The Most Common Website Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Introduction: Your Website Isn’t Doing Its Job !
Have you ever looked at your website and thought: “Something feels off, but I can’t figure out what”?
This is a common frustration for freelancers, expats, and small business owners I work with in Switzerland. They know a website is important, but often, it isn’t bringing clients, feels clunky to update, or doesn’t really represent their brand.
Here’s the good news: most websites don’t fail because of big, dramatic errors. They fail because of a few common mistakes. And once you fix them, your website can go from a digital brochure collecting dust to a powerful tool that supports your business growth.
1. No Clear Call to Action (CTA)
The problem: Visitors arrive, read about you, and then… nothing. If your site doesn’t guide them toward the next step, they leave.
How to fix it:
Add clear CTAs on every page (“Book a discovery call,” “Download the guide,” “Start your project”).
Make sure CTAs are visible, easy to click, and consistent.
Think of it as leading visitors by the hand through their journey.
Example: A midwife in Zurich added a clear “Book Your Consultation” button at the top of her site.
In just weeks, inquiries will increase.
2. Overcomplicated Navigation
The problem: Visitors get lost in too many menu options, dropdowns, or hidden pages. Confusion = clicking away.
How to fix it:
Keep your main menu to 5–6 items max.
Group related services under one category.
Use clear, simple words (no jargon).
Example: A creative expat photographer in Basel with 12 menu items (unclear, confusing).
Restructuring will help clients finally know where to find pricing and booking info.
3. Walls of Text (or Not Enough Information)
The problem: Some websites overwhelm visitors with endless paragraphs. Others say so little that people leave with unanswered questions. Both are deal breakers.
How to fix it:
Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and plenty of white space.
Balance storytelling with practical details (services, process, prices, testimonials).
Aim for a mix of emotion + information: why you do what you do, and how people can work with you.
4. Poor Mobile Experience
The problem: Over 60% of people browse on mobile. If your site is hard to read, slow, or broken on phones, you’re losing leads.
How to fix it:
Test your site on your own phone (and ask friends to check theirs).
Use a platform like Squarespace that ensures responsive design.
Keep buttons large and forms simple to fill in.
Example: A physiotherapist in Bern could see her bookings increase after making her mobile booking form significantly shorter and easier to use, considering that clients are often on-the-go and book through their phones!
5. Outdated Branding and Design
The problem: A site that looks like it hasn’t been updated in years doesn’t inspire trust. For expats and freelancers in Switzerland, where competition is strong, first impressions are everything.
How to fix it:
Refresh colors, fonts, and visuals to align with your current brand.
Update photography regularly (no pixelated images, please).
Make sure your design reflects the quality of your work.
Conclusion: Small Fixes, Big Results
Your website doesn’t need a total overhaul to start working better for you. By fixing these common mistakes: CTAs, navigation, content balance, mobile experience, and design—you can transform your site into a tool that actually brings in clients.
It’s about creating a website that feels clear, professional, and aligned with your business goals. Once that’s in place, you’ll feel proud to share your link (and confident that it will lead to results).
Giorgia Riola Web Design, Branding, Strategy, from her office in Basel-Land, Switzerland. Get the help you need.
Need Help? Let’s Chat, it’s FREE!
✨ Not sure if your website is working for you?
Book a mini FREE website audit with me, and I’ll show you exactly what to fix, step by step.
Or, if you’re ready for a bigger shift, explore my Squarespace website design services.
