Building a website can be one of the most exciting steps in launching or growing your business. It’s your digital storefront, brand ambassador, and often the first point of contact for potential customers. But despite the many user-friendly platforms available today, it’s still easy to fall into common pitfalls that can hinder your website’s performance, visibility, and user experience.
Here are some of the most frequent mistakes people make when building a website – and how to avoid them.
1. Not Defining a Clear Goal
Every website should have a purpose. Whether it’s to generate leads, sell products, share information, or build a community – a clear objective helps shape your design, content, and user journey.
Avoid this by: Starting with a plan. Define your target audience, key messaging, and what action you want visitors to take.
2. Choosing the Wrong Platform
Not all website builders are created equal. A platform that’s great for portfolios may not be ideal for e-commerce or bookings.
Avoid this by: Researching platforms (like WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace) and picking one that suits your business goals, technical ability, and budget.
3. Neglecting Mobile Responsiveness
Over half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site doesn’t display properly on phones and tablets, you risk losing visitors – fast.
Avoid this by: Using responsive templates or testing your site across multiple devices before publishing.
4. Overloading the Homepage
It’s tempting to throw everything onto your homepage – but too much content can overwhelm users and dilute your core message.
Avoid this by: Keeping your homepage clean, prioritising key messages, and using clear calls-to-action (CTAs).
5. Poor Navigation
If users can’t find what they’re looking for in a few clicks, they’ll leave. Confusing menus and broken links frustrate visitors and hurt your SEO.
Avoid this by: Using a simple menu structure, keeping it consistent across pages, and testing the user journey regularly.
6. Ignoring SEO Basics
Many DIY websites forget to optimise for search engines. Without it, your site won’t appear in search results – no matter how beautiful it looks.
Avoid this by: Including relevant keywords, meta descriptions, page titles, and alt text for images. Consider an SEO plugin or expert help if needed.
7. Slow Loading Speed
A slow site kills user experience. Most people will abandon a page that takes more than a few seconds to load.
Avoid this by: Compressing images, reducing unnecessary plugins, and choosing a reliable hosting provider.
8. No Clear CTA
What should your visitors do once they land on your site? Without a clear direction, they might just browse and bounce.
Avoid this by: Including strong CTAs like “Book a Demo”, “Contact Us”, or “Start Your Free Trial” prominently throughout the site.
9. Forgetting to Set Up Analytics
If you’re not tracking how people interact with your site, you’re missing valuable insights.
Avoid this by: Installing tools like Google Analytics or using your platform’s built-in stats to monitor traffic, behaviour, and conversions.
10. Launching Without Testing
Publishing your site without testing can lead to broken links, typos, and layout issues that damage your credibility.
Avoid this by: Doing a thorough check on different browsers and devices. Ask someone else to test it too – fresh eyes catch things you might miss.
Final Thoughts
A well-built website is an investment – not just in design, but in your brand’s growth and credibility. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll create a smoother user experience, rank better on search engines, and convert more visitors into customers.
Need help building a high-performing website for your business? Get in touch – I help startups and SMEs turn ideas into impactful online experiences.
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