4) Its fake.
Nobody wants to see fake people in fake suits fakely enjoying their day! If you want to use images (which I hope you do), use those which relate directly to your business and brand. Use pictures of your own staff if you want to give of a corporate vibe, otherwise pick another theme entirely. People want to relate to a business and before they commit to giving it their money, and there's no way they can relate to you if you're not giving them genuine contact. Don't do it.

5) No contact information.
This is the worst of the worst! Because your web page contains links and instructions on how to buy, you think that people know how to contact you they don't. When people are browsing they like to pick up the phone and talk to someone, or send an email, or not. Whatever your customers chosen contact method is, they need to be able to see it there and then. Don't make people search for your information or have to go to another page. Its annoying DONT DO IT!

There are lots more that I could come up with but this is just a selection of my pet hates on websites. What are yours?

BlossMart

Yeah, the thread was a hook for me..

Re your reasoning, some are spot on and some are a little sensational.

Autoplaying of videos are annoying - I can’t stand them and I either have my sound off or up really load so they scare the crap out of me. I’m not a fan and like to be in control of the video and not have it jump out at me.

Pop ups are annoying too - but a couple of clicks and you haven’t lost me just yet - i would say when there are tons of pop ups that it really gets annoying to be honest. The popup barrage is just a bizarre marketing concept and I’m not sure anyone will really play along with that one.

mobile compatibility is a deal breakers - yes good point.

Being a fake - am guessing you mean stock images - well, this can be a hard one to get around and while I don’t think people will leave your site just because of this I think using less mainstream images or actually paying a premium for niche images can make a big difference. Yes use personal images where you can or just think outside the box. I have some great images that I use for websites and they are stock but no ones hates them, on the contrary it seems like they are quite effective.

No contact info - that’s just plain weird - if you have a contact form that works - do you mean emails, postal address and phone? If so, that sort of info isn’t always available to give especially for IM. So long as there is a contact form and assistance for more info I think it’s ok.

Each to their own I guess.

Saul Carrillo

When it shows me a $1,000,000 watch that I can't afford. Targeting people, targeting!

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adamcurran

Ha ha ha Saul, do you mean the website itself or the ads on the website?
Because if you're browsing million dollar watches then I'm afraid that's what you're going to see

adamcurran

If your customer has a problem they need your help to solve then a contact form isn't going to give them direct access to you. It's a 'fill it in and wait' one-sided method of communication. People are too impatient for this not to be annoying these days.
People need a phone number or email address to know that they have a direct link to you, a contact form, for all the customer knows, is just sent into a big black hole once they've clicked submit.
It's frustrating.

Pat H

I do not websites with a sales video that does not show a run time at the bottom or no way to pause the video. I feel like a "video hostage." It usually means it is going to be 20 minutes or longer and I usually leave the site.