Why a “good enough” website is costing you money
Your website isn’t just a digital storefront – it’s your best salesperson. Or at least, it should be.
january 21, 2025 / Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
If your site is outdated, slow, or just "fine," you’re leaving money on the table.
Every second it takes to load, every confusing navigation choice, every abandoned cart is a potential sale slipping through your fingers.
At HRVST, we don’t build “just okay” websites. We build high-converting, high-performing digital experiences that drive revenue, brand loyalty, and real business growth. We don’t believe in playing it safe – we believe in making an impact.
Here’s something most agencies won’t tell you: we’ve spent the past decade perfecting what actually makes websites convert. And today? We’re feeling generous. We’re letting you in on five of the most important strategies that turn browsers into buyers – and keep your competition wondering how you pulled it off.
HRVST’s 5 secrets to a high-converting website
1. Slow websites kill sales. Speed is your superpower.
Ever walked into a store, saw a massive checkout line, and immediately walked out? That’s what happens when your site loads too slowly.
Here’s the truth:
40% of users will bounce if a site takes more than three seconds to load.
Every extra second of load time drops conversions by 7%.
Google buries slow sites in search rankings.
If your site isn’t built for speed, you’re handing sales to your competitors.
How to fix it:
Ditch bloated themes and unnecessary plugins. Extra code slows you down.
Compress images and clean up scripts. Keep it lean.
Upgrade your hosting. Your infrastructure should scale with your traffic.
A fast site doesn’t just look better – it sells better.
2. Your website looks “fine” – that’s a problem.
"Fine" is forgettable. And forgettable doesn’t convert. Your website is your first impression, your credibility, and your best salesperson. If it looks like everyone else’s, why should anyone remember you?
Why most sites miss the mark:
Generic templates instead of real branding.
No clear story that makes people care.
Weak visual hierarchy – users don’t know where to go next.
How to fix it:
Invest in a site that reflects your brand – not a competitor’s.
Make your homepage a statement. What do you sell? Who’s it for? Why does it matter?
Use structure and design to guide users toward action.
Great design doesn’t just look good. It performs.
3. Your mobile site matters more than your desktop site.
Over 70% of web traffic comes from mobile. If your site isn’t built for small screens, you’re leaving money on the table.
Common problems:
Buttons and links are too small or too close together.
Checkout is slow, clunky, or frustrating.
Layouts weren’t built for scrolling or tapping.
How to fix it:
Design mobile-first. Don’t just shrink your desktop site.
Prioritize effortless interactions – large tap targets, easy navigation, and lightning-fast load times.
Simplify checkout. Cut steps. Remove friction.
If your mobile site isn’t seamless, customers will leave before they even reach the cart.
4. Clarity sells: Your story needs to land in under 5 seconds
Most websites bury their value in vague headlines and generic statements. If your customer doesn’t immediately “get it,” they’re gone.
Where it usually goes wrong:
Messaging that’s clever instead of clear.
Homepages that lead with product features instead of customer benefits.
No real sense of tone or personality.
How to fix it:
Nail your headline. It should say what you do, who it’s for, and why it matters.
Speak like a human, not a marketing robot. Use your brand voice.
Make sure your visuals support the story – not distract from it.
We don’t just design websites – we help brands find the language and structure that converts.
5. Pretty doesn’t pay the bills
A beautiful site that doesn’t convert is just a fancy business card. You need more than design – you need strategy.
Why sites fail to convert:
Unclear messaging. Visitors don’t know what to do.
Lack of trust. No reviews, no testimonials, no proof.
Friction in checkout. Too many steps. Too much hassle.
How to fix it:
Clarify your message. Who are you, what do you sell, and why should people care?
Add proof. Show real reviews, testimonials, and customer stories.
Streamline the path to purchase. Less clicks. More conversions.
Design should inspire action – not just admiration.
Final word: Time to fix what’s holding you back
A “good enough” website is a slow leak in your business.
You can keep tweaking and hoping, or you can build something designed to convert – and built to grow with you.
At HRVST, we’ve spent the last decade helping brands create high-performance websites that drive real results. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to move the needle.
Not sure if you need a full rebuild or just a smarter strategy?
We’ll help you figure it out – and get you on the path to better performance. Let’s talk.