Web design mistakes Devon businesses still make (and how to fix them)
By: Andy Chapman | Published: 21 September 2023
When youre running a business in Devon, your website is often the first point of contact between you and a potential customer. But many small businesses across Exeter, Plymouth, and the wider region are losing leads every day because of basic, fixable web design issues.
As someone who's worked on countless web development projects in Devon, here are the most common mistakes I still see and how you can fix them.
Slow Loading Speeds
The Problem:
Large image files, poor hosting, or bloated code lead to slow websites. And in today’s world, people won’t wait.
The Fix:
Optimise images, implement caching, and switch to faster, more reliable hosting. I always build for speed-first performance in every web development project I take on.
SEO Insight: Google ranks fast sites higher. This isn’t just a user issue it’s a visibility issue.
Not Mobile Friendly
The Problem:
Many Devon businesses still run websites that don’t function properly on mobile devices things like text overlaps, buttons are tiny, or navigation is awkward.
The Fix:
Use a responsive design that adapts cleanly across devices. Every website I build is tested across multiple screen sizes to ensure the user experience stays strong.
Outdated Designs That Don’t Build Trust
The Problem:
If your site looks like it was built in 2012, visitors may question your credibility. First impressions matter and design is a huge part of that.
The Fix:
Clean, modern layouts with clear messaging and strong visual hierarchy. Don’t let your design let down your brand.
No Clear Call to Action (CTA)
The Problem:
Your website should guide visitors to take action call, book, buy, or enquire. But many sites in Devon just leave visitors hanging.
The Fix:
Use strong, consistent CTAs across pages. Phrases like “Book a Discovery Call” or “Get a Free Quote” give direction and increase conversion.
No SEO Foundation
The Problem:
A nice-looking site is useless if no one finds it. Many websites are still launched without basic on-page SEO in place like no meta titles, bad URLs, and no structured content.
The Fix:
From keyword research to heading structure and mobile performance, SEO should be baked in from the ground up. If you’re unsure where to start, I offer a complete Website Healthcheck to help spot and fix these issues.
Are these mistakes costing you leads?
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t worry most issues can be fixed quickly and cost-effectively. As a Devon-based web developer with 20+ years of experience, I help businesses turn underperforming websites into powerful lead-generating tools.
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