9 Common Website Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them)

📌 TL;DR: Key Website Copy Errors to Avoid for Better Results

Avoiding common website mistakes can greatly improve your site’s performance. Here’s how to fix a few key issues:

• Target the right keywords to help customers find you.
• Avoid keyword stuffing—keep your content natural and engaging.
• Ensure fast loading speeds to prevent visitors from leaving.

But these are just the basics. Fixing common issues like poor structure, unclear messaging, and mobile optimisation can transform your site and boost engagement. Want to know more? Keep reading!

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Spotting Costly SEO Mistakes: Real-Life Scenarios

Common website mistakes can quietly undermine even the most beautiful digital shopfronts. In today’s online world, your website is usually the first thing people see. Regardless of whether they’re in a London café, a Manhattan high-rise, or a sunny spot in Sydney, your website is their first impression.

Fixing common website mistakes early helps make your site feel welcoming and keeps visitors engaged.

Curious about what might be holding your website back? You’re in exactly the right place. In this article, I’ll break down the most common website mistakes, pairing each one with a real-world example so you can spot them instantly. 

I’m passionate about making digital solutions simple and effective. I’ll guide you through each pitfall and show you how to turn every misstep into an opportunity for growth.

Ready to dig deeper and give your business the online glow-up it deserves? Let’s dive in.

Not Doing Keyword Research

What it means: Keyword research helps you find the words people use when they search online. These are the terms your customers are already typing into Google. Without it, your website might use language that doesn’t match what people are typing, making it hard for them to find you.

Example: A dog groomer writes a homepage using phrases like “pamper your pooch” but never mentions “dog grooming services.” As a result, people searching for “dog grooming near me” in London or Leeds won’t find the site.

What to do: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find popular search terms related to your business. Next, add these keywords to your website copy. Do it naturally, so it still reads well. This helps search engines understand what you offer and show your site to the right people.

Keyword Stuffing

What it means: Keyword stuffing happens when you cram your content with the same keywords over and over. This makes your writing sound unnatural and can annoy both readers and search engines, which may penalise your site.

Example: A bakery’s page repeats “best cupcakes” over and over: “If you want the best cupcakes, try our best cupcakes. Our best cupcakes are the best.” This feels forced and puts off both readers and search engines.

What to do: Use your main keyword strategically—once in the title, a few times in the body, and a subheading. Focus on writing smoothly so your message feels inviting, not robotic.

Ignoring Search Intent

What it means: Search intent is the reason behind a user’s search—what they want to find or do. If your content doesn’t match their intent, visitors will leave quickly, hurting your site’s performance.

Example: Someone searches “how to train a puppy” but lands on a page selling dog food, not training tips. They leave frustrated because the content doesn’t answer their question.

What to do: Before writing, think about what your audience really wants. If your page promises training tips, deliver clear, helpful steps. Aligning your content with search intent keeps visitors engaged and improves SEO.

Neglecting Website Speed

What it means: Website speed refers to how quickly your site loads and responds when someone visits. Slow-loading pages frustrate users, increase bounce rates, and can even hurt your search rankings. People expect instant results—if your site drags, many will leave before they see what you offer.

Example: An online boutique has beautiful product photos, but each image is so large that the homepage takes ages to load. Shoppers get impatient, close the tab, and move on to a faster competitor.

What to do: Optimise images by compressing them without losing quality. Limit the use of heavy plugins or scripts. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test your site’s speed and follow their recommendations. A fast website keeps visitors engaged and improves your chances of turning clicks into customers.

Poor Content Structure

What it means: Content structure is how your information is organised on the page. If your site doesn’t use clear headings, short paragraphs, or bullet points, people can get confused fast. 

They might skip over things that matter. Or worse, move on to another website that helps them with their problem. Headings help your audience to skim-read and to quickly find the information they need.

Example: A café’s about page is a single wall of text with no headings or breaks. Visitors struggle to find opening times or the menu and may give up before discovering what makes the café special.

What to do: Break up your content with descriptive headings like “Our Story,” “Menu Highlights,” and “Visit Us.” Use bullet points for quick information, such as opening hours or special offers. This approach makes your site easy to scan and enjoyable to read.

Overlooking Mobile Optimisation

What it means: Mobile optimisation ensures your website looks and works well on smartphones and tablets. Since most people browse on mobile devices, a site that’s hard to use on a phone will lose visitors fast.

Example: A florist’s website looks lovely on a desktop, but on mobile, the text is tiny and buttons are hard to tap. Customers give up trying to order flowers from their phones—whether they’re in Glasgow or New York.

What to do: Test your site on various devices. Make buttons large enough to tap easily and use readable font sizes. Quick-loading pages and easy navigation make your site a joy to use. They give visitors a smooth experience and keep them coming back.

Weak Internal Linking

What it means: Internal links connect one page of your website to another. Strong internal links make it easy for visitors to find related content. They also help search engines understand how your site is structured.

Example: A pet shop’s blog post about “Choosing the Right Dog Bed” never links to their dog bed products or related advice articles. Readers miss out on helpful info, and the shop loses sales chances.

What to do: Add links like “See our range of dog beds” or “Read our guide to dog sleep habits” within your content. This encourages visitors to explore more and improves your SEO.

Unclear Messaging & Readability Issues

What it means: Using jargon, long sentences, or complicated words can confuse visitors. Clear messaging means speaking plainly and making your content easy to understand.

Example: A tech company uses jargon. “Our platform leverages synergistic paradigms for scalable solutions.” Most readers have no clue what this means.

What to do: Swap jargon for simple language. “Our software helps your team work together and grow your business.” Use short sentences and a friendly tone to build trust and make your brand memorable.

Missing or Poor Meta Descriptions

What it means: Meta descriptions are short summaries that appear in search engine results. They help people decide whether to click on your link.

Example: A hotel’s homepage shows up in Google with a snippet like: “Home – Welcome to our website.” This doesn’t tell searchers anything about the hotel or why they should click.

What to do: Write a meta description that highlights your offer and includes a keyword. For example: “Relax at our dog-friendly hotel, just steps from the beach. Book your perfect getaway today!” This invites clicks and makes your listing stand out.

Ready to Transform Your Website?

Avoiding these common website mistakes can transform your online presence. You’ll go from being overlooked to impossible to miss. Regularly review your site, tweak your content, and keep your messaging sharp. 

If you need a fresh perspective on your website or help with digital solutions that make your brand stand out, I’m here for you. Whether your clients are in the UK, the US, or anywhere else, I can help. Let’s make your website shine and turn every visit into an opportunity.

Want more practical tips to help your website stand out and grow your business?

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