Over the years, I’ve worked with dozens of startups across Kenya and beyond — building everything from classified sites to booking systems and digital marketplaces. One pattern I’ve noticed is that many startups repeat the same costly mistakes when building their websites.

If you’re launching a new idea, here are 5 key mistakes to avoid — plus how to do things the right way.

🚫 1. Building Without a Clear Goal

The mistake:
Jumping straight into development without defining what the website should achieve (e.g., leads, sales, bookings, content distribution).

The fix:
Start with a clear objective. For example:

• Madukani.co.ke was built to enable local businesses to sell online.
• BookFast.co.ke aimed to reduce walk-in congestion and missed appointments.

Know what success looks like before writing a single line of code.

🚫 2. Ignoring Mobile Users

The mistake:
Designing for desktop only — even though most users in Kenya and Africa access websites on their phones.

The fix:
Always design mobile-first. I build platforms like Hi2Africa and FungaDeal with fully responsive layouts, ensuring they work flawlessly on all screen sizes.

🚫 3. Using Only One Payment Option

The mistake:
Relying on one payment method, like cards — and ignoring M-PESA or other local methods.

The fix:
Offer multiple payment options. I always integrate:

• M-PESA for Kenyan users
• Flutterwave / Paystack for African reach
• PayPal / Stripe for international clients

Platforms like WritersAdmin and DoMyStudy have all four, increasing conversion rates.

🚫 4. Choosing the Wrong Tech Stack

The mistake:
Using tools that are too limited (or too advanced) for the startup’s real needs.

The fix:
Let the project define the tech — not trends. I use:

• Laravel for custom logic-heavy systems (e.g., booking, freelancing)
• WordPress for fast content-focused websites (e.g., company sites or simple stores)

Start lean, scale smart.

🚫 5. Skipping Testing & Debugging

The mistake:
Launching without proper testing — leading to broken pages, failed transactions, or poor user experience.

The fix:
Always test across devices and browsers. I use real-user simulations and tools like Chrome DevTools, Postman, and Lighthouse before any launch.

✅ Final Thoughts

A great idea can flop with poor execution. But when startups take time to plan, design for real users, and build smart, their websites become powerful tools for growth.

Launching a new platform? Avoid these mistakes and let me help you build something that works — beautifully and reliably. Contact me here or visit davidmboya.com to see my work.