There are millions of website mistakes to avoid, but these are the big ones. Building a website is a major investment, and when you’re looking at the same things all day every day it’s easy to overlook certain essentials (which is why a team of developers will alway win over a single developer, in our opinion).

Here are five common website build mistakes we see over and over, with ways to steer clear:

Neglecting Mobile Optimisation

With mobile use skyrocketing, especially in the UK, where 87% of adults own a smartphone, mobile optimisation is critical. For example, a customer browsing your website on the train or bus needs a seamless experience. Yet, many sites still prioritise desktop design, leading to poor mobile functionality. A mobile-responsive design, like that of M&S or BBC, ensures your site looks great and works well on any device from day one.

Slow Loading Speeds

Speed is crucial for user retention and SEO. Major British sites like ASOS and Tesco invest heavily in fast load times, understanding that users won’t wait for a slow page. Causes of lag often include unoptimised images, too many plugins, or unnecessary animations. Use image compression tools, caching, and lean code to keep things speedy. Tools like GTmetrix or Google’s PageSpeed Insights can provide a quick health check for your site’s load time.

Lack of SEO from the Start

Search engine optimisation is critical for UK businesses competing for local traffic. British companies like John Lewis and British Gas rank highly by investing in SEO foundations early on. Forgetting to research local keywords, clean URL structures, or properly structure headings can damage rankings. Building in SEO right from the start – with locally relevant keywords, like “family-friendly London restaurants” or “Bristol plumbing services” – helps ensure visibility in search engines from day one.

Complicated Navigation

User-friendly navigation is essential, especially for British audiences who tend to prefer clean, straightforward designs. Unclear menus and excessive pages frustrate users and can lead to high bounce rates. Keep navigation clear and concise – like the GOV.UK website, where users can find what they need quickly. A simple, logical structure with easy-to-find menus ensures a smooth user experience and helps users navigate with ease.

Not Including Clear CTAs (Calls-to-Action)

Beautiful design isn’t enough if there are no clear directions for users to take action. British businesses like Boots and The Guardian place CTAs prominently on their websites, guiding visitors to the next step. Every key page should feature clear CTAs, like “Request a Quote,” “Buy Now,” or “Book Your Appointment,” that align with your goals. Without this, you may miss out on valuable conversions or leads.

Dodging these website mistakes to avoid can significantly elevate your website’s effectiveness. By investing in a user-friendly, optimised website that aligns with British design preferences, you’ll build a platform that engages users, ranks well in search results, and converts visitors into customers.