1. Slow Loading Times
Research indicates that 53% of mobile users abandon a site if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load (Google, 2023). Common culprits include large image files, excessive use of plugins, or poorly optimised code, all of which negatively impact user experience and search engine rankings.
- Compress images with tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim to reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality.
- Use caching tools and a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to enhance site performance.
- Test your website’s speed using tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights to identify areas for improvement (Google, 2023).
2. Poor Mobile Optimisation
With over 59% of global website traffic coming from mobile devices in 2023 (Statista, 2023), having a mobile-friendly website is essential. Websites that fail to adapt to various screen sizes risk alienating a significant portion of their audience, often leading to higher bounce rates.
- Implement responsive web design to ensure your website adapts seamlessly to different devices.
- Regularly test usability using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test tool (Google, 2023).
- Simplify navigation by designing touch-friendly buttons, minimising text-heavy elements, and focusing on mobile-first layouts.
3. Unclear Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
HubSpot reports that 70% of small business websites lack clear CTAs, leaving visitors unsure of the next step to take (HubSpot, 2023). CTAs guide users toward specific actions, such as signing up for newsletters, booking consultations, or making purchases, and are critical for driving conversions.
- Use concise, action-oriented language like “Get Started” or “Sign Up Today.”
- Highlight CTAs using contrasting colours and bold, attention-grabbing buttons.
- Limit the number of CTAs per page to maintain focus and avoid overwhelming users (HubSpot, 2023).
4. Cluttered Pages
Cluttered web pages can overwhelm visitors and make it difficult to locate key information. GoodFirms found that 94% of first impressions are influenced by a website’s design, with clean layouts and well-organised content ranking highly in importance (GoodFirms, 2023).
- Use white space strategically to give your website a clean and breathable design.
- Focus on key messages by prioritising content and eliminating unnecessary elements.
- Structure content with subheadings, bullet points, and clearly defined sections for easy readability (GoodFirms, 2023).
5. Lack of Consistent Branding
Inconsistent branding can confuse visitors and damage trust. According to Forbes, consistent branding can increase revenue by up to 23% by fostering brand recognition and credibility (Forbes, 2023).
- Use a consistent colour palette, typography, and tone of voice throughout your website.
- Align your website’s visuals and messaging with other marketing channels, such as social media and print materials.
- Regularly audit your website to ensure all elements remain aligned with your brand identity (Forbes, 2023).
Avoiding these common website design mistakes can significantly enhance your online presence and improve user experience. A well-designed website not only attracts visitors but also keeps them engaged, boosting the likelihood of conversions.
At Plum Digital Hub, we specialise in creating professional, user-friendly websites tailored to small businesses. Contact us today to learn more about our website packages and discover how we can help your business grow!
References
Forbes (2023) The importance of branding for small businesses. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/ (Accessed: 2 January 2025).
GoodFirms (2023) Web design survey: First impressions matter. Available at: https://www.goodfirms.co/ (Accessed: 2 January 2025).
Google (2023) PageSpeed Insights. Available at: https://pagespeed.web.dev/ (Accessed: 2 January 2025).
Google (2023) Mobile-friendly test. Available at: https://search.google.com/test/mobile-friendly (Accessed: 2 January 2025).
HubSpot (2023) The impact of CTAs on website conversions. Available at: https://blog.hubspot.com/ (Accessed: 2 January 2025).
Statista (2023) Mobile internet traffic worldwide. Available at: https://www.statista.com/ (Accessed: 2 January 2025).







