10 Common Website Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
by Zebulun McNeill, Lead Engineer
A well-designed website can be your business's biggest asset, while a poorly designed one can drive customers away. Avoiding common website mistakes helps improve user experience, boost search rankings, and increase conversions.
Here are 10 website mistakes you should avoid - and how to fix them.
1. Slow Loading Times
The Problem
A slow website is one of the biggest reasons visitors leave without engaging. Research shows that if a site takes longer than three seconds to load, more than half of users will abandon it. This hurts not only customer retention but also search engine rankings, as Google prioritizes fast-loading websites. Common causes of slow load times include oversized images, bloated code, too many plugins, and outdated hosting services.
The Fix
Start by compressing image files using tools like Squoosh. Enable browser caching to store frequently used data locally on users' devices. Minify your CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files to remove unnecessary code. Use a CDN such as jsDelivr to distribute content globally, ensuring faster load times. If these changes aren't enough, consider upgrading your web hosting provider for better performance.
2. Poor Mobile Responsiveness
The Problem
With over half of all internet traffic coming from mobile devices, a website that doesn't work well on phones and tablets is doomed to fail. If visitors need to zoom in, struggle with navigation, or encounter broken layouts, they'll leave and never return. Mobile-unfriendly websites also rank lower on search engines, reducing their online visibility.
The Fix
Implement responsive design techniques that adjust your site's layout based on screen size. Use scalable images and flexible grid layouts. Test your website on various devices, including tablets and smartphones, to ensure a seamless experience. Avoid outdated technologies that aren't supported on mobile devices.
3. Weak Call-to-Action Buttons
The Problem
A website without clear CTA buttons leaves visitors confused about what to do next. This results in missed leads, fewer sales, and lower engagement rates. Common issues include vague CTA text, hidden or poorly placed buttons, and designs that blend CTAs into the background.
The Fix
Use action-oriented text like "Get Started," "Sign Up Now," or "Contact Us Today." Make your CTAs stand out by using bold, contrasting colors. Place them in highly visible areas, such as the top of the homepage, at the end of blog posts, or on service pages. Ensure that the CTA links lead directly to relevant landing pages for a seamless experience.
4. Outdated Design
The Problem
Web design trends evolve quickly, and an outdated website can make your business seem unprofessional or out of touch. Old fonts, cluttered layouts, and dated graphics create a negative first impression, driving potential customers to more modern-looking competitors.
The Fix
Plan a website redesign every two to three years to keep your design fresh and current. Focus on clean, minimalist layouts with ample white space. Use modern typography, high-quality visuals, and consistent branding elements. Ensure compatibility with the latest web browsers and devices to maintain functionality.
5. Poor Navigation Structure
The Problem
Disorganized navigation menus make it difficult for users to find what they're looking for. Confusing labels, too many menu options, or broken links cause frustration and increase bounce rates. If visitors can't find essential information quickly, they'll leave.
The Fix
Keep navigation menus simple and intuitive. Use clear, descriptive labels for menu items and limit the number of options to reduce clutter. Group related pages into categories that make sense. Add a search bar to help users find specific content. Conduct regular usability testing to identify navigation issues before they become major problems.
6. Lack of Search Engine Optimization
The Problem
A visually stunning website won't attract customers if it isn't optimized for search engines. Websites without SEO often rank low in search results, making it hard for potential customers to find them. Problems like missing meta descriptions, lack of keywords, and poorly written content can hurt visibility.
The Fix
Start with on-page SEO by adding relevant keywords to page titles, headers, and meta descriptions. Write clear, valuable content that answers common customer questions. Optimize images with descriptive alt text, and use internal linking to guide users through your site. Monitor your site's performance with tools like PostHog and make adjustments based on search engine updates.
7. Missing Contact Information
The Problem
If visitors can't easily contact your business, they can't become customers. Many websites hide contact information in hard-to-find pages or forget to include essential details like phone numbers, email addresses, or office locations. This lack of transparency damages credibility and trust.
The Fix
Create a dedicated contact page with your business's phone number, email address, and physical address (if applicable). Add a contact form for convenience and include your business hours. Display this information prominently in the site's header or footer so visitors can find it on every page.
8. Auto-Playing Media
The Problem
Auto-playing videos or background music can irritate visitors, especially if they can't be easily stopped. Unexpected sounds can cause visitors to close the tab immediately, leading to a higher bounce rate.
The Fix
Disable auto-play for videos and music. Allow visitors to choose when they want to play media. Include video thumbnails with clear play buttons, so users can engage with content on their terms. Use captions and summaries to convey the video's message without sound.
9. Overloaded Content
The Problem
Websites with too much content can overwhelm visitors. Walls of text, excessive images, and constant pop-ups make navigation difficult. This cluttered experience can cause visitors to leave without taking action.
The Fix
Simplify your website's layout by using short, scannable paragraphs and bullet points where appropriate. Limit the number of images on each page and use only high-quality visuals that support your message. Avoid pop-ups unless absolutely necessary, and make them easy to close.
10. No Security Features
The Problem
Websites without security features like HTTPS encryption seem unsafe and untrustworthy. A lack of security puts user data at risk, exposes your site to hackers, and can even lead to search engine penalties.
The Fix
Install an SSL certificate to enable HTTPS encryption. Keep your website platform, plugins, and themes updated with the latest security patches. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for admin accounts. Regularly back up your site to prevent data loss in case of a breach.
If your site needs a professional touch, contact DishpitDev.
We build modern, performance-driven websites that help businesses like yours scale to all-new heights.