5 Ways Your Website Might Be Driving Visitors Away

Don’t let these common website mistakes cost you leads—here’s how to fix them.

Author

Adam Goetz
May 06, 2025 • Reading Time: 3 minutes

Hey! 👋

Here’s the thing: people aren’t patient. They’re not going to wait around while your site loads, figure out your vague navigation, or play detective to understand what you actually do.

It’s harsh—but it’s fair. Online, everyone’s got one finger hovering over the back button.

People aren’t here to figure things out—they’re here to solve a problem or scratch an itch. They want answers fast. If they don’t see the path right away, they’re gone.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to overhaul your entire site.

You just need to make things as clear and simple as possible for your audience. A few smart tweaks can flip the script and turn those drive-bys into customers.

🔧 5 Easy Fixes for a Higher-Converting Website

1 – Ditch the Sliders

Sliders (those rotating image carousels) seem cool, but visitors don’t stick around for the second or third slide. They want clarity, not a slideshow.

  • Show your best content upfront—don’t bury the lead.

  • Use a strong, static hero image or message that immediately connects.

2 – Stop Using Stock Photos That Scream "Fake"

Visitors can spot stock photos from a mile away, and it kills trust.

  • Use real images that reflect your brand, your team, or your products.

  • Don’t have any? Start with simple behind-the-scenes shots or customer photos.

3 – Cut the Clutter in Your Navigation

Your navigation bar shouldn't feel like a sitemap.

  • Focus on 4-5 key links. Prioritize what helps users take action.

  • Streamline categories like "Home, Services, About, Contact."

For more ideas on decluttering, check out this article: Is Your Website Overwhelming Visitors?

4 – Be Specific with Your CTAs (and Lose the "Learn More")

"Learn More" tells users nothing. "Get in Touch" doesn’t explain what happens next.

  • Use clear CTAs like "Book a Demo," "See Pricing," or "Get Your Free Quote."

  • Always tell them what they’re getting when they click.

5 – Simplify Your Forms

Nobody wants to share their life story to get a PDF.

  • Only ask for the essentials: Name, Email, and maybe one qualifying question.

  • Shorter forms = higher conversions.

🚀 Actionable Tip

Swap one vague CTA on your homepage (like "Learn More" or "Get in Touch") with a specific action that tells visitors exactly what they’ll get—such as "Book a Free Consultation" or "See Our Pricing."

Why This Matters

Your website only gets one chance to make a first impression.

  • Faster Decisions: Clear CTAs and streamlined navigation help users act quickly.

  • More Trust: Authentic visuals and simple forms reduce friction and build credibility.

  • Higher Conversions: These small tweaks can mean the difference between a bounce and a booked call.

See you around!

Adam Goetz @ Reciprocal