I still remember the day I learned I was making a few critical website mistakes that were silently costing me potential customers and clients.

At first, I couldn’t figure out what was wrong — I had a professional-looking site, a clear brand message (or so I thought), and a list of services ready for clients to book. But despite all this effort, my website wasn’t bringing in consistent sales.

I assumed my website was “done” after I launched it. But the truth is, a website should never be a ‘set it and forget it’ project (and I learned this the hard way.) It should be one of your most powerful sales tools, working behind the scenes to bring in leads and sales — even when you’re not online.

If your website isn’t helping you grow your business, it could be because you’re making some costly website mistakes that are acutally driving your potential clients away.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• 5 major website mistakes that could be costing you sales
• Simple fixes to turn your site into a lead-generating machine
• How to optimize your website so it works for you 24/7

So, how do you know if your website is helping or hurting your business? Let’s dive into the top website mistakes business owners make — and more importantly, how you can fix them before they cost you more sales.

🎧 Prefer to listen? This post is based on Episode 14 of the Waves of Impact Podcast! Click below to tune in!

Why Clear Calls to Action Matter

One of the biggest mistakes I see business owners make is assuming visitors will just figure it out. They create beautiful websites but fail to include clear calls to action. If visitors have to guess where to go next, they’ll leave — simple as that.

❌ Mistake 1. Your Website Doesn’t Tell Visitors What to Do Next

Imagine walking into a store where there are no signs, no checkout counter, and no employees to help you. You’d probably turn around and walk out, right? That’s exactly how potential clients feel when they land on a website that doesn’t clearly guide them.

If your homepage doesn’t clearly tell visitors what action to take, whether it’s booking a consultation, downloading a freebie, or making a purchase, you’re missing out on potential business.

My site looked the part, but lacked the messaging that resonated with the target audience I aimed to serve. My visitors couldn’t see the value I offered and how it would help them, so they left.

✅ Here’s how to fix it:

• Your website should have strong, action-driven buttons that stand out.
• Make sure these buttons are easy to find and placed above the fold — meaning visitors see them immediately without having to scroll.

Slow Load Times Are Driving Visitors Away

We live in a world where people expect instant results. If your website takes more than three seconds to load, most visitors won’t wait—they’ll click away and never return.

❌ Mistake 2. Your Website Loads Too Slowly

A slow website doesn’t just frustrate visitors; it also hurts your search engine rankings. Google prioritizes fast-loading websites, meaning if yours is lagging, it’s less likely to appear in search results.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Test your website’s speed using Google PageSpeed Insights
• Optimizing your images, removing unnecessary plugins, and upgrading your hosting plan can dramatically improve your site’s speed.

Your Website Looks Great on Desktop — But What About Mobile?

More than 70% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices. That means if your website isn’t easy to navigate on a phone or tablet, you’re losing potential clients.

❌ Mistake 3: Your Website Isn’t Mobile-Friendly

I once worked with a business owner who couldn’t figure out why she wasn’t booking sales calls. After testing her site on mobile, we realized her “Book Now” button wasn’t even visible on smaller screens! Once we fixed that, her conversions tripled.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Review your website on your phone and go through it like a visitor would. Confirm all buttons are clickable, text is easy to read, and images load correctly.
• If anything feels off, slow, or difficult to navigate, adjust your mobile settings in your website builder. Many platforms, like WordPress and Showit, allow you to customize the mobile version of your site separately from the desktop version.

No Freebie = Losing Future Customers & Clients

Not every visitor to your website will be ready to buy immediately. But if you’re not collecting their information in some way, you’ll probably never see them again.

❌ Mistake 4: You’re Not Capturing Leads

This is why having a freebie — like a free guide, checklist, or other valuable resource — is so important. It gives your potential customers and clients a way to stay connected with you, even if they’re not ready to purchase yet.

✅ How to Fix It:

• If you’re not currently offering a freebie on your website, think about your ideal client’s biggest struggle. Then create something that helps them take a small but meaningful step forward.
• Once you have your freebie, make sure there’s a signup form on your homepage, blog posts, and key website pages so your visitors don’t miss it.

Outdated Website, Outdated Brand?

If your business has grown, but your website still looks like it did when you first started, it’s time for an update. A website that looks outdated can make potential clients question your credibility.

❌ Mistake 5: Your Website Feels Outdated

If your website visitors feel like your site isn’t professional or doesn’t reflect your current expertise, they may hesitate to work with you. Sometimes, small changes like updating fonts, colors, or images can make a huge difference. Other times, a complete redesign may be necessary to bring your website up to date with your brand’s growth.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Take a step back and assess your site with fresh eyes. Does it still reflect your brand? Is the messaging aligned with where your business is today?

Conclusion:

Your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your business. If it’s not bringing in leads or sales, it’s time to optimize it into a high-converting site that works for you.

If you’ve realized your website is making any of these mistakes, don’t panic — small tweaks can lead to major improvements in how well your site converts.

Feeling overwhelmed with where to start? Don’t worry — I’ve got you! Download my FREE Perfect Customer Journey Map — a step-by-step guide to identifying and fixing the gaps in your website so it actually attracts and converts your ideal clients.

💬 I’d love to hear from you — what’s ONE change you’re making to your website this week? Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @JessieRichardsDesigns!

Remember — you’ve got this, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Entrepreneurship is messy sometimes, but to succeed and truly reach your goals, you’ve got to be willing to ride the waves!