Top 10 Website Design Mistakes Small Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them)

A poorly designed website can do more harm than good. At Branch Marketing, we've seen countless Ontario businesses struggle with avoidable web design mistakes. These issues don’t just look bad — they can hurt your credibility, your SEO, and your bottom line. Here are the top 10 mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.

1. No Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Every page on your website should have a purpose. Without clear CTAs, your visitors won’t know what step to take next. Whether it’s scheduling an appointment, submitting a contact form, or making a purchase, effective CTAs guide users toward conversion. Fix: Use bold, visible buttons and compelling language like “Book Now,” “Get a Quote,” or “Start Your Project.”

2. Outdated Design

A website that looks like it was built in 2010 immediately hurts your credibility. Visitors associate outdated design with poor service or an inactive business. Fix: Refresh your layout every few years. Use clean lines, high-resolution images, modern typography, and updated content.

3. Lack of Mobile Optimization

Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site doesn’t look good or function well on phones and tablets, users will leave. Fix: Use responsive or mobile-first design to ensure your website automatically adjusts to all screen sizes and functions smoothly on mobile.

4. Slow Loading Speeds

Users expect sites to load in under 3 seconds. If yours takes longer, you’ll see higher bounce rates and lower search rankings. Fix: Optimize image sizes, choose a fast hosting provider, enable caching, and minimize unnecessary scripts.

5. Poor Navigation

A confusing layout makes it hard for users to find what they need. Frustrated visitors won’t stick around. Fix: Keep menus simple and intuitive. Use a consistent structure across all pages, and always include a search bar for large sites.

6. No SEO Strategy

If your website isn’t optimized for search engines, it’s nearly invisible to potential customers. SEO is key to being found online. Fix: Include keywords like "web design St. Catharines" or "small business website Ontario" in your content, meta tags, and headers. Use SEO tools and consult experts to create a strategy.

7. Ignoring Accessibility

Your website should be usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. Failing to meet accessibility standards can lead to lost business and even legal issues. Fix: Use proper color contrast, add alt text to all images, make forms keyboard-navigable, and follow WCAG guidelines.

8. Weak Branding

A generic-looking website doesn’t tell visitors who you are or what makes you unique. Strong branding builds trust and loyalty. Fix: Align your site with your brand’s colors, fonts, tone, and messaging. Include a professional logo and high-quality visuals.

9. Lack of Analytics Tracking

If you’re not tracking performance, you’re flying blind. Without analytics, there’s no way to know what’s working. Fix: Install Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Monitor visitor behavior, bounce rates, and conversions to make data-driven improvements.

10. DIY Overload

DIY website builders seem cheap and easy, but they rarely offer the customization, speed, or functionality that businesses need to compete. Fix: Work with a professional web design agency that understands your industry, your goals, and your audience.

Avoid these pitfalls and elevate your business. At Branch Marketing, we specialize in helping small businesses across Ontario create beautiful, high-performing websites that convert. Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation.