20 Things Most People Don’t Know About Websites (But Should!)
When you think about websites, chances are you imagine a cool design, a fast loading speed, and perhaps even a shop where you can make purchases. But what if I told you there’s a lot more going on under the hood? At ExpressWebSolutions.com, we’re passionate not only about creating websites but also about empowering people with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their digital presence. So let’s pull back the curtain and explore 20 little-known facts about websites that just might surprise you.
1. Web Hosting Isn't One-Size-Fits-All
Many people think all web hosting plans are the same, but they’re not. Shared hosting, VPS, cloud hosting, and dedicated servers each offer different levels of performance, control, and cost. What you choose can drastically affect your site’s speed and reliability.
Picking the wrong hosting plan can lead to slow load times, frequent downtimes, or even security risks. Before committing, check out resources like PCMag’s web hosting guide to understand your options.
2. Your Website is Never Truly 'Done'
Unlike a printed brochure, a website is never finished. It requires ongoing updates—whether it's refreshing the content, optimizing for search engines, or patching security vulnerabilities.
A stagnant website tells your visitors that your business might be too. Fresh content and regular maintenance aren’t just for appearances—they impact SEO and user trust, too.
3. SSL Certificates Are No Longer Optional
Having a secure website (HTTPS) used to be recommended; now it’s essential. Google has made it clear that sites without SSL certificates may be flagged as "Not Secure" and suffer in rankings.
And beyond SEO, it’s about trust. According to PWC, 85% of consumers won’t interact with a site that isn’t secure. That little padlock in the URL bar goes a long way.
4. Mobile Responsiveness Affects Your Rankings
Google uses mobile-first indexing, meaning it predominantly looks at the mobile version of your site when ranking it. If your site looks broken or loads slowly on phones, your SEO takes a hit.
Mobile design isn’t just shrinking your desktop layout. It requires rethinking user experience: larger buttons, readable fonts, and fewer popups are key.
5. Website Speed Affects Conversions
According to Google research, if your site takes longer than 3 seconds to load, you could be losing over half your visitors. Yikes!
Speed isn’t just about tech—it's about customer service. Imagine walking into a store and waiting 10 seconds for someone to say “hello.” You’d leave, right?
6. Images Need Optimization Too
Beautiful, high-resolution photos can make your website pop, but they also make it heavy. Large image files can dramatically slow down load time.
Using tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim can reduce file size without sacrificing quality. Plus, don’t forget to add ALT text—it’s great for accessibility and SEO.
7. Accessibility Isn’t Just a Legal Requirement
An accessible website ensures people with disabilities can use your site effectively. This includes screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and color contrast.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set the standard. Making your site accessible isn’t just about compliance—it’s about compassion and inclusion.
8. 404 Errors Hurt More Than You Think
A 404 page might seem harmless, but too many can signal poor website maintenance. Broken links frustrate users and can lower your SEO score.
Custom 404 pages that guide users back to working parts of your site can soften the blow. Try tools like Broken Link Checker to monitor your site regularly.
9. Your CMS Choice Affects Everything
WordPress, Wix, Shopify, Webflow—each content management system (CMS) has strengths and weaknesses. Your choice affects SEO, performance, scalability, and ease of use.
WordPress is the most flexible, powering over 40% of the web, but it requires more maintenance. Platforms like Shopify are easier but more limited. Compare options via CMS Critic before jumping in.
10. SEO Is Not Just Keywords
SEO is holistic. It’s about page speed, internal linking, mobile responsiveness, content quality, meta tags, and more.
Using keywords without understanding search intent or optimizing your technical SEO is like throwing darts in the dark. Tools like Ahrefs and Moz can help demystify the process.
11. Design Trends Age Fast
What looked trendy in 2019 may now seem outdated. Gradients, dark mode, microinteractions—they evolve quickly.
Good design balances timeless UX principles with modern aesthetics. Following design inspiration sites like Awwwards can keep your website fresh.
12. The Fold Still Matters
Even though we scroll more on our devices, what’s “above the fold” (the top section of your site) still sets the tone.
A strong headline, call-to-action, and value proposition should be clear right away. Don’t bury the good stuff—show it off upfront.
13. Cheap Websites Usually Cost More Later
DIY builders or $100 website offers sound tempting, but they often lead to poor SEO, slow speed, and limited customization.
What you save upfront, you may pay for in lost traffic, frustrated users, or costly redesigns. Quality web development is an investment, not an expense.
14. Analytics Should Drive Your Updates
Google Analytics and tools like Hotjar give you insights into how visitors behave on your site. But most people never look at them.
Monitoring bounce rates, click maps, and traffic sources helps you make smarter updates. Think of analytics as your website’s diary—it tells you what’s working and what’s not.
15. Security Isn’t Just About Passwords
Brute force attacks, malware injections, and SQL injections are real threats. A secure website uses firewalls, backups, and software updates.
Install security plugins, use strong admin passwords, and consider services like Sucuri to monitor and protect your site.
16. Fonts Can Make or Break a Site
Yes, fonts matter. Poor font choices or low contrast can ruin user experience, even if your layout is perfect.
Use web-safe fonts and check readability across devices. Services like Google Fonts offer tons of free, optimized choices.
17. Your Website Is a Salesperson
Even if you don’t sell products online, your site is still selling—your brand, your services, your expertise.
Make sure it guides visitors toward a goal, whether it’s contacting you, signing up, or reading a blog. A passive site is a missed opportunity.
18. Blogs Aren’t Just for Writers
A blog boosts your SEO, builds authority, and gives your audience reasons to keep coming back. It’s not about being “good at writing”—it’s about offering value.
Even a short post answering a common question can perform well. Start with something small, like a “How-To” or “Top 5” list.
19. Backups Are Your Lifeline
One bad plugin update or hack can wipe your site. Without a backup, recovery is a nightmare.
Use hosting services that offer daily backups. Think of it like insurance—you hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there.
20. You Don't Have to Do It Alone
You don’t need to be a developer, designer, copywriter, and SEO guru all at once. The best websites are the result of collaboration and support.
That’s where ExpressWebSolutions.com comes in. We help you navigate the complexities of web design, content, SEO, and speed so your site doesn’t just look good—it performs like a star. Whether you’re just starting or need a refresh, we’re here to help you shine online.