In today’s digital-first economy, your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. Yet, many Atlantic Canadian businesses – whether in Halifax, Charlottetown, Moncton, or St. John’s – are making critical website mistakes that hurt their online visibility, credibility, and sales.
Let’s explore the most common issues and how to fix them so your website becomes a powerful tool for growth.
1. Ignoring Mobile Responsiveness
Did you know that over 60% of web traffic in Canada comes from mobile devices? If your website doesn’t adjust seamlessly to smartphones and tablets, you’re losing leads before they even get started.
👉 Fix it: Choose a responsive design and regularly test your site across multiple devices. Tools like
Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can help.
2. Slow Loading Speeds
Atlantic Canadian businesses often overlook site speed, but even a 3-second delay can cause visitors to abandon your page.
👉 Fix it: Optimize images, use proper hosting, and consider a Content Delivery Network (CDN). Check your site’s speed with
Google PageSpeed Insights.
3. Poor Local SEO Optimization
From tourism operators in PEI to retail shops in Moncton, many businesses fail to optimize for local search – a crucial driver of foot traffic and bookings.
👉 Fix it: Claim your
Google Business Profile, add location-based keywords, and gather customer reviews.
4. Weak Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
A surprising number of business websites lack clear instructions on what visitors should do next – whether that’s booking a service, making a purchase, or calling your office.
👉 Fix it: Add strong CTAs like “Book Your Free Consultation” or “Shop Now” in visible spots across your site.
5. Outdated Design & Branding
First impressions matter. An outdated website can make your business look untrustworthy, even if your services are top-notch.
👉 Fix it: Refresh your design every 2–3 years to keep it modern. Highlight your brand colors, fonts, and values consistently.
6. Neglecting Accessibility
With accessibility regulations becoming more important, not ensuring your site is usable for everyone (including those with disabilities) can hurt both legally and ethically.
👉 Fix it:
Follow WCAG guidelines. Simple improvements like adding alt text to images and ensuring text contrast can make a big difference.
7. Lack of Analytics Tracking
Without website analytics, many Atlantic Canadian businesses are flying blind, not knowing what’s working or where traffic comes from.
👉 Fix it: Install
Google Analytics and track key metrics like bounce rate, traffic sources, and conversions.
Final Thoughts
Your website is more than just an online business card – it’s your 24/7 sales tool. By avoiding these common mistakes, Atlantic Canadian businesses can better attract local customers, rank higher in search engines, and convert visitors into loyal clients.
If your website needs a refresh or you’re ready to boost your digital presence, partnering with an experienced marketing agency can make all the difference.
💡 Looking for help?
Brand Butter Marketing specializes in building conversion-focused websites for Atlantic Canadian businesses.
