Building a Website? Here’s What to Watch Out For

Launching a website can be one of the most exciting steps for a small business—but it can also be overwhelming. With so many options and opinions out there, it’s easy to fall into common traps that hurt your website’s performance without you even realizing it.

At New Path Webworks, we specialize in helping small businesses and nonprofits build websites that work—websites that look great, connect with the right audience, and actually support your goals. Here are five of the most common website mistakes we see, and how you can avoid them.

1. Trying to Do Too Much on the Homepage

Your homepage should introduce, not overwhelm. Too often, small businesses try to cram everything—about the business, every service, every testimonial—into the first page.

What to do instead:

Focus on clear sections: what you do, who you help, and how people can take the next step. Think of it as a front door, not a full tour.

2. Forgetting to Design for Mobile

Make sure your site is responsive (adjusts to any screen size), and test it on both phones and tablets. Prioritize clean layouts, readable fonts, and buttons you can actually tap.

3. Not Having a Clear Call-to-Action

Include one strong call-to-action per page. Make it obvious, repeat it where it makes sense, and use buttons that stand out.

4. Ignoring SEO Basics

Use clear titles, short page descriptions, and relevant keywords. Make sure each page has a unique heading, and don’t forget alt text on images.

5. Using Templates That Don’t Reflect Your Brand

Customize the design to match your brand colors, voice, and audience. Even small tweaks like custom icons, unique fonts, or on-brand photos go a long way in building trust.

Final Thoughts

Your website doesn’t need to be flashy—it needs to be effective. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be one step closer to a site that works for you, not against you.

If you’re feeling stuck or want a second opinion on your current site, we’d love to help. At New Path Webworks, we offer personalized support, hands-on design, and honest advice—without the tech overwhelm.