Web design trends evolve rapidly, and for good reason: consumer preferences are constantly changing, as are the capabilities of the Web itself. Faster internet connections have paved the way for more engaging and better websites. Yet, many businesses are still clinging to web design elements that were popular a decade (or even longer) ago.
Here are five of these outdated web design elements that it’s time to retire for good:
1. Flash Animations
Adobe Flash is now obsolete. Any major internet browsers no longer support it and is also incompatible with mobile devices. However, beyond its sheer obsolescence, it can also pose security risks. If your site is still running Flash videos or animation, it’s time to upgrade to the latest HTML. Clinging to Flash will only make your content inaccessible to a large percentage of prospective visitors.
2. Auto-Playing Media
Nothing frustrates users faster than landing on a website and being hit with auto-playing music or videos. The video itself is not the problem — video content is more valuable than ever. Instead, users don’t want videos to start on their own, and they certainly don’t want to be startled by blaring audio clips.
Give users control over their experience by offering play/pause buttons and implementing clear indicators for interactive media. If you are going to set a video to autoplay, make sure its sound is muted at the very least.
3. Overuse of Sliders and Carousels
Image carousels are a popular feature in certain formats, such as social media. However, it’s probably not the best option for your website. After all, many users won’t make it past the first slide anyway.
Sliders can slow down page load times, too, which can hurt your search result rankings and diminish the user experience. Consider replacing things like sliders and carousels with a strong hero section and focused call-to-action.
4. Text-Heavy Pages Without Visual Breaks
Walls of text may work in printed reports, but online readers are typically skimming. If your site features long paragraphs with little white space and few headings, it’s time for a content refresh.
You don’t just want to toss out your entire content library, though; in many cases, adding some subheaders and integrating engaging images can make your content easier to scan through. Make sure to use smooth transitions and a logical header structure so that users can quickly find the content relevant to their needs.
5. Non-Responsive Layouts
Having a mobile-friendly site is no longer optional; it is essential. If your site isn’t responsive on a smartphone (meaning it doesn’t automatically adjust to different screen sizes), you are hurting your search engine rankings. A website overhaul will deliver a fun and engaging user experience, regardless of the device used to access your content.
Level Up Your Website With Net Profit Marketing
If your website still contains one or more of these outdated elements, turn to Net Profit Marketing. We can overhaul your existing site or even help build a brand-new online presence for your brand. Our team also offers SEO and paid advertising solutions to get you noticed and drive traffic to your site. To learn more, book a call with one of our marketing experts today!