8 common website mistakes to avoid: A guide for South East London businesses

Whether you’re running a bakery near Eltham Park, a local service in Sidcup, or a hair salon in Bexleyheath, your website is often the first impression potential customers will have of your business. But even the most well-meaning business owners can fall into some common traps that hurt more than help.

If you’re building—or rebuilding—your website, here are 8 top mistakes to avoid to make sure your digital presence works as hard as you do.

1. Neglecting mobile users

One of the biggest mistakes small businesses in South East London make is assuming their website only needs to look good on desktop. With mobile browsing accounting for the majority of local searches, if your website isn’t responsive or takes too long to load on a phone, you’re likely losing customers before they even see what you offer.

💡 Tip: Always check your website on multiple devices—phones, tablets, and laptops.

2. Using outdated or DIY design

A cluttered, outdated website can damage your credibility, even if your services are great. Businesses across Greenwich, Woolwich, and Welling can stand out with clean, modern designs that reflect their brand. DIY platforms are fine for starting out, but avoid templates that look amateur or overloaded with mismatched colours and fonts.

💡 Tip: Keep it simple. White space, quality images, and clear navigation always win.

3. Not including clear calls to action (CTAs)

Whether you want customers to call you, book an appointment, or visit your shop, your website should make that next step obvious. Too often, websites bury key actions or use vague phrases like “click here.” A personal trainer in Lewisham or a local tradesperson in Plumstead should always guide users clearly: “Book Your Free Consultation” or “Call Now to Schedule”.

💡 Tip: Each page should have one clear goal and CTA—make it easy for people to act.

4. Slow loading times

We’ve all abandoned a website because it took too long to load. Google’s research shows users start leaving after just 3 seconds of delay. If you’re a café near Blackheath or a boutique in Bromley, a slow site means lost customers. Large image files, clunky code, or too many plugins are often to blame.

💡 Tip: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix speed issues.

5. Lack of local SEO optimisation

If your website doesn’t mention your location, Google won’t know to show it to people searching nearby. Whether you’re an electrician in Eltham or a therapist in Bexley, using keywords like “Eltham-based electrician” or “Bexley counselling services” in your content and page titles helps your site rank locally.

💡 Tip: Add your area in headings, page titles, and service descriptions where natural.

6. Missing contact information

It might sound obvious, but many small business websites forget to make their contact details clear. Or worse—bury them behind multiple clicks. Every visitor should be able to quickly find your phone number, email, physical address (if relevant), and a contact form.

💡 Tip: Include contact info in both the header or footer and on a dedicated contact page.

7. No analytics or performance tracking

If you’re not tracking how people find and use your site, you’re marketing in the dark. Google Analytics and Search Console are free and incredibly useful. Whether you're running a tutoring service in Charlton or a landscaping business in Bexleyheath, data helps you understand what’s working—and what isn’t.

💡 Tip: Check your analytics monthly to learn which pages people visit most, and where they drop off.

8. Outdated or irrelevant content

Old event pages, expired promotions, or “Latest News” from 2021 make your site feel abandoned. This sends the wrong signal to potential customers. Regular updates keep your site fresh and show visitors (and search engines) that your business is active and engaged.

💡 Tip: Review your site every few months and remove, update, or archive old content.

Final Thoughts

Your website is your digital shop window, and for businesses in South East London—from Eltham to Erith—it’s a key part of how you attract and retain customers. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and missed opportunities.

Think of your website not just as a checkbox, but as a living, breathing part of your business strategy. When done right, it works 24/7—bringing new customers right to your door. Drop Kyeeni a line today to see how we can give your digital platforms the boost they deserve.