We discussed the #1 reason your website sucks. Here’s the #2 reason.

Your website design is unprofessional and inappropriate for the service you offer.

• You put up an unfinished website.

In the early days of the Internet it was common to see websites that were published before they were finished. But nowadays if you put your website up before you’re ready to do business, how can I do business with you? Furthermore, what does it say about your judgment.

• Your choice of music, colors and flashing graphics are distracting and say “amateur.” Just because all the extras are available doesn’t mean you should use them.

This website , http://www.dokimos.org/ajff/indexpage.html, has a serious message but distracts from it and even dimishes it with their choices. If their purpose is to save my soul, they missed it by a long shot.

MGM Grand , by contrast, uses appropriate music and flash to set the mood to lure their intended target to their hotel. Besides, they are competing against other Las Vegas hotels with entertainment and amenities so their message needs to be glitzy and over the top.

• Your efforts to be clever backfired.

Brill Publications , for example, came up with a clever metaphor, but how many visitors will understand it and go through the steps to find out what the company does and how to use them.

In an effort to avoid having your website suck any longer, see what Chris Flanders has to say on his website, Web Pages That Suck

If you’re ready to make your gift basket website more professional, subscribe to our free e-course, “How to Dramatically Improve Your Gift Basket Website.”