Wik-a-what?

Sometimes the most obvious ugly sites can be right in front of your face. Sure, ugly is in the eye of the beholder, but how many of you you would agree that Wikipedia is an ugly site? It's functional yes... yet there isn't much to look at.

First off, if you don't frequent any of the website pages that boast the signature white page design with simple black lettering you might have not realized just how plan the layout is. On the other hand, the simplicity is something that may actually appeal to you if you are new to the site.

When you are searching for information and want to get extra details do you appreciate a well designed site that offers both pleasant colors, images, function and information? The idea is to find balance especially if you are one to comment on designs and their appeal.

Now here comes the big question... is it simple or is it too simple? Sounds like a "simple" question, but it really is not. What you expect from a site truly persuades how you view the content and design. If you are looking for a quick answer to your questions without the thrill or fluff of color and well-planned layout, you might have found your favorite site on the planet.

Last, But Not Least

Well, we are now at our last "P" word that will end my mini-series on the letter of the alphabet. Thanks for still following and being patient with my random letter selections. You must have a lot of patient and pages. :)

The final word that we will address is this "p" series is the word photography. Some have an eye for detail when it comes to photography, but almost anyone can spot a bad photo when they see it. The photography helps to tell the story of your website and is just as important as the content. When you are ready to build your site, be prepared to put some focus (and some money) into the photography.

Low resolution images, poorly shot pictures, and bad usage of photos can turn any page into an ugly horrible website. In many cases, a professional photography that specializes in your industry will help you capture some images that can be used in everything from your website to your social media outlets.

Minding your P's can help you hire a better team to create your website and have an impact on your final result. Remember, an ugly website can drive away traffic and leave a poor image of your brand in consumer's eyes. Spend time on the photography and help the integrity of your site!

And, the Second

Pages. Yes, it is that simple. Horrible website design is amplified when the content and images on multiple pages just doesn't make any sense. When you are designing or a client reviewing your new website it's smart to take a step back and see if the flow of the pages communicates your brand's essence.

Pages are important since they help to create the layout and overall vision of your site. If one page is missing or not linked to the other appropriate pages your viewers may not understand what they are reading and why they are reading it. It really is that simple. Starting with a solid plan will help you build a better site.

A page with ugly website design is bad, but 10 pages with ugly website design is just horrible. Before you begin the design faze a solid structure should be determine that includes the flow of your pages. Trust me, this will help you reach a final product that is well, not ugly.

Well, now its time to get ready for the third and final blog on ugly web design and the letter "p". Don't go crazy! It will be over to you in a just a few short minutes!

The Alphabet is Back!

Did you miss it? Oh, you know you did. So, as I continue would you like to guess as to what the next letter will be. Actually, prepare yourself for this. You are about to enter the first of a three-part breakdown on the letter "P".

With so much to say about this amazing letter, you will have to follow us through a few full blogs. It just so happens that the definition of the first word we are reviewing can help you through this process. Have any ideas yet? Well, we are talking about patience. Ahhh... it all makes sense now!

Patience is a trait that can help in a variety of situations from work to home life. In terms of website design, you often have to tap into your patience when it comes to revisions and small issues that arise. Almost every website will face some type of issues that requires you to take a step back. Whether it is content, design, or some thing else you can be prepared.

Patience helps when you are the customer and also when you are the designer. Understanding that this is a process may take some time will help you along the way.

One, Two, Three, Four...

...what do you hate more? And, please don't say my rhyming! It's simple and to the point. :)

Well, I bring this "simple" point up because I want to hear what you think. Yep, I thought it might be best to take a quick break from my small obsession with the alphabet and put the focus back on you. When you stumbled across a website with bad design, what is the on thing that bothers you the most?

Is it the colors? The poor layout? The hard to follow copy? As we continue to explore these ugly websites I want to help you understand why you might be bothered when you land on something that looks out of whack.

Personally, I find poor color chooses one of the hardest things to deal with. Do you remember this one? My eyes hurt and I honestly had no idea what I was looking at. Crazing how flashing colors and random lights can interfere with your brain's ability to process things. Well, have a good afternoon all and don't forget to share what bothers you the most. About website design, that is. Lets stay on topic people. LOL!

The "M" Word

Oh, this is a word we all discuss almost every day. In many cases, without even noticing that is it brought up with chat about the lack of it, an abundance of it, or how we plan to get more. Do you have an idea of where I am going with this? It may not be an "industry term" associated with the world of design, but it impacts the very core of the business every single day.

Alright, only a few more seconds before I tell you... the word I am discussing in this blog is money. That's right, I said it! Money is not printed on a web page or discussed by a consumer when they see your landing page, yet it can dictate the level of work you get and the final result. Are those colors competing with each other and the placement of your text and images seem a little odd? Is the architecture and flow of your website a little off? Sure there may be a variety of other reasons, but in many cases it can also come down to the amount of money you spent.

If you need a few improvements, create a budget and move from there. You should be happy with the results.

The "C" Word

So, you thought I may have forgot about this whole the "letter" word, but NO I did not! I would like to move forward (after I moved back and then forward again) and focus on the "C" word. Any guesses? And, before you say it, no it's not computer.

Since it has been a few days since my last post, so let me recap what we have covered in this letter series so far. Function if key to a website. Once a company understand what function it hopes to accomplish the site can be born. Of course, we also have to take a second to mention design. Without design we wouldn't know what we were looking at. And finally, we talked about balance. A balance in contest and design or a balance in color... regardless of how you look at it you need balance.

And now we are off to the "C" word... what for it... creativity! The more creative energy you can infuse into your website the more likely the end user will enjoy visiting you. Looking for repeat visitors? Well come up with a creative way to keep them coming back. It's all about the interaction, not just the content. Till the next letter!