Top 10 Website Mistakes That Are Costing You Customers
November 28, 2023
•8 min read
•
From slow load times to unclear CTAs, we cover common web design errors that drive visitors away—and how to fix them for better conversions.
Slow Loading Speed
53% of mobile users abandon sites that take longer than 3 seconds to load. Slow load times directly impact bounce rates and conversions.
How to Fix:
- •Optimize images (WebP format, proper compression)
- •Enable browser caching
- •Minify CSS and JavaScript
- •Use a CDN for global audiences
Slow loading websites frustrate users and hurt SEO
Poor Mobile Experience
With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, a non-responsive design is a conversion killer. Tiny text, unclickable buttons, and horizontal scrolling will send users away.
Mobile Optimization Checklist:
- •Test on real devices (not just emulators)
- •Ensure tap targets are at least 48x48px
- •Use responsive typography (minimum 16px for body text)
- •Compress media for mobile networks
Confusing Navigation
Overly complex menus or buried content frustrate users and increase bounce rates.
Solution:
Limit top-level items to 5-7, use clear labels, and implement breadcrumbs.
Weak Content Hierarchy
Wall-of-text syndrome with no visual scanning points.
Solution:
Use headings, bullet points, bold text, and ample white space.
Auto-Playing Media
Startles users and creates accessibility issues.
Solution:
Never auto-play videos with sound. Provide clear playback controls.
Lack of Trust Signals
No testimonials, security badges, or contact info raises suspicion.
Solution:
Display customer logos, reviews, SSL badges, and physical address.
Ignoring Accessibility
15% of the world's population has some disability.
Solution:
Proper contrast, alt text, keyboard navigation, ARIA labels.
No Clear Value Proposition
Visitors should understand your offer in 5 seconds.
Solution:
Hero section with concise headline, subhead, and supporting visual.
Poor Form Design
Unnecessary fields and bad validation lose leads.
Solution:
Minimize fields, use smart defaults, provide clear labels and errors.
Key Takeaways
Fixing these common website mistakes can dramatically improve your conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Remember:
- •Speed matters: Every second delay can cost you 7% of conversions
- •Mobile-first: Design for thumbs, not mouse pointers
- •Clarity converts: Remove all ambiguity from user journeys
Pro Tip:
Run regular user testing sessions to identify pain points you might have missed. Tools like Hotjar or Crazy Egg can reveal how real users interact with your site.