5 Common Website Mistakes That Are Costing You Sales
Your website isn’t just an online brochure—it’s your hardest-working salesperson. But here’s the thing: even the most beautiful site can quietly be turning customers away if it’s making a few common mistakes. These errors can tank your conversion rates, frustrate visitors, and send potential customers straight to your competitors.
In this post, we’ll break down the five most common website mistakes that cost businesses sales, how to spot them, and what you can do to fix them.
1. Slow Load Times
Why it’s a problem:
Patience is in short supply online. Studies show that 53% of mobile users leave a site that takes more than three seconds to load. Every second of delay can mean a big drop in conversions.
How to know if it’s happening to you:
Run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
Check your bounce rates in Google Analytics. High rates on key pages could be a speed issue.
How to fix it:
Compress images without sacrificing quality.
Use a reliable hosting provider.
Minimize heavy scripts and unnecessary plugins.
Enable browser caching and use a content delivery network (CDN).
2. Confusing Navigation
Why it’s a problem:
If visitors can’t find what they need quickly, they’ll leave. Your navigation is like a store layout—if it’s messy or hard to follow, people won’t stick around to browse.
Signs your navigation is hurting you:
Visitors click multiple times without reaching their goal.
You get frequent customer service questions about information that’s already on your site.
How to fix it:
Limit your top menu to 5–7 main options.
Use clear, non-jargon labels (e.g., “Shop” instead of “Product Showcase”).
Add a search bar for larger sites.
Keep important pages no more than three clicks away from the homepage.
3. Poor Mobile Experience
Why it’s a problem:
Over 58% of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site is clunky on a phone, you’re losing over half of your potential customers.
Common mobile mistakes:
Tiny, unreadable text.
Buttons too small for tapping.
Images or layouts that break on small screens.
How to fix it:
Choose a responsive website design that adapts to any screen size.
Test your site on multiple devices before launch.
Prioritize mobile-first design—build for small screens first, then scale up.
4. Weak or Missing Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Why it’s a problem:
A visitor might love your site, but if they don’t know what to do next, they’ll leave without converting. CTAs are the signposts that guide them toward action—whether that’s buying, booking, or signing up.
Signs your CTAs need work:
Buttons buried at the bottom of pages.
Generic wording like “Submit” instead of “Get My Free Quote.”
How to fix it:
Make CTAs clear, direct, and action-oriented.
Place them in multiple spots throughout the page.
Use contrasting colours so they stand out.
Test different wording to see what converts best.
5. Outdated or Untrustworthy Design
Why it’s a problem:
First impressions happen fast—within 0.05 seconds. An outdated or sloppy design can make your business look unprofessional, even if you deliver amazing products or services.
Red flags to watch for:
Pixelated images or mismatched fonts.
Flashy animations from 2009.
No SSL certificate (shows as “Not Secure” in browsers).
How to fix it:
Refresh your website design every 2–3 years.
Use high-quality images and a consistent colour palette.
Invest in professional branding and photography.
Make sure your site has a valid SSL certificate.
The Bottom Line
Your website should work for you, not against you. By fixing these five common mistakes—slow speed, confusing navigation, poor mobile design, weak CTAs, and outdated aesthetics—you can create a smoother, more persuasive experience that converts visitors into paying customers.
If you’re not sure where to start, a professional website audit can uncover exactly what’s costing you sales and how to fix it quickly.
Whether you’re rebranding or just refining your website, we’re here to help make your typography shine. Reach out to us and let’s bring your brand’s personality to life.
