Web Design Mistakes That Are Costing Your Business Enquiries

Your website might look fine - but if it’s not bringing in enquiries, something isn’t working.

For many small, local businesses, the issue isn’t the service or pricing. It’s simple web design mistakes that quietly push potential customers away.

Here are the most common website mistakes that lose enquiries - and why fixing them can make a real difference.

1. No Clear Call to Action

One of the biggest mistakes in web design is not telling visitors what to do next.

If your website doesn’t clearly say:

• Call us

• Get a quote

• Book now

• Send an enquiry

…people won’t take action.

Visitors shouldn’t have to think. A clear call to action guides them and increases enquiries.

2. Contact Details Are Hard to Find

If customers can’t contact you easily, they won’t try very hard.

Common mistakes include:

• No phone number on the homepage

• Hidden contact page

• No contact form

• Email address buried at the bottom

Your contact details should be easy to find on every page, especially for local businesses.

3. Website Looks Outdated or Unprofessional

First impressions matter.

If your website:

• Looks old

• Feels cluttered

• Has poor images

• Doesn’t match your brand

Visitors may assume your business is the same.

A clean, modern website builds trust instantly and makes customers feel confident contacting you.

4. Not Mobile-Friendly

Most people visit websites on their phones.

If your website:

• Is hard to read on mobile

• Has tiny text or buttons

• Loads slowly

• Doesn’t fit the screen

You’re losing enquiries without realising it.

A mobile-friendly website is no longer optional - it’s essential.

5. Slow Loading Pages

People are impatient online.

If your website takes more than a few seconds to load, many visitors will leave before they see anything.

Slow websites:

• Frustrate visitors

• Reduce enquiries

• Hurt Google rankings

Fast-loading pages keep people on your site longer and increase conversions.

6. Too Much Text and Not Enough Clarity

Trying to explain everything at once can overwhelm visitors.

Common problems include:

• Long paragraphs

• Too many services on one page

• No headings or spacing

Clear, simple content works best.

Short sections, headings, and plain language help visitors quickly understand what you offer.

7. No Trust Signals

Customers want reassurance before they get in touch.

If your website doesn’t show:

• Reviews or testimonials

• Photos of your work

• Local areas you serve

• Clear business information

Visitors may hesitate.

Trust signals reduce doubt and encourage enquiries.

8. Website Focuses on You - Not the Customer

Many websites talk too much about the business and not enough about the customer’s problem.

Visitors want to know:

• Can you help me?

• Do you understand my issue?

• Are you right for my job?

Customer-focused websites convert better than self-focused ones.

Final Thoughts: Small Website Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Most websites don’t need a full rebuild - they need clearer design and better structure.

Fixing common web design mistakes can:

• Increase enquiries

• Improve user experience

• Build trust

• Help your website perform better on Google

If your website isn’t generating leads, it’s costing you business.

Is Your Website Losing You Enquiries?

At First Step Media, we design websites for small, local businesses that are built to convert visitors into enquiries.

No jargon. No stress. Just websites that work.

👉 Take the first step today.