7 Website Sins That Are Costing You Customers Every Day

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. If it feels outdated, confusing, or untrustworthy, you could be sending people straight into the arms of your competitors. The truth is, many businesses unknowingly commit common “website sins” that drive visitors away instead of converting them into paying customers. Here are seven mistakes to watch for and how to fix them.

 

Attention spans are now shorter than ever, and for many, waiting more than a few seconds for a page to load is unbearable. Studies show that even a two-second delay can increase bounce rates significantly. Optimize images, use reliable hosting, and streamline your code to keep your site lightning-fast.

 

If your homepage looks like a digital junk drawer, visitors won’t know where to look or click. Too many competing visuals, fonts, and calls to action can overwhelm users. Aim for clean, modern layouts with plenty of white space. Less truly is more when it comes to guiding visitors toward the next step.

 

If users can’t find what they need quickly, they’ll leave. Navigation should be intuitive, with clear menu labels and a logical hierarchy. Include a search function, keep drop-downs simple, and make sure your most important pages are no more than a couple of clicks away.

 

More than half of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t responsive (or worse, if it forces users to pinch, zoom, or scroll sideways), then you’re losing a massive audience. A mobile-friendly design isn’t optional but essential.

 

Nothing kills credibility like stumbling across a blog post from 2017 on your homepage or a “holiday sale” banner that’s three months old. Outdated content signals neglect and makes users question whether you’re still in business. Regularly update your site with fresh, relevant content to stay credible, and revamp old features or blogs with current information.

 

What do you want visitors to do when they visit your site: book a call, buy a product, join your newsletter? If your CTAs are buried, vague, or absent altogether, your site won’t convert. Every page should have a clear next step, designed to move visitors further into your customer journey.

 

These days, trust is everything for customers and brands alike. If your site lacks testimonials, case studies, secure checkout indicators, or even a simple “About Us” page, customers may hesitate to engage. Adding these trust signals can make the difference between a bounce and a conversion. And it proves to potential customers why they should choose you over the competition.

 

Your website is one of your most valuable business assets, but only if it’s designed to build trust and drive action. By avoiding these seven website sins, you’ll not only keep visitors engaged, but you’ll also increase the likelihood of turning them into loyal customers.

 

Ready to add web development to your marketing strategy? That's where SMT comes in. Let's chat about how we can boost your brand through some of these simple (but effective) design elements. Schedule a call with us now, just 30 minutes and free of charge, to learn how we can help.