Accurate and qualitative user data research truly sets the base for UX design. But this cannot be achieved by simply reading and calling for a method that asks the right questions.

UX mistakes often occur due to processes/habits a company dictates. This results in an overall poor user experience and less revenue.

Today, we shall look at 5 UX mistakes that cause visitors to leave your website instead of deciding to surf longer. Let’s get started!

1. Redesigning Only Because Everyone Else Is Doing It

Often, a design team or company revamps its website or changes its look. Even though this is not a bad idea, saying goodbye completely to the old design will not reap many benefits.

Users are already accustomed to your website’s layout and design, and sudden changes mean they can get thrown off. Plus, you need to have a solid reason why the current design is unsuitable.

Redesigning can be a great way to research UX since your website is fully functional. You can make use of on-page surveys and testing tools and obtain user feedback to identify user pain points to see what your current design lacks.

Ask questions like:

• What are visitors expecting to see when they come to your site?
• Do visitor goals and company goals align?
• Are there elements that deter users from achieving their goals?
• Does something need to be added/removed to make surfing easier?
• Does the site have misleading/inaccurate information?
• Is website redesign required, or is design polishing enough?

By asking these questions and using user data, you can understand how the current design holds up. This will also make it clear what you need to touch upon, add or remove during website redesigning. The best part is that you will have reasons to tell stakeholders and clients why a change is required or why it is not.

2. Wireframing Or Creating A Mock Up Too Early

Most UX projects begin as requests made by stakeholders or goals a business wants to achieve. Often, these requirements are present in documents with a uniform font weight and size. There is zero hierarchy.

UX design aids in the segregation of various project parts to identify the best sorting method that is beneficial to the end users.

Long before wireframing is performed, building the architecture of your content is a must. You will have no clue what must be placed on specific website pages if you are unaware of the message or goals you wish to deliver.

Content architecture not only helps define a hierarchy, but it also aids in asking the correct questions and inputting proper research. A few questions you can ask include:

• What first thing must a visitor find out about the company?
• Is there secondary content? Can it be published on a different website page?
• Are illustrations required to explain solutions to the problems the company provides?
• What actions must be encouraged as a priority?
• Is a signup form required? Can this be hidden behind a specific button?

The above questions cover just a few things you can consider. A lot more can be asked to wireframe, and you will most likely go over the process several times. This is because wireframing is not iterative.

The feedback stage is also crucial. This helps you alter things at a lower cost during this stage rather than having to change them again after implementation.

3. Ignoring Forms

Poorly constructed forms can get boring and are the major cause of dissatisfied users. Most people already dislike the idea of forms, so a poor design makes them even more hateable. Forms simply show red error messages each time you type something inaccurately, which is the biggest reason why most people wish they could skip filling out one.

You will need at least one form on your website, so your best bet is to ensure this is as easy to fill as possible. The form should only ask for information that is necessary or relevant. An example of a bad form is one that asks for credit card details when a user is just signing up for a trial. Not only should the form be easy to scan, but it should also assist users by providing defaults to help fill the form quickly.

A good form should be based on the following:

• Ask what is truly required.
• Is used for obtaining appropriate information.
• Built on trust factors.
• Is easy to scan.
• Is logically ordered.
• Provides defaults and form-filling help.
• Complex forms must be divided into different steps.
• Run A/B split tests and usability testing.
• Is aligned with browser standards.

4. Content Fails To Attract The Target Audience

It is a must to know who your product or services are for. This will help you develop content that allows visitors to learn what your website is about. Bold and huge titles are trendy, so it is good to research what is in trend and what type of content visitors are looking for.

Generalization is something visitors often hate. They want to feel acknowledged and want you to appreciate their hobbies or trade. By appreciating this through your site, you can get users to feel more inclined as they will think that you understand them and their challenges.

Better yet, you have the tools they need to solve these issues. A part of this entire process also includes identifying who the target audience is. Demographic consideration and correct language usage also attract the right people to your website.

5. Poor Focus Or Information Overload

Users visiting your site may be stressed, distracted, or tired. This means that they are most likely to leave in a short span unless they find something that attracts them or if your website offers valuable information that a visitor browsed on purpose.

The homepage or landing page should be focused and must engage users quickly. Details must be concise, and the main message should be obvious. Opt out of long sentences and any information that does not add value. You can also add videos as they can deliver information accurately and concisely without wasting too much of the visitor’s time.

Place unnecessary or less important information on secondary pages and always use clear call-to-action. This ensures the visitor knows what to do next if the homepage is able to gain their attention.

Conclusion

By avoiding making the common UX mistakes above, you can bring value to your website and attract more visitors. A good design will also help you turn these into leads and generate double revenue.