5 Common Website Mistakes That Are Costing You Clients
A potential client lands on your website, excited to learn more about your services. But within seconds, they click away without booking a call, signing up for your offer, or even sticking around long enough to see what you’re all about. Sound familiar?
Your website could be silently turning clients away, and you don’t even realize it! In this post, I’ll walk you through five of the biggest website mistakes that could be costing you clients and exactly how to fix them. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to tweak to turn your website into a client-converting powerhouse. Let’s dive in!
1. Confusing Navigation
Your website should be easy to navigate, not a puzzle for visitors to solve. If potential clients can’t find what they need within seconds, they’ll leave likely heading straight to a competitor’s site.
Solution: Keep your menu simple, with 4-5 clear options like Home, About, Services, and Contact. Use straightforward labels and don’t get too creative with wording. If you offer multiple services, consider a dropdown menu for better organization. And always make sure your call-to-action buttons (like Book a Call or Download Your Free Guide) are clearly visible.
2. No Clear Call to Action (CTA)
If your website doesn't tell visitors what to do next, they won’t take action. Whether you want them to book a discovery call, sign up for your email list, or purchase your coaching package, you need to guide them.
Solution: Every page should have a clear CTA that stands out. Use action-oriented phrases like "Book Your Free Call Today" or "Download Your Free Coaching Workbook". Make sure buttons are easy to see, using bold colors that contrast with the background. Also, avoid overwhelming visitors with too many CTAs on a single page, stick to one primary action per section.
For more CTA inspiration, check out this list of high-converting CTAs from top marketing experts.
3. Slow Loading Speed
Did you know that 40% of visitors will leave if your website takes more than 3 seconds to load? A slow website creates frustration and makes you seem unprofessional.
Solution: Compress your images before uploading them (try tools like Pixresize), avoid excessive animations, and use a reliable hosting provider (Squarespace optimizes speed automatically, so it’s a great choice!). Test your speed using Google’s PageSpeed Insights and make necessary improvements. A faster website means a better user experience and more conversions.
Get Your Free Website Planner Workbook!
Need a little extra help? I’ve got something special just for you! Download my FREE 20+ page Website Planner Workbook. This workbook helps you set clear goals, understand your audience, and design a website that truly reflects your brand.
4. Lack of Mobile Optimization
Over 60% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices, so if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you're losing potential clients. A site that looks great on a desktop but is clunky on a phone will drive visitors away.
Solution: Use a responsive website template (all Squarespace templates in my shop are mobile-optimized!). Always preview your site on mobile before launching. Check that text is readable without zooming, buttons are easy to tap, and images adjust properly.
Ready to build an eye-catching website that perfectly captures your ideal customers and represents your brand?
Check out our collections of premium Squarespace Website Templates today and start your journey toward creating an impactful web presence! Click the link below to explore one of our designs.
5. Outdated or Inconsistent Branding
If your website looks outdated or inconsistent, it can make potential clients question your professionalism. Poor branding whether it’s mismatched colors, unclear messaging, or low-quality images can reduce trust and credibility.
Solution: Keep your branding cohesive. Choose 2-3 primary colors and stick with them across your site, social media, and marketing materials. Use high-quality images (stock photos are fine, but make sure they align with your brand). And don’t forget to update your copy. if you’re offering new services but your website still promotes old ones, it’s time for a refresh!
If writing your website copy feels like a struggle, I would recommend you use a tool “CopySpark” created by Squarestylist. This free tool gives you instant, high-converting copy ideas so you’re never stuck staring at a blank page.
Not sure where to start? Check out my coaching website templates designed for effortless conversions, or book a custom website design tailored to your brand!"
My website templates are designed with all these best practices in mind, so you can launch a stunning, high-converting website in no time. Check out Abigail and SocialPulse, two powerful templates built for coaches and service providers who want to book more clients with ease.
FAQs
1. How can I improve my website’s loading speed?
Optimize images (use compressed formats like WebP).
Minimize the use of heavy plugins or unnecessary code.
Use a fast and reliable hosting provider.
2. What makes a strong call-to-action (CTA) on a website?
A strong CTA is clear, compelling, and action-driven. Instead of vague phrases like “Learn More”, use direct, benefit-focused CTAs like:
“Book Your Free Discovery Call”
“Start Your Coaching Journey Today”
“Download Your Free Workbook”
Your CTA should stand out visually and guide users toward the next step in your sales funnel.
3. How often should I update my website to keep it optimized?
Ideally, you should audit your website every 3–6 months to check for outdated content, slow-loading pages, and SEO issues. Regular updates (such as blog posts, fresh testimonials, and service updates) help improve your search ranking and keep visitors engaged.
Welcome to my corner of the web! I’m Pat, a passionate Squarespace website designer dedicated to helping creative entrepreneurs confidently launch their websites and book more clients. My goal is to empower you to create a digital presence that not only captivates your ideal clients but also converts visitors into loyal customers. Whether you're looking to revamp your existing site or start from scratch, I'm here to guide you every step of the way
Just a heads-up: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click on one of those shiny links and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Think of it as you buying me a coffee ☕for sharing these fantastic finds with you. It helps keep the blog lights on and the content flowing! So, while you’re here, feel free to enjoy the recommendations and know that your support means the world to me.
