#mindunit

We’ve been building websites for a long time – since 2001 so we've seen common mistakes that people can make - whether that's accessibility, images or content.

Here are some quick fixes and ideas for correcting website issues:

  1. Not filling in the extra info for images

This is extra information that doesn’t show up on the front end of the website and is useful for accessibility. You describe the image content and purpose. So for the example below you could include ‘Google maps image of venue’. Try and keep these short also, less than 150 characters 

  2. Using 'Click Here' for links

Another bad practice for accessibility that we’ve seen is 'Click Here' for links. For those using screen readers, this isn’t descriptive and doesn’t tell people what the link does. The anchor text needs to make sense out of context. 

'To book click here' becomes 'Book now' (both words become the link)

'Click here for information on London buses ' becomes 'For information regarding London buses, visit the Transport for London website'.

'To join our mailing list and keep updated with future events please click here' becomes 'Join our mailing list and keep updated with our events'.

If you absolutely have to use 'click here', you should include some extra text that will provide some more information about what the information. 

  3. No Call to Action

Websites are all about the user and what you can provide for them. It might sound basic, but without a button that says 'BOOK NOW' people are going to turn away and you'll lose them. Keep things nice and simple - in EasyCMS make sure that your 'Book Now Link' is filled in appropriately. If you're not sure how to do it or think you want to add a call to action then get in touch.

  4. Not utilising meta data

In EasyCMS there is an option to fill in Meta data and keywords if you go to the appropriate tab. Remember that there are different fields that you can fill in. Just what you need to help in searches:

HTML Title – The text you input here will override the page title in search results, and will display in a browser’s window. Your page title will remain as the title throughout the website.

Include keywords related to the page, but do not over populate the field or misrepresent the content.  Meta Description is a brief synopsis of the page content and is vital in improving the searchability of your website. As a guide try to keep Meta Descriptions to roughly 155 characters as search engine results do not display more than 160 characters. Meta Keywords are a list of terms relevant or relating to your on-page copy and subject matter. Aim to use 10 or 15 terms that most accurately describe the content on the page. A comma and not a space must only separate the words or phrases used here, a space is for phrases.

For example: theatre,culture,news story

  5. Content not suitable for online

You should use about 50% less content online as your print. This means you can’t just copy and paste from your leaflets. The most important information comes first; if you do need a lot of text use sub-headings or lists to break these up. 

6. Design for people

Our UX designer Maurizio has a great eye for design but also in how people use websites – don’t you expect a basket in the top right corner? That is how a website lets you know that you can buy online. When on a website do you expect Twitter and Facebook to be at the top of every page? There is room to be innovative but also you need to design for people in mind.

7. Images

Images are eye-catching and interesting but not when they look grainy or have the essential parts cropped out. When using EasyCMS take note of the image sizes that work best for your site and ensure if there is a crop tool you use it well.

8. Mobile

Our clients have seen a massive increase in mobile traffic – when people are on their way to a theatre they want certain information like what’s on, how can they find you and book tickets. Is your site ready for this kind of traffic? People are frustrated and

In general, you want people to find what they are looking for in as little clicks as possible; To land on your homepage and know within seconds what it is that you do and the next step to take – does your website achieve this?

We have some very exciting news!

You might have noticed that we’ve been looking a little different lately – maybe a bit more trim? Well that is all down to our new website.

Sometimes we get so caught up in making sure the websites we build for you look great and are up to date that we don’t have time to step back and update our own. But we've made some time and want to share with you our new image.

Have a look:

We wanted to have something more modern to bring us into 2013, responsive to keep up with all you lot on your phones and tablets, simple to get you the information that you need faster and with parallax scrolling… because it’s kinda cool.

Our designer and UX expert Maurizio has this to say:

"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. That was our goal, a journey towards simplicity using new technologies. We did it and, we now have a very flexible website, capable to grow in the right direction."

We really hope you like our new look as much as we do but don’t be scared that we’ve changed. We’re still here for you to call us or send us an email.