A website often serves as the first point of contact between a business and potential customers. Effective design directly influences whether visitors take the desired action—known as a conversion—whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a service, or simply filling out a form. But what happens when poor design choices get in the way?

 

1. Missing or Unclear Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

A call-to-action button tells visitors what step to take next, whether it’s “Book a Call,” “Start Free Trial,” or “Add to Cart.” When CTAs are missing or vague, users are left wondering what action to take—introducing friction into the process.

 

For example, a defense attorney might prioritize a clear “Call Now” button to facilitate immediate client contact, while a construction company selling high-ticket products might prefer a form to qualify potential customers.

 

Pro Tip: Avoid generic phrases like “Click Here.” Be specific—use phrases such as “Schedule a Consultation” or “Download the Guide.” Clarity helps reduce user hesitation.

 

2. Slow Website Loading Speed

Website speed is critical for conversions. Research consistently shows that slow-loading pages cause user abandonment. Every extra second of load time can dramatically reduce conversion rates.

 

Common Causes:

• Outdated plugins (common on older WordPress sites)

• Excessive ads

• Large images not optimized for mobile devices

 

Solution: Use tools that automatically resize images for different screen sizes, like MadeDaily, to ensure efficient delivery without sacrificing quality.

 

3. Poor Navigation and Clutter

Confusing navigation and cluttered content create a cognitive overload for users, who may struggle to find the information they need.

 

Signs of Bad Navigation:

1. Too many links in the top navigation bar

2. No clear hierarchy of information

3. Disorganized or redundant content

 

A streamlined, intuitive layout makes it easier for users to find what they’re looking for and encourages engagement.

 

4. Low-quality or Inappropriate Images

Visuals play a crucial role in user perception and trust.

 

The Problem:

• Cliché or irrelevant stock images can make your site feel inauthentic.

• AI-generated images may look unprofessional and introduce distractions (think extra fingers!).

 

Best Practices:

• Use custom photography when possible.

• Ensure images align with your brand messaging and evoke the right emotions.

 

5. Unresponsive Design

With mobile traffic continuing to rise, having a responsive design isn’t optional—it’s essential. An unresponsive website that doesn’t adapt to different devices and screen sizes frustrates users and leads to abandonment.

 

Solution: Ensure your website is designed to be fully functional and visually appealing across all devices. This includes optimizing forms, navigation, and images.

 

Design mistakes—whether it’s unclear CTAs, slow-loading pages, bad images, or poor navigation—introduce friction that prevents visitors from converting. By prioritizing clarity, speed, visual quality, and user experience, businesses can create a seamless journey that encourages users to take the desired action.