5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Research Department Website

Designing and maintaining a research department website can be a challenging task. In this article, we will discuss five common mistakes you should avoid when creating or maintaining your website.

Neglecting Mobile Responsiveness

The majority (60%) of website views are from mobile devices. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that your website is mobile-responsive. A mobile-responsive website adapts to the user’s screen size, providing a seamless browsing experience. Neglecting to create a mobile-responsive website may result in poor user experience, lower visitor engagement and even penalties to your search ranking in Google.

Failing to Provide Clear Navigation

Good navigation is crucial so visitors can find the information they are looking for. Failing to provide clear navigation can result in a confusing browsing experience, leading to lower visitor engagement and, ultimately, missed opportunities for your department. Make sure information in your website is well-structured and your navigation menu is clear and easy to understand. Additionally, put helpful links throughout your content so users have multiple ways to access the most important content.

Overloading the Homepage

The homepage of your research department’s website is the first point of contact for visitors. It needs to be a visually appealing design that reflects the department’s priorities. Overloading it with information can be overwhelming for visitors and make it difficult for them to find the information they are looking for. Instead, create “call-to-actions” that highlight the most critical information. Give users a brief sample and a quick way to click through to learn more.

Neglecting Accessibility

Accessibility is an essential aspect of website design that is often overlooked. A website that is not accessible can create barriers for people with disabilities, such as those with visual or auditory impairments, making it difficult or impossible for them to access your department’s information. Neglecting accessibility not only excludes a portion of your potential audience, but it can also lead to legal repercussions. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your department’s website follows web accessibility guidelines, such as providing alternative text for images, including closed captions for videos, and using clear and easy-to-read fonts and colors. By prioritizing accessibility, your department can provide equal access to all visitors, including those with disabilities.

Not Updating Content Regularly

Outdated content on your department’s website gives a poor impression to visitors. It sends a message that the department is not active or up-to-date. Therefore, it is essential to update content regularly and keep the website current. Additionally, regularly updating content can help improve search engine optimization, leading to higher traffic and better engagement.

In conclusion, designing and maintaining a research department website can be a challenging task, but avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure your website provides visitors with a positive browsing experience and accurately reflects your department’s work. If you’re looking for professional help in creating or maintaining your research department website, Pendari can help. Our team of experts is experienced in building and maintaining WordPress websites for research departments and can help your department stand out in the digital world.