The Web Design Mistakes That Are Costing You Customers (And How to Fix Them)
If your website isn’t bringing in leads, sales, or bookings—it’s not working the way it should.
I talk to small business owners all the time who say things like:
“We’ve got a site, but no one really uses it.”
“People say it’s hard to find what they need.”
“It’s fine for now... I think.”
Here’s the truth:
Your website should be working for you 24/7.
And if it’s not, it’s probably because of a handful of small—but costly—mistakes.
I'm Brian Williamson, founder of Lime Group LLC, a one-man digital marketing studio serving Florence, AL, Jackson, TN, and beyond. I design clean, fast, lead-focused websites for small businesses that want more than just an online brochure—they want results.
Let’s look at the most common web design mistakes I see—and how to fix them so your website actually helps you grow.
⚠️ Mistake #1: Slow Load Times
A beautiful website doesn’t mean much if it takes 10 seconds to load.
According to Google, 53% of users will leave a site that takes more than 3 seconds to load on mobile. That’s over half your potential customers—gone before they even see what you do.
🔧 How I Fix It:
Optimize image sizes and compress media
Use lightweight, mobile-first design
Simplify code and cut unnecessary scripts
Use fast hosting options and caching settings
Real Talk:
You don’t need animation overload and fancy effects. You need a fast, functional site that gets to the point.
⚠️ Mistake #2: No Clear Call to Action
Ever been to a website and thought, “What now?” That’s a sign of poor user flow.
If your homepage doesn’t tell a visitor:
What you do
Who it’s for
What they should do next (call, book, shop, etc.)
Then you’re missing your shot.
🔧 How I Fix It:
Clear buttons: “Book Now,” “Call Us,” “Get a Quote”
Sticky headers with contact info
Forms that are simple and mobile-friendly
Homepage copy that’s written to convert
When I build or refresh a site, I make sure every page has a goal—and a clear path for the user to follow.
⚠️ Mistake #3: It’s Not Mobile Friendly
Most local customers will look you up on their phone first. If your site doesn’t work on mobile, you’re losing business before you even have a chance.
Common red flags:
Text that’s too small
Buttons that are hard to tap
Menus that don’t collapse properly
Layouts that break or stretch weird
🔧 How I Fix It:
All my sites are built mobile-first. That means they:
Look good and function well on any screen
Prioritize fast load times for cellular data
Use thumb-friendly buttons and menus
Keep key info (like phone and hours) front and center
⚠️ Mistake #4: Confusing Navigation
If your visitor can’t find what they’re looking for in 3 clicks or less—they're gone. Simple navigation isn’t a luxury. It’s critical.
🔧 How I Fix It:
Clear menus with no fluff
Logical page hierarchy (Home > Services > Book Now)
Use of breadcrumbs and back buttons
Footer navigation with contact info
Websites should feel like walking into a clean, well-lit store—not a cluttered garage.
⚠️ Mistake #5: Outdated Design
This one’s tough. You may like your website’s “vintage charm,” but if it looks like it was made in 2010, customers will assume your business is out of date too.
Outdated design kills trust.
🔧 How I Fix It:
Clean layouts with modern fonts and spacing
High-quality photography and graphics
Brand consistency across web, print, and social
A refresh that still feels like you, but polished
You don’t need trendy. You need professional and current.
⚠️ Mistake #6: Missing SEO Basics
Even if your site looks great, Google may not be able to read it. That means you’re invisible in search.
🔧 How I Fix It:
Keyword research based on your local market
On-page optimization: titles, meta descriptions, image alt tags
Schema markup for your location and services
Local landing pages for Florence, AL and Jackson, TN customers
Blog content and updates to keep your site active
Search engines want structure. I give them that—without killing your vibe.
⚠️ Mistake #7: You Can’t Update It
Too many small businesses are stuck with websites they can’t touch. Want to add a service? Change a phone number? Post a new photo?
You shouldn’t need a developer to do basic updates.
🔧 How I Fix It:
I build sites you can edit yourself—with simple tools and walkthroughs. And if you ever need help, I’m a text or email away.
No tickets. No delays. Just solutions.
👨💻 Why Work With Me?
I’ve been designing and marketing websites for over 20 years. But more importantly—I know what it’s like to run a small business.
When you hire me, you get:
✔ One point of contact
✔ Fast replies
✔ Honest pricing
✔ Projects that get finished
✔ Websites that actually work
I help people like:
Local service pros
Nonprofits
Clinics
Real estate teams
Retail shops
Tradespeople
… and just about anyone else who needs a smarter online presence.
📍 Serving Florence, AL & Jackson, TN
My work is rooted in helping local businesses in:
Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Killen
Jackson, TN and surrounding communities like Henderson and Medina
Whether you’re updating an old site or starting fresh, I’ll meet you where you are and guide the process from start to finish.
🧠 Not Just Design—Strategy Too
I don’t just make pretty websites. I help you think about:
How your website supports your goals
What actions your visitors should take
How SEO, email, and social all connect
And how we can streamline the whole thing
It’s design with purpose. Every pixel. Every page.
📞 Let’s Fix the Piece That’s Holding You Back
Tired of explaining why your site “still needs work”?
Embarrassed to share your link?
Not sure why your leads have dried up?
Let’s talk.
Here’s how to reach me:
📧 jr@limegroupllc.com
📞 (731) 215-5449 or (256) 443-2714
🌐 www.limegroupllc.com
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a giant agency to have a website that works. You need someone who knows what they’re doing—and cares enough to get it right.
That’s what I do at Lime Group.
Let’s get your website off the “meh” list and into the category of your best salesperson—one that works day and night, never calls in sick, and always puts your business forward in the best light.