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How to Build a Website That Sells + 5 Easy Mistakes to Avoid

Writer's picture: Andi RiveraAndi Rivera

Updated: Jan 27

This post was originally published on 12/16/24 and has been updated on 1/27/25 for accuracy, relevancy, and fresh visuals.

Your website is your 24/7 salesperson, but small design mistakes can cost you leads and sales before visitors even have a chance to explore what you offer.

One of the most common requests we hear from small business owners during the web design process is: "Can you make the logo bigger?"


Screenshot of a La Mejor Website client's (J Williams Painting) home page showing the composition and placement of their logo.
La Mejor Website client, J Williams Painting

And hey, we get it—your logo represents your business, your identity, and everything that sets you apart. It’s only natural to want it front and center! But focusing too much on your logo’s size can actually hurt your website’s performance.




Let’s talk about why that is, and take a look at other common website design mistakes that might be scaring away customers.


1. Oversized Logos That Overwhelm Visitors


Your logo is important, but it’s not the most important element on your website. When it’s too big, it can distract visitors from what really matters: your message, your products, or your calls to action (CTAs).


A logo that dominates your page can feel like a billboard, creating visual clutter and leaving visitors unsure where to focus. Instead, aim for a logo size that’s recognizable yet balanced with the rest of the design.


The best brands (think Nike, Target, Starbucks) use modestly sized logos on their websites. They know that the user experience is what makes the brand memorable—not the size of the logo.


2. Cluttered Layouts That Overwhelm the Eye


Does your homepage feel like it’s bursting at the seams? Too many competing elements—images, text blocks, CTAs, and widgets—can make your site feel chaotic, confusing, or amateurish.


The solution is to keep it clean and organized.


Use white space to create breathing room between elements.

  • Prioritize your most important message above the fold (the part of the page users see without scrolling).

  • Simplify navigation so visitors can quickly find what they’re looking for.

  • Clean, modern layouts keep visitors engaged, focused, and more likely to stick around.


3. Ignoring Mobile Optimization


Mobile phone screenshot of a blog page of La Mejor Website. "Why Organic SEO Beats Google Ads for Long-Term Results", showing what a mobile optimized page looks like.

Here’s a wake-up call: Over 60% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your website doesn’t adapt seamlessly to smaller screens, you’re losing potential customers.


Common mobile issues include:


  • Text that’s too small to read.

  • Buttons that are hard to click.

  • Layouts that don’t resize properly, forcing users to scroll horizontally.


Test your website on multiple devices (phones, tablets, laptops). Make sure it looks great and functions smoothly across all screen sizes. If you’re not sure how to do this, ask us about responsive design.






4. Weak or Missing Calls to Action (CTAs)


Your visitors shouldn’t have to guess what you want them to do next. Without clear CTAs, they might leave your site without taking any action—no clicks, no calls, no purchases.


Your CTAs should be:


  • Clear: Use direct language like "Call Now," "Shop the Sale," or "Get a Free Quote."

  • Visible: Place CTAs in easy-to-spot locations (like at the top of the page or after a section of content).

  • Actionable: Create a sense of urgency or benefit (e.g., "Claim Your Discount Today").


A strong CTA turns passive visitors into engaged customers. Here's a real one now -





5. Relying Too Much on Flashy Design Elements


Animations, pop-ups, and fancy effects might seem exciting, but they can backfire if they’re overdone. Too many flashy elements can slow down your site, distract visitors, or create a frustrating experience.


The key is to focus on functionality first.


  • Prioritize fast-loading pages (site speed is a ranking factor for Google).

  • Limit pop-ups to one per session, and make them easy to close.

  • Keep animations subtle and purposeful, not overwhelming.


Remember, your website’s job isn’t to wow visitors with effects—it’s to help them find what they need and take action.


How to Get It Right: User Experience Is Everything


Your website’s design should make visitors feel like they’ve walked into a well-organized, welcoming space. Think of it like walking into a beautifully decorated room—everything feels balanced, there’s plenty of space to move around, and it’s easy to find what you need.


Woman sitting at a coffee shop bar sipping from a mug and viewing her laptop.

Here’s what good design does:


  • Helps visitors find information quickly and efficiently.

  • Keeps them focused on your message, not distractions.

  • Encourages them to take the next step (like contacting you or making a purchase).


And yes, your logo is part of this—but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.


Final Thoughts


Your logo is important, but it’s not the star of your website—your content, design, and user experience are. By avoiding oversized logos, cluttered layouts, weak CTAs, and other common mistakes, you can create a website that drives sales, builds trust, and leaves a lasting impression.


Need help improving your site? We know how to build a website that sells. Whether it’s logo sizing, layout updates, or optimizing for mobile, we’ve got you covered. Contact us for a free consultation—we’ll give you honest recommendations to help your business grow.


Let’s make your website work smarter, not harder!





We will make an honest recommendation based on 15 years of experience. Need more social proof? Check out one of our 160+ Five-Star Google reviews.



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