1. 10
Lethal Reasons
Most Websites
Fail.

2. Remember the
internet back then?

3. There used to be this.

4. And this.

5. And this gem.

6. Thankfully, websites
have come a long way.

7. Thankfully, websites
have come a long way.
(Well, sort of.)

8. The truth is, most
websites still make
people cry.

9. 72% of websites receive a
failing grade of 59 or lower.
-MarketingGrader

10. Here’s why most sites
end up in Sucksville.

11. (And how to make
sure yours doesn’t
suck, too.)

12. 1
Being one-size-fits-all.

13. 1
Being one-size-fits-all.
Click to tweet this slide

14. Few websites tailor the experience to a
visitor’s digital body language. Noncontextual marketing is death by 1,000
clicks. Even the big guys are at fault …

16. The best websites are
personalized.
Whether it’s their name, industry, or even
where they are in the buying cycle, show
visitors that you know them. Like this …

18. LEARN MORE:
How To Use Dynamic
Content For Better
Conversions
Download at:
http://bit.ly/dynamic-ebook

19. 2
Ignoring mobile.

20. By 2014, more people will access the web via
mobile than PC. Still, 46% of mobile users have
difficulty interacting with websites. No surprise
when content and links are this small …

22. The best websites are
optimized for any device.
62% of companies that designed a website
specifically for mobile increased sales. Go
mobile, like these guys …

24. HOW DOES YOUR
WEBSITE SCORE ON
MOBILE?
To find out, go to:
http://marketing.grader.com

25. 3
Bad use of animation.

26. Too often, websites misuse animation, by
cramming in more information or because it
looks cool. Which is just stupid …

28. The best websites use animation
as a way to improve the
experience, not distract from it.
Don’t use animation unless it really helps. And
keep it simple, like this pleasant little doodle …

30. 4
Trying to do too much.

31. A cluttered website is a bad website. Many
over-do it, like this one …

32. BAD
1
http://www.bmj.com/

33. The best websites are
oftentimes the simplest.
Clearly describe what you do and what
visitors should do next. That’s it. Like this …

35. LEARN MORE:
53 Examples of Brilliant
Homepage Design
Download at:
http://bit.ly/53-homepages

36. 5
Using gobbledygook
like it’s a pick up line.

37. Your “cutting-edge, next generation, mission
critical, and world-class platform of the future”
will only make eyes roll. Avoid doing this …

38. BAD
1
?

39. The best websites speak like a
human, not a corporation.
No jargon. No clichés. Do this instead …

40. GOOD
1
http://www.jib.ca/

41. 6
Being more catchy than
clear.

42. Too many websites sacrifice clarity to the altar
of cleverness. Like this genius headline …

43. BAD
1
http://www.goldmansachs.com/

44. The best websites answer “what
can you do for me?”
Being too clever leads to confusion. Being clear
leads to credibility, conversation, and
conversion. Be transparent, like this …

46. 7
Being me-centric.

47. If all you do is talk about yourself, your site
turns into brochure-wear. No one cares about
how many awards you’ve won or how
awesome you are …

49. The best websites publish
valuable content often.
Be a thought leader through blogging, videos,
whitepapers, and other resources that are
educational or entertaining. These guys get it
…

51. LEARN MORE:
The 30 Greatest Lead
Generation Tips,
Tricks & Ideas
Download at:
http://bit.ly/30-greatest

52. 8
No clear call-to-action.

53. The goal of a web page is simple: to get
visitors to take the next logical step. If you
give too many options, visitors will only hit
the back-button. Like this….

55. The best websites don’t make
visitors think.
Whether they take the form of text links, images,
or buttons, calls-to-action are what motivate and
direct your visitors to keep moving forward.

57. FREE TEMPLATE:
27 Customizable
Calls-to-Action
Download at:
http://bit.ly/27-cta

58. 9
Annoying visitors.

59. Interruptive website elements, such as ads,
pop-ups, unexpected media, or deceptive
links, are like telemarketers during dinner.
They interfere with what people want to
consume.

60. Pop-up ad
Ad
Ad

61. The best websites don’t interrupt
the experience.
If you want to improve website engagement,
don’t interrupt it. If you must use advertising,
consider native where it is more relevant and
less obtrusive.

63. 10
Everything.

64. The best websites don’t look like this.
Don’t do anything that resembles these websites.
Ever.

69. Don’t get stuck
with a website
that sucks.

70. HUBSPOT.COM/COS

71. Thanks.