The Seven Things Most Business Websites Get Wrong

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. It’s your online shopfront, your 24/7 salesperson, and—if done right—one of your most valuable assets. Yet, most business websites fail at a crucial point: they’re designed for the business owner, not the customer.

When someone lands on your site, they’re looking for clear information, fast load times, and an easy way to contact you. If they can’t find what they need quickly, they’ll leave. So, what’s going wrong—and how can you fix it?

1. A Website Should Be Built for Customers, Not for You

One of the most common mistakes businesses make is designing a website based on what they think looks good rather than what their customers actually need.

Too much focus on company history – Customers care more about how you can help them than when you started.
Overcomplicated navigation – If visitors have to dig through menus to find basic information, they won’t stick around.
Too much jargon – Your content should be clear, simple, and easy to understand.

Instead of asking, “What do I want on my website?” ask, “What does my customer need to see?”

2. Clarity Beats Creativity Every Time

Fancy animations and flashy designs might look impressive, but they can slow down your site and confuse visitors. Clarity should always come first.

Make your services clear – Visitors should immediately understand what you offer.
Use simple, readable fonts – Avoid script or overly stylised text that’s hard to read.
Stick to a clear layout – The best websites follow a simple structure:

• Headline: What you do and who you help.
• Services: A quick breakdown of what you offer.
• Call-to-action: How to contact you or request a quote.

If someone lands on your homepage and can’t figure out what you do within five seconds, it’s time for a rethink.

3. Load Speed Matters More Than You Think

If your website is slow, visitors will leave before they even see your content. Google research shows that 53% of mobile users abandon a site that takes longer than 3 seconds to load.

Avoid oversized images – Optimise images before uploading them.
Limit unnecessary plugins – If your site runs on WordPress, too many plugins can slow it down.
Use a fast, reliable hosting provider – Cheap hosting might save money upfront, but slow speeds will cost you customers.

A fast website isn’t just good for users—it also improves your ranking on Google, making it easier for customers to find you.

4. Mobile-Friendliness Is Non-Negotiable

More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing potential customers.

Test your site on different screen sizes – Make sure everything resizes properly.
Use large, easy-to-tap buttons – Small links can be frustrating on a phone screen.
Ensure forms are mobile-friendly – If customers can’t easily fill out your contact form, they won’t bother.

A website that works well on a desktop but is clunky on a phone is no longer acceptable—mobile-first design is essential.

5. Make It Easy to Contact You

Too many websites make contacting the business harder than it should be.

Put your phone number and email in a clear, visible place—preferably in the header or footer of every page.
Use a simple contact form—with only the essential fields (name, email, message).
Include a call-to-action (CTA) on every page—such as “Get a Free Quote” or “Call Us Today”.

The easier it is for a potential customer to reach you, the more enquiries you’ll receive.

6. Your Website Needs to Guide Visitors to Take Action

A good website isn’t just about providing information—it should actively guide visitors towards the next step.

Clear call-to-action (CTA) – Every page should have a specific goal, whether it’s booking an appointment, requesting a quote, or making a purchase.
Logical page flow – Visitors should naturally move from one section to another without confusion.
Social proof – Testimonials, reviews, and case studies build trust and encourage action.

If someone visits your website and doesn’t know what to do next, your site isn’t working as it should.

7. Keep Content Fresh and Up to Date

Outdated websites make businesses look inactive or unprofessional.

Check your content regularly – Are your contact details, prices, and services still correct?
Post fresh content – A blog, case studies, or regular updates can keep your site relevant.
Remove broken links – Nothing says “neglected website” like clicking a link that goes nowhere.

A website should evolve as your business grows. If yours hasn’t been updated in years, it’s time for a refresh.

Conclusion: A Website That Works for Your Customers Works for You

A business website isn’t just there to look nice—it should actively help you get customers.

Make it simple and clear – Customers should know exactly what you do within seconds.
Keep it fast and mobile-friendly – Slow sites drive visitors away.
Make contact easy – Remove any friction between a visitor and an enquiry.
Guide visitors to take action – Every page should have a purpose.
Keep it updated – A neglected website can cost you business.

If your website isn’t bringing in leads or customers, it’s time to fix the problems that are driving people away. The good news? A few small changes can make a huge difference—and turn your website into your most powerful marketing tool.