10 Mistakes Businesses Make in Designing Websites

1. Prioritising Aesthetics Over Performance

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Beautiful designs mean nothing if your site takes forever to load. Every second of delay can cost you conversions.

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The fix: Optimise images, minimise code bloat, and choose performance-driven platforms. Fast sites don't just convert better, they rank better too.

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2. Ignoring Mobile Users

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Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn't mobile-first, you're alienating the majority of your audience.

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The fix: Design with responsiveness in mind so mobile and desktop alike are functional. Test extensively on actual devices, not just browser simulators.

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3. Making Navigation Complicated

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If visitors can't find what they're looking for in three clicks, they'll leave. Complex menus and unclear pathways kill conversions.

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The fix: Keep navigation simple and intuitive. Use clear labels, logical hierarchy, and make your search function prominent.

4. Forgetting About SEO from the Start

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Treating SEO as an afterthought means rebuilding later. Your site structure, URLs, and content strategy need to be optimised from day one.

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The fix: Build with SEO in mind. Proper heading structure, clean URLs, fast load times, and quality content aren't optional. They're essential.

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5. Using Generic Stock Photos

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Nothing screams "untrustworthy" like overused stock imagery. Your visuals should reflect your actual brand, products, and values.

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The fix: Invest in custom photography or high-quality product shots. Show real people, real products, real results.

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6. Weak or hidden calls-to-action

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If visitors can't immediately see what action you want them to take, they won't take it. Buried CTAs are missed opportunities.

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The fix: Make CTAs prominent, clear, and action-oriented. Use contrasting colours and persuasive copy that tells users exactly what happens next.

7. Overloading Pages with Content

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Walls of text overwhelm visitors. Too much information paradoxically leads to less engagement and lower conversions.

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The fix: Use white space strategically. Break content into scannable sections with clear headings. Less is more when every word serves a purpose.

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8. Neglecting Accessibility

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Inaccessible websites exclude customers and can expose you to legal risks. Poor contrast, missing alt text, and keyboard navigation issues affect real people.

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The fix: Follow WCAG guidelines. Ensure proper colour contrast, add descriptive alt text, and make your site navigable without a mouse.

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9. Building without User Testing

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Assumptions about what users want rarely match reality. Launching without testing means guessing, and usually guessing wrong.

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The fix: Test with real users early and often. Watch how people actually interact with your site, identify friction points, and iterate based on data.

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10. No Clear Strategy or Goals

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Designing without clear objectives leads to websites that look nice but achieve nothing. Every design decision should serve a business goal.

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The fix: Define success metrics before you start. Whether it's conversions, leads, or engagement, build your site to deliver measurable results.

Designing Websites That Actually Convert

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Whether you’re planning a new build or optimising an existing site, getting the fundamentals right makes all the difference.

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Designing websites isn’t just about visuals: it’s about performance, strategy, SEO, and user experience working together. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can uncover opportunities you’ve missed.

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At B2 Agency, we work with businesses at all stages, from initial concepts to full-scale rebuilds. If you're thinking about your website strategy and want to talk through your options, we're here to help.

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Get in touch to discuss your setup and plans going forward.