5 Website Mistakes Thunder Bay Small Businesses Should Avoid

Launching a website is a major step for any small business, especially here in Thunder Bay where online visibility can give you a crucial local edge. But a poor website experience can drive potential customers away before you even get a chance to win them over.

At Framework 807, we help small business owners build websites that convert viewers into customers, and that starts by avoiding the most common (and costly) mistakes we see.

1. Not Mobile-Friendly

Over 60% of website traffic comes from smartphones. If your website doesn’t look good or function well on a mobile device, you're missing out on a huge portion of your Thunder Bay audience. Mobile users expect fast loading, clickable phone numbers, easy navigation, and responsive design.

We test every site we build across multiple screen sizes because your customers aren’t just browsing from home, they’re checking you out from work, on the go, or even at the job site. Every page on every website needs to reflect well on smart phones, tablets and desktop devices.

2. No Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Your website should guide visitors to take action; whether it's calling for a quote, booking a service, or filling out a contact form. Without a strong CTA, even the best design falls flat.

For Thunder Bay businesses, we often recommend location-specific CTAs like:

• “Book a Free Estimate in Thunder Bay”
• “Call Our Thunder Bay Office Today”
• “Get Local Support Now”

3. Using Generic or Outdated Content

Your site should reflect your local presence. Too many small businesses use generic “we build websites” text that could apply to anyone, anywhere. Instead, speak directly to your Thunder Bay customers with relevant keywords and examples.

Google rewards localized content. Mention the areas you serve, use photos of real projects, and include testimonials from local clients. That’s what turns visitors into real leads.

4. Poor SEO (or No SEO at All)

It’s not enough to build a beautiful site — people need to find it. That means ranking on Google when someone searches “plumber in Thunder Bay” or “local landscaping services.”

Framework 807 specializes in affordable SEO for Thunder Bay businesses. We optimize your site structure, target local keywords, and help improve your Google Business Profile rankings so you show up where it matters.

5. Slow Load Times and Broken Links

Speed matters. A slow website or broken page sends a bad signal to users and to Google. Every extra second of load time increases the chance someone hits the back button — especially on mobile devices with weak connections.

We use image compression, streamlined code, and ongoing site audits to keep your website running smooth. Plus, we constantly check for dead links and outdated resources to maintain a great experience.

Related Reading

• Web Design and SEO Services for Thunder Bay Businesses
• What Does a Website Actually Cost? Thunder Bay Guide for Small Businesses
• How can strong SEO strategies Impact Your Business?

Need Help Fixing These Issues?

If your website isn’t doing what it should .. bringing in leads, ranking in search, and showing off your business .. let’s fix it together. We build modern, mobile-first websites for businesses that are fast, optimized, and ready to grow with you.