There is a reason websites in different market segments are designed the way they are, and that is because that particular format has proven to be successful over time. In other words, you do not want to have a very flashy site with wild graphics and colors if your potential visitors are conservative in nature.
The opposite is also true, if you are in a field that likes the extreme; then your website should reflect that. The best way to avoid this pitfall is to look at a few of the most popular sites in your segment and figure out how you can take that concept and make it better.
Mishaps # 2 - Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS)
I am sure you have heard the above statement and nothing could be truer when it comes to websites. Your visitors are looking for either instant gratification or answers to there questions. The last thing they want to do is to figure out how to navigate your site.
A visitor to a website today must be able to immediately find what they are looking for or they will not be there too long. There are too many other alternatives where they will be able to get what they require without having to figure out how a website works.
Remember, the vast majority of the people using your site will not be computer savvy. If you feel it is absolutely essential that your site has complicated search features, be sure to also include an easy to understand menu that anybody can use with a click of the mouse.
Mishaps # 3 - Capture Email Addresses
If somebody took the time to visit your site at the very least they must be remotely interested in the product or service you are promoting. I find it is always a good idea to offer something for FREE, such as an E-Book explaining why they should be using your product or service in exchange for there name and email address.
This will provide you the opportunity to develop a list that you can use once or twice a week to send them an email updating them on the latest developments in your field. As time passes and with any luck they will start to look at you as an expert that can be trusted. In the future when they have a need for what you are offering, hopefully you will receive very strong consideration when the buying process begins.
The vast majority, if not all of the big-time internet marketers state there success only came after they came to realize the power of the