Overcomplicating Websites: Why Less is More
Have you ever landed on a website and felt… overwhelmed? Too many colours, fonts, animations, pop-ups, and menus can make even the simplest task - finding information or making a booking - feel impossible. As a web designer, I see it all the time: clients who think more is better, and visitors who quickly click away.
Recently, I was tasked with updating a client’s website. On the surface, it looked fine - but under the hood, it was a labyrinth of layers, unusual styling, and moving graphics. Updating a simple section turned into a frustrating puzzle. The effort required to make even small changes was enormous, and when I calculated the time it would take versus the fee for the job, it simply wasn’t viable. The time investment far outweighed the money, making the project untenable. It was so complicated that I ended up quitting - a rare move for me. The project went back to the original designer.
This experience reminded me of a simple truth: websites are live “documents.” They should be easy for anyone to update unless a full redesign is required. If updating your site is a full-day puzzle every time, something has gone wrong with the design.
Why We Overcomplicate
Many businesses fall into the trap of overcomplicating their websites without even realising it. Some common reasons include:
Trying to impress visitors with flashy animations, unusual layouts, or trendy design elements.
Adding everything at once: every service, every testimonial, every social link - on one page.
Fear of missing out: thinking that more content, more images, more CTAs = better.
Ironically, these attempts often backfire. Too much visual “noise” distracts from your message and can actually make your site feel unprofessional.
Users Don’t Have Time for Clutter
Most people spend less than 10 seconds deciding whether a website is useful. Overcomplicating it only creates friction. Multiple calls-to-action, excessive graphics, or confusing menus can leave visitors lost and frustrated. The more you ask them to think, the less likely they are to act.
A streamlined website guides visitors naturally to the action you want them to take. Clear hierarchy, intuitive navigation, and one main call-to-action per page can make all the difference in keeping people engaged.
Complicated Websites Cause Stress
It’s not just visitors who suffer - website owners do too. Layers of styling, plugins, or custom code create a maintenance headache. Updates, fixes, and troubleshooting can become time-consuming and costly.
My recent experience highlighted this perfectly. The site was so complex that any update - even a small text change - required multiple hours of work, and the time vs money simply didn’t add up. A website should make life easier, not harder. If it’s easier to avoid updates than to make them, it’s a sign that simplification is overdue.
Minimalism Improves Focus and Conversions
Less isn’t boring - it’s strategic. Streamlined websites emphasise key actions like booking, signing up, or purchasing. Clean design improves readability, speeds up loading times, and makes your site mobile-friendly. Visitors can focus on what matters, and you can manage your site efficiently.
A simple, focused site doesn’t just look nicer - it performs better. Every element on the page should have a purpose, supporting your goals rather than distracting from them.
Practical Tips to Simplify Your Website
Stick to 1–2 fonts and 2–3 brand colours.
Limit calls-to-action per page (ideally just one).
Use white space intentionally to give content room to breathe.
Group content into clear, logical sections with simple navigation.
Audit your site regularly: remove anything that doesn’t serve your goals.
Treat your website like a “living document”: easy to update and maintain.
Simplicity isn’t a compromise - it’s a strength. A website should work for you and your visitors without unnecessary complexity. Think of it as a living document: easy to update, easy to navigate, and always focused on the essentials.
A Power Hour with me could…
…help you pinpoint what’s overcomplicated on your website and give you clear, actionable steps to simplify it.
If your site feels overwhelming, cluttered, or difficult to update, a fuss-free, streamlined website can save you stress, boost engagement, and make life online a lot easier.
