Remember when low-rise jeans and frosted tips were all the rage? (wait—am I aging myself? Probably, lol) Yeah, some things are best left in the past. The same goes for web design.
Just like fashion, trends in web design come and go, and what looked sleek and modern a few years ago might now be screaming for an upgrade.
I’ve spent the last several years helping businesses like yours elevate their online presence. Whether it’s through smart branding, sharp web design, or leveraging the latest SEO strategies, I’m all about making sure your digital home doesn’t just look good—it drives results. Because let’s face it, you don’t have time for a website that sucks.
So if your website is guilty of holding on to some design choices that have long since passed their prime, it might be time for a little refresh.
Let’s break down some web design choices that could be making your site look dated—and more importantly, how you can fix them without a full-blown makeover.
Outdated Web Design Choice #1: Tiny, Difficult-to-Read Fonts
The Problem: Remember when tiny fonts were considered cool? Yeah, me neither. But somehow, they snuck into web design and overstayed their welcome. People expect clean, readable text, especially on mobile devices.
‍
The Fix: Bump up that font size to at least 16px (pixels) and choose a clean, modern font like Neue Swiss (use SUNDAY15 for 15% off your order), Visby, or Neue Haas Grotesk. And don’t forget about line spacing—give your text room to breathe. Typically, it’s best to keep your line spacing 130-150% of your font size. For example, if your base body copy font size is 16 px, your line height for your body font should be 1.3 em (emphemeral unit), 1.4 em, or 1.5 em.
‍
Outdated Web Design Choice #2: Flash Intros and Heavy Animations
The Problem: For those of you lucky enough to have missed it, Flash was a multimedia software platform used for producing animations, rich web applications, and even games. It was all the rage in the early 2000s, with websites sporting flashy intros that often took forever to load. The issue? Flash was notorious for slowing down websites, not being mobile-friendly, and (let’s be real) nobody wants to sit through a 10-second intro before getting to the good stuff.
The Fix: Flash is very outdated…to the point that even Adobe officially ended support for it. Instead, focus on clean, modern design elements that enhance user experience rather than distract from it. Think smooth transitions, micro-interactions, and animations that serve a purpose—like guiding the user’s attention to important information. Here’s an example of a website we designed recently with just the right amount and style of animations.
‍
Outdated Web Design Choice #3: Overly Complex Navigation
The Problem: You know the websites that have drop down menus within dropdown menus? While these may seem like a thorough way to organize content, it often leads to confusion and frustration for your users. Overly complex navigation can make your website feel like a maze, where visitors are more likely to get lost than to find what they’re looking for. People want to find what they’re looking for in a few clicks, not get lost in a labyrinth of drop downs.
The Fix: Simplify, simplify, simplify. Stick to the essentials in your navigation. Think: home, about, services, portfolio, blog, and contact. These are the must-haves. When it comes to labeling, be clear and straightforward. Instead of quirky labels like “Peek Inside” (which could mean anything), go with “Portfolio.” Instead of “Say Hello,” just use “Contact.” The goal is to make it as easy as possible for visitors to find what they need. One of the things I love about Kaysha’s website (besides the modern elements—peep that large mega text!) is that she agreed to keep her main navigation clean and simple.
‍
Outdated Web Design Choice #4: Sidebars on Blogs
The Problem: Sidebars used to be a staple of blog design—crammed with widgets, links, ads, and tag clouds. But in 2024 (and gearing up for 2025), they often end up cluttering the page and distracting from the content. Plus, with the shift toward mobile-first design, sidebars have be come more of a hassle than a help.
The Fix: To put it quite simply? Ditch the sidebar. Instead, use a clean, single-column layout. Focus on delivering high-quality content that’s easy to read on any device. If you must include additional elements like related posts or a newsletter sign-up, integrate them seamlessly into the content, rather than shoving them to the side.
Outdated Web Design Choice #5: Script Fonts on Your Website
{and all the girlies gasped}
The Problem: While script fonts might look elegant (in theory), they can be a nightmare when it comes to readability. If your website relies on delicate, swirly fonts, you might be turning away visitors who just want to read your content without squinting or deciphering. Plus, using too much script can cheapen the value you provide, making your site look less professional and more like a DIY project gone wrong.
The Fix: Stick with clear, bold fonts that are easy to read across all devices. Use script fonts sparingly—perhaps in a logo or for small accents—not for important headers, and definitely NEVER for body text. Remember, legibility is key to keeping visitors engaged and on your site longer. A serif font would be a good alternative to the script font. Some of my current serif obsessions are: Club Winers, Eighties Comeback, Fitzgerald, and Editor’s Note (you can use SUNDAY15 for 15% off your order for this one!). To be honest, this year I got rid of the script accent font on my own website and the result is a much cleaner look.
‍
Outdated Web Design Choice #6: Cluttered Home Pages
The Problem: There was a time when the home page was treated like a bulletin board—cramming as much information, images, and calls to action into one space as possible. The result? Overwhelming, confusing, and (let’s face it) a downright stressful experience for visitors.
The Fix: Adopt a minimalist approach. Your home page should clearly communicate your brand’s value proposition with a clean, focused design. Highlight only the most important elements—like a strong headline, a brief description of what you do, and a clear call to action. Less is more when it comes to making a strong first impression. I love how clean Jessica’s website is—it's got layers and interesting layouts, but everything is still…simple.
‍
Outdated Web Design Choice #7: Stock Photo Overload
The Problem: Once upon a time, stock photos were the go-to for adding visuals to your website. But relying too heavily on them can make your site feel generic and impersonal—and a little boring. Plus, your competitors are likely using the same photos, which doesn’t do much to set you apart.
The Fix: Invest in custom photography that truly represents your brand. If custom photos aren’t in the budget, choose stock images that feel authentic and avoid the overly staged, cliché shots. You’ll likely find better options with a paid stock image subscription (find some of my favorites here). Better yet, mix in some user-generated content or illustrations to add a unique touch. Consider images that show movement (think: a bit of blur or action like someone pouring coffee or walking). Try unexpected angles and unique perspectives to add visual interest. Real-life moments—like candid shots of you interacting with clients or customers—also work wonders in making your site feel more genuine and relatable.
If your website is rocking any of these dated design trends, it might be time for a little refresh. Think of it as giving your digital presence the same attention you’d give to a wardrobe update—out with the old, in with the new.
By focusing on modern design principles and user-friendly elements, you’ll create a website that not only looks great but also delivers a seamless experience for your visitors. And who doesn’t want a website that feels fresh, current, and totally dialed-in?
‍
Shannon Pruitt is the founder of Sunday Muse Design, where she transforms brands from forgettable to unforgettable. With a unique background in wedding planning and event design, Shannon brings a fresh perspective to brand strategy, web design, and SEO. Her mission? To elevate online presences that truly reflect the quality of her clients' work.
‍
Shannon's superpower? Transforming overwhelmed entrepreneurs into confident brand owners who finally have websites they're excited to share. Her kryptonite? Trying to function before that first cup of morning coffee.
With a perfect blend of strategy and creativity, Shannon helps passionate business owners build exceptional brands that elevate their businesses, connect with their audiences, and drive growth. No cookie-cutter solutions here—just custom, comprehensive brand experiences that make people stop, stare, and take action.
‍
