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How to Fix an Underperforming Website (Without Starting Over)

March 20, 2025

"A slow, confusing website isn't just frustrating—it’s losing you money."

Your site looks great. The branding is on point. But something isn’t working. Leads aren’t coming in. Sales are stagnant. Visitors are leaving before they do anything useful.

This isn’t just you. It’s a common problem. But it’s fixable.

Let’s break down exactly why your site isn’t converting—and how to fix it.

1. Your Site is Too Slow

If it takes more than 3 seconds to load, people leave.

Google found that 53% of mobile users bounce if a page loads too slowly. A one-second delay can reduce conversions by 7%.

Fix it:

  • Run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights
  • Compress images using TinyPNG
  • Enable browser caching and use a CDN
  • Minimise unnecessary JavaScript and CSS

Your site should load fast. No exceptions.

2. Your Message Isn’t Clear

If visitors don’t immediately know what you do and why it matters, they leave.

Your homepage needs to answer three things in 5 seconds:

  • What do you offer?
  • Who is it for?
  • Why should they care?

Fix it:

  • Use a short, clear headline (No jargon!)
  • Make your unique value obvious
  • Keep it simple—no fluff, no distractions

If someone has to dig for answers, you’ve already lost them.

3. You’re Selling Too Much at Once

Most websites overwhelm visitors with too many choices.

When people don’t know what to do, they do nothing.

Fix it:

  • Focus on ONE primary action (book a call, download a resource, start a trial)
  • Reduce menu items (5 or fewer is best)
  • Make the next step crystal clear

Less choice = more conversions.

4. Weak Call to Action (CTA)

Your CTA can’t be vague.

“Learn more” doesn’t cut it.

Fix it:

  • Use action-driven language ("Get Your Free Website Audit" > "Learn More")
  • Make your CTA stand out (use contrast, bigger buttons, whitespace)
  • Place CTAs where they matter—not just at the bottom

Give people a reason to take action now.

5. No Trust Signals

Visitors don’t know you. They need proof before they buy.

Fix it:

  • Add testimonials from real clients (with names & photos)
  • Show logos of past clients or partnerships
  • Offer a guarantee or a risk-free first step

Trust isn’t built with claims—it’s built with proof.

6. Your Site is Bad on Mobile

Over 55% of web traffic is mobile. But most sites? They’re still built for desktops.

Fix it:

  • Make sure buttons and text are thumb-friendly
  • Test your site on multiple devices
  • Keep forms short—name & email is often enough

If it’s hard to use on a phone, you’re losing leads.

7. You’re Ignoring SEO

No traffic = No leads.

If your site isn't showing up on Google, it's basically invisible.

Fix it:

  • Research keywords your audience actually searches for
  • Optimise your headings, title tags, and URLs
  • Use internal links to connect important pages
  • Create valuable content that answers real questions

SEO isn’t magic—it’s about helping people find you.

Your website isn’t just a digital brochure. It’s a sales tool.

Fix the speed. Clarify your message. Focus on action. Build trust.

Is your website costing you investors & customers?

Submit your site for a free Startup Website Stress Test.

We'll personally review your site and send you a 5-minute video breakdown of what’s working, what’s broken, and how to fix it—so you don’t lose opportunities.

Submit My Site for a Stress Test