7 Common Website Mistakes That Are Costing You Customers (And How to Fix Them)

By now, most business owners know they need a website. But just having a website isn’t enough to win over customers. In fact, a surprising number of small business sites actively push visitors away through small (but costly) mistakes.

Let’s break down seven of the most common website mistakes—and how to fix them today.

Mistake 1: Slow Loading Speed

The problem: If your website takes longer than 3 seconds to load, more than half your visitors will leave. Online users have grown accustomed to speed and convenience. A sluggish website can cause frustration and send potential customers straight to your competitors.

The fix: Compress your images without sacrificing quality and limit unnecessary plugins that can bog down your site’s performance. Opt for a reliable, high-performance hosting provider. Utilize tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to identify bottlenecks and address them quickly. Sometimes, even small adjustments—like reducing the number of web fonts—can significantly boost loading times.

Mistake 2: Confusing Navigation

The problem: Too many pages. Vague labels. Missing search functionality. Visitors should never feel lost on your site. If users can’t find what they’re looking for within a few seconds, they will likely abandon the site altogether.

The fix: Streamline your menu and prioritize essential pages. Use straightforward, jargon-free labels that clearly communicate what each page offers. Stick to the "three-click rule," ensuring users can reach any key content in three clicks or fewer. Consider adding a search bar if your site includes a large amount of content or products.

Mistake 3: Not Mobile Friendly

The problem: Over 60% of website traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your site looks bad or doesn’t function well on a phone or tablet, you’re losing more than half your audience before you even make a pitch.

The fix: Adopt a responsive design that automatically adjusts content to fit various screen sizes. Test your site regularly on multiple devices to catch any formatting issues. Make sure text is easy to read, buttons are easy to click, and navigation remains smooth on all screen types.

Mistake 4: Outdated Design

The problem: If your site still looks like it did in 2015, visitors may wonder if you’re still in business. An outdated design can erode trust and make your business appear less credible.

The fix: Refresh your design every 3–5 years to keep it modern and aligned with current user expectations. Embrace clean layouts, contemporary fonts, and high-quality visuals. Minimalist designs not only look professional but also improve load times and readability.

Mistake 5: Lack of Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

The problem: If visitors don’t know what to do next, they’ll do... nothing. A website without clear CTAs leaves potential customers confused or hesitant to take action.

The fix: Add a clear, visible CTA on every page. Whether it’s "Book a Call," "Get a Quote," or "Shop Now," your CTA should stand out and guide visitors toward the next step. Use action-oriented language and keep the process as simple as possible to encourage conversions.

Mistake 6: Walls of Text

The problem: Big blocks of text overwhelm readers and make it difficult to quickly scan for relevant information. Visitors are unlikely to read dense paragraphs, especially on mobile devices.

The fix: Break up content into short paragraphs, use bullet points, and incorporate subheadings to create an easy-to-scan layout. Write in a conversational tone that feels approachable and engaging. Adding images or icons can also help break up text and maintain visual interest.

Mistake 7: No Social Proof

The problem: Without reviews, testimonials, or client logos, visitors might not trust you. Social proof is a key factor in building credibility and influencing buying decisions.

The fix: Showcase customer testimonials, star ratings, case studies, or recognizable brand partnerships on your site. Even a few positive quotes from satisfied clients can increase trust and persuade new visitors to take the next step.

Don’t Let Simple Mistakes Undermine Your Website

Your website is often your customer’s first interaction with your brand. Don’t let easily fixable mistakes cost you leads, sales, or trust.

If this list made you cringe a little—good. That’s the first step toward a better website. And if you want expert help turning your site into a customer-generating machine? Let’s talk.