5 Common Website Mistakes Costing Sussex Businesses Local Customers (And How to Fix Them)

Your website isn't just a digital business card; for many Sussex businesses, it's the front door. It's how local customers find you, learn what you do, and decide whether to get in touch or walk down the virtual street to a competitor.

Too often, simple mistakes turn that website from an asset into a liability, actively costing you business right here in Sussex. Let's cut the fluff and look at five common offenders and how to sort them out.

1. Your Site is Slower Than Dial-Up

The Problem: We're impatient. If your site takes more than a couple of seconds to load, especially on a mobile phone (which is how most people search locally), potential customers are gone. Poof. Google also knows this and pushes slower sites down the rankings, making you harder to find in local searches around places like Haywards Heath, Brighton, or Chichester.

The Fix:

• Shrink your images: Huge photo files are a major speed killer. Optimise them before uploading.
• Get decent hosting: The cheapest option often means slow, shared servers. Invest a little more.
• Use modern tech: Frameworks like Next.js (which we use at Darcy Digital) are built for speed. Old, clunky WordPress sites often struggle.

2. It Looks Rubbish on a Phone

The Problem: Someone's standing in Horsham town centre looking for a service you offer. They search on their phone. They tap your link. Your site loads, but the text is microscopic, the buttons are impossible to tap accurately, and they have to pinch and zoom like crazy. They'll give up and find someone else whose site actually works.

The Fix:

• Mobile-first design: Your site needs to look and work perfectly on small screens. This isn't optional anymore.
• Test it properly: Don't just rely on a desktop preview. Use real phones or browser developer tools to simulate different devices.
• Prioritise key info: Make sure your phone number, address, and opening hours are instantly visible and usable on mobile.

3. Nobody Can Find Your Contact Details (or They're Wrong!)

The Problem: Sounds basic, right? But you'd be surprised how many websites bury their phone number or address. Or worse, they have old information listed. If a local customer can't quickly figure out how to call you, where you are in Sussex, or when you're open, you've lost them.

The Fix:

• Make it obvious: Put your phone number and maybe your main town/area (e.g., "Serving Haywards Heath and Mid Sussex") right at the top of every page.
• Have a clear contact page: Include full address, map, phone number, email/contact form, and opening hours.
• Keep it updated: Moved? Changed number? Update your site and your Google Business Profile immediately.

4. It's Not Clear What You Actually Do (or Who For)

The Problem: Your website is full of jargon, vague marketing waffle, or stock photos that mean nothing. A potential customer from Crawley lands on your page and hasn't got a clue within 5 seconds what service you provide, if you serve their area, or why they should care.

The Fix:

• Clear headline: State exactly what you do and who you do it for right upfront. Example: "Expert Plumbers for Homes Across West Sussex" is better than "Synergistic Solutions Provider".
• Speak plainly: Use language your actual customers use. Ditch the corporate buzzwords.
• Show, don't just tell: Use real photos of your work, your team, or your premises in Sussex. Add testimonials from local clients.

5. There's Nothing to Click On

The Problem: Someone likes what they see... now what? If there isn't a clear next step, they might just drift away. You need to guide them.

The Fix:

• Clear Calls to Action (CTAs): Use obvious buttons or links that tell people what to do next. Think "Call Us Today", "Request a Quote Online", "Book Your Appointment", "Visit Our Shop in Lewes".
• Make them prominent: Don't hide your CTAs. Use contrasting colours and place them where people expect to see them.
• Think about the goal: What do you want visitors to do? Make that the easiest thing to do on the page.

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Fixing these mistakes isn't rocket science, but it does require attention. Take an honest look at your website today. Is it helping or hindering your ability to win local customers here in Sussex? If it's the latter, sorting these issues should be your top priority.