2024-01-20 · The Startup Project
Why Most Startup Websites Are Losing You Customers
A look at the five most common website mistakes early-stage startups make — and the quick fixes that move the needle on conversions.
Your website is your 24/7 salesperson. Most early-stage startup websites are terrible salespeople.
Here are the five most common mistakes we see across the startups that come on the show — and what to do about each.
1. Your headline describes what you do, not what changes for the customer
"AI-powered project management platform" tells me what you built. It doesn't tell me why I should care.
Fix: Rewrite your headline as the outcome your customer gets. "Ship projects 40% faster without the status meeting overhead."
2. Social proof is buried or missing
Logos, testimonials, and case studies belong above the fold — not on a separate "Customers" page three clicks deep.
3. No clear next step
If your CTA is "Learn More", you are leaving money on the table. Every page needs one clear action. One.
4. Speed is killing you
A 3-second load time costs you 50% of mobile visitors before they even see your headline. Run your site through PageSpeed Insights tonight.
5. You're writing for yourselves, not your customers
Read your copy aloud. If it sounds like a press release, rewrite it like you're explaining it to a friend over coffee.