Common Website Design Mistakes That Are Costing You Sales

Your e-commerce website is a crucial element of your online sales machine. But even the most well-intentioned websites can be riddled with hidden design flaws that sabotage user experience and ultimately, cost you sales.

This post explores some of the most common website design mistakes businesses make, and offers practical solutions to help you optimize your website for conversions.

Are any of these design mistakes lurking on your website?

• 1. Slow Loading Times:

  • The Problem:
    In today’s fast-paced world, nobody wants to wait for a website to load. Studies show users abandon websites that take more than 3 seconds to load. Check your website speed!
  • The Solution:
    • Optimize images using compression tools.
    • Minimize HTTP requests by combining files and reducing redirects.
    • Consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to improve website speed.

• 2. Confusing Navigation:

  • The Problem:
    A confusing website navigation menu makes it difficult for users to find what they’re looking for, leading to frustration and lost sales.
  • The Solution:
    • Keep your navigation menu simple and user-friendly with clear and concise labels.
    • Organize categories logically and prioritize user needs.
    • Implement a user-friendly search bar for easy product discovery.

• 3. Lack of Clear Calls to Action (CTAs):

  • The Problem:
    If users don’t know what action you want them to take on your website (add to cart, subscribe, contact us), they’re unlikely to convert.
  • The Solution:
    • Use strong and action-oriented CTAs throughout your website.
    • Make CTAs visually distinct with contrasting colors and clear button designs.
    • Tailor CTAs to specific pages and user actions (e.g., “Buy Now” vs. “Learn More”).

• 4. Poor Product Image Quality:

  • The Problem:
    Low-quality or blurry product images make it difficult for users to assess product details, leading to hesitation and reduced purchase confidence.
  • The Solution:
    • Invest in high-resolution product photos that showcase your products in detail.
    • Use multiple product images from different angles to provide a comprehensive view.
    • Consider including lifestyle images depicting products in use to enhance user engagement.

• 5. Ignoring Mobile Optimization:

  • The Problem:
    With the increasing dominance of mobile shopping, a website that isn’t optimized for mobile devices is a major conversion killer.
  • The Solution:
    • Ensure your website has a responsive design that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes.
    • Optimize product images and content for mobile viewing.
    • Streamline your checkout process for easy mobile transactions.

• 6. Neglecting Social Proof:

  • The Problem:
    In today’s online world, social proof elements like customer reviews, testimonials, and trust badges can significantly influence purchasing decisions.
  • The Solution:
    • Encourage customer reviews and integrate them strategically on product pages.
    • Showcase testimonials from satisfied customers to build trust and credibility.
    • Display trust badges from recognized security companies to reassure users about their data.

• 7. Forgetting About User Experience (UX):

  • The Problem:
    Your website should be designed with the user in mind. A cluttered layout, confusing navigation, or a lack of accessibility features can create a negative user experience that drives customers away.
  • The Solution:
    • Prioritize user needs throughout the design process.
    • Conduct user testing to identify usability issues and areas for improvement.
    • Ensure your website is accessible to users with disabilities.

Convert Website Visitors into Loyal Customers

By addressing these common website design mistakes and implementing conversion rate optimization (CRO) best practices, you can create a user-friendly and high-performing e-commerce website that drives sales and keeps your customers coming back for more.

Here’s How We Can Help:

At BITS, we specialize in e-commerce website design and CRO. Our team of experienced professionals can help you identify design flaws on your website, optimize user experience, and implement strategies to boost your conversion rates.

Ready to Take Your Website to the Next Level?

Schedule a free consultation with our e-commerce website design experts today! We’ll provide a website audit and discuss customized solutions to help you achieve your online sales goals.