Digital Marketing Insights

Why Your Website Isn’t Converting and How to Fix It in 2025

David Pottrell

David Pottrell

Hi! I’m a web developer and Head of Digital at Nebula Design who loves all things tech. When I’m not surrounded by code, I’m probably reading up on the latest development trends or on the pottery wheel.

I got my start in technology as a self-taught web freelancer, after studying at university and joining a small agency, Nebula Design was created. I specialise in both front-end and back-end development, typically around WordPress, I’ve also got expertise in Search Engine Optimisation, Ecommerce and various emerging tech standards.

Published on January 9th, 2025

Your website is your digital storefront—the first impression potential customers have of your brand. Yet, many businesses struggle with low conversion rates despite investing time and money into their online presence. If your website isn’t converting visitors into customers, don’t panic. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons why websites fail to convert and provide actionable tips to turn things around in 2025.

1. Your Website Is Too Slow

The Problem

Website speed is critical. In a world where users expect instant results, a slow website can cost you conversions. According to Google, 53% of mobile users abandon a website that takes longer than three seconds to load (Google Think With). Slow-loading websites frustrate users and create a negative first impression, significantly reducing the likelihood of conversions.

53% of mobile users abandon a website that takes longer than three seconds to load

Google Think With

Why It Matters

In 2025, users have even less patience for slow websites due to advancements in internet speed and technology. A slow website not only affects user experience but also harms your SEO ranking. Google has made page speed a crucial factor in its search algorithm, meaning that a sluggish site could reduce your visibility to potential customers.

The Fix

  • Optimise Images: Use tools like TinyPNG to compress images without sacrificing quality.
  • Enable Caching: Use a caching plugin to reduce server load.
  • Upgrade Hosting: Ensure your hosting provider offers fast, reliable servers.
  • Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): A CDN can improve load times by delivering content from servers closer to the user.

Consultancy Tip:

Head over to PageSpeed and test your website, is it scoring above 80 on mobile devices?

2. Poor Mobile Experience

The Problem

With mobile devices accounting for over half of global web traffic, a poor mobile experience is a conversion killer. Users often encounter issues such as difficult navigation, where buttons and menus are too small or poorly placed for touch interactions.

Slow load times on mobile networks can further frustrate users, especially when browsing on-the-go. Additionally, unresponsive elements, such as forms or interactive features that don’t work properly on smaller screens, can cause users to abandon your site. These challenges collectively reduce engagement and increase bounce rates, making a seamless mobile experience essential for conversions.

58.99% of global website traffic in 2024

Statista

Why It Matters

Users now expect a seamless experience across all devices. According to Statista, mobile devices accounted for 58.99% of global website traffic in 2024, and this number is expected to rise. If your site isn’t optimised for mobile, you’re losing out on a significant portion of your audience.

The Fix

  • Use Responsive Design: Ensure your website adapts to different screen sizes.
  • Test on Multiple Devices: Regularly check your site on various devices to ensure it looks and functions well.
  • Optimise Touch Elements: Make sure buttons and links are easy to tap.

3. Confusing Navigation

The Problem

A confusing or cluttered navigation bar can overwhelm visitors, making it difficult for them to find what they’re looking for. Poor navigation leads to increased bounce rates, where users quickly leave your site without interacting further. It also reduces time spent on site and lowers overall engagement, as visitors may become frustrated and abandon their search.

According to a study by GoodFirms, a poorly designed website can drive away 88% of users, showing just how critical intuitive navigation is for retaining potential customers.

A poorly designed website can drive away 88% of users

Why It Matters

Clear navigation is essential for user experience. According to a study by HubSpot, 38% of users will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive. Confusing navigation can lead to high bounce rates and low conversions.

The Fix

  • Simplify Your Menu: Limit the number of menu items to essential pages.
  • Use Clear Labels: Avoid jargon and use intuitive labels.
  • Add a Search Bar: A search function can help users find specific content quickly.

4. Weak Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

The Problem

Your CTAs are the gateway to conversions. If they’re unclear or uninspiring, users won’t take action. For example, a weak CTA like “Submit” or “Click Here” doesn’t convey a clear benefit to the user and can be easily overlooked. In contrast, a strong alternative like “Get Your Free Guide” or “Start Your Free Trial” highlights the value of the action.

Marketing expert Neil Patel notes that effective CTAs can increase conversions by over 200% when paired with the right messaging (Source). This demonstrates the importance of making your CTAs compelling and relevant to the user’s needs.

90% of visitors who read your headline will also read your CTA

Why It Matters

A study by Unbounce found that 90% of visitors who read your headline will also read your CTA, but if the CTA isn’t compelling, they won’t convert. CTAs are critical in guiding users toward taking the desired action, whether it’s making a purchase, signing up, or downloading a resource.

The Fix

  • Use Action-Oriented Language: Phrases like “Get Started” or “Claim Your Free Trial” are more compelling.
  • Make CTAs Stand Out: Use contrasting colours and prominent placement.
  • Test Different CTAs: A/B testing can help you determine what resonates best with your audience.

5. Lack of Trust Signals

The Problem

Visitors need to trust your brand before they convert. Without trust signals, they may hesitate to make a purchase or share their information. For example, displaying customer testimonials can provide social proof that your products or services deliver on their promises.

Similarly, showcasing security badges, such as SSL certificates or payment protection seals, reassures users that their sensitive information is safe. These trust signals can significantly impact a user’s decision to convert by reducing anxiety and increasing confidence in your brand.

81% of consumers say that trust is a deciding factor in their purchasing decisions

Why It Matters

Trust is a significant factor in online conversions. According to a study by Edelman, 81% of consumers say that trust is a deciding factor in their purchasing decisions. Without trust signals, your website could be perceived as untrustworthy.

The Fix

  • Display Reviews and Testimonials: Showcase positive feedback from customers.
  • Use Security Badges: Display SSL certificates and payment security badges.
  • Highlight Your Expertise: Include case studies, certifications, and awards.

6. Poor Content Strategy

The Problem

Content is king, but poorly crafted or irrelevant content can drive visitors away. Outdated product descriptions, for instance, can mislead potential buyers or make your business seem inactive. Similarly, irrelevant blog posts that don’t address your audience’s needs can harm engagement and cause users to leave your site prematurely.

According to a study by Microsoft, the average human attention span is only 8 seconds, which means your content needs to be relevant and engaging right from the start to keep users on your page.

The average human attention span is only 8 seconds

Why It Matters

Content that doesn’t address your audience’s needs will fail to engage them. According to Demand Metric, content marketing costs 62% less than traditional marketing but generates three times as many leads (DemandSage). A well-thought-out content strategy can significantly boost conversions.

The Fix

  • Focus on Your Audience’s Needs: Create content that addresses their pain points.
  • Use SEO Best Practices: Research keywords and optimise your content accordingly.
  • Keep Content Updated: Regularly review and refresh your website’s content.

7. Ineffective Landing Pages

The Problem

Landing pages are crucial for conversions, but if they’re poorly designed, they can do more harm than good. Common mistakes include slow load times, which frustrate users and cause them to abandon the page before it fully loads.

Poor design, such as cluttered layouts or lack of visual hierarchy, can confuse visitors and make it difficult to understand the value proposition. Additionally, a lack of a clear call-to-action (CTA) leaves users unsure about the next steps, reducing the likelihood of conversion. Each of these issues contributes to higher bounce rates and lower engagement, which ultimately impacts your website’s overall performance.

The average conversion rate for landing pages is 2.35%, but the top 25% convert at 5.31% or higher

Why It Matters

Landing pages that don’t clearly communicate value can confuse users. According to WordStream, the average conversion rate for landing pages is 2.35%, but the top 25% convert at 5.31% or higher. Improving your landing pages can significantly increase conversions.

The Fix

  • Use a Clear Value Proposition: Communicate the benefit of your product or service.
  • Eliminate Distractions: Remove unnecessary elements that can divert attention.
  • Include a Strong CTA: Ensure the next step is clear and easy to take.

8. Ignoring User Analytics

The Problem

If you’re not tracking user behaviour, you’re missing out on valuable insights. Key metrics such as bounce rates, session duration, and click paths provide a deeper understanding of how users interact with your website.

For example, a high bounce rate might indicate slow loading times or irrelevant content, while analysing click paths can reveal whether users are following the intended journey through your site. These insights allow you to make data-driven decisions to improve conversions and user experience.

Why It Matters

Analytics tools provide essential data to understand user behaviour. According to McKinsey, companies that use customer analytics are 23 times more likely to outperform their competitors. Without this data, you’re making decisions blindly.

Companies that use customer analytics are 23 times more likely to outperform their competitors

The Fix

  • Use Tools Like Google Analytics: Monitor user behaviour to identify problem areas.
  • Track Conversion Rates: Understand what’s working and what needs improvement.
  • Run Heatmaps: Tools like Hotjar can show where users are clicking and what they’re ignoring.

9. Lack of Personalisation

The Problem

Generic, one-size-fits-all websites fail to engage users on a personal level. For example, an e-commerce website can use dynamic content to show personalised product recommendations based on a visitor’s browsing history.

According to a study by Accenture, 91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands that provide relevant offers and recommendations. Personalisation makes users feel valued and understood, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands that provide relevant offers and recommendations

Why It Matters

According to a study by Epsilon, 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase when brands offer personalised experiences. Personalisation can significantly improve user engagement and conversions.

The Fix

  • Segment Your Audience: Use tools to segment users based on behaviour or demographics.
  • Offer Personalised Content: Use dynamic content to tailor the experience.
  • Implement Chatbots: Chatbots can offer personalised assistance 24/7.

10. Outdated Design

The Problem

An outdated design can make your website look unprofessional and untrustworthy. According to Adobe, 38% of users will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive.

A dated design can create doubts about your business’s credibility, making users question whether they should trust your brand. For example, a website using Flash animations or outdated fonts like Comic Sans can appear amateurish and harm your overall conversion rate.

38% of users will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive

Why It Matters

According to Adobe, 38% of users will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive. Modern design trends are essential for creating a positive first impression.

The Fix

  • Use Modern Design Trends: Clean layouts, intuitive navigation, and appealing visuals.
  • Keep Branding Consistent: Ensure your website aligns with your brand identity.
  • Regularly Update Your Site: Make incremental updates to keep the site fresh.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, user expectations are higher than ever. To improve your website’s conversion rates, focus on delivering a fast, personalised, and user-friendly experience. Remember, your website is an ongoing project—continuously test, analyse, and optimise to stay ahead of the competition.

For more tips on website optimisation, visit our blog at www.nebula.design or get in touch with us to see how we can help you boost your online presence.