8 Website Compliments You'd Rather Not Hear

Posted by Sarah Mitchell on 30 December 2009 | 4 Comments

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Have you ever looked at a business website and had “What were they thinking?” run through your mind? I look at a lot of websites. Thanks to my informal partnership with Ryan Briggs, I’ve also been writing a lot of web copy. The more I learn about website development, the more I’m surprised at some of the commercial websites out there.

To leave 2009 on a light note, I’ve compiled a list of compliments you never want to hear about your own website.

1) You did a great job cramming so much jargon onto your website. You must be really smart. Or maybe I’m just dumb.

2) I love the way you used Flash images on your homepage. It reminds me of a strobe. Add a little music and we could dance.

3) What a great idea to use a small font. Yeah it's harder to read but it gives you room for more jargon.

4) I really like the homely feel to your website. Did you do it yourself or did you get your teenaged nephew to do it?

5) Spelling errors are totally cool.

6) Is that your real dog?

7) It’s clever not to put any contact details on your website. You never know who might be trying to get in touch with you.

8) Wow, that picture on your profile page is something else. Are you in porn?

You get my point, right? Keep it smart and professional. Try to imagine how your website looks to a total stranger. We’re all trying to attract unique user traffic but your website could be letting you down.

What have you seen out there that made you scratch your head in wonder? Can you add another compliment to my list?

Happy New Year and best wishes for a busy 2010.


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  • Hi Paul,

    For a guy on holiday, you sure seem to be getting a lot done.

    It's easy to get preachy when writing about problems. It was a fun exercise for me to turn it around.

    And, yes, it's been an excellent year for meeting quality people and you're one of them. Best wishes for 2010.

    Posted by Sarah Mitchell, 30/12/2009 5:55pm (8 months ago)

  • The best jokes are laced with truth and so is this. Thanks for the laugh, Sarah. Jolly nice to meet you this year. Catch you on the flip side! Best regards, P. :)

    Posted by Paul Hassing, 30/12/2009 5:34pm (8 months ago)

  • Hi Hans,

    I guess I wasn't in the mood for a serious post this week. Everything has been said before - many times and in many places. I thought I'd put a different spin on it.

    I'm glad you liked it. It's great to hear from you.

    Posted by Sarah Mitchell, 30/12/2009 1:47pm (8 months ago)

  • Too true - very funny - Txs Sarah!

    Posted by Hans Brouwer, 30/12/2009 7:23am (8 months ago)

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