5 Website Mistakes That Are Costing You Customers (and How to Fix Them)

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. But so many business owners make crucial mistakes when building their websites, and these mistakes can cost them customers, leads, and even credibility. So, let’s break down the five most common mistakes people make when creating their website and how you can avoid them.

1. Prioritizing Flashy Design Over Functionality

We get it – you want your website to look amazing. And while a visually appealing website is important (no one wants to land on a site that looks like it was built in 1998), focusing solely on fancy animations, trending fonts, or elaborate color schemes while ignoring usability is a big mistake.

Here’s what really matters:

• Load time: Your site should load in 3 seconds or less. Any longer, and most visitors will leave.
  
  
• Easy navigation: People should be able to find what they need in a couple of clicks.
  
  
• Mobile optimization: Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so your site must work well on phones and tablets.
  
  

Remember, if your site looks beautiful but doesn’t work well, you’re losing potential clients.

2. Not Clearly Defining the Customer Journey

Ask yourself: What do you want people to do when they land on your site? Are you trying to get them to call you? Fill out a form? Buy something? Sign up for an email list?

Too many businesses have homepages that are just a clutter of information with no clear direction. You need to:

• Have clear calls-to-action (CTAs) on every page
  
  
• Create a simple and logical path that guides visitors to their next step
  
  
• Avoid unnecessary distractions that pull them away from what you want them to do
  
  

Think of your website like a funnel. Every page should lead visitors down toward your ultimate goal.

3. Ignoring SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

If you’re building a website and not thinking about SEO, you’re basically throwing up a digital billboard in the middle of the desert where no one will find it.

SEO is your long-term game. It’s about using the right keywords that people are searching for and incorporating them into your website so that people can find you when they’re looking for your services.

To improve your SEO:

• Use clear headings and organized content that Google can understand
  
  
• Optimize your images and page speed
  
  
• Set up a Google Business profile and create backlinks to drive more traffic to your site
  
  

Remember, a beautiful website means nothing if it’s buried on page 12 of Google search results.

4. Not Having a Lead Capture Strategy

Most people who visit your site aren’t ready to buy right away. They need time, and if you don’t have a way to stay in touch with them, you’re losing potential customers.

The solution? A lead magnet. Offer something of value like a free guide, a discount, or an e-book in exchange for their contact information. This allows you to nurture these leads through email marketing, retargeting ads, or even personal phone calls.

For example, if you’re a painter, you might offer a free guide on “Top Paint Colors of the Season” or “Celebrity Home Color Inspirations”. Make it something interesting and targeted to what your potential clients would be looking for.

5. Failing to Keep Your Website Updated

You can’t just set it and forget it. Google favors fresh content, so if you’re not updating your site regularly, you’re falling lower and lower in the search rankings.

Easy ways to keep your site fresh:

• Post new blog content regularly (ideally weekly)
  
  
• Update your pricing and services as they change
  
  
• Remove outdated information (like former employees)
  
  
• Share recent events or community involvement
  
  

Your website is a living, breathing part of your business. Keep it alive!

In Conclusion

Your website should work for you, not just collect digital dust. If you’re realizing you’re making some of these mistakes, don’t worry! All of these issues can be fixed.

If you need help updating or redesigning your website to avoid these pitfalls, we’d love to help. You can reach out to Rachel at rachel@boltzmedia.com for a free website review.

Remember, a well-designed, functional, and regularly updated website is crucial for your business success in the digital world. So let’s get to work and make your website the powerful tool it should be!