Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business. A great design can build trust, improve engagement, and increase conversions, while a poor design can frustrate visitors and drive them away.
Many businesses lose potential customers simply because their website is confusing, slow, or outdated. Whether you are building a new site or improving an existing one, avoiding these common web design mistakes can make all the difference.
The Most Common Web Design Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Slow Loading Speeds Drive Visitors Away
People expect websites to load fast. If a page takes too long, they leave. Studies show that 53% of users abandon a site if it takes longer than three seconds to load. Slow speeds also hurt search rankings, making it harder for people to find you online.
How to Fix It
🟢 Optimise images – Large images slow down your site. Compress them before uploading.
🟢 Minimise plugins – Too many plugins can clog your site. Keep only what you need.
🟢 Use a fast hosting provider – A slow server leads to a slow website. Choose a reliable host.
Case Study: North Street Carpets & Beds
Before working with Rubi.Agency, North Street Carpets & Beds had a slow, outdated website that was hurting their online presence. After creating a faster, optimised site, their visitors stayed longer, engagement increased, and their social media ads became more effective because people were landing on a site that worked smoothly.
2. Complicated Navigation Confuses Visitors
If people cannot find what they need quickly, they will leave. A confusing menu or too many options can overwhelm visitors and make them exit your site without taking action.
How to Fix It
🟢 Keep menus simple – Stick to clear, easy-to-understand labels.
🟢 Use clear call-to-actions – Make it obvious where people should click next.
🟢 Follow a logical layout – Place the most important pages where users expect them.
Example: A Restaurant Website
Imagine visiting a restaurant’s website and struggling to find the menu or booking page. Instead of hunting for it, most users will click away and find another place to eat.
A well-designed site makes it easy for users to get what they need within seconds.
3. Not Mobile Friendly? You Are Losing Customers
More than 60% of website traffic comes from mobile users, yet many websites still do not work properly on phones. If people have to zoom in, struggle to click buttons, or experience a broken layout, they will leave.
How to Fix It
🟢 Make sure your site is responsive – Your website should adjust to any screen size.
🟢 Test your site on different devices – Check how it looks on phones, tablets, and desktops.
🟢 Avoid large pop-ups – They can block the screen and frustrate mobile users.
Case Study: Saints Restaurant
Saints Restaurant needed a high-end, visually appealing website that worked seamlessly on mobile. By focusing on responsive design, simple navigation, and clear menus, we helped them create a site that matched their brand and made it easy for customers to book tables online.
4. Too Much Text, Not Enough Visuals
People do not read websites like books. They scan. If they see huge blocks of text, they lose interest.
How to Fix It
🟢 Break up text – Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and headings.
🟢 Add visuals – Use high-quality images, videos, or icons to break up content.
🟢 Use whitespace – Let your content breathe instead of cramming everything together.
Example: A Service Business Website
A law firm’s website with walls of text explaining their services is hard to read. But a well-structured page with key points, clear sections, and visuals makes it easier for potential clients to engage.
5. Weak Calls to Action (CTAs) Lose Customers
Visitors need guidance on what to do next. If your call to action is unclear, hidden, or missing, people may not take the next step—whether that is booking a service, making a purchase, or contacting you.
How to Fix It
🟢 Make CTAs clear and visible – Buttons should stand out and tell users exactly what to do.
🟢 Use action-driven language – Instead of “Submit”, try “Get Your Free Quote”.
🟢 Place CTAs strategically – Make sure they appear in key places on your website.
Example: A Carpet and Flooring Business
A website selling carpets should have clear CTAs like “Book a Free Measurement” or “Browse Our Best Sellers”. This makes it easy for customers to take action, rather than leaving them unsure of what to do next.
Final Thoughts: Does Your Website Need an Upgrade?
A slow, confusing, or outdated website can cost you customers. Avoiding common web design mistakes helps create a seamless, enjoyable experience that keeps visitors engaged and converting.
At Rubi.Agency, we design fast, user-friendly, and high-performing websites that help businesses grow. Whether you need a brand-new site or improvements to an existing one, we can help you get better results online.
Want a website that works for your business? Let’s chat.
