10 Common Website Design Errors That Are Hurting Your Brand

Web design in canada - Ranking digitally

It’s 2025, and a major chunk of consumers in Canada and worldwide prefer to research and interact with businesses online. Today, your website isn’t just a showcase—it’s the backbone of your online presence and your gateway to local and global audiences. But even the most beautiful websites can stumble with design mistakes that hurt user experience, SEO, and your business. Let’s dive into some common web design mistakes and how a website design company in Canada can fix them.


1. Poor Mobile Optimization

Error: Many sites still struggle to deliver a great mobile experience, even though most web traffic comes from mobile users.

Impact: Increased bounce rates, lower search rankings, and missed conversions from mobile users.

Solution: Focus on making your site responsive and test it on different devices to keep things smooth for everyone.


2. Slow Loading Speeds

Error: Heavy graphics, poorly optimized images, or too many scripts can make your site’s loading times frustratingly slow.

Impact: A delay of even one second can reduce conversions by up to 20%.

Solution: Compress images, use a Content Delivery Network (CDN), and minimize JavaScript to improve load times.


3. Lack of Accessibility Features

Error: Skipping accessibility standards like WCAG 2.2 makes your site harder for many people to use.

Impact: Users with disabilities may be unable to navigate your site, leading to legal risks and lost business.

Solution: Add alt text for visuals, make navigation keyboard-friendly, and improve color contrast to welcome everyone.


4. Non-Intuitive Navigation

Error: Overcomplicated menus or scattered layouts can confuse visitors.

Impact: Frustrated users are more likely to leave without finding what they need.

Solution: Keep menus simple, use clear labels, and add a search bar to help users find their way quickly.


5. Overlooked SEO Best Practices

Error: Missing metadata, unoptimized images, or poorly structured content can hurt your SEO game.

Impact: Low organic traffic and reduced brand visibility.

Solution: Fine-tune titles, use schema markup, and refresh content often to stay on top of search rankings.


6. Weak Brand Identity

Error: Inconsistent colors, fonts, and tone can weaken your brand’s overall image.

Impact: A forgettable or untrustworthy brand presence.

Solution: Stick to a consistent style guide for visuals and messaging to strengthen your brand’s identity.


7. Generic Stock Imagery

Error: Using too many generic stock photos can make your site feel impersonal.

Impact: Users may perceive your brand as unauthentic or unprofessional.

Solution: Invest in original, high-quality images or customized illustrations to build trust and authenticity.


8. Ignoring Core Web Vitals

Error: Poor performance in metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) or Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).

Impact: A poor user experience and lower rankings on Google.

Solution: Regularly check and tweak your Core Web Vitals to keep everything running smoothly.


9. Neglecting Content Hierarchy

Error: Confusing headings or dense blocks of text can turn readers away.

Impact: Visitors struggle to digest information and leave your site prematurely.

Solution: Use proper headings (H1, H2, etc.), bullet points, and enough white space to make reading easy.


10. Inadequate Security

Error: Missing SSL certificates or ignoring plugin updates can leave your site exposed.

Impact: Security warnings discourage visitors from engaging with your site.

Solution: Switch to HTTPS, keep plugins updated, and use strong security tools to protect your site.


Partner with a Professional Web Design Company in Canada

Fixing these common website design errors is essential for creating a site that works as hard as you do. If you’re feeling stuck, let a trusted web design agency in Canada help.

A good user experience is crucial because it’s how customers interact with your brand online. That’s why it’s worth considering a trusted web design agency in Canada. At Ranking Digitally, our team of professionals stays updated on what it takes to create a website that delivers real ROI. Reach out to us for a free audit and find out if your website is struggling with any of these errors.