Website Design Mistakes That Are Costing You Clients (And How to Fix Them)

Your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your business. But if it’s cluttered, confusing, or outdated, you could be losing sales without even knowing it. Here are some of the most common website design mistakes we see—and how to fix them so your site starts working for you, not against you.

1. Slow Loading Times

If your website takes more than three seconds to load, most visitors will leave before they even see your content. Compress your images, minimize plugins, and choose reliable hosting to speed things up.

2. Not Mobile-Friendly

With over half of all web traffic coming from mobile devices, a site that doesn’t look great on phones is a dealbreaker. Use responsive design so your site adapts to any screen size.

3. Unclear Messaging

If visitors can’t tell what you do or who you help within seconds, they’ll bounce. Make sure your homepage clearly communicates your value proposition—what you do, who you do it for, and why it matters.

4. Poor Navigation

Confusing menus or too many options overwhelm users. Keep navigation simple, intuitive, and consistent across every page.

5. Weak Calls-to-Action

If you don’t tell visitors what to do next—call, book, buy, sign up—they probably won’t do anything. Use clear, compelling calls-to-action throughout your site.

6. Outdated Design

An old-fashioned website makes your business look behind the times. Modernize your visuals, fonts, and layouts to build trust and credibility.

7. Ignoring SEO Basics

If your site isn’t optimized for search engines, you’re missing out on organic traffic. Use relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and alt tags for images.

How to Fix These Mistakes

• Audit your website regularly, or ask a pro for feedback.
• Focus on user experience: fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
• Keep your messaging clear and customer-focused.
• Update your design and content at least once a year.
• Don’t forget the basics of SEO!

Want a free website audit or ready for a redesign that brings in more leads? Reach out to Telos Creative—we’re here to help you turn browsers into buyers.