Your website is often the first impression people have of your business – and for many small businesses, it’s also the most overlooked asset. A great site can build trust, generate leads and drive sales. A poor one? It can quietly drive customers away before you even know they were interested.
Here are the top 20 website mistakes small businesses make – and exactly how to fix them to start seeing real results.
1. No clear call to action (CTA)
Mistake: Visitors land on your site and don’t know what to do next. Fix: Add clear, direct CTAs like “Book a Free Call,” “Get a Quote,” or “Visit Us Today” — and place them prominently.
2. Outdated design
Mistake: Your site looks like it was built in 2009. Fix: Invest in a modern, mobile-friendly design that reflects your brand’s professionalism and relevance.
3. Not mobile-friendly
Mistake: Your site doesn’t work well on smartphones. Fix: Use responsive design so your website adapts beautifully to any screen size — crucial since over half of web traffic is mobile.
4. Slow loading speed
Mistake: Your site takes too long to load. Fix: Optimise images, use proper hosting, and reduce unnecessary plugins or scripts. Aim for under 3 seconds.
5. Poor local SEO
Mistake: Local customers can’t find you on Google. Fix: Use local keywords, register with Google Business Profile, and ensure your business name, address, and phone number are consistent across the web.
6. No contact information
Mistake: Visitors can’t easily find how to get in touch. Fix: Include a visible phone number, email, and contact form on every page — especially the homepage and footer.
7. Cluttered navigation
Mistake: Visitors get lost trying to find what they need. Fix: Stick to a simple, intuitive menu. Prioritise key pages like Services, About, and Contact.
8. No SSL certificate (not secure)
Mistake: The dreaded “Not Secure” warning turns visitors away. Fix: Install an SSL certificate so your site shows “https” and keeps data secure.
9. Weak copywriting
Mistake: Your text is vague, boring, or full of jargon. Fix: Write with clarity and empathy. Focus on benefits, not just features. Be conversational and clear about what you offer.
10. Lack of testimonials or social proof
Mistake: No one knows if they can trust you. Fix: Add customer reviews, logos of clients, or case studies to build trust instantly.
11. No analytics or tracking
Mistake: You don’t know who visits your site or what they do. Fix: Install Google Analytics or similar tools to gain insights and make informed improvements.
12. Ignoring accessibility
Mistake: Your site isn’t usable by people with disabilities. Fix: Use alt tags for images, ensure text is readable, and check colour contrast and keyboard navigation.
13. Missing or weak About page
Mistake: Visitors don’t know who you are. Fix: Add a human, friendly About page that builds trust and tells your business story.
14. Too much text, not enough visuals
Mistake: Your site feels like a wall of words. Fix: Break up text with relevant images, icons, and headings. Use visuals to communicate quickly.
15. No blog or fresh content
Mistake: Your site looks abandoned. Fix: Regularly publish blog posts, news, or updates to keep content fresh and boost SEO.
16. Trying to do too much on one page
Mistake: Your homepage tries to sell everything at once. Fix: Give each service or product its own space. Let each page focus on one goal.
17. DIY build without strategy
Mistake: You built it yourself using a template — and it shows. Fix: If you can’t afford a full redesign, at least hire a pro to audit and tweak it strategically.
18. No clear value proposition
Mistake: It’s unclear what you do or why you’re better. Fix: State clearly, above the fold, who you help, how, and what makes you different.
19. Broken links or missing pages
Mistake: Visitors hit 404 errors or dead ends. Fix: Regularly test your site for broken links and keep everything up to date.
20. Treating the website as a “Set It and Forget It” project
Mistake: You launched your site and haven’t touched it since. Fix: Treat your website as a living part of your business. Review it regularly, update content, and optimise for better performance.
Final thoughts
Your website should be your hardest-working employee – not your most ignored one. Whether you’re a café in Christchurch or a consultant in Poole, these common issues can seriously undermine your online presence.
But the good news? They’re all fixable – and you don’t have to do it alone.
Need help reviewing or upgrading your website?
I offer honest audits, strategy-driven redesigns and no-pressure advice tailored for small businesses. Let’s chat.
