How to Avoid the 5 Worst Website Design Mistakes That Are Hurting Your Business
If you want to increase website traffic, boost conversions, and build a successful online presence, avoiding these common web design mistakes is key.
Let’s dive into the top 5 website design disasters that could be sabotaging your business—and how to fix them with strategic, conversion-friendly design.
Why Website Design Matters
Before we get into the mistakes, let’s talk about the impact of website design. A well-designed website isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality, strategy, and the user experience (UX).
Here’s what poor website design can cost you:
Lost revenue – Visitors leave without converting.
Wasted time – Users bounce if your site is hard to navigate.
Damaged reputation – 94% of first impressions are based on design.
Yes, website design influences your brand perception, and it could be the reason someone chooses your competitor over you.
Mistake #1: Cluttered Layout and Confusing Navigation
The Problem:
If your homepage is packed with too many elements, users won’t know where to look—or what to do next.
Common issues:
Lack of visual hierarchy
Overwhelming navigation menus
Insufficient white space
The Solution:
Create a clear focal point using images and headlines
Use simple, direct navigation (Home, About, Services, Contact)
Incorporate white space to guide your visitor’s eye and create a clean, high-end look
👉 Pro Tip: Luxury brands like Apple rely on minimal design with lots of white space. It gives your site a polished and premium feel.
Mistake #2: Slow Website Loading Speed
The Problem:
47% of users will bounce from your website if it takes more than three seconds to load. Every second matters—slow load times lower your conversion rates.
The Solution:
Compress images using tools like compressedjpeg.com
Keep photo file sizes under 500 KB
Use SEO-friendly file names (e.g., “wedding-photographer-monterey.jpg”) to help rank in search results
👉 Bonus Tip: Renaming your images with local SEO keywords can help you show up in Google searches!
Mistake #3: Not Mobile-Friendly
The Problem:
Over 60% of website traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t optimized for smartphones, you’re missing out.
The Solution:
Use the mobile editor on Squarespace to preview and adjust each page
Check spacing, text alignment, and button sizes
Make sure images and sections stack properly for easy scrolling
👉 Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search results, so this is also crucial for your SEO strategy.
Mistake #4: Weak Call to Action (CTA)
The Problem:
If your visitors don’t know what to do next, they won’t take action—and that means no bookings, no sales, no inquiries.
The Solution:
Place a strong CTA in the top right corner of your site
Use contrasting buttons (e.g., dark button on light background)
Use clear, action-oriented language:
“Book Now,” “Schedule Your Free Call,” “Get Started”
Avoid distracting users with social media links at the top of the page. Keep the focus on conversion.
Mistake #5: Poor Typography and Readability
The Problem:
If your fonts are hard to read or your paragraphs stretch across the whole screen, people won’t read your content.
The Solution:
Stick to 2–3 fonts max (use Squarespace’s pre-made font packs for ease)
Create clear font hierarchy using H2s, H3s, and paragraph styles
Use strong text contrast (light background + dark text or vice versa)
Keep paragraph line widths to about half the screen width
Align paragraphs left, not centered, for easier readability
👉 Shorter line lengths = better readability and more engagement.
Next Steps: How to Improve Your Website Design
Here’s how to take action on what you’ve just learned:
Audit your website – Review each page for these 5 common website design mistakes
Measure your results – Use Squarespace’s built-in analytics or connect to Google Analytics
Make a plan – Prioritize high-impact changes like faster load times and stronger CTAs
✨ You don’t have to do it all at once. Even spending 30 minutes a week on your website will lead to real improvements over time.
Want a Website That’s Beautiful and Built to Convert?
Skip the overwhelm and check out my Squarespace templates
I offer:
Designer-made templates built for service providers
Templates that follow UX, SEO, and conversion best practices
Easy customization so you can launch confidently
Whether you're starting a blog, a service-based business, or an online shop, these templates are built to avoid common design pitfalls and help your brand shine online.
If you found this helpful, be sure to pin this post, share it with a friend, or check out more website design tips on my blog.
Let’s build a website that’s not just pretty—but powerful.
