3 Website Mistakes That Hurt Small Business Growth (And How to Fix Them)
Your website is one of your most powerful business tools. It’s where people go to learn about your services, make buying decisions, and decide whether they trust your brand. But if it’s not set up the right way, it could be doing more harm than good.
In this post, we’ll uncover three common website mistakes that hurt small business growth and show you how to fix them before they cost you more leads, sales, and opportunities.
Mistake #1: Treating Your Website Like an Online Brochure
Many small businesses build websites that simply list information about who they are, what they do, and where they’re located. But that’s not enough. A brochure site may look “presentable,” but it won’t actively help you grow.
Why this hurts:
- No clear path for users to take action
- Visitors don’t understand why they should choose you
- No strategy behind the layout or messaging
Fix it:
Your website should guide users toward a result, whether that’s booking a call, sending an inquiry, or making a purchase.
To make your site growth-focused:
- Add clear calls to action on every page
- Highlight your unique value proposition
- Speak directly to your ideal client’s problems and goals
Remember, your website isn’t just for showing up, it’s for showing value.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Mobile Users
If your website isn’t easy to use on a smartphone, you’re likely losing more than half your potential customers. Mobile traffic now dominates, and people expect a fast, clean experience on any device.
Why this hurts:
- Mobile users bounce quickly if the site looks broken or loads slowly
- Poor mobile experience = lower rankings in Google
- Lost trust from users who can’t navigate easily
Fix it:
- Use a mobile-first design approach
- Optimise page speed and image sizes
- Make sure buttons, text, and forms are touch-friendly
- Test your site on various devices (not just your phone)
A mobile-friendly website builds trust and keeps people engaged longer.
Mistake #3: Not Showing Proof or Credibility
People are more sceptical online than ever. If your website doesn’t build trust quickly, potential customers will hesitate and often leave.
Common signs of weak credibility:
- No testimonials or reviews
- No visible portfolio or case studies
- Missing or outdated contact information
- No secure (HTTPS) connection
Fix it:
- Add real client testimonials or short case studies
- Include a visual portfolio if you offer services
- Make your contact page easy to find and use
- Ensure your site is secure (HTTPS) and professional-looking
Trust is the bridge between interest and action. Build it early.
Final Thoughts
If your business website isn’t helping you grow, one (or more) of these three mistakes could be holding you back:
- It’s not conversion-focused
- It’s hard to use on mobile
- It lacks trust-building elements
The good news? These issues are fixable, and the impact can be massive.
Need Help Fixing Your Website?
I help small businesses build websites that convert, connect, and grow their brand. If you’re ready for a site that works for you, let’s talk.
Let’s talk about how I can help.
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