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 1. It's called "browsing" for a reason. Just as you enter a storefront, and a sales associate asks you if you need help with anything, you would probably respond with, "No thanks, I'm just browsing." Sales associates don't require you to hand over your credit card information when you enter the store, do they? There is nothing worse than forcing people to register on a website when they first get there unless it's absolutely necessary. Don't make them enter email addresses and other information unless you've proven to them that the site has value.
2. Most websites make the mistake (and I sound like a broken record), of not stating the purpose of their site/business on the home page. Don't state it in the last paragraph either. If you don't prominently display the purpose of your business in the first paragraph or in large type so people can't possibly miss it, you've lost them to another site.
 3. If your website has a background with a design on it with the web content typed over it, odds are that the person reading it is having a very difficult time. Website content needs to be "clean." That means easily accessible, easy to read and type no less than 12 pt. unless you are in the copyright or footer section. Keep your background color light as possible with NO DESIGN! Designs are great for screen backgrounds and around the type, but don't test people's eyesight with a website that looks like a Rorschach pattern.
4. We all love new technology (at least most of us do!), but as I've said before less is more on the website. Using flash graphics or gigantic JPEGs may look great on the designer's monitor, but could frustrate readers if they have to wait for an image or animation to appear. Form over function is always a recipe for disaster. Don't overdo it with cutting edge technology. Readers really do appreciate an easy to navigate site with simple, but functional graphics.
 5. If your site has comic sans text that is red or pink, I'm sorry to say it looks like it was put together by an 8th grader. If the average visitor sees this site, odds are they'll leave in a second...and with a migraine. Avoid harsh colors, elementary font and by all means - NO FLASHING TEXT!
6. Designing your website by keeping your target audience in mind will ensure it speaks the language of your audience and will go a long wayy to increasing viewing time and conversion to sale.
 7. You want people to buy your new product, so where's that big button to "buy now?" Calls to action tell the web visitor to click on it as a "next process". You can also be more subtle by including it in the text, but however you do it, make sure it's prominent enough for people to see. Remember that one of the purposes of your site is to draw awareness and take action for a product or service that you have to offer.
8. Ads. Don't fall into the trap of putting banner and side ads on your site. This is a huge distraction to most visitors, and they will not read the content of your site. While it's "ok" to have one ad show up, don't turn your website into a Vogue magazine where most of the pages are just ads and no substance. | 
