Number 8:
It looks like your nephew created it. It's become a cliche---somebody's nephew making your Web site. What that means is that your Web site looks and operates like an amateur put it together. C'mon: would you let your nephew design and build your retail store or restaurant or spa or office if he's not already an architect/designer/builder? Would you actually let your nephew (or your sister or yourself) create the impression your Web site makes on all those people who check you out online before they contact you? Unless you're a professional Web designer and programmer, don't waste your time and money trying to create this yourself.

Number 7:
Your homepage has 27 choices to click on and, as a visitor to your site, I suddenly feel overwhelmed. Which door do I walk through first? The “door” is probably right there on the page but there are so many that I can't see it. I only want to get the information I need and move on to other things in my life. If this were a store, instead of a Web site, would you layout the eggs and milk and cheese in separate aisles or would you place them all in the same aisle? When you have a group of three related pages, see if you can cut down the text and combine them into one page with three subheadings. Make it easy for your Web site visitor to do what you want them to do and that is usually to buy something and/or contact you.

Number 6:
The graphics look like clip art. One of the ingredients that make up a great Web site is fabulous design: just the right color combination that works well on your senses; just the right layout that's complimentary to the page elements and text; and, of course, great graphics that could either be made from cool typography or professionally shot photos or even motion graphics. Dress to impress.

Number 5:
Your Web site is talking about you like you're dead. “Mr. Head-of-the-company has been providing such and such service for nine years.” The “third-person” grammar is fine for a eulogy but when you've only got three seconds to grab the attention of your Web audience, you've got to know how to talk to them and how to get them to do what you want them to do. Web-oriented copy, speaking informally, like you'd talk to a friend is the best “voice” to have people read. As a potential customer, I want to feel like you, the owner, are personally having a conversation with me.

Number 4:
Your Web site operates like a game of “Clue.” There's no clear path to the information I want. Instead, I'm given cryptic links to try. Remember that your Web site visitors (your potential customers) don't have a whole lot of time on their hands these days. We want to feel like you know exactly why we each came here to your Web site. Nobody wants to jump through a bunch of hoops to get to your value proposition.

Number 3:
Your website serves no purpose in the eyes of the visitor. Always ask yourself why would it be beneficially for an visitor to visit your website. Often times website design and the website content are created from the business or organizations point of view. This is the wrong approach. Always ask yourself what would be beneficially for the potential client to view. If you were a potential client, what would help you make a decision?

Number 2:
Copycat marketing is in place. Why would you spend money making your website look and feel just like your competitors website? We at Chavster believe rather than spending money showing everyone why you are the same, lets create a website that separates you from the pack and makes you different.

Number 1:
Ads that say powered by Godaddy.com yahoo.com Yellowpages.com or even worse, this website is hosted FREE at ________. What you have done is make your website a billboard for another company. It gives the impression that you really don’t care about your website and if you don’t care, why should a visitor? This rule also applies to myspace pages.