10 Common Web Design Mistakes That Are Costing You Clients

Written By:

Asibonge M

/

Published:

Apr 22, 2025

Reading Time:

Branding

Branding

4

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min

Branding

Branding

Let’s be real for a sec: your website might be sending people away instead of pulling them in.

I know—that’s a tough pill to swallow. But if you’ve ever felt like people are visiting your site and then... just vanishing into thin air, you’re not alone.

Web design isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about building trust, guiding visitors, and making it easy for the right people to say, “Yes, this is for me.”

So let’s talk about the sneaky little mistakes that might be costing you clients—and what to do about them.

1. Your Message Isn’t Clear (Like, at all)

You’ve got 5 seconds. That’s how long someone decides whether to stay or bounce. If your site doesn’t clearly explain what you do, who you help, and how you help them right away? They’re out.

  • Fix it: Make sure your homepage headline is laser-focused and benefit-driven. Think: “Helping [who] do [what] so they can [result].”

2. You’re Talking to Everyone (Which Means No One)

When your site tries to speak to everyone, it ends up connecting with... no one. Generic language feels safe, but it’s forgettable.

  • Fix it: Get specific. Use language your ideal client actually uses. You want your reader to feel like, “OMG, are they in my head?!”

3. No Clear Call to Action

If your site is missing a strong, repeated “here’s what to do next” prompt, people will get confused and dip.

  • Fix it: Add clear buttons like “Book a Call,” “Start Here,” or “Browse Services” in key spots. Guide them where you want them to go.

4. You’re Using Way Too Many Fonts

We love creativity. But six fonts on one page? That’s a visual panic attack waiting to happen.

  • Fix it: Stick to 2–3 fonts max—usually one for headers, one for body text, and maybe one accent if you’re feeling fancy.

5. Phone? What phone?

Over 60% of web traffic happens on phones. If your site’s hard to navigate on mobile, you’re literally turning people away without even realizing it.

  • Fix it: Pull up your site on your phone. Is it easy to scroll, click, read, and buy? If not, it’s time for a responsive redesign.


6. Slow Load Times

People are impatient. If your site takes forever to load, they’re already clicking away.

  • Fix it: Optimize image sizes, use web-safe fonts, and avoid unnecessary animations or bulky plugins.

7. No Personality = No Connection

If your website feels like it could belong to anyone, it’s not working hard enough for you. People buy from people, not faceless brands.

  • Fix it: Infuse your voice, photos, and vibe into the site. Let your brand feel like you—friendly, trustworthy, human.

8. Your Navigation is a Maze

Too many options = decision fatigue. If visitors have to dig to find what they need, they’ll just give up.

  • Fix it: Keep your main menu clean and simple. Use 5–7 top-level items max. Think clarity over cleverness.

9. You're Using a Cookie-Cutter Template

Templates are fine—to a point. But if your site looks like everyone else’s, it’s hard to stand out or feel premium.

  • Fix it: Start with a solid structure, but customize it. Your business is unique—your site should be too.

10. You're Trying to DIY Everything

We love a resourceful queen/king, but if web design isn’t your zone of genius, it can become a major time and energy suck.

  • Fix it: Get support. A custom website aligned with your brand, strategy, and goals? Total game-changer—and it doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Feeling a Little Called Out? That’s a Good Thing

If any of these mistakes made you nod (or cringe)—you’re not alone. Awareness is the first step toward building a site that actually connects, converts, and feels like you.

The truth is, your website doesn’t have to be a source of stress. It can be a space that supports your goals, reflects your brilliance, and makes your dream clients feel seen the moment they land.

And hey—if you’re ready to stop piecing it all together, we’re here when you’re ready.

Let’s make your site a place you’re proud to send people to.


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