Examples of Bad Websites

Hiram\\\\\\'s Tire & Service Center:  well, that's what the page title says!  And other than a cheery (and unnecessary) "Welcome To Our Web Site" message, there's not much else going on here.  By the way - there is NO NEED to welcome users to your website.  Your design should do that.  If you think you're being cute and original, think again. If you Google "welcome to our website", there are 724 million websites that say the same thing.

Please, people -  if you're paying for a website, at minimum you have hosting charges even if you built the website yourself.  So why not finish it??  None of the other pages (About Us, FAQs, Products & Services, Specials) has any content whatsoever.  Why have the site out there if the content isn't ready?

We actually waited to post this user-submitted website, to see if the promised content was going to be forthcoming.  Alas, we are still seeing pages 'under construction'.  BIG no-no. 

When 'pixel playhouse' was submitted to us, the domain extension was not included.  The submitter asked if the site was a joke.  Therefore, we've checked out both .com and .net, and they're both boogersites!  Double trouble!

On the .com version pictured here, we can't figure out what the domain name has to do with a page that is promoting cheap web hosting.  And when we say 'promoting', it is a loose definition of the word.  All this site really does is show you many competing options.  Why, if you are truly in the hosting business, would you have Google ads all over your site that compete with what you're trying to sell?

Doesn't make any sense.   Read on below for the other 'pixel playhouse'.

'pixel playhouse' continued:

For the .net version pictured here - and yes it IS hard to read, your eyes are fine - we can't seem to navigate through the site, whether you choose the ENHANCED version that uses Flash or the LOW BANDWIDTH version - as if those with higher bandwidth automatically prefer Flash.  Yeah right.  Good luck using this site on your smartphone!  And by the way - an animated 'intro', popups and audio are a surefire way to alienate users.  If you are patient, maybe by now you've reached the actual website.  Sure, you can hover over SERVICES, and some choices appear (one of them, unbelievably, is 'web site' design) but you cannot click on any of the services for further information.  In fact, if you move your cursor away from hovering, you lose the entire menu of services.  The same is true for LOCATIONS.   We're already frustrated and bored, so buh-bye.

This boogersite was not exactly 'submitted' to us, at least not in the usual way.  It came to us via email, with the incredible suggestion that boogersite.com was relevant to one of the emailer's business partner's websites, and that we should consider cross-linking.  Oh, we'll link to you, friend, but not in the way you were hoping.

What do we always preach?  Have a clear brand image, easy-to-use navigation, and make it easy for site visitors to understand what you do right away.  Fail, fail, and fail. Quick - where is the navigation?  Hint:  look up.  There it is, up in the ivy-covered rafters.  Another problem - the paid Google ads on this site are pitching the same thing you're trying to give away here.

Whatever you do, don't miss the article on "Cross Stitch and Men - Crossing the Gender Barrier"

At first glance, this website simply seems boring and cluttered.  But hey - they might sell some cool stuff, so we'll take a look around.  How about a hidden camera?  Okay, found it in the small print left-side nav.  Now, what kind? Let's try the first option.  Dang - there are 52 pages of hidden cameras, all in hard-to-read bright blue and white text on a black background with very low quality photos.
How do you buy one?  By clicking on a faraway link back up at the top or bottom of the very long page.   No 'click to buy' here...you must write down the stock number, description and price so you can fill in an order form manually.  Too much work!

Conclusion:  Once someone finds your website, make it easy for them to buy your products!  Also, The Spy Store has done a good job of hiding any design appeal it may have had.