The 5 most common mistakes I see on DIY websites (and how to fix them)

DIY websites are often a smart way to get your business online quickly and affordably. And honestly? Getting something live is better than waiting for perfection.

But, after working with loads of clients who’ve outgrown their DIY site (or perhaps it never fit), I’ve seen a few common issues pop up time and time again. If your website isn’t quite doing its job—or you're not sure why—this list might help you spot what’s going wrong.

Here are the top five mistakes I see (and what to do about them).

1. No clear message "above the fold"

When someone lands on your website, the first thing they should see is who you are, what you do, and how you can help. If that’s not obvious within seconds, visitors might bounce.

The Fix:

Add a strong heading and short intro that clearly explains your business. Bonus points if you include a call to action.

2. Too much navigation (and too many pages)

DIY websites often try to solve problems by adding more: more menu items, more buttons, more pages. But when everything’s an option, nothing really stands out—and visitors can get lost or overwhelmed.

The Fix:

Keep your main navigation simple and focused. Prioritise the key actions you want visitors to take, and group content logically. If your site has five pages saying similar things, it might be time to streamline.

3. Too much text, not enough flow

It’s easy to over-explain or fill every section with long blocks of text. But visitors aren’t reading—they’re scanning. A cluttered site can feel overwhelming or confusing.

The Fix:

Break up text with headings, bullet points, and whitespace. Say just enough to guide people to the next step—then let them explore deeper if they choose… and go easy on the repetition!

4. Inconsistent branding

Fonts, colours, logos… oh my. DIY sites often suffer from inconsistency, which can make your business feel less professional (even if your services are great).

The Fix:

Stick to a simple, cohesive visual style. Use one or two fonts, your brand colours, and make sure your logo is clean and well-placed.

5. Mobile design is an afterthought

More than half of your visitors will view your site on mobile—yet so many DIY sites are designed only with desktop in mind. Clunky menus and unreadable text are conversion killers.

The Fix:

Preview your site on mobile and make sure everything is legible, easy to navigate, and well-spaced. If you’re not sure how to fix it, it might be time to call in a pro (hi!).

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How does your website stack up?

If you’re making any of these mistakes, don’t worry—you’re not alone. They’re fixable. And if you’re ready to stop DIY-ing and start showing up with clarity and confidence, I can help.

Want a second opinion? Request a free website audit  or book a free 30-minute call—no pressure, just helpful advice.