7 Website Design Mistakes That Can Make Your Site Look Cheap (And How to Avoid Them)
Certain design mistakes can leave your site looking amateurish or "cheap." Focusing on simplicity, consistency, and quality can elevate your website and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
1. Overly Busy Logos and Graphics
Why it feels cheap: Just like flashy logos on clothing, overly complicated logos or mismatched graphics can overwhelm and distract your audience. Large, busy visuals may scream for attention but often come off as unrefined.
How to fix it: Simplify your logo and use a cohesive set of graphics that align with your brand identity. Opt for modern, clean designs that enhance your site’s overall aesthetic instead of competing for attention.
2. Too Many Fonts or Colors
Why it feels cheap: Using a rainbow of colors or multiple fonts can make your site look chaotic and unprofessional. It’s the digital equivalent of wearing clashing patterns and textures.
How to fix it: Stick to a well-defined color palette and limit yourself to 2–3 complementary fonts. Choose a primary font for headings, a secondary font for body text, and perhaps an accent font for special elements like call-to-action buttons.
3. Low-Quality or Stocky Images
Why it feels cheap: Grainy, pixelated, or generic stock photos can ruin the credibility of even the most beautifully designed site. They’re the website version of wearing old, worn-out clothes.
How to fix it: Invest in high-quality imagery that reflects your brand’s personality. If hiring a photographer isn’t an option, choose stock images carefully—focus on photos that feel authentic and match your brand’s tone.
4. Lack of White (Empty) Space
Why it feels cheap: Overcrowding your website with text and images can overwhelm visitors. It’s akin to overloading an outfit with too much bling—it detracts from the elegance of your overall style.
How to fix it: Use empty space strategically to give your content room to breathe. A clean, uncluttered layout not only looks more professional but also makes it easier for visitors to navigate your site.
5. Inconsistent Branding
Why it feels cheap: When your website’s fonts, colors, and imagery don’t align with your brand, it can feel disjointed and unprofessional. Think of it as wearing mismatched pieces that don’t suit your personal style.
How to fix it: Create a style guide for your website. Define your brand’s voice, color scheme, typography, and imagery style, and stick to it. Consistency builds trust and strengthens your brand identity.
6. Overloaded or Confusing Navigation
Why it feels cheap: Complicated menus or too many navigation options can confuse visitors and leave them frustrated. It’s like layering accessories to the point where it’s hard to focus on the outfit itself.
How to fix it: Simplify your site’s navigation. Use clear, concise labels for menu items and limit the number of options. Make sure your most important pages are easy to find and that your navigation is mobile-friendly.
7. Poorly Written Content
Why it feels cheap: Poorly written content with grammar mistakes, spelling errors, or lack of clarity can undermine your brand’s credibility. Even the most stunning website design will fall flat if your copy doesn’t resonate with your audience. Amateur writing can make you seem less professional and less trustworthy.
How to fix it: Work with a professional writer or editor to craft compelling, error-free copy that reflects your brand voice and communicates your message clearly. Well-written content not only elevates your design but also builds trust and engages your audience.
