Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business. For small businesses, it can be a powerful way to attract customers, build trust, and drive sales. But let’s face it: web design can feel overwhelming, and mistakes can happen.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common web design pitfalls and how to dodge them.

1. Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Over 64% of all web traffic comes from mobile devices, so if your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re already losing potential customers. A responsive site makes it easy for users to navigate, read, and engage, no matter what device they’re using. Learn how our web design services can help make sure your site looks amazing on any device.

Quick Tip: Test your site on different devices to check how it looks. Try using Google’s PageSpeed Insights to help spot potential issues.

2. Overloading with Too Much Content

We get it—you’ve got a lot to say about your business! However, a cluttered site with too much text or too many images can overwhelm visitors. The key? Keep it simple and focused.

Quick Tip: Stick to short, engaging content that encourages action. Clear calls-to-action (CTAs) are your best friend here.

3. Poor Navigation

If visitors can’t find what they’re looking for quickly, they’ll leave. Confusing menu placement, broken links, and missing menu labels are all bad nav habits. There’s also no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to universal navigation icons; changing these could confuse and upset potential customers.

Quick Tip:  Implement breadcrumbs to show users their current location within the website's hierarchy. This helps users understand their position and easily navigate back to previous pages.

4. Not Prioritizing SEO

What good is a gorgeous website if no one can find it? Neglecting SEO can leave you buried in search results. Our digital marketing services include SEO strategies tailored to small businesses like yours.

Quick Tip: Optimize metadata, use relevant keywords, and structure your site with SEO in mind. Adding a blog with fresh, keyword-rich content can boost your visibility.

5. Forgetting Clear Calls-to-Action

Your website should guide visitors on what to do next, whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, booking an appointment, or making a purchase. Without clear CTAs, visitors might leave without taking action.

Quick Tip: Use action-oriented language for CTAs and make them stand out with buttons or contrasting colours.

6. Not Considering Accessibility

Accessibility in web design ensures everyone, including those with disabilities, can easily use your site. It improves user experience, boosts SEO, complies with legal standards, and shows your commitment to inclusivity and fairness. Not prioritizing accessibility is a design mistake that excludes potential customers and can harm your brand’s reputation.

Quick Tip: Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Start with basics like adding alt text to images, ensuring good colour contrast, and properly assigning your headers for people who use adaptive switches.

Avoiding these common web design mistakes can make a world of difference for your business. Need a hand? That’s why we’re here! Pick a date on the calendar below and schedule a time for coffee and a chat with Kevin!