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Here’s Where Websites Go Wrong (and How to Fix It)

Becky donaldson | BLOG AUTHOR

With a sharp eye for design and a soft spot for small biz owners, I craft websites that don’t just look good—they work hard.

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Let me tell you a story I’ve seen play out more times than I can count.

A small biz owner finally gets their dream website live—everything looks gorgeous. The fonts are elegant. The colours? Chef’s kiss. There’s even an on-brand sprinkle of hand-drawn elements. But… something’s off.

Website traffic is decent, but no one’s clicking the contact form. Bookings? Meh. Leads? Quiet.

And then it hits: the layout, while pretty, doesn’t guide anyone. It’s confusing, cluttered, and lacking direction.
That’s where UI/UX design swoops in to save the day.

First off: What is UI/UX?
Let’s break it down like this:

UI (User Interface) is the look. It’s the buttons, colours, type, spacing, and design elements that users interact with.

UX (User Experience) is the feel. It’s how smooth, clear, and intuitive the journey is once someone lands on your site.

And together, they make or break whether a dream client clicks “Book Now” or bounces in three seconds.

Here’s Where Websites Go Wrong (and How to Fix It)

1. Clarity Over Cleverness
We love a creative headline—but not at the cost of clarity. If a visitor can’t figure out what you do in the first 5 seconds, you’ve lost them.

Tip: Use simple, confident language in your hero section.
Think: “Custom Websites for Ambitious Small Businesses”
Not: “Crafting Digital Realms of Possibility”

Tell them what you offer. Fast.

2. Visual Hierarchy Is Everything
Think of your site like a conversation. What do you want someone to notice first? Second? Third?

Use:

Bold headings for key messages

Subheadings to support the main points

Consistent button styles that actually look clickable

If everything screams, nothing’s heard. Good hierarchy whispers in all the right places.

3. Whitespace Is Not Wasted Space
You don’t need to cram every inch with content. Whitespace (aka breathing room) gives your design elegance and makes content easier to absorb.

It also tells the brain: slow down, this is important.

4. Keep Navigation Simple
Your navigation bar isn’t the place to get fancy. Keep it clear, concise, and consistent.

Use: Home, About, Services, Portfolio, Contact
Avoid: “Our Journey,” “The Magic,” “Dive In” (unless it’s extremely clear what that means)

Your site isn’t a scavenger hunt. Guide visitors, don’t make them guess.

5. Guide With Buttons (aka Calls to Action)
Every page should have a purpose, and every section should guide visitors toward something—whether that’s booking, reading more, or signing up.

Good CTAs feel natural and intentional. And they’re placed strategically throughout—not just at the bottom of the page.

6. Make It Mobile-Friendly
Over half of website traffic is mobile. If your site isn’t responsive, you’re losing leads—fast.

Your mobile layout should be just as polished as your desktop one:

Big, tappable buttons

Easy-to-read text

No awkward zooming or horizontal scrolling

The Bottom Line: Beauty Without Strategy is Just Noise
A stunning website means nothing if people don’t know where to go next. That’s why strong UI/UX isn’t just for tech bros or Fortune 500 companies—it’s for you, the small business owner who wants your website to work hard behind the scenes.

The best websites aren’t the most complicated—they’re the most thoughtful.

Want a Website That Looks Good and Works?
At Anjea Creative, I design websites that strike the perfect balance between beauty and usability. So you don’t just look good—you convert with confidence.

Ready for a site that guides your dream clients?

Book me in

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For the DIY-weary dreamers

 ready to trade chaos for clarity 

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With a sharp eye for design and a soft spot for small biz owners, I craft websites that don’t just look good—they work hard. I blend strategy, storytelling, and scroll-stopping visuals to help you show up online like the pro you are (minus the tech headaches).

Hi, I'm Becky

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