Top Mistakes Businesses Make With DIY Web Design

Top Mistakes Businesses Make With DIY Web Design (And How to Fix Them) Because your business deserves more than a website that just “kinda works.”

We get it. You needed a website fast, budgets were tight, and those DIY platforms made it look so easy. Drag, drop, done… right?

Except somewhere between the default fonts, the mystery spacing, and the “oops, where’d that button go?” moments, things started to feel… off. And suddenly, your site is live, but your conversions are low, your audience is confused, and your brand feels lost in the digital void.

Don’t panic. You’re not alone—and we’re here to help.

Here are the top mistakes businesses make with DIY web design—and most importantly, how to fix them.

🚫 Mistake #1: Treating Your Website Like a Digital Flyer

Many DIYers throw up a homepage, toss in some photos, and call it a day. But a website isn’t just an online poster—it’s a user journey.

Fix it: Think through your customer’s path. What do you want them to do? Book? Buy? Contact? Design each page to guide them toward that goal, with clear calls-to-action and intuitive navigation.

🎨 Mistake #2: Prioritizing Pretty Over Practical

It’s tempting to focus on cool fonts and trendy colors—but if people can’t read your text, find your services, or figure out what you do, it’s game over.

Fix it: Start with clarity. Make your message obvious within the first few seconds. Use legible fonts, intentional color contrast, and layouts that prioritize user experience over bells and whistles.

📱 Mistake #3: Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Over half of all web traffic comes from phones. If your site only looks good on a desktop, you’re losing business—fast.

Fix it: Preview your site on multiple devices. Resize. Tap. Scroll. Make sure everything works and looks polished on mobile and tablet screens—not just your laptop.

🕳️ Mistake #4: Forgetting About SEO

A beautiful site won’t matter if no one can find it. DIY designers often skip over basic SEO practices—like page titles, meta descriptions, image tags, and keyword strategy.

Fix it:Use the SEO tools your platform provides. Add relevant keywords to your content, label your images properly, and write clear, keyword-rich headings. It’s not just about robots—it’s about relevance.

🧭 Mistake #5: Confusing Navigation

Too many links, weird page names, or endless scrolling? That’s a fast track to losing visitors.

Fix it :Keep it simple. Limit your main menu to 5–7 key items. Use clear, familiar language (think “About,” not “Our Origin Story”). Guide users, don’t make them guess.

🔧 Mistake #6: No Clear Brand Identity

DIY sites often end up with a mishmash of colors, fonts, and tone. If it feels like five different people designed it… you’re not far off.

Fix it: Establish a consistent brand style. Choose two fonts, a defined color palette, and a tone of voice—and stick to them. Consistency builds trust and brand recognition.

🖤 How to Fix It All (Without Losing Sleep or Your Sanity)

You don’t have to scrap your DIY site entirely—but you do deserve a digital presence that reflects the quality of your work. That’s where we come in.

At Midnight Boheme, we specialize in strategic, stylish web design for small businesses who are ready to upgrade from “just okay” to “completely unforgettable.”

We blend clarity with creativity, form with function, and beauty with usability—so your website actually works.

Let’s fix the flaws and elevate your online presence. Your dream site is one redesign away.🌐 #DIYDesignFixes #WebsiteGlowUp #MidnightBohemeWebDesign