Your website is often the first impression customers get of your business – and you want that impression to be a positive one.
In fact, 75% of people judge a company’s credibility based on its website design (src: Sweor).
It has never been easier for small businesses to get online with DIY tools (from HTML templates to WYSIWYG builders and CMS content management systems), but it’s also easy to slip into design and content pitfalls.
If your site comes across as unprofessional or “amateur hour,” visitors might leave before they even give your business a chance. The good news is that these common mistakes are straightforward to fix!
Here are 5 website mistakes that can make you look less legit – and how to fix them fast.
1. Outdated or Generic Website Design
If your website looks like it hasn’t been updated since the 1990s or resembles a cookie-cutter template, it can signal to visitors that your business might not be professional. Many small businesses start with stock templates or DIY site builders for convenience, but using a bland, generic template can leave you with a site that looks “cheap” and unoriginal (src: WebFX).
How to fix it fast:
- Refresh the look with your branding. Customize your template with your own logo, brand colors, and high-quality visuals.
- Keep it clean and modern. Choose simple layouts with consistent fonts and spacing. Avoid visual clutter.
- Stand out from the crowd. Add unique elements like a custom hero image or personalized icons to make your site memorable.
2. Ignoring Mobile Users (Not Mobile-Friendly)
More than half of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices (src: Statista), so a site that isn’t mobile-friendly will instantly feel outdated. Small text, buttons too tiny to tap, or layouts that break on a phone screen frustrate visitors and make you look behind the times.
How to fix it fast:
- Use a responsive design. Make sure your template or theme adapts across all screen sizes.
- Test on multiple devices. Try your site on smartphones, tablets, and different browsers. Adjust elements as needed.
- Simplify for smaller screens. Keep buttons large, menus easy to tap, and important info easy to find.
3. Missing Contact Info or About Details
If a visitor can’t easily find out how to contact you or who you are, they might bounce. A lack of contact details can make your business look sketchy or unreliable (src: Nielsen Norman Group).
How to fix it fast:
- Put contact info where people expect it. Include a “Contact” page and display key info in the footer or header.
- Add an About page. Share your story, values, and what sets you apart. Help visitors connect with the people behind the brand.
- Include a contact form and map (if local). Make it easy for people to reach you in the way they prefer.
4. Sloppy or Outdated Content (Typos, Placeholder Text, Broken Stuff)
Typos, missing images, or Lorem Ipsum placeholder text left in by accident are all trust-killers. Sloppy or outdated content makes it look like you don’t care (src: CrazyEgg).
How to fix it fast:
- Do a content audit. Fix grammar, typos, and outdated information.
- Replace placeholder content. Add real text and visuals that reflect your brand and voice.
- Fix broken links and images. Use tools to check for 404s and broken media. Update or remove as needed.
5. Not Securing Your Website (No HTTPS or Security Signals)
Web browsers now flag sites without HTTPS as “Not Secure” — and that’s a huge red flag. Lack of basic security can erode visitor trust (src: Google Developers).
How to fix it fast:
- Get an SSL certificate and enable HTTPS. Most hosts offer this free via Let’s Encrypt.
- Display trust indicators. Show that your site is secure and professional (e.g. SSL badge, privacy policy).
- Keep your software up to date. Regularly update your CMS, plugins, and themes to stay secure.
Conclusion
A polished, professional website builds trust and converts visitors into customers. If you’ve made any of the mistakes above, you’re not alone — and the good news is, they’re all fixable. With a few focused updates, you can turn your site into a confident digital storefront that makes you look every bit as legit as you are.
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