7 Common Website Mistakes Local Businesses Make (And How to Fix Them)
You’ve poured time and energy into building your website, striving to showcase your work and prove your seriousness as a business owner. But despite your best efforts, there might be hidden gaps in your website that are holding your business back from reaching its full potential. What if these small oversights are costing you customers? Let’s uncover the seven most common website mistakes that could be hindering your growth—and more importantly, how you can fix them today.
1. Missing Picture Alt Tags
Alt tags are not just a checkbox for accessibility; they’re a critical component of SEO. Google uses these tags to understand the content of your images, and without them, you’re missing out on valuable optimization.
How to fix it:
Navigate to your website builder.
Find the option to add an Alt Tag for each image.
If you’re unsure how to do this, search for “how to set up alt tags on pictures in [Your website builder platform].”
Why should you do this now rather than later? Each day your images go without alt tags, you’re missing out on potential customers finding you through search engines.
2. No Dedicated Page for Each Service Area
Google rewards websites that clearly indicate the areas they serve. If you don’t have a dedicated page for each service area, you’re losing out on local keyword ranking.
How to fix it:
Create individual pages for each service area you cover.
Optimize these pages with local keywords and service descriptions.
Why should you do this now rather than later? The sooner you create these pages, the sooner you can start ranking higher in local searches, bringing in more targeted traffic.
3. Misaligned Heading Formats
Your website’s headings should guide visitors smoothly through your content. Properly ordered headings also help search engines better understand and rank your pages.
How to fix it:
Check each page for heading structure: Heading 1 for main titles, Heading 2 for subheadings, and so on.
Adjust any text blocks that are out of order.
Why should you do this now rather than later? A well-structured site not only improves user experience but can also positively impact your SEO, leading to more organic traffic.
4. Overuse of Stock Images
Stock images lack authenticity. Your customers want to see the real you—the actual work you do, not generic pictures that could belong to anyone.
How to fix it:
Take high-quality photos of your own work.
Replace stock images with these to create a more genuine connection with your audience.
Why should you do this now rather than later? Real images build trust. The longer you rely on stock images, the longer you delay establishing a personal connection with potential customers.
5. Poor Mobile Optimization
With mobile traffic surpassing desktop, your site needs to be as effective on a phone as it is on a computer. Google also considers mobile performance when ranking websites.
How to fix it:
Test your website on various devices.
Adjust elements to ensure both desktop and mobile versions look and perform well.
Why should you do this now rather than later? A poorly optimized mobile site can frustrate users and drive them to a competitor’s site. Don’t let bad design push your customers away.
6. Unnatural Navigation Flows
Visitors should be able to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. Confusing navigation can lead to high bounce rates and lost customers.
How to fix it:
Review your site’s navigation. Group similar pages and ensure all links work.
Streamline the menu to make sure it’s intuitive.
Why should you do this now rather than later? Every click matters. A clear and intuitive navigation will keep visitors engaged and moving towards conversion.
7. Using Too Many Colors
Too many colors can make your website look unprofessional and chaotic. Stick to a consistent color scheme that complements your brand.
How to fix it:
Choose three primary colors based on your logo.
Apply these colors consistently across your website for a cohesive look.
Why should you do this now rather than later? A professional, well-coordinated website enhances your brand image and can increase trust with your visitors.
Conclusion
These common website mistakes might seem small, but they can have a big impact on your business.
By addressing them now, you’ll not only improve your site’s performance but also its ability to convert visitors into loyal customers.
If you’re ready to take your website to the next level, consider our affordable services. We’re here to help you create a website that not only looks great but also drives results.
Why should you buy from us compared to competitors?
Because we specialize in helping local businesses like yours, with personalized strategies and a deep understanding of what makes your market tick.
Plus, we’re committed to delivering affordable solutions that don’t compromise on quality.
