How many times have you visited a website and ended up sorely disappointed? Or worse, annoyed as all get out? For me, the answer is an easy one: a lot!
So, I put together a list of the 12 things that annoy me the most about websites. Maybe you’ll agree; maybe you won’t.
Let’s see…
12. Music
Music blares the minute I visit your site. That is unexpected, disruptive, and downright rude, from a customer experience standpoint. And, in case you weren’t sure, it ticks me (and most people) off more than just about anything. Wake up and smell the coffee! That is so 2001. Frankly, it wasn’t cool even back then—but today, music on your website can mean the kiss of death.
11. Flash
Your “awesome” Flash website takes forever to load and then blasts me with all these neat-o visuals that require me to twiddle my 
thumbs and waste precious time. I need information, not entertainment. Get over yourselves. Quit listening to your creative team (and if they’re recommending Flash, hire a new team), and maximize the three seconds of attention I’m willing to give you by telling me something I want or need to know.
10. Pop-ups
Pop-up ads (and that’s what they are) make me want to kill you. Yeah, I know they’re effective at boosting click-through rates. I still hate ‘em. Stop it. Using pop-up ads tells me you don’t care about my experience—you just want to sell me crap. It’s like going on a first date, and having the date say, “Let’s fool around” before dinner hits the table. It’s too much. Too soon. I don’t care what the experts say. Pop-up ads make me want to leave.
9. Walking Ads
[Cue scream here.] Speaking of pop-ups, walking ads stink even more. They are annoying, disruptive, and inconsiderate. I came to your site for information. You only have one chance to make a good first impression, and walking ads are not the way to do it. I don’t care who sold you on it. It’s a bad idea.
8. Contact Info
Sure, I have a lot of patience and free time. I really WANT to have to dig through your bleepin’ site to find your contact information. That makes my life super-easy. Go ahead, hide it! Or better yet, don’t put contact info on there at all. That’s one way to ensure we don’t ever work together.
7. Mystery
Websites that don’t tell me what you do, why I need what you do, and what it’s gonna cost me are downright ineffective. I don’t want to dig for pricing. I want the information, and I want it now. Being coy might work when you’re dating, but when it comes to business, I’m like Sergeant Friday on Dragnet. Just the facts, ma’am. You’ve got about three seconds of my time and attention—use it wisely. And copy that’s “mysterious” is not.
6. Down the Rabbit Hole
Contact pages that make us feel like Alice in Wonderland? Not prudent. And when your contact form leads us to default email programs that we can’t stand, they cause us to immediately leave your site. For instance, I don’t use Mail; I don’t want to use Mail. And when your contact form automatically loads Mail for me, it makes curse words flow out of my mouth that are very unladylike. WHAT are you thinking? Stop it. Please.
5. Black Backgrounds
Black backgrounds and white or grey type are nearly IMPOSSIBLE to read. With very few exceptions (there are some sites done very well by people who know what they’re doing, but they are rare), cut it out. Black backgrounds stink. And if your Web-design team thinks those backgrounds are cool, do your homework. Ask people who know about converting the leads that come to your website to sales about the performance of sites with dark backgrounds. After all, isn’t that what you’re really interested in—leads that you can convert to sales?
4. Miniscule Text
Fonts that are too small can be remedied by a surfer; I’ll give you that. But it annoys me when I have to manually bump up the type. And I’m thinking that if you really think about what you want from a site visitor in terms of actions, it’s not making them do something to learn more. Tell your Web developers with young eyes that it’s often old folks like me who are making the buying decisions. The “default” font most Web developers use is almost ALWAYS too small. Bump it up a notch. Or three. You’ll be amazed at how much happier your Web surfers will be. Know who your customers and prospects are; serve them information that is easy for them to consume—without the need for modifications.
3. An Undesired Delivery
I consume a lot of content. And when I find yours—and I like it—I want to read more. And I want it delivered to my email inbox, not my Reader, which I use for different things. When your blog doesn’t take that into consideration, I know you’re not paying attention. And I know you don’t care about me as a consumer, you’re only thinking about how you like information delivered. Newsflash: It’s not about you. A vast majority of content consumers are just like me. They want content delivered to their email inbox rather than subscribing via an RSS feed. When you overlook that and when you don’t offer me an option that suits my consumption preferences, it tells me you’re not paying attention.
2. Searching for Search
What are you doing to make it easy for people to search your site? You’d be amazed how many sites don’t have an easy-to-find search function—or that don’t have a search function at all. That’s just plain dumb. Make sure your website has an easy-to-locate, easy-to-use search button.
1. Anti-Social
Where are the buttons displaying where to find you on the Web? I keep running across websites that have social sharing buttons on them, but when you click on the buttons, instead of taking you to say, for instance, someone’s Facebook page, it allows me to share your page of content on Facebook. Seriously? As if I want to share your “About” page on Facebook? No, dummy. What I’m looking for is your brand presence on Facebook (or Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)—maybe because I want to “like” you there and pay attention to what you’re doing. Not having social sharing buttons shows me that you’re not participating in the social media space (whether that’s really the case). And it also shows me that you have no idea that I’m judging you—and your level of savviness about the digital space and the importance of social networks—based on their absence. Is that what you want? Really?
The Bottom Line
Don’t be egocentric when it comes to Web design. Know who your audience is and what people come to your site looking for. Or what you want them to come to your site looking for. Let your Web analytics play a huge rule in this process. Focus on creating a user experience that respects users’ needs and makes it easy for them to find the information they seek. Make sure your site has a navigation system that makes sense. And when you’re developing it, step outside the group of people working on the nav design and ask for feedback from others. Test your theories before implementing them. You’ll be surprised how often you’ve made assumptions that aren’t quite right. Sometimes, we’re so close to our own businesses and our own designs that we can’t be objective.
Great design is cool. And cool is nice. But that isn’t enough when it comes to effective online marketing. A beautifully designed website that has a crappy user experience serves up zero results. Great design paired with navigation that’s well-thought out and content that does the job it’s supposed to do? Those make a website work. Creating an effective Web experience that actually turns site visitors into leads and allows you the opportunity to convert those leads into sales—that’s what effective online marketing is all about.
And if you really want to strengthen your Web presence, consider attending the MarketingProfs University course Websites That Work (now on demand), an 11-class course that will help you plan, redesign, measure, optimize and track all your landing page and website activities. I’m slightly biased because I taught one of the classes, but I can promise you that I also sat through all the other sessions. And learned a lot. You will, too. So, register now.
Oh, and thanks to the Punks for their feedback. It’s always nice to know the very things that drive me crazy drive other people I respect and admire crazy, too. Now, what have I missed?
(Photo courtesy of Bigstock: Angry Woman)
Tags: annoying websites, bad website design, how to design a successful website, most annoying features of websites, website design, website design tips, website tips, website ux, what to avoid when designing a website
Hey Shelly. Greetings from my Laptop desk in Hamilton, New Zealand. I was about to jump for joy at nearly escaping your outlined steps re: the above, but got knocked back re: my lack of email availability, site search and a little more. Lolz. However your points have be a blessing and I am delighted to walk away with only a few minor scratches. Overall, I’m very pleased with my website design efforts especially when I haven’t had any formal website design training etc. I think if ever I was guilty it would be of; too much content and not enough silence or breathing space. Your best point for me as mentioned; would be re: email availability to forward to. I do have a cheats way to get around this … I am a master at copy and paste to my personal email, blank page, then send to myself and file it away in my email Folders for quick reference! Otherwise I am a Bookmark Freak for further use. I am aware of plag … plager … cheating! Which I’m happy to say I totally don’t do any of that.
Hi Ray,
Greetings to you as well! Sounds like you’re doing a good job of being on top of things. I, too, am a master at cutting and pasting [great minds, and all that].Thanks for stopping by – it’s always a pleasure hearing what you think!
This is certainly reader centric food for thought! As people become more and more inundated with these annoyances, they will tolerate them less. Where on your radar is mobile optimized? As someone who reads an awful lot of things on iPhone and iPad, it sure turns me off to find a site is completely mobile un-friendly?
Michelle, I think mobile optimized (or better yet, a mobile site) is really, really important. And increasingly so. Good call on your part!
Because they are not thinking. Arrrrrgh! Glad you enjoyed, Maria! Thanks for coming by.
Yes, if you’re on the V3 site, all our social icons are located in the righthand sidebar. And all are working. If you’re looking here, on the MProfs site, you won’t find my social information. You can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/shellykramer, on LinkedIn at http://linkedin.com/in/shellydemottekramer and pretty much everywhere else as Shelly Kramer.
I replied to this, Michelle, but it might be caught in approvals because I included links. If you are looking on the v3im.com site, all our social buttons are in the righthand sidebar – and all are working. So I’m not sure where you’re looking, but it can’t be on our corporate website … it’s a mystery! You can find me on Twitter @shellykramer and on LinkedIn at /in/shellydemottekramer. Sorry for your troubles – wish I could solve them, but I really don’t know where you’re looking for the info you seek!
Awesome, i was beginning to think I was the only one who thought this way. I’m glad to hear more of the online community speak about the importance of customer service in web design. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Lisa!! And no, you are very much not alone.
re the Flash point
It also play merry hell with Chrome.
Exactamundo!
Nice piece.
I also don’t like it when there are links that don’t have the information they advertise. Like someone with the word BIO next to their name and there is no biographical information, just a list of some previously written articles.
That annoys me, too, John … and it made me realize that my bio here …. stinks! I’ll get that fixed
)
Music is by far the most disturbing issue for me, however, fewer websites are using music nowadays. Another great turn off is irelevant or copied content.
I agree. And relevancy continues to be more and more important in the eyes of The Google, so those sites will get theirs .
Thanks Ilias, for coming by!
Good advices, i had the music background though removed alrdy,, going to put in practice all those advices, in my own website.
Good! Glad you enjoyed.
Any tips/programs on how to do #3 (delivery of content via email vs. RSS feed reader)?? Thanks! Jen
Yes, Jen, absolutely. Simply offer it via delivery via email in addition to RSS feed. See the box above where MProfs invites you to subscribe to their newsletter (or check my blog for how we’ve treated it). My point is that often ONLY an RSS feed option is offered in spite of the fact that many people don’t prefer getting their content via RSS. Hope that helps!
Hi Shelly, thanks for this great post. Some of the tips written have been applied to my blog. But, after reading your tips number 7 and 1, wow I think I have some works to do to fix my blog. Thanks for opening my eyes. Warm regards.
Eek .. how did I miss responding earlier? I’m sorry Montie! I’m glad you enjoyed!
I make it a rule NEVER to buy anything from or engage with (e.g. contact) a website that does not show a full street address for the advertiser. They could be anywhere – or nowhere – a scam…who knows. Yet I do find sites that expect me to bare my soul (or at least my personal particulars) to an anonymous web advertiser. No way – do they think I’m, crazy!
Also I refuse to engage with sites that require all my particulars, name address, etc …and sometimes even credit card numbers before they will let you check some aspects of an online order, such as delivery charges. Once again the answer is a very firm ‘Forget it’.
You’re right … I like seeing that information, too …. errr Alien.
Great article, Shelly. These are all very important things to note when designing a website.
My pet peeve is when clients ask for background music on their websites! Several obscenities run through my mind when I think about some cheesy music playing when I’m trying to view something that might otherwise be interesting.
The other thing I can’t stand is auto-playing video. Argh!
Auto-playing video is pretty much at the top of my list, too, Mark. Hate, hate, hate it. And the fact that it didn’t make it in here – I’m not sure what I was thinking!!!
[...] you can happily browse content over here. Some of my favorite posts of late have highlighted the 12 most annoying things about your website by Shelly Kramer, MarketingProfs’ own Dani Hagen’s take on what we can learn from Trader [...]
I recently started with a blog, and truly gratefully that i came across your article. It Helped me a lot in the editing process, Theme selection, Css and lots more. Thanks keep posting i like to read you!
Good! So glad to hear you enjoyed! And good luck with your site.
Great article. I reviewed my site to see where improvements can be made. Thanks!
Sure thing.
[...] have music on your website that can’t be [...]
[...] sins of website design? From Flash to pop-ups to hidden contact information, Shelly Kramer shares 12 easy ways to annoy your visitors, and lose traffic, conversions, and [...]
It’s funny. This article talks about websites that are “hard to read” and this website uses a shitty font.
Hi Paul,
Always love the feedback. It’s not my favorite font, either, but it’s not my site, I’m just a visitor
Thanks for the feedback.
We’ve changed the font since this post was published. It’s much easier on the eyes now, we hope.
Oh, so wonderfully stated!! I am in the middle of writing a blog article on JUST my irritation with pop-ups (as running into two of them yesterday made me pull my last hair out), and then saw a link to this on FB.
The only thing on your list I know I’m guilty of on my website is not having a search feature. My links to different places are all over (huge on the home page and at the top and bottom of all other pages, and it’s not a huge site, so I figured I didn’t need it. But, I will be looking into it now, especially since I’m working on another page to add to my site. I do have a little thing on my “Resource” page that I think is flash (it’s a small box that rotates through my blog titles and you can click on it to go to my blog).
I have probably heard every complaint you list here more than once. I recently bumped up the size of my website fonts, although I don’t know if I can figure out how to do that on my blog.
Now, just so I’m clear on something, when you said “…And when your contact form leads us to default email programs,” do you mean when you click on an e-mail address on a site and it pulls up your default e-mail (like Outlook is for me), or are you talking about something related to a contact form?
Thanks for writing what’s in my head!
Some sites use a specific mail program … for instance Mac mail or something like that – that’s built into the site. I wish I could be more specific, but I don’t know how to do it, much less why someone would. So, when you click to fill out a contact form, it takes you to THAT program (which might well be on your computer, but an application you never use), but it opens it for you. Which drives me crazy. Does that make sense?
I really hate popups too, but when you’re writing your post, be sure and research the data that exists on conversion rates – it’s really pretty amazing. Doesn’t make me hate them less, but it’s a convincing argument to put them on there. Maybe. Sorta.
Awesome article, and I for one love the tone. Furthermore, this post was very timely for me as I’m currently in the process of having someone create a website for a new small business venture. So it’s great to get some ideas of what NOT to do before I get too far into the development. One other note about Flash and its growing obsolescence is the fact that it’s totally incompatible with the iPad and iPhone. Obviously, designers have gotten around this with HTML5, but you get my point. Stay snarky
Thanks Franz! I appreciate the kind words. And am glad this post came your way at a good time – that’s always a good thing!!! Good luck on your site dev. And thanks, as always, for stopping by!
[...] Shelly Kramer/Marketing Profs: 12 Annoying Things About Your Website That Drive People Away [...]
I love your tone.
I love the picture of a women.
They all have a point: Don’t tick off anyone
Thanks!
LOL. Thanks, Vincent, for the smile.
[...] post originally appeared on MarketingProfs’ Daily Fix [...]
You hit all the major annoyances I hate as well. Really hate those sites with music, who then have videos, so you can’t hear the video b/c the dang music is playing.
And going around in circles looking for simple things, make me mad too!
Hi Regina,
I’m so glad to know I’m not alone in my curmudgeonliness when it comes to this kind of thing!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts – we love it!
Excellent article and great tips… but what the heck is a walking ad?
It’s an ad that literally “walks” across your screen as you’re visiting a website. Uber annoying.
Shelly,
Great article and very informative. I am guilty of only one of your pet peeves and that is in not having pricing on my website.
In my line of work, a DJ, too many times a DJ can be referenced by pricing alone. If I put my pricing on the website, without having a conversation with a bride, I would be out of the mix right away. When I speak to a prospective bride, I educate her on the fact that a DJ does more than just play music for a wedding. As a DJ for a wedding reception, we should be helping in create memories and special moments that will last a lifetime. We should also be coordinating with other vendors to make the day as least-stressful as possible.
As a wedding day is extremely important, it is just as important to have that connection prior to pricing so they get the full vision of what they are paying for as opposed to just price.
And even though I’m a DJ, I REFUSE to have music playing on my site!
All the best,
Lou
Totally see your point, Leo. And in many cases having pricing is not a good idea. Thank you, from everyone, for resisting the urge to have music on your site
Being a new blogger, I don’t even know if I CAN give an email option in addition to the RSS feed! I use Wordpress for the platform; I guess now I have to go take another look around the settings and tools. So much to learn!
Hi Linda,
You absolutely can include an email delivery option for your readers – and in my opinion, it’s infinitely more important than providing an RSS feed option (so many people don’t even have any idea what that is)! It’s not hard to do and should actually be an option on many templates.
Thanks for coming by – and hang in there. It gets easier!
You definitely hit all the things that drive me from sites. Music is my biggest pet peeve. And if they have it, I don’t care how cool it is, I don’t stay on to see it.
Mine, too, Regina!!!!!
Thanks for the detailed instructions but I have a couple of questions remaining.
I have read, and agree to all but one of the above, the one about music. I do have a video that plays when you open my index, but it’s short and appealing. Thank you though, I did not realize some of these and have taken them into consideration.
I agree with all your points. I almost left this site when I entered because a modal dialog to join MarketingProfs came up in front of the site. These are as annoying as old fashioned pop-ups.
Music and video that play on load and flash based splash pages are at the top of my annoyance list. I find the current parallax trend cool, but I’m sure it will get used by advertisers and join the annoying features list soon.
On the mobile front my pet peeve is sites that assume my iPad is a mobile device and give me a dumbed down mobile site instead of the full web site. I prefer responsive sites to mobile sites as I’m sometimes using a small window on my desktop and I really want to see all the content.
One other thing is captcha codes. The one here isn’t too bad, but some are next to impossible for anything other than a captha busting robot to read.
You made me smile this morning, Peter. And I, too, hate Captcha codes – especially ones that are tricky. I much prefer something like “what’s 1-1″ or something that quickly shows you’re human. And to your next point, the ads buried in content – annoy me tremendously, too. And today, I think that’s a pretty dangerous thing to do, with latest Google algorithms and their desire for contextually relevant content and links. People who are dumb enough to keep including those spammy links will ultimately get what they deserve.
Thanks for coming by – and Good Morning to you!
One item I forgot to mention in my previous post. Ads buried in the content (Smashing Magazine are you listening) especially if it’s an ad for Wix, which never identifies what it is. I just click these and then exit to cost the site owner a few cents for their inconsiderate design.
Great article.
I didn’t read all the above comments so this may have been mentioned…
Upon arrival at this site I was immediately prompted with “sign up for our info” or something like that…
I had just got here… This website wants marriage and we haven’t even kisses yet.
I hate the instant survey or sign up popup
Hi Glen,
Actually, I think that’s new. And I hate popups, too. However, the reality is that they are amazingly effective at conversions — getting people to do something. And so marketers (and websites) have to balance the general hatred of them against their effectiveness. I feel your pain. I also know how smart it is to use popups. Thanks for coming by … in spite of it all:)))
You have a registration popup on this site. Follow your own rules, please.