10 UX Mistakes Killing Your Website (and How to Fix Them)
image for illustrative purpose
If your website isn’t performing the way you want — low conversions, high bounce rates, frustrated visitors — poor user experience (UX) might be the culprit. The truth is, great UX is invisible: it guides users effortlessly toward what they need, while bad UX drives them away before you even know they arrived.
Here are 10 of the most common UX mistakes that could be killing your website — and, more importantly, how to fix them.
1. Slow Load Times
Why it’s bad:
Nobody likes to wait. In fact, studies show that 40% of users abandon a website that takes more than 3 seconds to load. A slow site doesn’t just frustrate visitors — it also hurts your search engine ranking.
How to fix it:
● Compress images without sacrificing quality.
● Enable lazy loading so content loads as users scroll.
● Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML to reduce code bloat.
● Use a reliable hosting provider and consider a content delivery network (CDN) to speed things up globally.
Tip: If optimization feels overwhelming, partnering with the best website design agency can ensure your site stays lightning-fast and fully optimized from day one.
2. Confusing Navigation
Why it’s bad:
If visitors can’t figure out how to get around your site quickly, they’ll leave — simple as that. Navigation should be intuitive and predictable.
How to fix it:
● Keep menus short and clear. Avoid jargon or creative labels that obscure meaning.
● Use a clear hierarchy: primary links in the main nav, secondary links in the submenus or the footer.
● Add a search bar, especially if you have lots of content.
3. Poor Mobile Experience
Why it’s bad:
Over half of all website traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site doesn’t function well on phones and tablets, you’re alienating a massive chunk of your audience.
How to fix it:
● Use responsive design so layouts adapt to any screen size.
● Test your site on multiple devices and browsers to catch issues.
● Ensure buttons are big enough to tap easily and that text doesn’t require zooming.
4. Tiny or Unreadable Text
Why it’s bad:
If users have to squint, pinch-zoom, or strain to read your content, they’ll abandon ship fast.
How to fix it:
● Use a font size of at least 16px for body text.
● Choose web-safe, legible fonts (sans-serif usually works best on screens).
● Ensure there’s enough contrast between text and background for readability.
5. Hidden Contact Information
Why it’s bad:
If users want to ask a question, make a purchase, or get in touch — and can’t find how — you’ve lost a potential customer.
How to fix it:
● Place your contact info (email, phone, location) in the footer and/or header.
● Create a dedicated, easy-to-find Contact Us page.
● Use clear calls-to-action like "Contact Us," "Get a Quote," or "Support."
6. Overwhelming Popups
Why it’s bad:
While popups can boost conversions, poorly timed or excessive popups annoy users and interrupt their experience — often driving them away.
How to fix it:
● Use popups sparingly and time them thoughtfully.
● Make popups easy to close on both desktop and mobile.
● Ensure popups don’t cover essential content.
7. Unclear Calls-to-Action (CTA)
Why it’s bad:
Your visitors should never have to guess what to do next. Weak or confusing CTAs lead to missed conversions and lost opportunities.
How to fix it:
● Use action-oriented, specific text (e.g., "Get Started Now" instead of "Click Here").
● Make CTAs visually stand out with contrasting colors and clear positioning.
● Stick to one primary CTA per page to avoid overwhelming users with choices.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure how to fine-tune your CTAs and layout, collaborating with an experienced website design agency can make all the difference. They’ll ensure your user journeys are crystal-clear and conversion-focused.
8. Broken Links and 404 Errors
Why it’s bad:
Dead links and error pages frustrate users and make your site feel neglected or untrustworthy.
How to fix it:
● Regularly audit your site for broken links.
● Set up custom 404 pages that guide users back to useful content.
● Keep your sitemap updated and resubmit to search engines when you make major changes.
9. Inconsistent Design
Why it’s bad:
If your colors, fonts, buttons, and layouts vary wildly from page to page, it confuses users and makes your brand look unprofessional.
How to fix it:
● Develop a style guide that outlines your colors, typography, button styles, and spacing rules.
● Apply those styles consistently across every page.
● Use design patterns that users recognize.
10. Autoplay Media
Why it’s bad:
Few things are more jarring than unexpected video or audio blaring out when a page loads. Autoplay media disrupts the experience and causes many users to bounce immediately.
How to fix it:
● Disable autoplay for videos and audio.
● Let users choose when to play media, and ensure controls are clearly visible.
● If you absolutely must use autoplay, mute the video by default and provide captions.
Final Thoughts
UX isn’t about flashy design or clever tricks — it’s about making your website effortless and enjoyable to use. When you fix these common mistakes, you not only keep visitors around longer but also guide them smoothly toward taking action, whether that’s making a purchase, filling out a form, or simply exploring your content.
If you’re unsure where to start, working with the best website design agency in your local area can help streamline the process and help you avoid pitfalls. From optimizing site speed to crafting intuitive layouts and seamless mobile experiences, an expert team can help transform your site into a high-converting powerhouse.
Take a step back and audit your site for these pitfalls. Even small tweaks — or a strategic redesign — can make a big difference in how users experience and engage with your website.
