Add Row 
Add 
By Nick O’Leary-Green | Vivid Space Web Design
When you land on a website, what’s the first thing you notice?
Is it clear what to do - or do you feel lost in colour, clutter, and confusion?
At the latest Hot Stories Business Networking event in Cambridge, Nick O’Leary-Green from Vivid Space Web Design shared three of the biggest “web design sins” he sees when working with small businesses - and how to overcome them.
1️⃣ Not Using White Space
As Nick explained, many business owners want to fill every inch of their homepage. But in design, less really is more.
“If you see a space, you want to fill it - but white space helps users focus and take action.”
The best websites, like Apple, use white space to highlight what matters. It’s not emptiness — it’s clarity.
2️⃣ Too Many Colours
Vibrant palettes might seem exciting, but they can easily overwhelm visitors. Nick recommends limiting your colour choices to a few complementary shades.
“When there are too many colours, the brain doesn’t know where to look - it gets distracted.”
Think simplicity. Use one or two dominant colours and a neutral background to guide attention where it counts.
3️⃣ Weak Hero Section
The “hero” is the first section people see on your homepage - and it needs to stop the scroll.
“Your hero section should show what you do, the result you create, and include a clear call-to-action.”
Nick compared it to social media: if your post doesn’t grab attention instantly, people move on. The same goes for your website.
Why It Matters
Small business websites often fail not because of poor ideas - but because the design doesn’t match the message. Nick’s talk reminded everyone that good design is about focus, purpose, and ease of use.
📍 This talk was recorded at the Hot Stories Networking event in Cambridge
🗓️ Held every second Wednesday of the month
📍 Location Partner: The Red Lion, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge
📸 Photos & Video by: Chris Hornby
🎥 Filming by: Jamie Ellam
🔵 Main Sponsor: Blue Line Operations Ltd
💼 Organised by: Gemini Web Media – www.geminiweb.media
If you’d like to connect with local professionals like Nick and share your story, join the next Hot Stories Business Networking session - held every 2nd Wednesday in Cambridge and every 3rd Thursday at The Officers’ Mess, Duxford.
Learn more http://meetnew.business/
