Home : Blogs : Drew Barton : Drew Barton's Blog

Usability no-nos: 5 mistakes every Web site should avoid

From Microsoft's Office.Live.com:

Why do you have a Web site? In running a small business, your site might serve many functions. In the end, however, the fundamental function is to grow your business. That simple truth often slips through the cracks when a Web site is created. Site designers can sometimes lose sight of your goals and instead try to create a work of art that does not serve your business well. "They forget to ask for the sale," says Drew Barton, founder of the Atlanta-based Southern Web Group. "If the site doesn't call the user to some sort of action, whether it be phoning, faxing, e-mailing, or forming an order or at least a question, the user won't be drawn to jump through the hoop."

To read more, click here.

Posted by Drew Barton on 08/19/2007 08:43 AM

Comments (10)

usability, web, web design, real estate, microsoft, office, live, sales, website design

10 Comments on Usability no-nos: 5 mistakes every Web site should avoid

Good first post Drew! Welcome to Active Rain!!

08/19/2007 08:50 AM

by Real Estate Specialist | Brandon, FL | Susie Roscoe (Signature Realty Associates)

excellent point and I too have spent a lot of time just trying to make it look good. When what you want is for the reader to take action!

08/19/2007 08:51 AM

by Charles McDonald / Your Trusted Broker for Charlottesville Real Estate (RE/MAX Assured Properties)

Nice post drew. The interesting thing I see on many real estate websites is that there is almost no call to action.

08/19/2007 08:52 AM

by New Jersey Real Estate James Boyer Morris, Essex & Union County NJ Realtor (RE/MAX Properties Unlimited, Real Estate)

good post

08/19/2007 08:56 AM

by Ginger Magoon, College Station, Texas Real Estate (RE/MAX Bryan College Station Texas)

Simple blog with a great reminder of what the consumers want. I absolutely agree.

08/19/2007 08:58 AM

by Deb Johnson~Farmington Hills real estate RE/MAX Farmington Hills, MI (RE/MAX New Trend)

As a systems developer and a compulsive multi-tasker, I think a website should serve almost as like a remote, automated assistant. Imagine what an assistant might do if they were speaking with a potential client before speaking with you. That assistant's actions should be integrated into your website. At least, that's how I would do it!

08/19/2007 08:59 AM

by Tiffany Wilson - THE Costa Rica Real Estate Expert (Compass Properties - THE Costa Rica Real Estate Expert)

Drew, Welcome to Active Rain! this is a good start.. just keep them coming :) see you around..

08/19/2007 09:11 AM

by Nick M -Realtor®-Appraiser in West Palm- South Florida Real Estate Appraiser (Certified Residential Appraiser- West Palm Beach Real Estate)

Drew, I took a look at the article. Very helpful. And welcome to ActiveRain.

08/19/2007 09:21 AM

by Leon Austin, Colorado Notary Signing Agent (Austin Mobile Notary Services)

Welcome to AR! I agree with nick, excellent start!

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

08/19/2007 09:22 AM

by ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

Welcome to AR Drew. You've made a good start with your first post. keep it up

08/19/2007 09:35 AM

by Larry Wright (nwRealty.Com)

Leave a response…

Name:

Notify me of new comments:

Comment:

What does the graphic say?