Common Website Design Mistakes to Avoid in 2023

Start with a fast baseline – ensure Core Web Vitals are solid before broader layout changes. Aim for LCP under 2.5s and CLS under 0.1, compress assets, and enable a content delivery network. This foundation affects user perception and readability across devices; the experience does not lose trust with potential customers. Make content easy to read on all screens, and pursue more speed improvements to boost engagement.

To reach users with disabilities, implement accessibility by default: semantic HTML, alt text, keyboard operability, visible focus outlines, and color contrast of 4.5:1 or higher. Google و experts reward sites that are usable throughout navigation; incorrect cues can drive away visitors and reduce potential conversions.

Content strategy should be consistent: typography, spacing, and color palette that align with branding across all websites. Avoid placing critical information near intrusive ads; content placed poorly degrades readability and increases the bounce rate. Use modular UI components to keep assets lean and performance steady while scaling up.

Adopt a mobile-first mindset and ensure responsive layouts scale across devices. Prioritize a sound information architecture and consistent branding so users encounter predictable experiences. This approach effectively preserves navigation; As you scale traffic, use a CDN, lazy-load media, and server-side rendering to keep performance high and to improve your standing with google.

Having a measurable cadence helps translate improvements into business value. Run A/B tests on layout tweaks, monitor bounce rate, conversions, and readability. Use analytics to identify websites elements that underperform, and adjust branding signals, including typography, contrast, and tone, to sustain consistency across channels. Have scaling considerations in place so improvements carry as traffic grows and user needs evolve.

Targeted UX Pitfalls to Fix Now

Start with a mobile speed sprint: shrink asset sizes, convert images to modern formats (AVIF/WEBP), enable lazy loading, and prune unused code; serve via a CDN. This resulting boost drops bounce and improves flow. Target metrics: Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) under 2.5 s, CLS under 0.1, and Total Blocking Time (TBT) under 300 ms. Track daily progress and tie progress to keywords to boost visibility over time.

Navigation changes to minimize friction: cap primary navigation to six items, add a clear search, and set header height around 60–70 px with tap targets 44×44 px minimum. This reduces friction on devices and improves flow.

Accessibility and captions: ensure captions on all videos, provide alt text for images, maintain a logical heading order, and set base font at 16 px with line height 1.5; ensure contrast at least 4.5:1; english as default language with a simple toggle for other locales, keeping content accessible.

Content and keyword strategy: implement a guiding system for typography, spacing, and color across pages; maintain a single source of truth for sizes and styles. Keep a defined set of keywords to feed plans; monitor visibility and adjust tactics monthly.

Observability and feedback: deploy heatmaps, scroll depth, and funnel analytics; monitor daily patterns and bounce dynamics by page; track industry updates to stay ahead of UX shifts. Use insights to refine flow and copy; monitor friction points where users drop. Share learnings on linkedin to keep stakeholders informed.

Operational cadence: assemble quarterly plans with owners and milestones; keep dashboards accessible for teams; in media runs, captions and transcripts are synchronized; maintain a log of user feedback and iteration results.

Remember to validate changes with small experiments and real users; keep a record of outcomes so future tweaks target the most impactful areas. There is something to learn from every test, and the best teams translate findings into measurable updates.

Navigation and Information Architecture: streamline menus, add clear search, and use breadcrumbs for context

Limit the main navigation to 5-7 items and keep a persistent search field accessible on every screen. This reduces choices for many brands and speeds up access to destinations, boosting good performance and positive signals. Ensure the top bar shows clear labels for Topics, Brands, News, and Help, with a visible call-to-action for account or sign-in where relevant.

Group links into clearly labeled clusters: Topics, Brands, Solutions, Resources, and Support. Use short, consistent labels and place them in a predictable order so users can learn where to find what they want. On online pages, this helps thinking and speeds up access to a destination, and allows you to просмотреть topics through a single, coherent structure.

Breadcrumbs provide context on deeper pages. Display a trail on product pages, article pages, and category pages so user know which path led here. Crumbs should reflect destination segments, be clickable, and stay visible when scrolling on screen. This practice usually supports both user clarity and search indexing, which can spark better engagement rates.

Search design should include autosuggest, filters, and keyboard shortcuts. A fast, sound query experience reduces friction and improves user satisfaction. Show results instantly, allow filtering by topic, brand, price, or rating, and support navigation with arrow keys and Enter. Sub-200 ms speeds create a positive impact on what users review and buy online, and can lift conversion rates.

Measure, learn, iterate. Monitor bounce rates for menu variants, run small tests, and adjust the IA based on what behavior reveals. Use data science to compare sessions, what people просмотреть, and how many join topics or follow a CTA. The goal is a solution that feels intuitive and supports storytelling across destinations, which keeps users on the platform longer and coming back.

Provide a lightweight feedback loop. Add a quick option to rate usefulness or suggest topics, which helps yourself and the team thinking about what to improve. The replies help brands tune menus, search, and storytelling through the online experience, sparking ongoing positive engagement and trust.

Content Structure and Readability: tighten copy, establish visual hierarchy, and prioritize above-the-fold content

Trim copy to a single, compelling value proposition above the fold. Use a strong headline, a concise subhead, and a hero visual that communicates branding at a glance. This structure helps users understand value instantly and improves conversions across devices.

Establish a clear visual hierarchy: large, bold headlines, legible body text, and ample white space. Apply a consistent color scale and typographic rhythm so the eye moves naturally. Place the most important messages across the top third and position ctas where readers look first; a cohesive hierarchy makes content attractive without overwhelming readers, which reduces bounce and supports online engagement.

Keep copy lean and purposeful: shorter sentences, direct verbs, and precise benefits. Use less jargon, and cut filler words; every line should serve a reason. When updates are needed, the structure allows quick adjustments without losing branding consistency, helping you maintain a professional tone across diferent audiences, including português speakers.

Consider localization and media variety: tailor top messages for worldwide audiences by offering português variants and localized examples where relevant. Incorporating diverse formats–short paragraphs, bullet lines, and scannable blocks–provides flexibility for different devices and reading contexts, increasing potential for engagement across channels.

Adopt a strategy that treats updating as an ongoing practice, not a one-off task. Use hubspot to track how the structure affects scroll depth, time on page, and conversions; set milestones for future refinements and scaling. A centralized hub helps teams manage content efficiently, ensuring consistency and faster iterations across markets and media touchpoints.

In practice, place several practical CTAs within the top sections and near mid-page transitions so readers have a clear path without searching. A well-organized structure, combined with attractive visuals and concise language, reduces missing information and supports ongoing optimizations, providing a strong foundation for improving online performance and long-term branding outcomes.

Forms, CTAs, and Conversion Flow: minimize fields, use inline validation, and ensure obvious next steps

Minimize fields to essential data: collect just an email and, if needed, one optional detail. This focused approach reduces the risk of losing visitors at the first hurdle. Inline validation checks format in real time and delivers concise messages right next to the field, so users don’t have to search for the error. Keep input sizes compact (roughly 28–40 px height) and avoid chunk-based sections on small screens; if additional data is required, reveal it after initial completion to keep momentum high.

CTAs should be unmistakable and aligned with branding. Use a primary button with high contrast and a clear action: Get started, Download guide, or Contacting us. The next steps must be obvious; after form submission, move users directly to the next screen without ambiguity. For a download offer, keep the barrier minimal: a single email capture; once submitted, show a progress indicator and provide the file or a link immediately. Keep the visual language tight with focused visuals and consistent voice across media channels.

Conversion flow design focuses on velocity and clarity. Place the primary CTA above the fold and show a brief progress indicator if multi-step, so users know how many steps remain. Each step should minimize friction–only necessary fields, inline tips, and the option to postpone additional input for future growth. Ensure accessibility: keyboard navigation, screen-reader friendly labels, and skip links. If the audience includes multilingual segments (китайский) or Russian, provide localized labels and concise, intuitive copy; выполните quick localization to improve user comfort. This approach reduces bounce and maintains a user-friendly experience, even for first-time visitors.

Measure and iterate: monitor field abandonment rates and CTA click-throughs to identify where users drop off; run short in-depth tests on copy, validation rules, and step counts. Maintain fast speeds by trimming media assets and compressing visuals; keep total download size small so the flow loads quickly even on mobile networks. Use a focused, user-friendly voice and branding across touchpoints to grow trust and completion rates.

Pop-up Strategy: 18 disruptive patterns to avoid (exit-intent, timed, scroll, full-screen overlays, welcome mats, newsletter gates, discount timers, and more) and practical replacements

Replace disruptive prompts with contextual, value-first interactions that communicate benefits quickly, improving digital effectiveness and user trust. Focus on clear visuals, simple copy, and fast loading to preserve eyes on the core content.

Exit-intent overlays

Replacement: inline prompts that appear after meaningful engagement (e.g., after 30–40% scroll or a specific action). Use a non-blocking banner that can be dismissed instantly with a clear close option. Test multiple micro-copy variants and fonts to convey value without interrupting flow.
- Data: inline prompts typically yield 2–4x higher opt-ins than hard exit prompts in controlled tests, with 20–35% lower bounce on key pages.
- Tips: ensure loading is under 0.8s for the prompt; keep visuals crisp; use a single CTA (subscribe, save, or learn more).
Timed popups

Replacement: events-based nudges tied to user actions (e.g., after a product view, added to cart, or when a helpful tip is requested). Avoid gating early; provide quick value first (tips, guides, or previews).
- Data: event-driven nudges reduce friction and can improve completion rates by 15–30% versus time-driven prompts.
- Tips: align the message with the current topic; keep copy brief; ensure fonts are legible on all screens.
Scroll-triggered popups

Replacement: contextual panels embedded within content sections or sticky infoboxes that reveal after substantial reading or interaction.
- Data: in-content prompts often outperform scroll-popups by 1.5–2x in engagement and 10–25% higher retention of the page message.
- Tips: avoid covering core visuals; allow escape with a visible close control; track scroll depth to optimize timing.
Full-screen overlays

Replacement: non-blocking banners or slide-ins that respect the underlying screen and provide a skip option at all times.
- Data: audiences rate well-designed banners 40–60% higher satisfaction than full-screen takeovers; convert with 5–12% of viewers on primary actions.
- Tips: keep CTA prominent, avoid auto-playing media, and ensure quick dismissal.
Welcome mats

Replacement: integrate a concise welcoming line within the hero area or a lightweight inline form placed near relevant topics.
- Data: inline welcomes paired with value-first prompts yield 3–8% opt-ins, with lower drop-offs than mats that block content.
- Tips: use a friendly tone, ensure accessible contrast, and allow immediate skippability.
Newsletter gates

Replacement: offer the first insight or a micro-guide before asking for signup, then present an optional, unobtrusive signup within relevant sections.
- Data: gating content reduces perceived value; inline opt-ins alongside real benefits can improve signup rates by 2–7 percentage points.
- Tips: emphasize what readers gain; use Chinese or português language variants where appropriate to improve resonance in those markets (китайский, português).
Discount timers

Replacement: evergreen offers with transparent terms and non-expiring value, plus a banner that explains benefits rather than pressuring with countdowns.
- Data: removing countdowns can lift perceived trust; banners that communicate value typically see 8–20% higher add-to-cart or inquiry rates.
- Tips: show price clarity, not fear-based pressure; keep the timer off primary screens unless user requests help.
Auto-playing video overlays

Replacement: lightweight previews or muted autoplay only within the content area, with user-initiated playback and a clear close.
- Data: silent, non-intrusive video prompts reduce exit rates by 12–25% and improve comprehension of value propositions.
- Tips: ensure accessibility with captions; limit file size to keep loading times fast.
Floating chat widgets that hijack the screen

Replacement: contextual help bullets in the header or a minimized, easily dismissible chat badge that expands on demand.
- Data: minimized widgets improve task completion and reduce frustration by 18–28% in user testing.
- Tips: auto-hide on mobile after a short period; provide a clear exit path and no blocking of the main screen.
Spin-to-win or game-like popups

Replacement: practical value prompts (e.g., quick quizzes, content recommendations) without requirements to play or win anything.
- Data: game-like prompts often underperform if they create friction; simpler prompts can achieve 1.5–3x higher completion when aligned with user goals.
- Tips: keep interaction time under 15 seconds; avoid collecting unnecessary data.
Social proof banners triggered by leaving

Replacement: fixed, non-intrusive social proof blocks within content or a dedicated testimonials module on the page.
- Data: embedded proof blocks correlate with 5–12% uplift in trust signals and 3–7% higher conversion on mid-funnel actions.
- Tips: keep visuals minimal; ensure accuracy; rotate content to stay fresh.
Scroll-progress overlays

Replacement: progress indicators placed along the page edge or within the content rail that do not obstruct reading.
- Data: in-content progress cues improve completion of long-form articles by 6–14% without harming readability.
- Tips: use subtle animation with accessible contrast; allow users to hide the indicator if desired.
Cookie consent overlays blocking content

Replacement: a compact banner in the header or a non-blocking cookie center with clear controls and defaults that respect user choice.
- Data: non-intrusive consent prompts preserve engagement and reduce early drop-offs by 10–25% in critical funnels.
- Tips: document the purpose of cookies succinctly; provide easy access to settings without leaving the page.
Geo-targeted location popups

Replacement: unobtrusive regional messages within the content, offering localized examples or resources.
- Data: region-specific prompts with contextual relevance show 8–20% higher engagement than generic prompts.
- Tips: respect privacy; show only when user is active in your region; test on k‑means of locale distribution.
Interstitials between pages

Replacement: seamless transitions with inline hints or a skip option that preserves the current journey.
- Data: eliminating interstitials typically improves task completion by 12–22% and reduces exit rates on key steps.
- Tips: ensure quick reload and a clear path back to the previous content.
On-demand help bubbles that pop up constantly

Replacement: contextual help anchored to content sections; allow users to request help via a single tap.
- Data: contextual help reduces frustration and increases task success by 9–18% in dashboards and product pages.
- Tips: keep help content concise; offer a visible close control.
Harsh audio prompts or auto-sounds

Replacement: silent or muted by default, with user-initiated audio availability and a quick mute option.
- Data: non-intrusive audio policies improve accessibility and reduce perceived aggressiveness by 25–40%.
- Tips: provide captions and a simple volume control; test on multiple screens and browsers.
Excessive “rate this page” prompts

Replacement: lightweight feedback prompts placed after meaningful actions, not after every interaction.
- Data: sparse feedback requests yield higher response quality and 5–12% higher completion rates than frequent prompts.
- Tips: offer a one-tap rating with optional comment; share the impact of feedback to boost trust.
Forced content gating with modal windows

Replacement: non-blocking previews and accessible CTAs that guide users to relevant resources without stopping progress.
- Data: non-blocking gates keep context intact and can raise downstream conversions by 6–15% compared with strict gates.
- Tips: ensure quick load times; provide clear reuse of previously viewed content.
Overly frequent desktop/mobile popups

Replacement: a single, well-timed prompt per session, with an explicit close action and a dismissible history.
- Data: limiting prompts per session reduces friction and improves long-term retention by 10–20% over a week.
- Tips: profile the user’s intent; use a clean, readable type scale and ample white space.

Понимайте, что каждый из вариантов влияет на конверсию и скорость загрузки; эксперименты на разных сегментах audience (включая китайский и português-speaking пользователей) помогут определить оптимальные настройки. Включайте в стратегию варианты, которые можно масштабировать без усложнения кода и без ухудшения общей скорости загрузки страниц. Всегда помните: простые решения, ориентированные на ценность, обладают наивысшей эффективностью; держите фокус на темах, которые действительно полезны пользователю, и избегайте лишнего шума.

Accessibility, Performance, and Mobile Readiness: meet accessibility basics, optimize for fast loads, and ensure touch targets work on all devices

Baseline accessibility audit: ensure images have alt text, every form control has a clear label, landmarks define sections, and navigation works with a keyboard alone. Make interaction intuitive: each button has a visible focus state, and error messages are announced automatically by assistive tech. On touch devices, ensure touch targets are at least 44×44 px with sufficient spacing to prevent incorrect taps, reducing the need for contacting support and keeping prospects engaged.

Performance plan: compress assets, move heavy scripts to the bottom or load them asynchronously, and minimize total size. Enable automatic image optimization and lazy loading for offscreen content. Eliminate render-blocking resources and serve from a fast CDN. On mobile, target a total page size under a few megabytes and a time to interactive under a few seconds. These steps improve loading impressions and bolster conversions and sales, while Google signals reward faster experiences.

Mobile readiness approach: implement a responsive layout across multiple platforms, and include a proper viewport tag. Test touch targets on iOS and Android, and ensure forms and menus remain accessible via keyboard and screen readers. Use a fluid grid and scalable icons to preserve readability as size changes, delivering an intuitive experience without compromising performance.

Pitfalls to watch for: contrary to assumptions, ignoring accessibility on certain platforms can lead to lost visits and losing prospects. Incorrect focus order, missing aria labels, or heavy modal dialogs disrupt flow. Creating oversized assets or skipping skip links slows rendering and frustrates users. Experts emphasize education and practical checks; Shaan’s resources offer concrete guidance for these areas.

Implementation plan: incorporate a repeatable workflow that starts with a core accessibility baseline, then move to ongoing performance and mobile testing. Implement automated regressions plus manual QA for key journeys. Track metrics such as visits, impression quality, conversions, and sales impact to validate progress. Implementing a cross-team cadence with educating stakeholders and contacting product leads helps align needs, yielding a platform that supports intuitive interactions, manageable size, and reliable touch behavior across devices.

Website Design Mistakes to Avoid When Building or Redesigning in 2023