Added: 21 September 2023
When youre running a business in Devon, your website is often the first point of contact between you and a potential customer. But many small businesses across Exeter, Plymouth, and the wider region are losing leads every day because of basic, fixable web design issues.
As someone who's worked on countless web development projects in Devon, here are the most common mistakes I still see and how you can fix them.
The Problem:
Large image files, poor hosting, or bloated code lead to slow websites. And in today’s world, people won’t wait.
The Fix:
Optimise images, implement caching, and switch to faster, more reliable hosting. I always build for speed-first performance in every web development project I take on.
SEO Insight: Google ranks fast sites higher. This isn’t just a user issue it’s a visibility issue.
The Problem:
Many Devon businesses still run websites that don’t function properly on mobile devices things like text overlaps, buttons are tiny, or navigation is awkward.
The Fix:
Use a responsive design that adapts cleanly across devices. Every website I build is tested across multiple screen sizes to ensure the user experience stays strong.
The Problem:
If your site looks like it was built in 2012, visitors may question your credibility. First impressions matter and design is a huge part of that.
The Fix:
Clean, modern layouts with clear messaging and strong visual hierarchy. Don’t let your design let down your brand.
The Problem:
Your website should guide visitors to take action call, book, buy, or enquire. But many sites in Devon just leave visitors hanging.
The Fix:
Use strong, consistent CTAs across pages. Phrases like “Book a Discovery Call” or “Get a Free Quote” give direction and increase conversion.
The Problem:
A nice-looking site is useless if no one finds it. Many websites are still launched without basic on-page SEO in place like no meta titles, bad URLs, and no structured content.
The Fix:
From keyword research to heading structure and mobile performance, SEO should be baked in from the ground up. If you’re unsure where to start, I offer a complete Website Healthcheck to help spot and fix these issues.
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t worry most issues can be fixed quickly and cost-effectively. As a Devon-based web developer with 20+ years of experience, I help businesses turn underperforming websites into powerful lead-generating tools.
Added: 24 March 2025
If you're running a business in Devon, you already know how important it is to be seen. But in 2025, being found online by people in your local area is just as vital as having a great product or service.
Added: 17 March 2025
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your website and get it working smarter for your business. Whether you're a local Devon service provider or an e-commerce brand, small changes can make a big impact on your SEO rankings and user experience.
Added: 10 February 2025
Valentines Day (and every seasonal moment like it) is a golden opportunity to connect with your audience. Whether youre running a service-based business in Devon or selling products online, email lets you deliver relevant, time-sensitive messages directly to the people most likely to take action.
Added: 06 January 2025
A new year is the perfect time to review whats working and whats not in your digital presence. Whether you're a small business in Exeter, a creative brand in Totnes, or a tradesperson covering the whole of Devon, your website, marketing, and online strategy need to evolve with your goals.
Added: 16 December 2024
Many small businesses in Devon hit the brakes on paid ads over Christmas, assuming no one's buying or paying attention. But in reality, this is often a missed opportunity. While others go quiet, you can stay visible, attract warm leads, and start the new year ahead of the game.
Added: 11 November 2024
Black Friday is no longer just for big brands. Devon-based businesses from online stores to service providers can take advantage of the hype to boost sales and enquiries. The key? Aligning your email marketing and PPC campaigns into one focused push.
Added: 16 October 2024
In todays digital landscape, people expect instant results. If your site takes too long to load, theyre gone and Google notices. Whether you're a local business in Devon or serving customers across the UK, your website speed directly affects your visibility, credibility, and conversion rates.
Added: 05 September 2024
As summer winds down and business picks back up, its the perfect time to give your website a quick but powerful refresh. Whether youve been away, things have been quiet, or youve simply been too busy September is your chance to realign your digital presence with your goals.
Added: 11 July 2024
If youve looked into email marketing platforms recently, chances are youve come across Beehiiv. Originally designed for newsletter creators, Beehiiv has quickly grown into a serious contender for businesses that want clean design, smart features, and built-in audience growth tools, all without the bloat.
Added: 19 May 2024
If youve looked into email marketing platforms recently, chances are youve come across Beehiiv. Originally designed for newsletter creators, Beehiiv has quickly grown into a serious contender for businesses that want clean design, smart features, and built-in audience growth tools, all without the bloat.
Added: 09 January 2024
Whether youre a builder in Exeter, a florist in Totnes, or a consultant in Barnstaple your website needs to speak to the people around you. A good local landing page doesnt just look nice it ranks, converts, and builds trust with the exact audience youre trying to reach.
Added: 17 November 2023
Most small businesses treat social media and PPC as separate efforts. But when you combine them, they amplify each otherand the results are far more powerful.