Do you know that 53% of people leave a website if it takes more than 5 seconds to load?
Yes, just imagine how many customers your slow site is making you lose every day. And by 2025, slow load times won't be the only thing hurting your business.
2025 is around the corner, and things in digital space are moving very fast, according to the user's expectations. Nearly 80% of internet users expect to be mobile-friendly, fast, and easy-to-navigate websites in 2025. And, if your website is outdated, it could cost your business without even realizing it.
As the bells ring for the new year, and if your website stays the same, you might fall behind. Now is the perfect time to make sure your website is ready and the mistakes from last year will not be repeated. However, with the rapid changes in web development, it is important to distinguish between what to avoid and what to adapt.
A little Memo - Microbits, a website development company in Lebanon stays up to date with the latest trends. With our years of experience, we help our clients to stay updated with the latest updates and trends.
This blog gives detailed insights into the outdated website development trends you should avoid this upcoming year.
Overuse Of Hero Sliders: Why You Should Avoid It
Hero sliders might seem impressive, but they might slow down the website's speed. These large moving banners often take a long time to load, especially on mobile devices. Many visitors leave even before they see content on your slow-loading website. As these sliders move too quickly or do not show any useful information, most visitors ignore them. Some browsers even block sliders, making them useless.
On top of that, sliders can affect the search engine rankings. Search engines like fast-loading websites and sliders do not meet the end.
What is Better?
In place of sliders, use one strong image or video with a clear, simple message. You can even add a clear call to action button to guide and encourage visitors. This approach loads faster, engages users more, and improves your site's performance.
Heavy Animations Can Hurt Website's Overall Performance
Heavy animation diverts the attention of visitors from other important information like your main content or CTA buttons. It might look attractive, but visitors might find it hard to focus and feel annoyed. Big, flashy, and too many animations can also slow down the speed of the website.
When a website is slow and cluttered, visitors have a bad experience. They may not return, and your site's performance can suffer.
What is Better?
Instead of heavy animations, choose simple, lightweight animations like hover effects or smooth transitions. They look good and keep your site fast. Use CSS animations or lightweight tools to improve speed and make your website easy to use.
The Risk of Ignoring Mobile First Design
Smartphones are the most common thing to be noticed these days in every other hand. Hence, the browsing of websites on phones has sped up. If your site isn't easy to use on mobile, visitors will leave quickly, leading to lost opportunities. A poor mobile experience also makes your business look less professional.
The search engine also checks how websites perform on mobile phones to decide their search rankings. If your site isn't mobile-friendly, search results could drop lower. High bounce rates from mobile users leaving quickly can further hurt your site's performance.
What is Better?
Adopt a mobile-first approach. Design for smaller screens first, then expand to larger ones. Make your site responsive so it adjusts smoothly to any device. Ensure buttons and links are easy to tap, creating a better experience for mobile visitors.
Static Website Holding Your Business Back
Static websites can feel outdated! These websites do not change or interact with users, which makes it harder to keep visitors engaged. These days, users want content that feels personalized and dynamic. A static site lacks tools like chatbots or live updates, making it harder to turn visitors into customers. This can lead to missed opportunities to turn visitors into loyal customers.
What is Better?
Upgrade your website with tools like chatbots to answer customers' questions quickly and easily. Update content timely to keep it fresh and interesting and keep customers engaged. You can also use AI-powered recommendations to create a personalized experience. These simple updates can make your website more engaging and effective.
Accessibility Holding Your Website Back
An accessible website is not just an ethical aspect. Many countries have legal rules that require websites to be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. If your website is not accessible, a few users might struggle to use it or not be able to use it at all.
An accessible website also helps you reach more people. When your site is easy for everyone to use, it shows that you care about all your visitors. This can help you connect with a wider audience and grow your business.
What is Better?
Small updates like including alt text for all images, making sure the site works with keyboard navigation, and using tools like screen readers to test usability. These steps are simple but essential to making your site accessible and welcoming to all.
Is Your Website Already Falling Behind?
Websites that don't keep up with new trends will lose visitors and fall behind competitors. An outdated site might be slow, hard to navigate, or not mobile-friendly. This can damage your brand and reduce your chances of success online.
An accessible website also helps you reach more people. When your site is easy for everyone to use, it shows that you care about all your visitors. This can help you connect with a wider audience and grow your business.
Focus on improving your website to stay ahead. Make it fast, mobile-ready, and accessible for all users. Keep up with modern SEO practices so more people can find your business. A good website shows your audience you care about their experience.
Get your website ready for the future. Microbits, a trusted website development company in Lebanon, can help you create a site that meets today's standards.
Reach out to Microbits today and stay competitive in 2025!
