Top Mistakes New Web Designers in Kenya Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Introduction

Web design is one of the fastest-growing digital skills in Kenya. More businesses are going online, and individuals are launching personal brands, portfolios, and ecommerce stores. If you’ve just started learning how to design websites, congratulations—you’re on a high-demand path.

But like any other skill, web design comes with its share of common mistakes—especially for beginners.

This blog highlights the biggest mistakes new web designers in Kenya make, and how you can avoid them if you want to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Focusing Too Much on Design, Not Function

Many new designers get obsessed with making a site “look nice” but forget the real goal—conversion and usability. A website should be clean, responsive, and clear in purpose. Don’t overdesign. Instead, ask yourself: can a visitor quickly understand what this site offers?

Learn how to build websites that convert visitors to clients.

Ignoring Mobile Responsiveness

Over 85% of internet traffic in Kenya is from mobile users. If your website looks perfect on a laptop but broken on a phone, you’re already losing potential visitors. Always test your designs across different screen sizes. This is non-negotiable in 2025.

Skipping SEO Basics

You can design the most beautiful site in the world, but if it can’t be found on Google, it’s as good as invisible. Every web designer today must learn SEO fundamentals.

Things like alt text, heading structure, meta descriptions, and proper internal linking matter. Here’s a helpful guide on how to write SEO blog posts that actually rank.

Not Understanding Hosting and Domain Basics

Many beginners overlook the technical setup—like domain registration and hosting. This leads to client delays and poor delivery. You need to understand what website hosting and domain registration really mean so you can guide your clients confidently.

Using Too Many Plugins

Especially on WordPress, some designers go overboard with plugins—hoping more tools will improve performance. In reality, too many plugins can break your site, slow it down, and make maintenance a nightmare.

Stick to essentials and ensure you understand what each plugin does. For beginners, tools like Elementor and Forminator are more than enough.

Charging Too Little

This is a common problem. New designers undercharge because they lack confidence or don’t understand their value. The result? Overwork and burnout.

Use resources like How Much Does Web Design Cost in Kenya to understand market rates and learn how to price your work based on value, not fear.

Not Creating a Portfolio

You don’t need 10 clients to build a portfolio. You can start by designing a sample business website, a school site, or a personal blog. Your portfolio is proof of skill—it’s how clients decide whether to trust you.

If you’re stuck, check out how to start freelancing in Kenya and how to package your offer.

Not Learning Copywriting or Conversion Strategy

Great websites don’t just look good—they communicate clearly. If your site has poor copy or confusing messaging, people will leave. As a designer, learn the basics of website copy that sells. It’ll set you apart.

Avoiding Local Clients

Everyone wants foreign clients and dollars, but Kenya has thousands of SMEs, NGOs, and personal brands that need websites today. Don’t ignore the opportunity right around you.

Here’s why freelancers should stop obsessing over foreign clients and start where they are.

Not Investing in Continuous Learning

Web design trends change. Tools evolve. New platforms emerge. If you stop learning, you become outdated fast. That’s why courses, mentorship, and community matter.

Check out the March-April Web Design Bootcamp or WordPress Web Design Course to upgrade your skills.

Final Thoughts

The Kenyan web design space is growing—and the opportunity is huge. But you need more than just a few drag-and-drop skills. You need strategy, consistency, and business sense.

Avoid these common mistakes, keep improving your craft, and you’ll stand out in a crowded market.

📘 Want to get serious about your skill growth? Grab your copy of “Skill Up or Stay Stuck”—your no-fluff guide to becoming a visible, valuable digital professional in Kenya.