When it comes to your website, first impressions matter - especially if you’re running a small business. In a sea of online content, your website needs to look professional, trustworthy, and credible. If it doesn’t, visitors might hesitate to engage, make a purchase, or even return.
A website that looks “off” can often give the impression that it’s a scam or, at best, not serious. But how do you make sure your website doesn’t fall into that category? And how can you spot the tell-tale signs of scammy websites to avoid falling victim to them yourself?
Let’s have a look at some simple tips that’ll help you create a polished, trustworthy site – and a few key signs to watch out for when browsing other websites.
How to make sure your website doesn't look scammy!
1. Use a professional domain name
A free domain (like “yourbusiness.freewebs.com”) is one of the first things that can make your website look unprofessional. A custom domain (e.g., “yourbusiness.com”) shows you’re serious and helps you build trust with visitors.
If you’re just starting out, it can be tempting to go for a free platform with a free domain. But having a personalised web address is a small investment that goes a long way in making your business look credible. It's typically a very small investment too - you can get a lot of domain names for about £15 these days!
2. Choose a clean, modern design
Your website’s design should be clean, simple, and user-friendly. Avoid clashing colours, hard-to-read fonts, or overcrowded pages. If your website looks outdated or cluttered, it can create an uneasy feeling – like something’s not quite right.
Platforms like Squarespace and Shopify have templates that help guide your design in the right direction. Whether you're selling a product or offering a service, these platforms are ideal for creating a professional site that’s easy to navigate.
3. Have clear contact information
One of the biggest red flags of a scammy website is the absence of proper contact details. Always make it easy for people to get in touch. Include a business phone number, email address, and a physical address (if possible). Adding a contact form is also a great idea – this makes it easy for visitors to reach out directly.
If your website only has a "contact us" form and nothing else, it could make people think you're hiding something. Trust is built on accessibility, and a clear "Contact" page shows you’re open and approachable. As you probably have already experienced there's nothing quite as irritating as wanting to contact a company and being fobbed off at every avenue.
4. Add real photos and authentic content
Stock photos are great, but too many can make your site feel impersonal and generic. People want to connect with the real you, so whenever possible, use your own images or photos that genuinely represent your business. Showing photos of your products, your team, or even your workspace can go a long way in humanising your brand.
Authentic, well-written content also builds trust. Avoid copy-pasting generic text or using vague claims about what your business offers. Make sure your website clearly explains who you are, what you do, and why you’re different.
5. Use secure payment methods
If you’re selling anything online, this is a must. Scammers often use unprotected checkout processes, so customers need to feel confident their payment is secure. Shopify and Squarespace provide built-in, secure payment options that are easy to integrate, like PayPal or credit card payments via trusted processors.
If you're unsure about what to use, make sure your payment methods have a padlock symbol and display SSL encryption (the "https" in the URL bar). This shows the site is safe for transactions.
6. Have an easy-to-navigate layout
A confusing or overly complicated layout / menu structure can quickly frustrate users and make them feel like they’re dealing with an untrustworthy site. Stick to clear headings, categories, and easy-to-find navigation options.
Think about your user’s journey. Can they easily find what they’re looking for? Can they book your services or make a purchase with just a few clicks? If not, consider simplifying the structure.
7. Avoid too many pop ups or ads
Too many pop-ups, ads, or other distractions can make your website look spammy. They interrupt the user experience and can make your site feel more like a “sell, sell, sell” machine than a place where people can comfortably learn about your business.
A few subtle, well-placed calls to action (like a newsletter signup form) can help guide people, but don’t overwhelm them.
Spotting a scammy website!
We’ve covered how to avoid making your website look scammy, let’s take a look at how to spot suspicious websites when browsing online. These are the warning signs to look out for:
1. No clear contact information
Legitimate websites should always have ways to contact the business – phone numbers, email addresses, or even a live chat option. If all you see is a contact form with no other details, it could be a scam site.
2. Misspellings or poor grammar
Professional websites usually proofread their content carefully. If you spot consistent spelling or grammatical errors throughout a site, it could be a sign that the site isn’t legitimate.
3. Unrealistic claims or too-good-to-be-true offers
If a website promises something that seems too good to be true (like a product for an impossibly low price), it’s worth being cautious. Scam sites often try to lure people in with incredibly attractive deals to trick them into making quick, impulsive decisions - you'll often never see thatpurchase or your money again!
4. No SSL certificate (Look for HTTPS)
When you’re shopping or entering personal details on a site, check for a padlock symbol next to the website URL or https (the "s" stands for secure). If you don’t see this, be wary about entering any payment details – it could be a scam.
5. No trust signals
Reputable websites often display logos for trusted payment methods (like Visa, PayPal, or MasterCard), as well as privacy policies, terms of service, and customer reviews. Scam websites may not have these things or may have poorly designed pages that don’t match the rest of their site.
Your website is often the first impression potential customers will have of your business. Making sure it looks professional, trustworthy, and easy to use can mean the difference between landing a sale and losing a lead. Whether you’re using Squarespace, Shopify, or another platform, a clean design, clear information, and secure payment options will build credibility and help customers feel confident in doing business with you.
If you want a website that doesn’t just look good but actually helps your business grow, I’m here to help. Let’s chat about how we can create a site that works for you – and gives your customers the confidence they need to hit your “buy” or “book” button.