10 Common Website Design Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Your website should be your hardest-working employee. It’s on the clock 24/7, answering questions, guiding visitors, and converting leads, but if your site design isn’t built with UX (user experience) in mind, it could be working against you.
UX website design is more than just looking good—it’s about creating a seamless, easy-to-navigate experience that encourages action. The good news? You don’t need a massive overhaul to improve performance. Just avoiding a few common mistakes can make a big impact.
Let’s break down 10 of the most common website design pitfalls and how to fix them.
1. Slow Load Times
In today’s fast-paced world, people expect websites to load quickly—as in, under three seconds. If it takes longer, they’re likely to leave before your homepage even loads.
How to fix it:
- Compress large image files.
- Remove unnecessary plugins or third-party scripts.
- Use a reliable hosting provider with fast server speeds.
- Implement lazy loading for images and videos that aren't immediately visible.
Pro Tip: Run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights to see what’s slowing it down.
2. Confusing Navigation
If people can’t figure out where to go, they won’t go anywhere. Overly complex or hidden menus are a fast track to higher bounce rates.
How to fix it:
- Use clear, familiar labels like “About,” “Services,” and “Contact.”
- Keep your top menu to 5-7 core links.
- Include a call-to-action button in the header, like “Get a Quote” or “Schedule a Call.”
Think like your customer: What are they here for? Make it easy for them to find with one or two clicks.
3. Not Mobile-Friendly
Mobile traffic accounts for more than 50% of all web usage. If your website isn’t responsive, you're missing out on a huge audience.
How to fix it:
- Use responsive design frameworks like WordPress themes or platforms like Webflow or Squarespace.
- Test your site on phones and tablets to ensure everything fits and functions.
- Prioritize touch-friendly elements—bigger buttons, simple forms, and easy scrolling.
4. Overloaded with Text
We love a good story, but let’s be real—most website visitors skim. Big blocks of text are intimidating and drive people away.
How to fix it:
- Use short paragraphs and break them up with headers.
- Bullet points are your friend.
- Add images, icons, or video to keep things visually interesting.
5. No Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
If your site doesn’t tell people what to do next, they won’t guess. Whether you want them to schedule a service or download a guide, ask very clearly.
How to fix it:
- Place CTAs in multiple spots (not just the bottom).
- Use action words like “Book Your Free Consult” or “Get Started Now.”
- Make sure buttons stand out visually.
Good UX website design turns passive browsers into active users by intentionally guiding them.
6. Hard-to-Read Design
Light gray text on a white background. Script fonts in tiny sizes. It may look artsy, but if people can’t read it, they’ll leave.
How to fix it:
- Use legible fonts (sans-serif is a safe bet).
- Choose high-contrast color combinations.
- Keep font sizes consistent and readable across devices.
7. Outdated Visuals or Content
If your website looks like it hasn’t been touched since 2015, visitors may assume the same about your business. First impressions matter!
How to fix it:
- Update images, especially if staff or services have changed.
- Refresh your homepage content seasonally.
- Modernize your layout to reflect current web trends—clean design, white space, and streamlined navigation.
Design tells a story—make sure it’s current and credible.
8. Neglecting SEO Basics
Even the most beautiful site won’t do much if it’s buried on page 4 of Google. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is part of UX. If people can’t find you, they can’t experience your site.
How to fix it:
- Use keyword-rich page titles, meta descriptions, and headers.
- Add alt text to images for both SEO and accessibility.
- Include internal links to help users (and Google) move around your site.
9. Lack of Social Proof
In today’s world, trust is earned digitally. If you don’t have any proof that people like working with you, new visitors might hesitate.
How to fix it:
- Add testimonials and case studies.
- Embed Google or Facebook reviews.
- Include client logos or “featured in” badges where appropriate.
Bonus: A few photos of your team can go a long way in building human connection.
10. Forgetting About the User's Journey
Your site should be designed with one thing in mind: the user. UX isn’t just about pretty layouts. It’s about helping people get what they need with as little friction as possible.
How to fix it:
- Identify the 1–2 most important actions a visitor should take.
- Map the journey to those goals—from homepage to conversion.
- Reduce distractions, unnecessary clicks, or dead ends.
A strong UX website design isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s essential. Whether you're trying to drive leads, build trust, or simply explain your services clearly, the user’s experience shapes every outcome.
If you feel like your site might be guilty of a few of these missteps, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Most small businesses grow beyond their original website without realizing it’s time for a strategic update.
That’s where Fierce comes in. We build high-performing, user-focused websites that look great and work hard.
Ready for a no-pressure audit of your current site?