5 common web design pitfalls founders should avoid

Hey there. Happy Saturday! After reviewing over 400 startup websites, I have identified several common web design pitfalls that every founder should avoid.

Background Context

Last week, I posted a thread to ask founders to drop their website link so I can give them 1 tip to improve their hero section. The response was overwhelming, with over 442 comments pouring in.

While I didn’t count exactly how many websites I reviewed and critiqued, I distilled my observations into the top five pieces of pitfalls based on the most common issues I encountered.

1. Neglecting to tell a visual story

A significant number of websites I reviewed featured simple, center-aligned headlines with no background or visual elements. This lack of visual storytelling can make a site feel bland and uninviting. It's either that founders find it challenging to identify the right visual representation, or they simply don't know how to weave a visual narrative about their business.

Failing to tell a compelling visual story can result in a lack of engagement from visitors, who may not fully grasp the value proposition of your product or service.

2. Poor color selection and usage

Color usage is another area where many founders fall short. Often, they select a single color and apply it everywhere, leading to a monotonous and unappealing design. From working on over 50 landing pages with various founders, I've frequently had to re-select their brand colors to give their websites a modern and unique look.

Overusing a single color across backgrounds, fonts, and graphics can detract from the visual appeal and readability of a site. More colors don’t equate to better design; instead, strategic use of color is key.

3. Inconsistency in design elements

Consistency is key in web design, yet many sites I reviewed had inconsistencies in basic elements like button corner radii, heights, or font weights. Even if a page has only two or three buttons above the fold, inconsistency in their design can detract from the overall user experience.

Designers, more so than non-designers, need to pay attention to these details. Often, revamping a website involves merely standardizing font sizes, weights, and spacing to create a cohesive and professional look. Inconsistent design elements can make a website look unprofessional and disorganized.

4. Inadequate or too much white space

One common mistake is not leaving proper white space. Many believe that cramming as much information as possible into a page will keep visitors engaged. However, the opposite is true.

Adequate white space helps viewers concentrate and digest the information presented. It makes the content more readable and the overall design less overwhelming. Neglecting white space can lead to a cluttered and difficult-to-navigate website, driving visitors away.

At the same time, if the white space is too much or odd, it creates extra distractions too.

5. Incorrect font spacing and sizing

The spacing and sizing of fonts are crucial details that are often overlooked. Larger headlines require less space between lines compared to smaller body text. This subtle difference can impact the perceived professionalism of your brand and website.

Both founders and designers frequently make this mistake, but getting it right can elevate the overall look and feel of your site, making it appear more polished and well-designed. Improper font spacing and sizing can make text hard to read and diminish the user experience.

By avoiding these five common mistakes, founders can dramatically improve the design and functionality of their websites. Remember, a well-designed website not only looks good but also effectively communicates your message and engages your audience. Happy designing!

Sharing a great website

After reviewing hundreds of website, I came across one website called Macaw that I didn’t have any reactions to. It’s beautifully done and everything falls into places. I posted the following to highlight what this founder did right:

1. Brand color is clear and consistent.

2. Layout is clean and breathable.

3. Font choices are nice and readability is high.

4. Contrast and accessibility is strong.

I hope the above is helpful for those who want to improve their website or learn to better design their website to convert customers better. :)

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