10 signs your small business website is losing you customers
Your website might be quietly sending customers to competitors. Check it against these 10 warning signs and fix the ones that apply.
Most small business owners look at their own website once, when it launches, and rarely again. Meanwhile, customers visit, get frustrated and leave without a word. Run through these ten signs. If three or more apply, your website is costing you business.
1. It's hard to use on a phone
Open your site on your phone. Do you have to pinch and zoom? Are the buttons tiny? Most local searches happen on phones, so a site that only works well on a computer loses most of its visitors.
2. It takes more than a few seconds to load
People are impatient. Huge photos, auto-playing videos and too many plugins slow a site down. Google's free PageSpeed Insights tool will tell you what's slowing yours.
3. Visitors can't tell what you do in five seconds
Your top section should answer: what do you offer, who is it for and where are you? "Welcome to our website" doesn't answer any of those.
4. Your phone number is hard to find
Put a tap-to-call button at the top of every page, plus your address and hours. Don't hide them on a contact page.
5. There's no clear next step
Every page should end with one obvious action: call now, book online, get a quote. If visitors have to figure out how to buy, many won't.
6. The information is out of date
Old prices, last year's holiday hours or a staff member who left two years ago all tell customers the business might not be active anymore.
7. No reviews or proof
New customers want to know others trusted you first. Show real reviews, photos of your work and any certifications.
8. It's not secure
If your web address starts with "http" instead of "https", browsers may show a "Not secure" warning. Most hosts include a free security certificate, so turn it on.
9. It doesn't show up on Google
Search for your service plus your town, like "roof repair Austin". If you're nowhere on the first page or the map, your website isn't doing its main job. Check that your business is on Google Business Profile and that your pages mention the services and areas you cover.
10. Nobody answers after hours
A lot of people browse in the evening. If they can't get an answer until tomorrow, they contact someone else tonight. An AI chat or voice assistant can answer common questions and take bookings around the clock.
How did your website score?
- 0 to 2 signs: you're in good shape. Keep it updated.
- 3 to 5 signs: fix these this month. Each one is costing you leads.
- 6 or more: it may be cheaper to rebuild than to patch.
Want a second pair of eyes? Message us and we'll point out the quickest wins for your site.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my website is mobile friendly?
Open it on your own phone and try to find your prices and call you in under 10 seconds. You can also run Google's free PageSpeed Insights test, which checks mobile performance.
How fast should my website load?
Aim for your main content to appear in about two to three seconds on a phone. Compress large photos and remove plugins you don't use.
Should I fix my old website or build a new one?
If only a few things are wrong, fix them. If it fails six or more of the signs above, a new, simpler website is often cheaper and faster than patching an old one.
How often should I update my website?
Check it at least once a month for prices, hours and offers, and add something new, such as a project photo, review or article, regularly.