Your website is your brand’s first impression — and in 2025, it only takes users 0.05 seconds to form an opinion about it. That means before they read your headline, check your pricing, or even see what you sell, they’ve already decided whether to trust you.
The wrong design choices don’t just “look bad” — they tank your credibility and kill conversions. Let’s talk about the five worst offenders that send trust spiraling and how to avoid them.
Generic Stock Photos Everywhere
You’ve seen them — the overly happy handshake, the faux office meeting, the team of models pretending to be coworkers. These kinds of images scream “template” and “unoriginal.”
Why it’s a red flag: People can spot generic stock in a second, and it makes your brand feel cookie-cutter.
The fix: Use custom photography whenever possible. If you use stock, go for modern, niche images that feel candid and specific. Bonus points for showing real customers, real products, or your actual team.
Unreadable Fonts & Low Contrast
You might love that light gray text on a white background, or that thin script font that looks artsy on your designer’s mockup — but your users don’t. If people have to squint, zoom in, or work to read your content, they won’t stick around.
Why it’s a red flag: Bad readability frustrates users and signals poor accessibility, especially for users with visual impairments.
The fix: Stick to clean, legible fonts with sufficient size and contrast. Prioritize accessibility and ease of reading across devices.
Too Much Clutter, Not Enough Direction
Websites that throw everything on the screen at once — banners, pop-ups, menus, multiple CTAs — create cognitive overload. Users don’t know where to look, so they leave.
Why it’s a red flag: No visual hierarchy = no control over how users move through your site.
The fix: Use clear spacing, intentional layout, and a defined call-to-action on each page. Guide users step-by-step, just like a good salesperson would.
Missing or Weak Trust Signals
Even if your business is legit, your website might not feel trustworthy if it’s missing key signals people subconsciously look for.
What’s missing?
-
No testimonials or case studies
-
No security badges or privacy statements
-
No real human faces
-
No contact info or social proof
Why it’s a red flag: If people don’t feel safe or reassured, they don’t buy — even if you’re the best at what you do.
The fix: Showcase reviews, display client logos, include certifications, and make it easy to get in touch. Humanize your brand and give visitors confidence.
Inconsistent Branding
If your site looks like it was pieced together from five different sources, with mismatched fonts, clashing colors, and inconsistent tone, it can confuse or alienate users.
Why it’s a red flag: Inconsistent design makes you look amateurish — and can dilute trust, especially with high-end or B2B clients.
The fix: Use a consistent color palette, typography system, and voice across every page. Brand guidelines aren’t just for big corporations — they help small businesses look professional and cohesive.
The Credibility Checklist
Want to do a quick credibility gut-check on your current site? Ask yourself:
-
Would you trust this site with your credit card?
-
Is everything easy to read, skim, and understand?
-
Does the design reflect the level of service you offer?
If you hesitate on any of these, it’s time for a tune-up — or maybe a total redesign.
At Ask the Egghead, we build modern, conversion-first websites with:
-
Strategic design
-
Built-in trust signals
-
Full mobile responsiveness
-
Brand consistency that feels high-value
👉 Learn about our WordPress packages or hit us up for a free design critique — no fluff, just real feedback.
