In a previous post I wrote about how supposed web designers and developers were failing to provide their clients with quality work because they themselves don’t care and think their clients won’t care either about the tools they use. On the flip side of that are clients who think they know and can do everything we do. Unfortunately this leads to clients often wishing for full control over their websites, aspiring to manage every detail themselves.
While this desire for control is understandable, giving complete backend access can open a Pandora’s box of complications. Websites are not just digital brochures but complex ecosystems where design, functionality, and security intertwine. Uninformed changes can have wide-reaching consequences, affecting everything from user experience to security posture.
The Illusion of Simplicity
At first glance, websites may seem straightforward to clients—a mere collection of pages, images, and text. Yet, the reality is far from simple. The delicate balance between design, functionality, and security means that changes in one area can ripple through others, leading to unintended outcomes like broken designs, malfunctioning features, and vulnerabilities.
The Pitfalls of Full Access
Lack of Technical Expertise
Clients are often experts in their domain but not in the nuances of web design or development. This gap in knowledge can lead to decisions that compromise website performance or security, such as improperly updating plugins or making uninformed changes to the site’s core functionality.
Security Concerns
In an age of increasing cyber threats, maintaining a secure website is paramount. Clients might not be familiar with best practices for website security, leading to vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Couple this with the fact that if their site does get hacked or has similar issues, they won’t have a clue how to resolve or fix it.
Design and Usability Issues
The field of web design is specialized for a reason. Professionals understand the principles behind effective design and usability, including the strategic use of color palettes and layout. When clients make changes without this understanding, they risk undermining the site’s aesthetic and functional coherence.
SEO Implications
SEO adds another layer of complexity to website management. Unaware of SEO best practices, clients might make changes that negatively impact their site’s visibility and search engine ranking, leading to reduced traffic and conversions.
Content Confusion
SEO strategies rely on a careful balance of content. Clients may inadvertently remove these, diluting their site’s ability to attract organic search traffic.
Structural Missteps
SEO is not just about content but also about site structure. Unplanned changes can disrupt how search engines index and rank pages, potentially leading to lower visibility.
The Speed Factor
Website speed is crucial for both user experience and SEO. Clients may unknowingly slow down their site by adding unoptimized content or unnecessary plugins, negatively affecting their rankings.
Broken Links and URLS
Proper linking is a cornerstone of SEO. Mismanaged links can harm a site’s credibility and ranking, diminishing its visibility online. Sadly, far to many randomly change things only to find a sudden drop in page ranking because of what they’ve done.
The Proof in the Data
- 57% of internet users say they won’t recommend a business or organization with a poorly designed website on mobile.
- 38% of people will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive.
- 88% of internet users are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience.
- 77% of internet users spend more time viewing the homepage or landing page of a site more than any other page.
- 68% of site owners rely on advice from individuals such as family, friends, or acquaintances have no, or little experience in web design/development.
- 74% of site owners believe they understand web design/development because they have a site and can log in.
So what does this all mean? That the layout, responsive design, “first contact” pages (homepage, landing page, etc), and content all are significant factors in whether a user will return or recommend your site and possibly business or organization.
It also means that businesses and organizations are more often than not relying on advice from inexperienced individuals, whether it’s a friend or associate, or themselves simply because they have a website. It also shows how naive most folks are on the inner workings of a site.
Finding Balance
Selective Access
Providing clients with limited access allows them to update content without the risk of inadvertently impacting the site’s structure or functionality. Content management systems often offer roles and permissions that can be customized to this end.
Ongoing Support
Offering ongoing support ensures that professionals regularly check the website for issues, perform updates, and make necessary adjustments. This safety net helps maintain the site’s integrity and performance.
I offer my clients ongoing website care that helps protect their investment through daily site backups, software updates, Malware protection and removal, and more.
Conclusion: Navigating the Digital Landscape Together
Empowering clients while safeguarding the success of their online presence requires a delicate balance. By educating clients, providing selective access, and offering ongoing support, we can avoid the pitfalls of full access. This collaborative approach ensures websites not only serve their purpose but also thrive in the competitive digital arena, accurately reflecting the brand and optimizing for success.
In the end, the client should always seek advice from a professional designer/developer BEFORE deciding on and making major changes, not after, to help determine the best solution to meet their needs.
