90% of Customers Judge Your Business By Its Website—Is Yours Costing You Sales?

Oct 31

In today’s digital world, your website is your business’s storefront. Whether you’re a local bakery or a tech startup, the first impression your website makes can be the difference between gaining a loyal customer or losing one to a competitor. In fact, studies show that 90% of customers judge the credibility and professionalism of a business based on its website.

Did you know that 90% of customers form an opinion of your business based solely on your website within seconds? Forbes reported that 38% of users will stop engaging with a website if the layout is unattractive. That’s over a third of potential customers walking away—just like that. Is your website converting visitors, or is it quietly turning them away?

You might think that a basic site is “good enough” for your business. But in a world where 75% of consumers judge a company’s credibility based on its website design, the stakes are high. In fact, businesses with optimized websites see a 20-30% increase in conversion rates just by improving user experience and design.

What are you missing out on?

With such high stakes, it’s crucial to ask yourself: Is your website driving sales, or is it turning potential customers away?

The High Cost of a Poor Website

Many business owners assume that simply having a website is enough. However, if your site isn’t user-friendly, visually appealing, or optimized for conversions, it could actually be hurting your business. Here are some common issues that could be costing you sales:

1. Slow Load Times: The Silent Sales Killer

Did you know that 53% of users will abandon a site if it takes more than three seconds to load? Every second counts when it comes to page speed. A slow-loading website frustrates visitors, leading them to click away before they even see what you offer.

How to Fix It:

Optimize images and videos.
Use a fast, reliable hosting service.
Minimize the use of heavy scripts and plugins.

A website that loads quickly creates a smooth user experience and keeps visitors engaged, increasing the likelihood they’ll stick around and make a purchase.

2. Poor Mobile Experience: The World is on Mobile

More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile use, you’re essentially locking out a huge portion of your potential customer base. A poorly designed mobile site with tiny text, hard-to-click buttons, or confusing navigation can result in lost sales.

How to Fix It:

Use a responsive design that automatically adjusts to different screen sizes.
Make sure your buttons and CTAs are easy to tap on mobile.
Streamline navigation to make it easy for mobile users to find what they need quickly.

A seamless mobile experience will help you retain more visitors and encourage them to take the next step in their buying journey.

3. Outdated Design: Your Website is Your First Impression

Your website is often the first interaction a customer has with your brand, and first impressions matter. If your website looks outdated, cluttered, or unprofessional, customers might assume the same about your business. Design trends change, and what worked five years ago might not cut it today.

How to Fix It:

Invest in a clean, modern design that reflects your brand’s professionalism.
Use high-quality images and graphics.
Ensure your site’s layout is simple, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

A modern, well-designed website not only builds credibility but also instills trust in your brand, leading to higher sales and customer retention.

4. Unclear Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Guide Your Customers

A common mistake business websites make is not guiding their visitors toward the next step. Whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or booking a consultation, your site needs clear, compelling calls-to-action that tell visitors exactly what to do.

How to Fix It:

Use clear, action-oriented language like "Shop Now," "Get a Free Quote," or "Schedule a Consultation."
Place CTAs prominently on each page, especially in strategic areas like above the fold.
Make sure your CTAs stand out visually (e.g., bright buttons, bold fonts).

When your website is optimized with well-placed, persuasive CTAs, you can lead visitors down the path to becoming paying customers.

5. Lack of Social Proof: Build Trust with Potential Customers

Consumers are more likely to buy when they see that others have had a positive experience with your business. Without social proof—testimonials, reviews, case studies—potential customers may hesitate to trust your brand, especially if they are visiting your site for the first time.

How to Fix It:

Display customer testimonials prominently on your homepage.
Include reviews or ratings for your products and services.
Showcase case studies or success stories to demonstrate real results.

By incorporating social proof, you build trust and credibility with your audience, encouraging them to take the leap and make a purchase.

6. Weak or Missing SEO: Can Customers Even Find You?

It doesn’t matter how beautiful or functional your website is if potential customers can’t find it. Search engine optimization (SEO) is what gets your website ranked higher on Google, making it easier for customers to find you when searching for the products or services you offer.

How to Fix It:

Optimize your website with relevant keywords that your audience is searching for.
Use proper meta descriptions, title tags, and alt text for images.
Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly and has fast load times, both of which affect your Google ranking.

An SEO-optimized website will help drive organic traffic, bringing more potential customers to your site and increasing your chances of conversion.

7. Confusing or Cluttered Navigation: Simplify the Journey

If visitors can’t easily find what they’re looking for, they’ll leave. Simple and intuitive navigation is key to keeping users on your site longer, exploring more pages, and ultimately converting.

How to Fix It:

Ensure your navigation bar is clearly visible and easy to use.
Limit the number of menu options to avoid overwhelming visitors.
Organize your content logically with clear labels and categories.

By streamlining your website’s navigation, you make it easier for customers to find what they need, reducing frustration and encouraging them to take action.

Is Your Website Helping or Hurting Your Business?

If you’re struggling to get customers or drive sales, your website could be the culprit. Investing in a high-performing, professional website is one of the most important steps you can take to grow your business. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about creating a seamless, trustworthy experience that turns visitors into loyal customers.

Ready to Boost Your Website's Performance?

If you’re unsure whether your website is working for or against you, we can help. At Pacific Web Solutions, we specialize in creating websites that not only look amazing but are designed to convert. Whether you need a full redesign, mobile optimization, or help improving your website’s SEO, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule a Free Website Audit Today and see how we can transform your website into a powerful sales tool.

By addressing these common issues and optimizing your website for performance, you'll not only increase sales but also build trust and credibility with your customers. Don’t let an underperforming website hold your business back—take action today!

We understand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to small and medium-sized business websites. The good news? We’re offering a free consultation so we can show you exactly where your website can improve and how a few simple changes could skyrocket your sales. Don’t let another customer slip away—schedule your free consultation now!