5 Common Website Design Mistakes Costing You Conversions (and How to Fix Them)

According to a 2023 Baymard Institute study, 47% of visitors expect a website to load in 2 seconds or less. A slow loading website frustrates users and significantly impacts conversions.

But fear not! Here at Digital Landings, we specialise in crafting websites that not only look stunning, but also convert visitors into loyal customers. Today, we're sharing five common website design mistakes that could be costing you conversions, along with some clever fixes to get you back on track.

1. A Confusing User Journey:

Imagine walking into a shop where the aisles are labyrinthine and the products lack clear labelling. Frustrating, right? The same applies to websites. A confusing navigation structure or a lack of clear calls to action (CTAs) leaves visitors bewildered and unsure where to click next.

Fix it:  Employ a logical and user-friendly navigation bar, ensuring every page is easily accessible with just a few clicks. Craft clear and concise CTAs that tell visitors exactly what you want them to do, be it "Contact Us for a Quote" or "Shop Our Latest Collection Now."

2. Mobile Malaise:

We're a nation on the go, increasingly browsing websites from smartphones and tablets. A website that isn't responsive, meaning it doesn't adapt to different screen sizes, will alienate a significant portion of your potential customer base. Studies by Statista show that mobile browsing makes up over 54% of all web traffic globally in 2024.

Fix it:  Ensure your website is fully responsive and delivers an optimal viewing experience across all devices. Responsive design isn't just a trend; it's a necessity in today's mobile-first world.

3. Stock Photo Snoozefest:

Generic stock photos are a dime a dozen and do little to engage your audience. They scream "unoriginal" and fail to connect with your brand identity.

Fix it: Invest in high-quality visuals that resonate with your target audience and reflect your brand's unique personality. Consider professional photography services or explore royalty-free stock photo platforms offering a range of authentic images.

4. Insipid Information Architecture:

Cramming your website with too much text or burying vital information deep within menus creates an overwhelming experience for visitors. They simply won't have the time or patience to sift through walls of text.  Studies by the Nielsen Norman Group suggest that users typically scan webpages rather than reading them thoroughly.

Fix it: Prioritise clear and concise information architecture. Break down complex topics into digestible chunks, use bullet points and subheadings to improve readability, and leverage high-quality visuals to break up text-heavy sections.

5. The MIA Value Proposition:

Your website should communicate your value proposition within seconds of a visitor landing. If they don't understand what you do and why they should care within the first few moments, they'll likely bounce off to a competitor.  A 2022 Hubspot blog post highlights that businesses with a clear value proposition can experience bounce rates as low as 26%, while those with unclear value propositions can see bounce rates soar to over 90%.

Fix it:  Craft a compelling headline that clearly articulates your unique selling proposition (USP). Use strong visuals and benefit-driven language to showcase the value you offer to potential customers.

By addressing these common website design mistakes, you can create a website that converts visitors into customers and propels your business forward. Remember, a well-designed website is an investm

By addressing these common website design mistakes, you can create a website that converts visitors into customers and propels your business forward. Remember, a well-designed website is an investment, not an expense. It's the foundation of your online presence and can be the key to unlocking significant growth.

Want to learn more about how Digital Landings can help you create a website that converts?

Contact us today for a free consultation!