There are many, many overdone websites out there on the Internet. It seems to be a common mistake that web designers make. To some degree, it’s understandable. There are so many gadgets and toys and tricks that are always popping up out there, and it’s probably easy to get carried away. Maybe you think your site needs just a bit more, a touch more flash here, a little extra glitz there, some more excitement here. And before you know it, your website is cluttered with background music and dancing doctors hopping across the screen, animated logos and a multitude of other moving things that always seem to require some plug-in or another that your visitors probably don’t have.

Excessive graphics, background images, frames, bevels and other graphic tricks are all commonly overused. Not only can they add a cluttered, possibly schizophrenic touch to your site, they’re sure to make your site more difficult to navigate, slower to load, and more annoying overall to your visitors. Moderation is the key. These components should be used like seasonings, meaning that they should be used sparingly. When used just right, they’ll be far more effective than when they’re overused.