Top Website Mistakes Small Businesses Make in Nanaimo

Top Mistakes Small Businesses Make With Their Website

Your website should be one of your strongest business assets. But for many small businesses in Nanaimo, their site actually holds them back. From lost traffic to missed sales opportunities, even minor website mistakes can cost you thousands.

Here’s a breakdown of the top website design Nanaimo mistakes—and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Mobile Users

Most Nanaimo locals browse on their phones. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you're instantly losing trust, traffic, and leads.

🚫 What this looks like:
Tiny buttons, text that’s too small, or layouts that don’t adapt to screen size.

✅ What to do instead:
Build mobile-first. Check your site on iPhone and Android. Use responsive design platforms like Webflow.

2. DIY Designs That Look Unprofessional

Free tools like Wix or GoDaddy might sound easy—but unless you know UX and design strategy, the result often looks outdated or untrustworthy.

🚫 What this looks like:
Off-brand colors, misaligned layouts, confusing navigation.

✅ What to do instead:
Work with a Nanaimo web design company that knows how to create clean, strategic designs that convert visitors into customers.

3. No Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

What do you want people to do when they land on your site? If that’s not instantly obvious, they’ll bounce.

🚫 What this looks like:
No “Request a Quote” button, no phone number in the header, or too many competing buttons.

✅ What to do instead:
Use one primary CTA above the fold and repeat it throughout. Make it easy to take the next step.

4. Poor SEO or None at All

You can’t grow your business if no one can find you online. Many small business websites are built with zero search engine optimization in mind.

🚫 What this looks like:
No meta titles, missing H1 tags, pages without keywords like “plumber in Nanaimo” or “local contractor.”

✅ What to do instead:
Make SEO part of the build. Optimize every page for local search terms. Add service area pages and blog content.

5. Outdated Content or Broken Features

Stale websites tell customers you're not paying attention. And if your forms don’t work or links are broken, people leave.

🚫 What this looks like:
Copyright from 2021, missing images, broken contact forms.

✅ What to do instead:
Schedule content audits every 6 months. Keep info fresh. Check Google Search Console for errors.

6. Not Tracking Results

If you don’t know how many visitors you get or what pages they visit, how can you improve?

🚫 What this looks like:
No Google Analytics, no lead tracking, no conversion goals.

✅ What to do instead:
Install analytics tools, track phone calls, and measure quote form submissions.

7. Not Showcasing Your Local Relevance

Nanaimo is a close-knit community. Customers like to work with people they know and trust. But many websites feel generic.

🚫 What this looks like:
No mention of your service areas, no photos of your team or local projects.

✅ What to do instead:
Mention local neighborhoods (e.g., Departure Bay, Cedar, Lantzville). Use real photos. Highlight local partnerships.

Final Thought: Your Website Should Work For You

If you’re making any of these mistakes, you’re not alone—but fixing them could be the fastest way to start generating more leads and sales.

👉 Want a site that’s built right from the start? Book a free website strategy call with Rega Marketing. We specialize in helping Nanaimo businesses turn their websites into growth engines.