In an era where users prefer finding initial information about a business online than visiting their store directly, users don’t just expect a website to look good, they expect it to work. This means intuitive navigation, clean design, mobile compatibility, and access for all users.
Yet, so many business websites still get the basics of their User Experience (UX) wrong, and it’s costing them traffic, conversions, and credibility.
Let’s unpack the most common UX mistakes that websites make and what you can do instead.
1. Poor Navigation
When users get lost, they leave. Nothing frustrates users faster than not knowing where to go next. Unclear menus, hidden pages, or confusing link structures makes your visitors work too hard to find what they need. And most won’t bother trying.
To fix this, stick to a consistent menu structure. Including a search bar is always a great idea, especially for content-heavy sites. Make sure your labels are as descriptive and clear as possible (e.g., “Pricing” instead of “Explore”).
2. Cluttered Layouts
Most of the time, more isn’t always better. Overloading a webpage with too many elements from banners, pop-ups, buttons, images, to animations can create cognitive fatigue. The result? Visitors bounce.
There’s no harm in some white space so that your content has room to breathe. Make the most of visual hierarchies–headlines, subheads, and CTAs should guide the eye.
3. Neglecting Mobile Optimisation
A lot of your users are on mobile. If your website doesn’t adjust smoothly across screen sizes, you’re providing a subpar experience and hurting your SEO.
Design mobile-first or at least mobile-optimised experiences, making sure your site gives consistent experience on various devices, from smartphones, tablets, to different screen sizes. Also, ensure all buttons are touch-friendly, fonts are readable, and forms are easy to fill out on smaller screens.
4. Hopping on Every New Trend
While it’s important for your website to stay up-to-date with trends, you don’t have to hop on a new trend every time it emerges. It’s more important to consider how a design trend will impact your users.
If a trend will unlikely make your product easier to navigate, reduce friction, or make your information easier to read, there’s no harm in skipping the trend. Focus on whether a trend will really improve your users’ experience.
5. Ignoring Accessibility
Accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. If your site isn’t built with those who need that in mind, you’re neglecting a huge portion of the population and turning them away from your business.
Start using proper semantic HTML (like headings, labels, and landmarks) and add alt text to all images. If your design has a lot of contrast, make sure that they meet accessibility standards. Don’t forget to keep your site keyboard-navigable and screen-reader-friendly as well.
The Best UX Isn’t Flashy—It’s Seamless.
When a site “just works,” users might not notice. But when it doesn’t, it only takes seconds for frustration to kick in and for them to leave.
Does your website still make one or more of these mistakes? The good news is, you can fix them! Often, the improvements are also simpler than you think.
Get in touch with Garaj–we design and build user-first websites that help your business and users reap the benefits.