Business website mistakes often appear during a simple action: a customer tries to call, understand a service or send an enquiry. Open your site on a phone and computer without being logged in as an administrator. For each check below, record the problem, its owner and how the fix will be verified.

1. Contact details are visible but difficult to use

Check: tap the phone number, email and WhatsApp link, if used. Confirm that the application opens with the correct recipient. Check that the displayed email address matches the link destination.

Fix: use working links and keep contact options visible on service pages. A telephone number inside an image does not replace a call link.

2. The business offer is unclear

Check: ask someone unfamiliar with the business to read the introduction and explain the service, location and next step. “Car rental in Vlora, with online booking enquiries” is more concrete than “Solutions for everyone”.

Fix: explain what you do and provide a main action, such as requesting a quote. The example above is illustrative; describe only services and areas you actually cover.

3. Images do not help customers decide

Check: do the images show the product, premises or work the customer is reading about? Do they load correctly, and is nearby text readable?

Fix: use images you have permission to publish and describe them accurately. Add alternative text for informative images and reduce unnecessarily large files. For measurement, read our website speed guide; for product photos, see our phone photography guide.

4. Navigation leads to empty or unfinished pages

Check: follow every main navigation link. Record “Under construction” pages, sample products and sections that do not provide a useful answer.

Fix: finish the essential information or remove the menu link until the content is ready. For previously public addresses, check incoming links and visits before removal; changing the menu does not resolve the old URL.

5. The site is difficult on a phone or with a keyboard

Check: read without zooming, open the menu and complete the form on a phone. On a computer, use Tab to reach links and fields: is focus visible, and can each control be activated?

Fix: correct clipped text, closely packed buttons, missing field labels and invisible focus indicators. Use your own analytics to decide which devices need the most frequent testing.

6. There are security warnings or unmanaged accounts

Check: open the site over HTTPS and look for browser warnings. Review who can access website administration, the domain and hosting.

Fix: ask for the certificate and its renewal to be checked; enable two-step verification where supported and remove unused access. HTTPS protects the connection but does not replace updates and account security.

7. Information is incorrect or outdated

Check: compare opening hours, contacts, availability and terms with what the business offers today. For articles, assess accuracy as well as the date.

Fix: update articles that remain useful. If a page moves, use a permanent redirect to its relevant replacement, following Google’s guidance. Do not delete a blog simply because it has no recent posts.

8. The form says “Sent”, but the message never arrives

Check: send a recognisable test message. Check the recipient’s inbox and spam folder, then try replying to the sender. An on-screen success message does not prove email delivery.

Fix: verify the recipient, sending service and error handling. Also try leaving a required field empty: the visitor should understand what is missing without losing their text. For stores, include order and payment tests.

9. Business details disagree across channels

Check: compare your name, contact details and hours with the business’s public channels. If you have a Google profile, check its accuracy too.

Fix: keep information consistent. Google Business Profile serves businesses that meet Google’s eligibility rules, including in-person customer contact; online-only businesses are ineligible. Do not invent an office address. See our Business Profile guide.

10. Access and renewals depend on one person

Check: identify the domain registrar, registered holder, recovery email and renewal date. Verify that the business can obtain access under its agreement with the provider.

Fix: document responsibilities and store credentials in a password manager with controlled sharing. Arrange a backup contact and a handover procedure if you change provider. Our .al domain guide explains renewal and protection.

What should you fix first?

Start with unavailable pages, security warnings and failed contact or payment functions. Then address inaccurate information and usability problems. After each change, repeat the action that failed and record the result.

Use our maintenance plan to make these checks routine. If you need help, send the website address and steps that cause the problem, or explore our maintenance service.