Your Website Looks Like a Hot Mess (Here’s How to Fix It Before Anyone Notices)

Think your website is doing its job just because it's live? Think again.

If it loads slower than your motivation on a Monday, looks like chaos on mobile, or still says “Welcome to our homepage,” you're losing business. Fast.

In this guide, we’re calling out the five most common website sins—and showing you how to fix them before your next client runs for the hills.

5 Website Mistakes That Make You Look Unprofessional (And How to Fix Them)

Because nothing says 'trust me with your business' like a website that screams 'I made this in 1999.'


1. The Never-Ending Loading Screen

The Crime: Your website loads slower than a snail on a leisurely stroll.

Why It’s a Problem: In the age of instant gratification, no one waits around for a sluggish site. Visitors will bounce faster than you can say "lost opportunity."

The Fix:


  • Optimize Images: Compress those beautiful high-res photos. Tools like TinyPNG can help.​


  • Minimize Plugins: Deactivate unnecessary plugins that bog down performance.​


  • Choose Reliable Hosting: Invest in a hosting provider known for speed and uptime. (Did you know hosting is included in our DIY kit? Shameless plug I know...)

2. Mobile Unfriendliness

The Crime: Your site looks fabulous on a desktop but turns into a Picasso painting on mobile devices.

Why It’s a Problem: Over half of web traffic comes from mobile users. If your site isn’t responsive, you're alienating a massive audience.​

The Fix:


  • Responsive Design: Use flexible layouts that adapt to various screen sizes.​Web.com AI Site Builder


  • Test Regularly: Periodically check your site's mobile version to ensure a seamless experience.​

3. Autoplay Videos with Sound

The Crime: A visitor lands on your page, and BAM! A video starts blaring unsolicited sound.

Why It’s a Problem: It's intrusive, annoying, and a surefire way to send visitors scrambling for the exit.​

The Fix:


  • Silent Autoplay: If you must autoplay, ensure videos start muted.​


  • User Control: Allow visitors to choose when (and if) they want to engage with multimedia content.

Alt Text: Business website missing clear call to action

4. Outdated Content

The Crime: Your latest blog post is from 2015, and you're still advertising that "upcoming" event from two years ago.

Why It’s a Problem: Stale content suggests neglect and can erode trust in your brand's credibility.​

The Fix:


  • Regular Updates: Schedule periodic content reviews and refreshes.​


  • Content Calendar: Maintain a posting schedule to keep content current and relevant.



5. Lack of Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

The Crime: Visitors peruse your site but have no clue what to do next.

Why It’s a Problem: Without a clear CTA, potential customers may leave without engaging further, leading to missed conversions.​

The Fix:


  • Strategic Placement: Position CTAs prominently on key pages.​Neo


  • Compelling Language: Use action-oriented language that encourages immediate response.



Final Thoughts:

Your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your business. Avoiding these common pitfalls can mean the difference between appearing as a credible professional or a digital dinosaur. Remember, in the vast expanse of the internet, it's survival of the fittest—or at least the most user-friendly.

P.S. If navigating these fixes feels daunting, fear not! At Jolly Web, we specialize in crafting websites that not only look stellar but also function flawlessly. Let's chat about how we can elevate your online presence.

Sanne Franssen - Founder

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