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DIY Website Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writer's picture: Amanda KellerAmanda Keller

Updated: Feb 1

Building your own website? High-five for taking on that challenge! But let’s be real — while DIY website builders make things easier, there are plenty of sneaky pitfalls that can keep your site from looking professional or converting visitors into clients.


The good news? I’ve got your back. Below are common DIY website design mistakes and how to avoid them so your site actually works for your business (and doesn’t just sit there looking pretty).


Woman working on laptop covered in stickers


1. Overcomplicating the Design


The Mistake:

Trying to cram every design element imaginable onto your site — fonts, colors, buttons, and backgrounds galore.


Why It’s a Problem:

It creates visual chaos and confuses visitors. People will bounce faster than you can say "where's the call-to-action?"


How to Avoid It:


✅ Stick to a clean, simple layout with 2-3 fonts and 3-5 brand colors.

✅ Leave plenty of white space so your content can breathe.

✅ Choose a single focus for each page (like booking a call or signing up for a service).


💡 Pro Tip: Less is more when it comes to website design. And having your brand strategy established before starting your website will take out the guesswork.


2. Ignoring Mobile Responsiveness


The Mistake:

Your website looks great on your laptop but is a hot mess on your phone.


Why It’s a Problem:

Over half of your visitors are viewing your site on their phones. If they have to pinch and zoom to read your content, they’ll just leave. (Because it's not the early twenty-tens anymore!)


How to Avoid It:


✅ Use your website builder's mobile view editor.

✅ Test your site on multiple screen sizes before publishing.

✅ Use responsive website templates that automatically adjust to mobile.


💡 Pro Tip: Make sure buttons are big enough to tap with your thumb (at least 46x46 px).


3. Neglecting SEO


The Mistake:

Publishing a beautiful site but not tackling the steps to make it searchable on Google.


Why It’s a Problem:

If Google can’t find your site, neither can your potential clients.


How to Avoid It:


✅ Add keywords your audience is searching for in page titles, headers, and content.

✅ Include meta descriptions and alt text for images.

✅ Use a fast hosting provider and compress your images to improve site speed.


💡 Pro Tip: Start with simple keywords like "service provider in [your location]."


4. Weak or Missing Calls to Action (CTAs)


The Mistake:

Your visitors get to your site and have no idea what to do next.


Why It’s a Problem:

If you don't guide people to take action, they'll just leave — even if they love what you offer.


How to Avoid It:


✅ Include a clear CTA on every page (like “Book a Free Consultation” or “Contact Me Today”) — include actionable and benefit words.

✅ Make your CTAs visually stand out with contrasting colors.

✅ Use buttons often — you'e not limited to one per page.


💡 Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to get specific with your CTAs. Tell visitors exactly what they’ll gain by clicking that button.


5. Not Writing Client-Focused Content


The Mistake:

Your website talks only about you instead of focusing on how you can help your clients and identifying with them.


Why It’s a Problem:

People care about how you can solve their problems — not just how awesome you are.


How to Avoid It:


✅ Write headlines and copy that address your client's pain points.

✅ Use "you" more than "I" in your content.

✅ Share success stories and testimonials to show how you’ve helped others.


💡 Pro Tip: Imagine you're having a conversation with a potential client. Write like you'd talk to them in person.


Avoid These DIY Website Design Mistakes for a Better Performing Website


DIY website design is totally doable — but knowing these common mistakes and how to avoid them will save you a ton of headaches (and help you book more clients).


And hey, if you hit a wall or just want to hand it off to a pro, I’m here to help. You can elevate your business with a website that looks and works great — without the stress and frustration of doing it yourself!

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