In today’s digital world, having a website is essential for any business. Whether you’re a start-up or an established company in Kent, your online presence is often the first impression potential customers will have of your business. However, many business owners attempt to build their own websites, only to make costly mistakes that harm their online success.
If you are considering designing a website for your business but lack technical knowledge, understanding these common pitfalls can help you avoid frustration and ensure that your site is effective. Let’s explore the biggest mistakes business owners make when creating their own websites and how to fix them.
1. Ignoring User Experience (UX)
One of the biggest mistakes in designing your own website, is failing to consider the user experience. A website that looks good but is difficult to navigate will drive visitors away, meaning lost leads and sales.
Common UX Mistakes:
❌ Slow Load Times – Visitors will leave if your site takes more than a few seconds to load. Google also ranks slower sites lower, impacting your visibility.
❌ Unclear Navigation – If users cannot find what they are looking for quickly, they will get frustrated and leave.
❌ Not Mobile-Friendly – More than half of all website traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t optimised for mobile, you’re missing out on potential customers.
How to Fix It:
✅ Optimise Images and Code – Large images and unnecessary scripts slow down your site. Use compressed images and clean code to speed up loading times.
✅ Simplify Navigation – Keep menus clear and concise. Include a search bar if applicable.
✅ Use a Mobile-Responsive Design – Ensure your site automatically adjusts to different screen sizes. Most modern website builders offer mobile-friendly themes.
If you’re unsure how to optimise UX, we here at PCP Web Design UK can help create a site that is both beautiful and user-friendly.
2. Not Understanding SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
Many business owners believe that simply launching a website is enough to get found online. However, without SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), your website will struggle to appear in search engine results, meaning fewer visitors and missed opportunities.
SEO Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ No Keyword Strategy – Keywords help search engines understand what your site is about. Without proper keyword research, your website won’t rank for relevant terms.
❌ Poorly Written Content – Search engines prioritise valuable, high-quality content. If your site has little or low-quality text, it won’t perform well in rankings.
❌ Ignoring Local SEO – If you’re a Kent business, failing to optimise for local searches (e.g., “website design in Deal”) means missing potential customers in your area.
How to Improve SEO:
✅ Use the Right Keywords – Research relevant terms related to your industry. Include them naturally in page titles, meta descriptions, and content.
✅ Create Quality Content – Write engaging blogs and service pages that provide real value to your audience.
✅ Optimise for Local Searches – Register your business with Google My Business and include location-based keywords on your site.
If SEO seems overwhelming, a digital marketing expert can help ensure your website ranks well and attracts the right audience.
3. Choosing the Wrong Website Platform
Another common mistake is picking the wrong platform for your website. Many DIY builders make it easy to get started but come with serious limitations that can harm your business growth.
Common Website Platform Mistakes:
❌ Using a Free Website Builder – While platforms like Wix or Weebly seem attractive, they often lack advanced features, have limited SEO capabilities, and display third-party ads.
❌ Not Owning Your Domain Name – Some website builders force you to use a subdomain (e.g., yourbusiness.wix.com), which looks unprofessional and hurts SEO.
❌ Lack of Scalability – As your business grows, you may need additional features such as e-commerce or booking systems. Some platforms don’t allow for easy expansion.
Best Practices for Choosing a Platform:
✅ Invest in a Professional Website – A self-hosted WordPress website provides flexibility, full ownership, and better SEO options.
✅ Get a Custom Domain – Always use a custom domain (e.g., yourbusiness.co.uk) to build credibility.
✅ Think Long-Term – Choose a platform that can grow with your business, offering scalability and advanced functionality.
If you’re unsure which platform is right for your business, consulting with a website design company in Kent can help you make the best decision.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Business the Right Way
Building a website yourself may seem like a cost-effective solution, but making the wrong choices can cost you more in the long run. Slow load times, poor SEO, and a bad user experience will lead to lost customers and wasted effort.
Instead, consider partnering with a professional website design and digital marketing agency. They can help you build a website that not only looks great but also performs well in search engines and provides a seamless user experience.
If you are a Kent business looking for expert website design, PCP Web Design UK can help. We offer custom website solutions that ensure you stand out from the competition and reach your ideal customers online.
