Let’s set the scene. You finally get someone to your website. Victory! 🎉 But before you can say “conversion,” they’ve already bounced. Gone. Vamoose.
Why? Because your website triggered one (or more) major red flags.
At Wild & Free Media, we know a thing or two about scroll-stopping, click-worthy websites that actually work. So let’s break down the biggest website turn-offs – and how to fix them.
1. 🚩 Slow Load Time (a.k.a. Digital Torture)
If your site takes longer than 3 seconds to load, your visitors are already mentally packing their bags. In fact, bounce rates increase by 32% when page load time goes from 1 to 3 seconds.
Fix it:
– Compress your images
– Choose a quality hosting provider
– Don’t overload the homepage with videos and animations
Not sure how to fix it? That’s what we’re here for – hello, website developers Newcastle 😉
2. 🚩 Cluttered Design (Too Much, Too Soon)
You’ve got neon colours, seven fonts, eight CTA buttons and a video auto-playing in the corner. HELP.
People want clarity, not chaos. If they don’t know where to click, they won’t.
Fix it:
– Embrace white space
– Stick to 3 fonts max
– Make your main CTA impossible to miss
Think Marie Kondo but make it digital.
3. 🚩 Not Mobile-Friendly (We’re Not in 2008 Anymore)
Over 60% of users are browsing on their phones. If your site doesn’t look fab on mobile, you’re waving goodbye to ovre half your potential customers.
Fix it:
– Use responsive design
– Test on multiple screen sizes
– Ask an actual human to try it on their phone (groundbreaking, we know)
4. 🚩 Vague Messaging (Who Are You? What Do You Do?)
If someone lands on your homepage and can’t figure out what your business is within 5 seconds, they’re gone.
Fix it:
– Clear headline: Say what you do and who you help
– Subheading: Add personality and value
– CTA: Tell people where to go next
Example: “We help Newcastle businesses launch drool-worthy websites that get clicks, not crickets.”
5. 🚩 Stock Photos Galore (Yawn)
People can smell a stock photo a mile away. You know the one – two suits shaking hands with forced smiles in a sterile boardroom 💀
Fix it:
– Use real photos of your team, work, space or product
– Invest in custom photography
– Or… hire us 😉 We do that too.
Don’t forget to name your images properly – bonus points for SEO with tags like “Website Design Newcastle Homepage Banner”.
6. 🚩 No Social Proof (Do You Even Exist?)
No reviews, no testimonials, no proof you’re not a catfish. People want receipts.
Fix it:
– Feature reviews from Google, Facebook or clients
– Add client logos or case studies
– Include real-life success stats
Still relying on “trust us”? Time to step it up.
7. 🚩 Hidden Contact Info (Are You Avoiding Us?)
If people can’t find how to contact you, they won’t try. Make it easy peasy!
Fix it:
– Add your phone, email and contact form to every page footer
– Consider live chat if you’ve got the resources
– Put your socials front and centre
Bonus Red Flag: Your Site Just Feels… Off 🧐
Sometimes it’s the vibe. An outdated look, off-brand copy or just meh UX. If you’re cringing when you share your URL, trust your gut.
Because if you’re not impressed, your customers won’t be either.
Let’s Fix That Website 💻
Whether you need a full refresh or just a few tweaks, we’re your go-to website designer Newcastle team for sites that convert, not confuse.
From slick design to high-performance builds, we create websites that actually work – for you and your audience.
Need a website glow-up?
We’re Wild & Free Media, your Newcastle website development agency for web magic. Let’s chat.
