August 27, 2025
5 mins
Another 6 common UX mistakes of small companies
Mat Mielnicki
Managing Director
Web design
UX/UI
Key Findings
Too static design
Poor color contrast
Not anchored navigation bar
Lack of breadcrumbs
Improper footer
Improper use of white space
User experience (UX) is the backbone of every great website. Even if your site looks attractive, small usability issues can frustrate visitors, reduce engagement, and stop conversions. In our previous article, we discussed six of the most common website UX mistakes. This time, we’ll cover another six mistakes that businesses often overlook but can have just as much impact.
Let’s dive in.
1. Poor Color Contrast
Why Color Contrast Matters for UX
Color is not just about branding—it’s about readability and accessibility. Poor color contrast, like light gray text on a white background, makes it hard for users to read content. This is especially frustrating for visually impaired users or anyone browsing in bright light.
How to Ensure Accessible and Readable Design
A good rule of thumb is to check your color contrast against the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Tools like WebAIM’s contrast checker help ensure your design meets accessibility standards. Using high contrast between text and background improves readability and ensures your content reaches a wider audience.
2. Not Anchored Navigation Bar
The Problem with Disappearing Menus
On longer web pages, users often scroll down and then get lost. If the navigation bar disappears, they must scroll all the way back up, which creates friction. This is especially bad for mobile users, who rely on easy navigation to explore different sections.
Benefits of a Fixed (Sticky) Navigation Bar
An anchored or sticky navigation bar stays visible as users scroll, providing constant access to important links. This small UX feature increases convenience, reduces frustration, and helps guide visitors through your site more smoothly.
3. Lack of Breadcrumbs
Why Breadcrumbs Improve User Flow
Breadcrumbs show users where they are in your site’s structure. Without them, people can feel lost, especially on websites with multiple pages and categories. Breadcrumbs reduce confusion, helping visitors understand context and navigate back easily.
Best Practices for Breadcrumb Navigation
Good breadcrumbs follow a simple hierarchy, starting with the homepage and moving down to the current page. They should be clickable links and placed consistently near the top of the page. For e-commerce, breadcrumbs are especially helpful when browsing product categories.
4. Improper Footer
The Role of the Footer in UX
Many businesses treat the footer as an afterthought, but it’s one of the most important navigation areas. When visitors scroll to the bottom, they expect to find quick links, contact details, and other key information.
Common Footer Mistakes to Avoid
Poor footers often include:
Too little information (only copyright text).
Overcrowded layouts with too many links.
Missing essentials like contact info, social links, or site navigation.
A good footer should include key links (About, Services, Contact), contact details, social media icons, and legal pages (Privacy Policy, Terms of Use).
5. Improper Use of White Space
Why White Space Improves Readability
White space, or negative space, is not wasted space—it’s what gives a website balance and flow. Without it, content feels cramped and overwhelming. Proper use of white space makes pages easier to scan, highlights important elements, and improves overall readability.
Balancing White Space for a Clean Layout
The trick is balance. Too little white space creates clutter, while too much can feel empty. Use margins, line spacing, and padding to give breathing room between sections, images, and text. A well-spaced design guides the eye naturally to important elements like CTAs.
6. Too Static Design
How Static Design Hurts Engagement
Websites that never move or interact with users can feel dull and outdated. While overusing animations is a mistake, having a completely static site can make it look lifeless and uninviting.
Adding Interactive Elements the Right Way
The solution is to add subtle interactive features—hover effects on buttons, smooth transitions, clickable tabs, or expandable FAQs. These small touches make your site feel modern and engaging without overwhelming users. Always ensure that interactivity enhances usability rather than distracting from the main content.
FAQs on UX Mistakes
1. Why is color contrast important in web design?
Good contrast improves readability and accessibility, ensuring all users can comfortably read your content.
2. Should every website use a sticky navigation bar?
Not always, but for longer pages and mobile users, sticky nav bars greatly improve usability.
3. What are breadcrumbs, and why do they matter?
Breadcrumbs are navigation aids that show users their location in your site’s hierarchy, making it easier to move around.
4. What should a good footer include?
A footer should have contact details, key links, social icons, and legal information—without being overcrowded.
5. How much white space is too much?
It’s about balance. Enough to give clarity and breathing room, but not so much that the site feels empty.
6. Should websites always include interactive elements?
Yes, but keep them subtle. A touch of interactivity improves engagement, but too much can slow down and clutter the site.
Conclusion
Avoiding these additional website UX mistakes can transform how visitors experience your site. By improving color contrast, adding breadcrumbs, designing effective footers, using white space wisely, and balancing interactivity, you’ll create a smoother, more professional experience.
For small businesses, every visitor counts. A website with strong UX doesn’t just look good—it helps build trust, keep users engaged, and drive conversions.
Mat Mielnicki
Managing Director
Web design
UX/UI
