What 99% of Businesses Get Wrong About Website Copy & Design

When it comes to building a website, many businesses think they’ve got it all figured out. They hire a web designer, add some cool images, and call it a day. But guess what? Most of them get it completely wrong. Have you ever visited a website that just didn’t make sense or was hard to use? You're not alone! A lot of businesses miss the mark when it comes to website copy and design, and that can hurt their ability to connect with potential customers. So, let's dive into what businesses often get wrong about website copy and design, and how you can get it right!

1. Not Focusing on the Audience

This is probably the biggest mistake businesses make: They focus too much on what they want and forget about the people who will actually visit the website. Your website isn’t just about you; it’s about your audience and what they need. If your website doesn’t speak to your visitors’ needs or interests, they’ll leave without a second thought.

Imagine you own a pizza shop. If your website talks only about how great your ingredients are without explaining how tasty the pizza will be or how fast it can be delivered, potential customers might not care. People are always looking for solutions, so your website should show them how you can help.

2. Confusing Website Design

You’ve probably been on a website that looked so busy and messy that you didn’t know where to start. A good website should be clean and easy to navigate. If people can’t find what they’re looking for right away, they’ll leave and go to a competitor’s site. Simple, organized websites that make it easy for visitors to find information are the way to go.

When you’re designing your site, keep the layout simple and the navigation clear. Use large fonts for headings, make the text readable, and place important buttons like “Contact Us” or “Shop Now” in easy-to-see places.

3. Writing Too Much Text

We’ve all been there: you land on a website and suddenly there’s a huge block of text staring back at you. It’s overwhelming! The last thing you want is to bore your visitors with too much reading. People tend to skim websites, so it’s important to write short, easy-to-read content.

Instead of big paragraphs, break the text up into short sections with bullet points, headings, and images to keep things interesting. When you write website copy, remember that less is more. Keep things simple and straight to the point.

4. Forgetting a Clear Call to Action

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is not having a clear call to action (CTA). A CTA is what tells visitors what to do next. Should they contact you? Buy a product? Subscribe to your newsletter? Without a CTA, visitors might not know what to do or might leave without taking any action.

Make sure you have a clear CTA on each page of your website. It could be something simple like “Contact us today!” or “Get your free quote!” Just make sure it's easy to find and clear in what it’s asking visitors to do.

5. Not Optimizing for Mobile

Today, more people browse the internet on their phones than on a computer. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of potential customers. A website that works well on a computer but looks terrible on a mobile device is a big turn-off.

Mobile optimization means making sure your website looks and works great on all devices. That means buttons are easy to tap, text is readable without zooming in, and everything loads quickly. If you want to keep your visitors happy, make sure your website design is mobile-friendly!

6. Slow Loading Times

Nobody likes a slow website. In fact, if your website takes too long to load, visitors will just leave and find another site. Think about it: if you're waiting more than a few seconds for a website to load, you’ll probably get frustrated and click away. That’s why speed is so important.

To make your website faster, you can try compressing images, using a good hosting service, and limiting the number of videos or animations. A fast website keeps visitors happy and encourages them to stay longer.

7. Ignoring SEO

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is how you get your website to show up on search engines like Google. Without it, people won’t be able to find your site. A website with great copy and design is useless if nobody sees it! Businesses often forget to optimize their site for search engines, and that means they’re missing out on tons of potential traffic.

To improve your website’s SEO, use the right keywords throughout your copy, optimize images with alt text, and make sure your site loads quickly. If you’re looking for help with this, custom web design services in Edmonton can help you create a website that’s not only beautiful but also optimized for search engines.

8. Poor Website Copy That Doesn’t Sell

Many businesses don’t realize that website copy isn’t just about providing information; it’s about selling! Your copy should persuade visitors to take action. Whether that’s buying a product, booking an appointment, or signing up for a newsletter, your website should be designed to lead visitors through a journey.

To write better copy, focus on how your products or services can solve the visitor’s problems. Use clear, action-oriented language that encourages people to act. And remember, your tone should match your audience. If you're a fun, casual brand, let that show in your writing!

9. Not Testing the Website

Once your website is up and running, it’s tempting to just leave it alone. But websites need to be tested and updated regularly to make sure they’re working as they should. Test your website on different devices and browsers to make sure everything looks and works perfectly. Also, check if the links are working, the images are loading, and the forms are collecting information correctly.

Don’t forget to ask for feedback! Your customers are the best people to tell you if something is confusing or hard to use. Regularly testing your site helps you catch issues before they become big problems.

10. Not Using Professional Help When Needed

Sometimes, businesses try to save money by designing their own websites or using free templates. While this might seem like a good idea at first, it can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities. Professional web designers, like those who offer Edmonton web design services, know what works and what doesn’t. They can help you create a website that’s both functional and beautiful.

If you're looking for expert help, Digital Care Agency is here to guide you through every step of creating your perfect website. Their custom web design services in Edmonton ensure that your website stands out and works well for your business.

In Conclusion

Building a website is more than just slapping together some pages and hoping for the best. It’s about understanding your audience, designing a site that’s easy to use, writing clear and engaging copy, and ensuring everything works well on all devices. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a website that not only looks great but also helps your business succeed. If you want a website that truly stands out, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Your customers will thank you!