Biggest Mobile Website Design Mistakes and How to Fix Them

October 16, 2024

When businesses design their websites, many overlook the importance of a seamless mobile experience.

As mobile browsing dominates web traffic, too many businesses still fall into common traps that frustrate users and drive them away. We see it all the time—buttons that are too tiny to tap, pages that take forever to load, and confusing navigation that leaves visitors lost. These mobile mistakes aren’t just annoying; they’re costing you customers.

Let’s look at the most common mobile website blunders we encounter and how you can fix them to boost your site's performance and keep visitors coming back.

When businesses design their websites, many overlook the importance of a seamless mobile experience.

As mobile browsing dominates web traffic, too many businesses still fall into common traps that frustrate users and drive them away. We see it all the time—buttons that are too tiny to tap, pages that take forever to load, and confusing navigation that leaves visitors lost. These mobile mistakes aren’t just annoying; they’re costing you customers.

Let’s look at the most common mobile website blunders we encounter and how you can fix them to boost your site's performance and keep visitors coming back.

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The 9 Biggest Mobile Website Mistakes We See Everywhere

(and How to Fix Them)

#1. Neglecting Mobile Responsiveness

One of the most common issues is websites not being fully responsive. This happens when elements like text, images, and buttons do not automatically adjust to fit different screen sizes, leading to awkward layouts or the need for excessive scrolling. Since most users now access websites via mobile devices, a lack of responsiveness can quickly turn visitors away.

Tip: Implement a mobile-first design approach to ensure all elements are adaptable. Use flexible grids and scalable images that adjust seamlessly to different devices.

Neglecting Mobile Responsiveness
Slow Loading Times

#2. Slow Loading Times

Many mobile sites load slowly due to unoptimised images, bulky code, or excessive scripts. Google research shows that a delay of just one second in mobile page load time can decrease conversion rates by up to 20%. This directly impacts SEO as well since search engines favour faster-loading websites.

Tip: Optimise images and use compressed file formats like WebP. Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML to reduce the overall file size, and leverage browser caching to improve load speed.

#3. Using Pop-ups and Interstitials Poorly

Pop-ups can be highly disruptive on mobile screens, especially if they cover important content or are hard to close. This can frustrate users, resulting in higher bounce rates. Google also penalises websites that use intrusive pop-ups, making it crucial to find a balance.

Tip: If you must use pop-ups, ensure they are easy to close and take up minimal screen space. Consider using non-intrusive methods like banners or in-line CTAs for capturing user attention.

Using Pop-ups and Interstitials Poorly

#4. Small Touch Targets

Many websites fail to adjust touch targets like buttons, links, or form fields for mobile users. If these elements are too small, they become difficult to tap accurately, resulting in a frustrating experience. According to touch target guidelines, buttons should be at least 44x44 pixels to accommodate most fingers.

Tip: Ensure touch targets are large enough and have ample spacing around them. This helps prevent accidental clicks and makes the site more user-friendly.

#5. Not Prioritising Content

Some businesses use the same content layout for both desktop and mobile, which can be overwhelming for mobile users. Large chunks of text or too many images make it difficult to consume information efficiently on smaller screens.

Tip: Use a content hierarchy that prioritises essential information. Keep paragraphs short, use bullet points, and limit the number of images per page to create a more digestible mobile experience.

Not Prioritising Content
Ignoring Mobile SEO Best Practices

#6. Ignoring Mobile SEO Best Practices

Mobile search engine optimisation (SEO) differs from desktop. Websites that aren’t mobile-friendly often face poor rankings on search engines, affecting their visibility. Issues like unplayable videos, faulty redirects, or missing alt text for images can hurt mobile SEO.

Tip: Implement a mobile-specific SEO strategy that includes optimising local search keywords, using mobile-friendly URL structures, and ensuring multimedia content works seamlessly on all devices.

#7. Complex Navigation

Navigational elements that work well on a desktop can become cumbersome on mobile devices. Drop-down menus, sidebars, or multi-level navigation systems can be difficult to use and may overwhelm users.

Tip: Streamline the navigation for mobile by using collapsible menus (hamburger menus) and reducing the number of clicks needed to reach key content.

Complex Navigation
Failure to Test Across Devices

#8. Failure to Test Across Devices

Many businesses don’t take the time to test their mobile websites on various devices and operating systems. Differences in screen size, resolution, and performance can significantly affect user experience.

Tip: Regularly test the mobile version of your website across different devices and browsers. Use tools like Google's Mobile-Friendly Test and BrowserStack to identify and resolve issues.

#9. Not Updating Mobile Design Trends

Mobile user expectations evolve quickly, and outdated designs can make a site look unprofessional or difficult to navigate. Trends such as minimalism, large fonts, and dark mode compatibility are now standard, and neglecting these can negatively impact the user experience.

Tip: Regularly update the design to stay in line with current mobile trends. Focus on simplicity, readability, and intuitive navigation to keep users engaged.

Not Updating Mobile Design Trends

Mobile websites play a crucial role in the overall user experience and brand perception. By avoiding these common mistakes, businesses can create mobile-friendly sites that not only attract but also retain visitors. Focus on speed, simplicity, and responsiveness to ensure your website meets the expectations of modern users.

If you’re struggling to get your mobile site just right, don’t worry—we’re here to help. At Website Love, we specialise in creating mobile-optimised websites that not only look great but also perform flawlessly. Learn how we can help you avoid these pitfalls and make your website work harder for your business. Let’s get your site mobile-ready and maximise its potential together!