“Your website’s your 24/7 salesperson. If it’s broken, slow, or invisible to Google, you’re leaving money on the table.”
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Websites aren’t “set it and forget it” assets. They’re living, breathing tools that need attention—because if your website fails, your business reputation and revenue take the hit.
Here’s the thing: Most website problems are fixable. But while amateurs patch the surface, pros fix the root issues. This blog dives deep into common website issues and the pro-level fixes you need to know. No fluff. Just action.
1. Slow Website Load Times
The Problem:
Speed matters—Google’s obsessed with it, and your customers expect it. If your website takes more than three seconds to load, 53% of visitors bounce. That’s potential revenue walking away.
The Cause:
- Bulky, unoptimised images
- Bloated code
- Too many plugins
- Slow server response
How Pros Fix It:
- Image Compression: Tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel shrink file sizes without killing quality.
- Minify Code: Streamline CSS, JavaScript, and HTML using tools like Minify.
- Caching: Install a caching plugin like WP Rocket (for WordPress) to serve static versions of your site.
- Server Upgrade: Switch to a hosting provider like SiteGround or Cloudways with lightning-fast servers.
- CDN (Content Delivery Network): A CDN like Cloudflare distributes your content globally, reducing server strain.
Pro Tip: Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to pinpoint the exact culprits slowing you down.
2. Broken Links and 404 Errors
The Problem:
Imagine clicking a link only to land on a dead page. That’s not just annoying—it screams unprofessionalism and hurts your SEO.
The Cause:
- Deleted or moved pages without proper redirection
- Typographical errors in URLs
- External links that no longer exist
How Pros Fix It:
- Run a Link Audit: Tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs crawl your site for broken links.
- 301 Redirects: If a page is gone, set up a 301 redirect to guide users (and Google) to a relevant, live page. Use plugins like Redirection (WordPress).
- Fix the URL: For simple typos, just edit the link directly.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget internal links—broken internal links confuse users and bots alike.
3. Poor SEO Performance
The Problem:
Your website might look stunning, but if it’s invisible on Google, it’s pointless. Traffic’s the lifeblood of your business, and poor SEO is a death sentence.
The Cause:
- Missing meta tags and alt text
- Weak keywords or irrelevant ones
- Poor site structure (no internal linking strategy)
- Slow site speed (yep, it affects SEO too)
How Pros Fix It:
- Keyword Research Done Right: Use tools like SEMrush or Ubersuggest to identify long-tail keywords with decent traffic but low competition.
- Optimise Meta Tags: Craft compelling meta titles and descriptions. Use primary keywords naturally.
- Internal Linking Strategy: Link related pages to help search engines understand your site hierarchy.
- Mobile Optimisation: Google prioritises mobile-first indexing. Use responsive design.
- Structured Data Markup: Implement schema to make your content stand out in SERPs.
Pro Tip: Fixing SEO is ongoing. Regularly update content and monitor performance with Google Search Console.
4. Security Vulnerabilities
The Problem:
Hackers don’t discriminate. From e-commerce sites to blogs, any site can become a target. A hacked website can leak customer data, hurt your reputation, or get you penalised by search engines.
The Cause:
- Outdated software and plugins
- Weak passwords
- No SSL certificate
How Pros Fix It:
- Use HTTPS: SSL certificates aren’t optional. Use providers like Let’s Encrypt for free SSL.
- Regular Updates: Always update your CMS, themes, and plugins to patch security holes.
- Strong Passwords: Use a password manager like LastPass to create and store secure passwords.
- Firewalls and Monitoring: Tools like Sucuri or Wordfence add extra layers of protection.
Pro Tip: Run periodic security scans with tools like SiteLock.
5. Poor Mobile Experience
The Problem:
More than 60% of web traffic is mobile, yet many sites still cater to desktop users first. That’s a massive mistake.
The Cause:
- Fixed-width designs that don’t adapt to screen sizes
- Unresponsive buttons and links
- Large elements that clutter the screen
How Pros Fix It:
- Responsive Design: Use fluid grids and media queries to ensure your site adjusts to any screen size.
- Test Everything: Run your site through Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
- Streamline Navigation: Avoid overcrowding. Keep menus simple and buttons clickable.
Pro Tip: Think mobile-first during design, not as an afterthought.
6. Outdated Content
The Problem:
Content that’s inaccurate or irrelevant doesn’t just bore your audience—it tells Google you’re not maintaining your site.
The Cause:
- Ignoring older blog posts
- Neglecting to update product descriptions or FAQs
How Pros Fix It:
- Content Audits: Use tools like ContentKing to identify outdated content.
- Repurpose and Refresh: Update old blog posts with new stats, insights, and CTAs.
- Add Internal Links: Drive traffic to refreshed content by linking to it from popular pages.
Pro Tip: Evergreen content is gold—keep it polished.
7. Clunky User Experience (UX)
The Problem:
If navigating your site feels like solving a Rubik’s Cube, visitors won’t stick around. Bad UX drives users—and revenue—away.
The Cause:
- Overcomplicated menus
- Too many pop-ups or ads
- Poor visual hierarchy
How Pros Fix It:
- Simplify Navigation: Follow the “three-click rule”—users should find what they need within three clicks.
- Improve Readability: Use large fonts, short paragraphs, and plenty of white space.
- Test and Adjust: Run A/B tests with tools like Optimizely to find what works best.
Pro Tip: Prioritise usability over aesthetics. Function > Form.
Final Thoughts:
Website issues might feel overwhelming, but pros don’t panic—they take action. Start with the fixes that will have the biggest impact (hint: site speed and SEO), and tackle the rest systematically.
Remember: A well-maintained website doesn’t just save you headaches. It saves you customers.
Now it’s your turn. Audit your website today. Find the problems. Fix them like a pro. Your bottom line will thank you.