6 Website Mistakes Killing Performance

6 Website Mistakes Killing Your Site Performance

1. Overwhelming Navigation

The Issue:
A cluttered menu with too many items can confuse visitors and distract them from taking the next step. When users are bombarded with choices, they’re less likely to commit.

The Fix:

• Simplify Your Menu: Limit navigation to the essential categories that drive conversions - these should be product categories mainly so a new user quickly knows what you offer (5-7 items MAX).

• Highlight Key Paths: Use clear labels and prioritize your most important links.

2. Unclear or Weak Call-to-Action Buttons

The Issue:
When CTAs (Call-to-Action) are vague or poorly designed, visitors may not know what action to take next. Unclear wording and a lack of visual hierarchy diminish their effectiveness.

The Fix:

• Be Direct: Use action-oriented language that clearly tells visitors what to do.

• Stand Out Visually: Make your CTAs prominent with contrasting colors and ample white space.

3. Distracting Visual Clutter

The Issue:
Too many images, videos, or pop-ups can overwhelm your audience and dilute the focus on your key conversion points. Excessive elements can make your site feel chaotic and unprofessional.

The Fix:

• Keep It Clean: Adopt a minimalist design approach where every element has a purpose.

• Focus on the Goal: Remove or de-prioritize elements that don’t contribute to the user’s journey.

4. Slow Loading Times

The Issue:
Visitors expect fast, seamless browsing experiences. A slow-loading site not only frustrates users, but also negatively impacts your SEO and conversion rates.

This is the first thing we implement at Brick with new brands we work with.

The Fix:

• Optimize Your Media: Compress images and use modern formats.

• Streamline Code: Minimize scripts and leverage caching to boost performance.

5. Poor Mobile Experience

The Issue:
With the majority users browsing on mobile devices, a site that isn’t optimized for smaller screens can drive customers away. Navigation, clickable elements, and readability must all be mobile-friendly.

The Fix:

• Responsive Design: Ensure your site adapts to different screen sizes.

• Test Regularly: Check your mobile site’s performance and user experience on various devices.

6. Under-Optimized Product Pages

The Issue:
Product pages are crucial conversion points, but many brands overlook vital details. Missing information such as material, size, and high-quality photos can leave potential customers with more questions than answers.

The Fix:

• Include Detailed Information: Clearly list material, dimensions, care instructions, and any other relevant specifications.

• Showcase the Product: Use high-resolution images from multiple angles and include lifestyle shots that show the product in use.

• Build Trust: Consider adding customer reviews and FAQs to address common concerns.

Final Thoughts

A well-optimized website is a critical asset for driving conversions. By addressing common pitfalls such as overwhelming navigation, unclear CTAs, visual clutter, slow load times, poor mobile experience, inconsistent messaging, and under-optimized product pages, you can create a seamless, user-friendly experience that guides visitors toward taking action.

Remember, sometimes the smallest adjustments can yield the biggest results. We hope these insights help you refine your digital strategy and build a more conversion-friendly website, Brick-by-Brick.