For many small businesses, your website is your shop window, your handshake, and your top salesperson—all rolled into one. But even the most well-intentioned business owners fall into the same costly traps when it comes to their online presence. Let’s break down the common website mistakes that quietly eat into profits (and how you can quickly fix them).
1. Slow Loading Times
Why it matters:
Visitors get frustrated and click away if your site takes more than a couple of seconds to load. Every extra second can drop conversions, costing you real revenue.
Visitors get frustrated and click away if your site takes more than a couple of seconds to load. Every extra second can drop conversions, costing you real revenue.
How to fix it:
- Optimise image sizes before uploading.
- Use modern hosting (like our managed Letshost servers).
- Limit unnecessary plugins or bulky themes.
2. Poor Mobile Experience
Why it matters:
Over half of your potential customers now browse on their phones. If your website looks broken or is hard to navigate on mobile, many will bounce before you have a chance to win them over.
Over half of your potential customers now browse on their phones. If your website looks broken or is hard to navigate on mobile, many will bounce before you have a chance to win them over.
How to fix it:
- Choose a responsive WordPress theme (we recommend—and build—nothing less).
- Test your site on different devices regularly.
- Prioritise clear buttons, readable text, and fast mobile load times.
3. Missing or Outdated Contact Information
Why it matters:
If customers can’t quickly find how to reach you, most won’t dig any deeper—they’ll move on to a competitor.
If customers can’t quickly find how to reach you, most won’t dig any deeper—they’ll move on to a competitor.
How to fix it:
- Place your phone number and email in the website header and footer.
- Add a contact form that works (test it!).
- Make sure your business hours, location, and social media links are accurate.
4. Neglecting Website Updates and Security
Why it matters:
An outdated site is vulnerable to hacks, data loss, and downtime. Fixing a hacked site costs far more than routine care!
An outdated site is vulnerable to hacks, data loss, and downtime. Fixing a hacked site costs far more than routine care!
How to fix it:
- Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
- Add SSL security (we do this for every client—no exceptions).
- Consider a managed service so you never have to worry.
5. No Clear Call to Action (CTA)
Why it matters:
If your website doesn’t guide visitors towards a next step—calling, filling out a form, booking a consultation—most will leave without connecting.
If your website doesn’t guide visitors towards a next step—calling, filling out a form, booking a consultation—most will leave without connecting.
How to fix it:
- Place a clear, visible CTA button or message (“Book a Free Consultation”, “Get a Quote”, etc.) on every page.
- Remove jargon—make it simple and obvious what should happen next.
6. Ignoring Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Why it matters:
Even the best website can go undiscovered if Google can’t find it! Missing out on SEO means missing out on customers searching for your service.
Even the best website can go undiscovered if Google can’t find it! Missing out on SEO means missing out on customers searching for your service.
How to fix it:
- Use relevant keywords in your page titles and text.
- Make sure each page has a unique meta description.
- Regularly add fresh content (a simple blog works wonders).
Final Thoughts
Building a great website isn’t a one-off job—it’s an ongoing partnership that grows with your business. If you’re worried your site might be costing you leads or sales, we’re here to help. We’ve spotted (and fixed) these issues for dozens of Cork businesses just like yours.
Want a quick, honest review of your site?
Contact us today for a no-obligation website health check.
Contact us today for a no-obligation website health check.
