12 Common Web Design Mistakes Small Business Owners Make

Creating a website is crucial for any small business. However, many owners make common mistakes that can hinder their success. In this article, we will explore these pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. No Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Mistake: Visitors don’t know what to do next—buy, call, sign up, etc.

Fix: Use clear CTAs like “Book a Consultation,” “Get a Free Quote,” or “Buy Now” prominently throughout the site.

2. Poor Mobile Optimization

Mistake: Websites that look bad or don’t function properly on smartphones and tablets can drive users away.

Fix: Use responsive design to ensure your site looks good and works on all screen sizes.

3. Slow Load Times

Mistake: Large images, bloated code, or unreliable hosting can make your site sluggish.

Fix: Compress images, use optimized themes, and consider a reliable hosting provider and CDN.

4. Cluttered or Outdated Design

Mistake: Overwhelming users with too much information, outdated visuals, or lack of hierarchy can confuse visitors.

Fix: Embrace clean, modern design with whitespace, updated visuals, and a clear content structure.

5. Hidden or Inconsistent Contact Info

Mistake: Users struggle to find contact details, or they’re inconsistent across pages.

Fix: Place contact info in the header or footer of every page, and create a dedicated “Contact” page.

6. No SEO Basics

Mistake: Pages lacking metadata, improper heading usage, or messy URLs can hurt visibility.

Fix: Use descriptive titles, meta descriptions, proper heading tags (H1, H2, H3), and SEO-friendly URLs.

7. No SSL Certificate

Mistake: Sites that load as “Not Secure” (http instead of https) can deter visitors.

Fix: Install an SSL certificate (included with Wix).

8. Inaccessible Design

Mistake: Sites that are hard to navigate for users with disabilities can limit your audience.

Fix: Follow basic WCAG accessibility guidelines—use alt text, readable fonts, and keyboard-friendly navigation.

9. Poor Navigation

Mistake: Confusing menus and hard-to-find pages can frustrate users.

Fix: Keep menus simple and intuitive. Group related content logically.

10. No Analytics or Tracking

Mistake: Not tracking user behavior on your site can lead to missed opportunities.

Fix: Install tools like Google Analytics to gather insights and improve performance.

11. No Value Proposition on Homepage

Mistake: Visitors may not immediately understand what you offer or why they should choose you.

Fix: Clearly state your value proposition within the first few seconds of landing on the homepage.

12. DIY Design with No Strategy

Mistake: Business owners often try to save money with DIY websites but lack UX or marketing strategy.

Fix: Even if DIY, use templates from professional platforms like Wix and get help with copy or structure if needed.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common web design mistakes can significantly enhance your online presence. A well-designed website not only attracts visitors but also converts them into customers.

By addressing these issues, you can create a more effective website that meets the needs of your audience. Remember, a great website is an ongoing project that requires regular updates and improvements.

Feel free to reach out to Terri for your free website consultation!