Common Web Design Mistakes That Hurt Your Brand (And How to Fix Them)
Your website is often the first impression people have of your brand—and first impressions matter. A well-designed site can build trust, attract customers, and drive conversions, while a poorly designed one can do the opposite.
Publish On
January 18, 2025
Written By
Caleb Ashford
Framer Developer
1. Slow Load Times
❌ The Problem:
A slow website frustrates users and increases bounce rates. In fact, studies show that 40% of visitors will leave a site that takes more than 3 seconds to load.
✅ How to Fix It:
Optimize images by compressing them without losing quality.
Use modern formats like WebP instead of PNG/JPEG.
Minimize unnecessary scripts and plugins.
Enable caching and use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to speed up load times globally.
🚀 Pro Tip: I always optimize performance in Framer by keeping animations lightweight and ensuring that assets are loaded efficiently.
2. Poor Mobile Experience
❌ The Problem:
Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, yet many websites still aren’t optimized for mobile users. A site that’s hard to navigate on a phone will drive visitors away.
✅ How to Fix It:
Use responsive design that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes.
Avoid tiny buttons or text—make sure everything is easy to tap and read.
Test your site on multiple devices to ensure it functions properly.
📱 Pro Tip: When designing in Framer, I always prioritize mobile-first design to ensure a smooth experience across all devices.
3. Confusing Navigation
❌ The Problem:
If visitors can’t find what they’re looking for quickly, they’ll leave. A cluttered or unclear menu leads to frustration and lost conversions.
✅ How to Fix It:
Keep the navigation simple and intuitive—less is more.
Use clear labels for menu items (avoid vague terms like "Stuff" or "More").
Make important pages (such as "Contact" or "Pricing") easy to access.
🧭 Pro Tip: I always conduct user flow testing to ensure visitors can navigate a site effortlessly.
4. Lack of Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
❌ The Problem:
A website without a strong CTA leaves users wondering what to do next. If they don’t know how to take action, they likely won’t.
✅ How to Fix It:
Use clear, action-driven CTA buttons (e.g., “Get Started,” “Book a Call,” “Buy Now”).
Make sure CTAs are visually distinct and placed strategically throughout the site.
Remove distractions—don’t overwhelm visitors with too many choices.
🎯 Pro Tip: I focus on designing high-converting CTA sections that naturally guide users toward the next step.
5. Inconsistent Branding
❌ The Problem:
A website with mismatched fonts, colors, and styles can feel unprofessional. Inconsistent branding weakens trust and confuses your audience.
✅ How to Fix It:
Stick to a cohesive color palette and typography system.
Use consistent design elements across all pages.
Align your website’s style with your overall brand identity.
🎨 Pro Tip: I help brands build visually cohesive websites that enhance credibility and leave a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
A well-designed website is more than just aesthetics—it’s about functionality, speed, clarity, and consistency. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can boost engagement, improve user experience, and drive better results for your brand.
If you’re looking to level up your website and fix these issues, let’s connect and build something impactful together! 🚀