Allowing the site to be designed by a person who does not know what they're doing...
There is no diplomatic way to put this. There are people out there who claim to be web designers who do not understand the full scope of what internet marketing is or what good design is. Just because someone has a stethoscope does not mean they are a Doctor. In the same respect, just because
someone has a copy of Front Page, Dreamweaver or some other editor, does not make them a Web Designer.
In many cases, your web site will be the first experience someone has with your business or organization. First impressions matter. Today's internet not only demands an understanding of technology, but also of business, art, marketing and human psychology to create effective experiences.
Expecting the web designer to teach you web design...
Lets face it, this is business. If your web designer teaches you web design, you become the competition. You wouldn't give away your trade secrets to your clients so please don't expect your designer to give away theirs.
Hosting your site with Angelfire/ Tripod/ Geocities/ other free service...
Free services like this are fine for posting pictures of your trip to Mundane Falls or posting your favorite jokes. But if you want your business or organization to have credibility, avoid these services. Nothing annoys your customers more than a bunch of pop ups and flashing banners trying to sell them trips to Mundane Falls, Free Screen savers or magical pills that will melt away the pounds.
Real hosting companies provide you with a host of extras and necessities that will allow your site to function at peak performance. You will get your own domain name and email address "Branded" to your business image. In most cases, if you shop around or have your designer shop around, you will find great, feature rich hosting options at low prices of 5-10 dollars a month.
Expecting a $5,000 site for $300...
In many cases most qualified designers have years of experience in a variety of areas ranging from Graphic Design to Technology to Business and Advertising. These are skills that can not be taught in a short period of time. The skills good designers have are rare and specialized and have value associated with them. If everyone could build great web sites, then everyone would be doing it.
They say you get what you pay for. I don't want to put too much emphasis on that statement because in this business, you may pay too much to someone who simply, has copies of the the programs to make web sites without the skills and knowledge to build web sites that work for you not against you.
If you want to drive home in a brand new Jaguar, don't bring a cashier's check for a used Pinto.
Not keeping your web site up to date...
Many people assume they will be able to maintain their sites themselves once the designers have created them. They under estimate the time and effort necessary to stay on top of things and keep the site current. If you are going to buy a web site that has news, event listings or any other timely content, be sure to change it often. If you can not find the time in your already busy schedule to keep up your site, ask your designer about any maintenance contracts they may have available to keep your site current or... remove any time sensitive content.
Failure to market your web site...
You can have the world's greatest and coolest web site but if nobody knows it's there, what's the point? Web sites do not automatically mean you will have visitors and sales generated from it. You will need to use your site in conjunction with your other marketing to increase the effectiveness of what you are already doing. Many times I am asked by a client what it takes to get their site to the top of the search engine results. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you can make that happen.
Today's search engines are much more sophisticated than they were a few years ago and they look for a variety of things that can drive your site to the top. Unfortunately these things can change and what works today, may not work next week. While there are many tricks that can be used, you should not rely on search engines to drive people to your site. Find other methods that may be used. Your designer may have suggestions that will work for you business and may be able to help you create a total marketing campaign.
Over-reliance on graphics...
Too much of a good thing, isn't a good thing. Your site should be designed for your users. If your users live in rural areas, they will most likely be using dial up connections and will not be able to download graphic intensive content. Remember that while imagery is important, it is your content that is the reason your users have come to your site. Your graphics should provide a place for your content to reside. graphics should not become the content (unless your product is graphics that is...)
Not making it easy for people to contact you from your site (and not following up when they do)...
I would assume that you will want your customers to take advantage of your products of services. While they may be able to find your web site on the internet, you need to remember to provide them a way to find you back in the real world. Make sure you have provided contact information for them to get with you for more information. Phone numbers, email, addresses etc. Be sure to get back with them when they do inquire, even if you can not help them, at least let them know you care. Customer service, even if you are not going to make the sale can lead to referrals and great word of mouth.
Annoying The Visitor...
Cursor trails, midi files, pop ups, counters, complicated login or signup forms, long loading pages. People really really really hate these. People come to your web site to get information, not be "wowed" by how much technology your web designer knows. Today's users are onto you if you do this... they will go away and not come back.