Do These 10 Common Mistakes Need Fixing on Your Website?

Considering a new website — or cleaning up an older one? Before you get to work, check these top ten mistakes people are STILL making on their sites in 2025.

Even with all the new tools, templates, and AI assistants out there, these same issues keep showing up — and they’re quietly costing businesses customers, credibility, and conversions.

Mistake #1: Neglecting Basic SEO (and AI Optimization)

Search engines — and now AI search tools — rely on clear, well-structured information. Make sure every page has unique, keyword-rich title tags, meta descriptions, and headers. Add schema markup so AI-driven search assistants (like Google’s Search Generative Experience) understand your business. In 2025, SEO is not just about ranking — it’s about being found and chosen by both humans and AI.

Mistake #2: Talking About Yourself Instead of the Visitor

People don’t care that your company was founded in 1998 or that your team “strives for excellence.” They care how you can solve their problem today. Write your copy from their perspective — focus on benefits, not features.

Mistake #3: Not Fully Mobile-Friendly

Currently, more than 64% of all website visits happen on mobile devices. Yet we still see sites that force users to pinch, zoom, or scroll sideways. A poor mobile experience kills conversions. Responsive design isn’t optional — it’s your first impression.

Mistake #4: No Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Once someone lands on your site, what do you want them to do? Call you? Book a consultation? Fill out a form? Don’t make them guess. Each page should have one obvious, well-placed CTA that guides the visitor to take the next step.

Mistake #5: Too Many Calls-to-Action

On the flip side, avoid overwhelming visitors with “Subscribe,” “Download,” “Book Now,” and “Watch the Video” all on the same page. Decision fatigue is real. Use a focused, step-by-step approach that moves people on the customer journey naturally.

Mistake #6: Using Images Instead of Text

Designers sometimes drop in your business name, address, or phone number as part of a graphic. The problem? Google can’t read text that’s only an image — and users can’t tap to call or copy the info. Always make sure critical information is live, searchable text.

Mistake #7: Sharing Links Without Dedicated URLs

Every blog post, news item, or event should have its own link. When people share your “Events” page, you don’t want them sending out a scrolling list of outdated happenings. Individual URLs make sharing (and ranking) easier — and help your content go viral.

Mistake #8: Autoplaying Sound or Video

It’s 2025 — silent should still be the default. Many visitors browse from offices, coffee shops, or waiting rooms. If your site starts blasting music or video without permission, most people will click away instantly. Add captions and let users choose when to play sound.

Mistake #9: Mislinked Social Icons

Those Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn icons aren’t just decoration. On your homepage, they should link directly to your business accounts so visitors can follow you. On blog posts, your “Share” buttons should let readers post your content to their own pages. Double-check those links — you’d be surprised how many go nowhere.

Mistake #10: Outdated Copyright

If your site still says “© 2023” (or worse, “© 2019”), visitors may wonder if you’re still active. It’s one of the quickest ways to make a site look abandoned. Many platforms update this automatically — so if yours doesn’t, it’s a sign your site is overdue for an update.

We’re amazed at how many working websites still have these simple, fixable issues holding them back. If you’re ready right now to refresh your business website – or want a professional audit to see what needs fixing – give us a call today. We’ll help make sure your online presence works as hard as you do.

Photo by Burak

This article is an update to“Top 10 Website Mistakes You Should Fix NOW” dated 8/51/2016.

Kate GingoldKate Gingold

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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