The biggest mistakes when creating a website (and how to avoid them)
Building a website is a big deal. It’s your digital home base, your 24/7 storefront and the first impression many people will have of your brand. No pressure, right? But here’s the thing: even the most well-intentioned website projects can go off the rails if you’re not careful. So, let’s talk about the biggest mistakes people make when creating a website and more importantly, how to avoid them.
Overloading with Features
We get it - you want your website to do *all the things.* But here’s the harsh truth: trying to cram in every feature under the sun usually ends in disaster. Overloaded websites are slow, confusing and generally a nightmare for visitors. They’ll leave faster than you can say ‘back button.’
The Fix: Start with the basics. Focus on the core functionality that your site *needs* to succeed. Want to add features later? Cool - do it as your site grows, but keep it clean and straightforward to start. Less is more, my friend.
Ignoring Mobile Optimisation
Here’s a shocker: more than half of your website’s traffic will probably come from mobile devices. If your site isn’t optimised for mobile, you’re basically turning away visitors at the door. Clunky designs, unreadable text and images that don’t load correctly are instant deal-breakers.
The Fix: Choose a platform that offers mobile-responsive design (hint: Squarespace does this beautifully). Test your site on multiple devices before you launch. Make sure it’s as smooth on a smartphone as it is on a desktop.
Forgetting About SEO
You’ve built the most gorgeous website ever (using one of our templates) - congrats! But if no one can find it, what’s the point? Ignoring Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is like throwing a party and forgetting to send out invitations. You’ll be the only one there.
The Fix: Take SEO seriously from the start. Use keyword-rich titles, meta descriptions and alt text for images. Ensure your site loads quickly and is easy to navigate. Platforms like Squarespace have built-in SEO tools that make this way easier than it sounds.
Neglecting User Experience (UX)
You wouldn’t invite someone into your home and then make them navigate a maze to find the bathroom, right? The same logic applies to your website. If your visitors can’t easily find what they’re looking for, they’re out. And they probably won’t be back.
The Fix: Prioritise a clear, intuitive design. Think about your website from a visitor’s perspective - what do they need, and how can you make it easy for them to get there? Keep menus simple, use clear calls-to-action and don’t make them work too hard to find what they need.
Using Low-Quality Images
Your website is a visual representation of your brand and nothing kills that faster than grainy, pixelated images. Low-quality visuals scream amateur hour and can instantly downgrade the perception of your entire brand.
The Fix: Invest in high-quality images. Whether it’s through a professional photographer or high-res stock photos, make sure your visuals are sharp and consistent with your brand’s aesthetic. This is especially crucial for product photos - blurry images won’t sell anything.
Ignoring the Importance of Content
You might have a stunning design but if your content doesn’t deliver, it’s all for nothing. Content is what engages your visitors, tells your story and drives them to take action. Neglecting it is a huge mistake.
The Fix: Spend time crafting compelling, clear, and on-brand content. Don’t just fill your site with fluff - think about what your audience needs to hear and how you can communicate it effectively. Break up text with headings, bullet points and images to make it easy to digest.
Not Having a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
You’ve got the visitor’s attention - now what? If your site doesn’t guide them on what to do next, you’re leaving money on the table. A website without a clear CTA is like a road with no signs - you’re just hoping they figure out where to go.
The Fix: Make your CTAs obvious and compelling. Whether it’s Shop Now, Book a Consultation or Sign Up for Our Newsletter, your CTAs should be strategically placed and impossible to miss. Don’t leave your visitors guessing.
Launching Without Testing
Nothing says unprofessional like a website full of broken links, typos or features that don’t work. Launching your site without thorough testing is one of the biggest rookie mistakes you can make.
The Fix: Test, test and then test some more. Check every link, every form and every page on multiple devices and browsers. Get fresh eyes to review your site and give feedback. It’s worth delaying the launch to make sure everything is flawless.
The Bottom Line
Creating a website is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on what really matters - clean design, user experience, high-quality content and mobile optimisation - you’ll be well on your way to building a site that not only looks amazing but actually works.
Remember, your website is more than just a digital business card - it’s a reflection of your brand. Take the time to get it right and you’ll set yourself up for success from the start. Happy building!
