Your website should be one of your most powerful business tools — working 24/7 to attract, inform, and convert customers.
But for many small businesses, it ends up doing the opposite.
The good news? Most website issues are
easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Here are five of the most common website mistakes — and how to fix them.
1. Slow Loading Speeds
❌ The Problem
If your website takes too long to load, visitors won’t wait around. In fact, most people will leave if a page takes more than a few seconds.
Slow websites also hurt your
Google rankings, making it harder for customers to find you.
✅ How to Fix It
- Compress and optimise images
- Use reliable, high-quality hosting
- Remove unnecessary plugins or scripts
- Enable caching
Tip: Test your speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.
2. Not Mobile-Friendly
❌ The Problem
More than half of users browse on their phones. If your website doesn’t work properly on mobile, you’re likely losing a large portion of potential customers.
✅ How to Fix It
- Use responsive design
- Ensure text is easy to read without zooming
- Make buttons easy to tap
- Test your site on multiple devices
Tip: Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites in search results.
3. Confusing Navigation
❌ The Problem
If visitors can’t quickly find what they’re looking for, they’ll leave.
Complex menus, too many options, or unclear page names can frustrate users and reduce conversions.
✅ How to Fix It
- Keep navigation simple and clear
- Use familiar labels (e.g. “Services”, “Contact”)
- Limit menu items to key pages
- Make your contact page easy to find
Rule of thumb: Users should find what they need in
3 clicks or less.
4. Weak or Unclear Messaging
❌ The Problem
If your website doesn’t clearly explain what you do and who you help, visitors won’t stick around.
Many small business websites focus too much on themselves — instead of the customer.
✅ How to Fix It
- Clearly state what you offer on your homepage
- Focus on benefits, not just features
- Use simple, jargon-free language
- Include strong calls to action (e.g. “Get a Quote”, “Contact Us”)
Tip: Your homepage should answer: “What do you do, and how can you help me?”
5. Outdated Content or Design
❌ The Problem
An outdated website can make your business look inactive or unprofessional — even if you’re doing great work behind the scenes.
✅ How to Fix It
- Update your services and information regularly
- Refresh images and branding
- Add recent testimonials or projects
- Review your website every 3–6 months
Tip: If your site hasn’t been updated in years, it may be time for a redesign.
Small Fixes, Big Results
The good news is you don’t always need a full rebuild to improve your website.
Fixing just a few of these common issues can:
- Improve your Google rankings
- Increase enquiries and leads
- Build trust with potential customers
- Create a better user experience
Need Help Improving Your Website?
At
Elevate Web Solutions, we help small businesses across New Zealand identify what’s holding their website back — and fix it with practical, affordable solutions.
Whether you need a few improvements or a full redesign, we’ll make sure your website is working for your business.
👉
Get in touch today for a no-obligation chat about your website.
