Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. A well-designed, functional site can help you build trust, increase engagement, and drive conversions. However, even small, overlooked mistakes like slow load times, broken links, or confusing navigation can frustrate users and negatively impact your performance. These common issues can hurt your website’s user experience, SEO rankings, and ultimately, your bottom line.
In this post, we’ll look at five of the most common website mistakes and, more importantly, how you can fix them.
Approximate reading time: 5 minutes
1. Slow Load Times
In today’s fast-paced world, users expect websites to load almost instantly. When pages take too long to load, visitors are likely to abandon your site and look elsewhere. According to Google, 53% of mobile users will leave a page if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load. This not only increases your bounce rate but also hurts your SEO rankings, as search engines prioritise fast-loading sites.
Why it matters:
Slow load times lead to frustrated users, higher bounce rates, and reduced search engine visibility. A slow site not only impacts user experience but can also result in missed business opportunities as visitors quickly move on to faster competitors.
Actionable steps to get started:
- Optimise images and compress files to reduce load times.
- Use a reliable hosting service that can handle your traffic volume.
- Leverage browser caching and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to distribute content efficiently.
Top Tip:
Test your website’s load speed regularly using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. Aim for a load time under 2 seconds for an optimal user experience.
2. Poor Mobile Optimisation
With mobile devices accounting for over half of global web traffic, it’s critical that your website is fully optimised for mobile users. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, visitors may struggle with navigation, experience slow load times, or encounter unreadable text. All of these factors lead to a poor user experience and higher bounce rates. Google’s algorithms also penalise sites that aren’t mobile-responsive, making mobile optimisation essential for maintaining or improving search engine rankings.
Why it matters:
A mobile-unfriendly website can alienate more than half of your potential visitors and hurt your SEO performance. When users can’t easily navigate your site on their phones, they are less likely to stay, engage, or convert.
Actionable steps to get started:
- Implement responsive design to ensure your site adjusts seamlessly across different devices.
- Avoid pop-ups or elements that may interfere with mobile usability.
- Test your site’s mobile performance using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool.
Top Tip:
Design with mobile users in mind first. Simplified navigation and fast-loading content are key to keeping mobile visitors engaged.
3. Confusing Navigation
When visitors come to your website, they expect to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. If your navigation is cluttered or unclear, it can frustrate users and lead to higher bounce rates. Confusing navigation can also make it harder for search engines to crawl and index your site, which can negatively impact your SEO performance. Clear, intuitive navigation is essential for both user experience and search engine visibility.
Why it matters:
If visitors can’t find the information they need within a few clicks, they’re likely to leave. Poor navigation can also harm your SEO rankings, as search engines prioritise sites that are easy to navigate and logically structured.
Actionable steps to get started:
- Simplify your navigation menu to focus on essential pages.
- Organise your content into clear categories with logical hierarchies.
- Ensure there’s a search function to help users find specific information quickly.
Top Tip:
Use descriptive, straightforward labels for your menu items. Avoid jargon or creative titles that might confuse users—clarity is key!
4. Weak Calls to Action (CTAs)
A call to action (CTA) is one of the most important elements on your website—it tells visitors what you want them to do next. Whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or getting in touch, an unclear or poorly placed CTA can lead to missed opportunities. A strong, action-oriented CTA encourages users to take that next step and helps guide them through their journey on your site.
Why it matters:
Without a clear, compelling CTA, visitors may leave your site without taking any meaningful action. Strong CTAs give users direction and motivation to engage further, turning casual browsers into active customers or subscribers.
Actionable steps to get started:
- Use action-oriented language like “Get Started,” “Join Now,” or “Download Free Guide.”
- Make sure your CTAs are highly visible, with contrasting colours that stand out from the rest of your design.
- Place CTAs strategically throughout the site, especially at key decision points like the end of a blog post or landing page.
Top Tip:
Avoid vague CTAs like “Click Here.” Be clear about the action you want users to take and why they should take it.
5. Outdated Design and Content
First impressions matter, and your website’s design is often the first thing visitors notice. An outdated, cluttered design can make your business seem out of touch and reduce credibility. In fact, research by Stanford University shows that 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on its website’s design. Similarly, stale or irrelevant content can cause users to question whether your business is active or trustworthy. Regularly updating both your design and content keeps your site fresh and engaging, ensuring visitors stay longer and are more likely to convert.
Why it matters:
Outdated design and content create a poor user experience and reduce trust. In a competitive online world, if your website feels old-fashioned or abandoned, visitors may turn to a competitor with a more modern, up-to-date site.
Actionable steps to get started:
- Regularly review and update your content to ensure it’s relevant, accurate, and engaging.
- Refresh your design every few years to keep up with current trends and user expectations.
- Conduct a design audit to identify areas that may need improvement, such as layout, colour scheme, or overall usability.
Top Tip:
Even small design tweaks, like updating fonts or improving your use of whitespace, can give your site a more modern feel without requiring a full redesign.
Conclusion
Your website is one of your most powerful business tools, but even small mistakes can have a big impact on its performance. From slow load times to outdated design, addressing these common issues can significantly improve user experience, boost your SEO rankings, and increase conversions. By taking proactive steps to fix these problems, you’ll create a more engaging, functional website that drives results.
As Mr. Miyagi (perhaps the wisest man captured on celluloid) says in The Karate Kid, “The roots are strong, but you gotta keep at it so it grows. Just like a bonsai tree—careful, continuous effort is what makes it flourish.” Similarly, tending to your website regularly prevents bigger issues from developing, ensuring long-term success.
Ready to optimise your website for better performance? Contact Kyle & Irving today for a website audit or redesign consultation, and let’s make sure your site is working hard for your business