In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
The 9 most common mistakes with self-created websites - and how I avoid them for you
Creating a website yourself sounds tempting: with modular systems and DIY tutorials, the path to your own online presence seems quick and inexpensive. But many people quickly realise that a professional, functioning and customer-friendly website is more demanding than they thought.
From my conversations with customers who have started with modular systems such as Strato or 1&1, I know that many find the creation process more time-consuming and complicated than expected. The results often fall short of expectations. Content management systems such as Typo3 (often perceived as too complicated) and Joomla (less widespread and therefore offering less support) can also present challenges. I prefer to work with WordPress as it offers an ideal combination of flexibility, user-friendliness and a large community. This makes it easy to realise individual requirements without making compromises.
As a result, many self-employed people and companies encounter challenges when implementing their own websites that lead to avoidable mistakes. Here are the 9 most common mistakes - and how I can help you avoid them:
1. lack of mobile friendliness
More than 70 % of internet users visit websites via their smartphone. A website that is poorly displayed on mobile devices deters visitors. Modular systems in particular often do not offer optimal mobile customisation. Professional responsive design ensures that your website looks and functions optimally on all devices.
2. confusing layout
If visitors can't find your content quickly, they'll leave. DIY solutions such as modular systems or standard CMS templates often only offer limited options for a clear structure and intuitive navigation. I help you to structure content clearly and develop a design that takes your customers by the hand.
3. poor loading times
A slow website costs visitors and search engine rankings. This can be caused by unoptimised images, too many plugins or inefficient code - a common problem with self-created websites. I technically optimise your website so that it loads at lightning speed.
4. outdated or inappropriate design
A website is your digital figurehead. Self-created pages often appear arbitrary or out of date. A professional design shows at first glance that your company is modern and trustworthy.
5. no clear target group approach
Many DIY sites are too general or do not address the target group directly. I analyse your target group and ensure that your website reaches exactly the people you want to address.
6. lack of search engine optimisation (SEO)
Without SEO, your website remains invisible. Important factors such as keywords, meta tags or structured content are often overlooked. I make sure that your website is not only attractive, but also findable.
7. too little focus on content
The design is often prioritised, while the content is neglected. But it is the texts, images and messages that convince your visitors. Together, we ensure that your content is appealing and effective.
8. security gaps
DIY sites are often not sufficiently protected against cyber attacks. If SSL certificates, regular updates or secure passwords are missing, your site will quickly become a target for hackers. I integrate modern security standards and ensure regular maintenance.
9. no professional support
What to do if the site suddenly stops working? Websites that you create yourself usually do not offer any technical support. As your partner, I am also there for you after completion to solve problems quickly.
Creating a website yourself can therefore quickly become frustrating and expensive if errors occur that put off visitors or potential customers. With my expertise, you can avoid these stumbling blocks and get a website that is technically, visually and content-wise convincing.
