Top 3 Web Design Mistakes Small Businesses Make – and How to Fix Them
- Christopher Sergi
- May 3
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
In today’s digital world, your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. And for small businesses, getting that impression right can mean the difference between gaining a new customer or losing them to a competitor. Unfortunately, many small businesses make simple — yet costly — mistakes when it comes to their website design.
Working with a local web designer who is willing to discuss your options can be an incredible investment. Here are the top three web design pitfalls I see time and again — and how you can fix them.
Outdated or Cluttered Design
The problem
Many small business websites look like they haven’t been updated in a decade (most likely because they haven't!) Busy layouts, crammed navigation, clashing colours, and tiny text not only look unprofessional but also make it hard for visitors to navigate and trust your brand.
The fix
Keep your design clean, modern, and on-brand. Use plenty of white space, limit your colour palette, and choose easy-to-read fonts. Don’t forget to update images and content regularly to show that your business is active and current.
Tip: If your website looks better on your desktop than on your mobile phone, it’s time for a redesign.
No Clear Call to Action (CTA)
The problem
You’ve got visitors on your site — now what? If your website doesn’t guide users to take action (like calling, booking, or buying), you’re missing valuable opportunities.
The fix
Make your CTA clear, visible, and compelling. Whether it’s a “Book a Free Consultation,” “Buy Now,” or “Call Us Today,” your website should guide visitors toward taking the next step. Ideally, there should be a CTA on every page — especially above the fold (the portion of a webpage that is visible without scrolling when the page first loads.)
Poor Mobile Experience
The problem
Over half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site is hard to use on a phone — slow loading, awkward buttons, or content that doesn’t fit the screen — users won’t stick around and you could lose business.
The fix
Ensure your website is fully mobile responsive. That means the layout, fonts, images, and buttons all adjust seamlessly across different screen sizes. Test your site on various devices or ask a professional to do a mobile audit. A few tweaks could truly change your user experience.
Final Thoughts
Small business websites don’t need to be flashy or complex — they just need to be clear, modern, and user-friendly. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set your business apart and make it easier for customers to connect with you. Small businesses often have a lot of competition, so consider your website and how it can outperform your competitors.
Need help giving your website a refresh? I offer free consultations to small and local businesses — let’s chat about how to bring your website up to speed.
As a local web designer in Cobham, Surrey, I work one-on-one with small businesses to modernise their websites, improve usability, and increase visibility — all while preserving what makes them unique.
📩 Email: cs(@)christophersergi.com
📞 Phone: +44 (0) 7377 322 082
Looking to grow your online presence? Check out my web design services in Surrey for more info.
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