The 3 Biggest Website Mistakes I See (And How to Avoid Them)

The 3 Biggest Website Mistakes I See (And How to Avoid Them)

Launching a new website should feel like an exciting milestone — a fresh digital start for your business. But too often, that excitement fades when the site doesn’t perform as expected. As a Shaftesbury web designer working with small businesses across Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, I’ve seen first-hand how small missteps can limit a website’s potential.

Here are the three biggest website mistakes I see most often — and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

1️⃣ No Clear Call to Action (CTA)

A beautiful website is useless if your visitors don’t know what to do next. I regularly see sites that look polished but completely miss this crucial element. Whether you want people to book a consultation, buy a product, or get in touch, every page needs a clear and visible call to action.

A strong CTA turns curiosity into conversion.
At D-S-Design, I map every page around your user journey, ensuring buttons, contact forms, and signposts are placed with purpose. When your website guides users naturally, engagement and enquiries rise.

Tip: Use consistent action phrases like “Book Now” or “Get a Quote” — and make sure they stand out visually.

2️⃣ Poor Mobile Experience

More than 60% of users now browse the web on their phone. Yet, many businesses still only test their site on desktop. If your layout breaks, buttons overlap, or text becomes unreadable on mobile, visitors won’t stick around.

That’s why I take a mobile-first approach to every project. Your website should look and perform flawlessly on every screen size — from phones and tablets to large monitors. A responsive website design improves trust, SEO, and conversions all at once.

Did you know? Google now prioritises mobile-friendly sites in search results. Ignoring mobile optimisation means missing potential customers before they even land on your site.

3️⃣ Slow Load Times

Page speed can make or break your first impression. If your website takes more than a few seconds to load, visitors will simply leave — and Google notices that. Common causes include oversized image files, unnecessary plug-ins, and poor hosting performance.

When I redesigned one client’s homepage, I cut the load time in half by compressing media, improving hosting, and cleaning up messy code. The result? Faster performance, better engagement, and higher search visibility.

If your site feels sluggish, my Website Maintenance & Care Plans are designed to keep things optimised, secure, and lightning-fast all year round.

Avoid These Mistakes with Confidence

Building a successful website isn’t just about design — it’s about strategy, usability, and performance. The right combination of design, structure, and SEO can turn your site into a powerful business tool.

If you’re ready to create a website that performs as well as it looks, I’d love to help.
👉 Book a call today and let’s make your next website your best one yet.

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