Key Points – Don’t Let your Website Turn Customers Away
Many Alaska businesses don’t even realize their website is quietly driving people away. Here are the top issues to fix now:
- Slow load times frustrate users and hurt rankings
- Not mobile-friendly = missed opportunities
- No clear CTA leaves visitors confused
- Poor navigation kills user experience
- Outdated design lowers trust
- No SEO means you’re invisible on Google
- DIY websites without strategy don’t convert
Want to know how to fix these? Keep reading – or just contact Web 907 to get expert eyes on your site.
Is Your Website Helping You Grow – or Quietly Turning People Away?
We’ve all seen those websites: slow to load, impossible to navigate, or looking like they were built when dial-up was still a thing. In Alaska, where small businesses often rely on local trust and reputation, your website really matters – it’s your online storefront, your first impression, and in many cases, your biggest sales tool.
So, whether you’re a Fairbanks nonprofit, an Anchorage shop owner, or a Nome-based service provider, here are 7 common website mistakes that could be costing you business – and how to fix them.
1. Slow Loading Websites Kill Conversions
Let’s start with the big one. If your site takes longer than 3 seconds to load, you risk losing visitors — in fact, 53% of mobile users abandon a site that takes longer than 3 seconds to appear.
Think about it – we’re all impatient. Add in Alaska’s bandwidth and connectivity challenges, and you’ve got no room for lag. Bloated image files, cheap shared hosting, and clunky page builders can all slow your site down.
Fix it:
- Compress your images
- Use fast, reliable hosting
- Keep plugins, themes and all software lean and up to date
A fast site doesn’t just keep visitors happy – it also ranks better in Google. Not sure how fast your website is? You can test it for free using Googles PageSpeed Insights tool.
2. Not Mobile-Friendly = Missed Opportunities
Today, mobile dominates web use — 63% of global website traffic came from smartphones.
Warning signs:
- Text is too small
- Buttons are hard to tap
- Images don’t scale right
Fix it: Make sure your site uses responsive design, meaning it adapts to all screen sizes.
3. No Clear Call to Action (CTA) for Customer to Click
When people visit your site, what do they do? If you’re not guiding them toward a next step, they’ll wander your page and eventually just leave.
CTAs are your signposts. You want visitors to book a call, request a quote, make a donation, or sign up for your newsletter. But if your CTA is buried at the bottom of the page or worse, missing entirely, you’re losing leads and new customers everyday.
Fix it: Place clear, strong CTAs throughout your site – not just on your homepage. Use language like:
- “Schedule Your Free Consultation”
- “Start Your Project Today”
- “Donate Now” (for nonprofits)
Make your CTAs stand out with color, size, or a button.
4. Cluttered or Confusing Navigation Causes Frustration
Having easy avigation is critical – 38% of users leave a website if they find it hard to navigate or poorly laid out. Simple as that.
A lot of sites try to cram everything into the menu. That might feel “thorough” to you – but it’s overwhelming for your user. Simple and clean is better than crowded and cluttered.
Fix it:
- Limit main menu items to 5–7
- Group related pages under dropdowns
- Use breadcrumb trails to help people navigate
- Include a search bar if you have a large site
A good rule of thumb: if your grandma can find your “Services” page on the first try, you’re doing it right.
5. If Your Design is Outdated You’ll Lose Trust with Your Customers
Your website doesn’t have to win awards – but it does need to look modern and clean.
An outdated site sends the wrong message: that you don’t care, or worse, that you’re out of business. First impressions matter – 75% of consumers judge a company’s credibility based on website design, meaning an outdated look can seriously hurt trust. Alaska businesses rely heavily on trust and referrals. Your website should reinforce your authority, trustability and expertise.
Fix it:
- Refresh your site design every 3–5 years
- Use professional fonts and color schemes
- Avoid clipart, flashy animations, and “busy” layouts
A redesigned website can help you look more professional, rank higher and get more customers.
6. No SEO = No Visibility
Your site can be beautiful – but if no one can find it, what’s the point?
Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your site appear in Google when someone searches for “Fairbanks dog trainer” or “Anchorage yoga classes.” Without SEO, it’s hard to be found – 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine, making visibility impossible without optimization. These days, SEO is not optional… if you want to get found, you need SEO.
Fix it:
- Use proper title tags and meta descriptions
- Include your city or region in content (e.g., “serving businesses in Juneau”)
- Add alt text to images
- Create blog content answering common customer questions
At Web 907, every site we build has the option to add affordable Alaska SEO.
7. Relying on DIY Platforms Without Strategy
Tools like Wix or Squarespace can build decent-looking sites – but they often lack strategy.
That means no thought given to how people actually use the site, or how to drive leads. You’re left with something that looks fine, but is stale and static.
Fix it: Even if you build it yourself, get guidance on layout, messaging, and SEO. Your website should have a purpose and a goal. It should be more than just an online brochure. It should gather leads, sell products, collect donations and educate clients.
Final Thoughts: Your Website Should Work For You
Here’s the deal – your website should earn its keep. It should attract the right visitors, build trust, and drive action.
If you’re seeing people don’t stay on your site or leads stop coming in, take a hard look at your site. Fixing even one of these seven mistakes can mean the difference between another missed opportunity and your next new customer. Even small improvements can pay off – Deloitte found that improving site load time by just 0.1 seconds boosted retail conversion rates by 8%
Want a Free Site Review?
We offer free, no-pressure audits to help Alaska businesses see what’s working – and what’s not. Whether you’re in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or a tiny town off the road system, we’ve got your back.
Schedule a Free Website Audit with Web 907
Local. Reliable. Trusted. Web907.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my website is mobile-friendly?
A: Use Googles PageSpeed Insights tool or view your site on your phone. If you’re pinching, zooming, or squinting – it needs work.
Q: How often should I redesign my website?
A: Every 3-5 years is a good rule. Tech moves fast – your site should keep up.
Q: What’s a good website load time?
A: Under 3 seconds. Any slower and visitors bounce – especially on mobile.