and services. Additionally, thousands of people are turning to the Web to start their own home-based businesses.   After spending hundreds, and even thousands of dollars to build their web presence, the vast majority of businesses coming online are disappointed with the promised results of their website. Im sorry to say, but most of these under-performing websites were built by graphic designers and technical developers that have no real marketing experience.   Having reviewed literally hundreds of websites for small business owners, I have seen the exact same mistakes being made over and over. The following are the 15 most common website design mistakes being made today - and tips on what you can do to avoid them. They are in no particular order.       Mistake # 1 - Not Clearly Differentiating Yourself from the Competition     How many websites have you been to that look the same, same the same thing, have the same functions, and generally are just same-ole, same-ole websites -- probably a lot. People go to your site to get information to solve their problem and to find out how you can solve it for them.   If your visitor doesnt have a clear understanding of why you are different and that you are the only solution for them to logically choose, they will click on over to your competitor.   One of the most common website mistakes is not clearly differentiating themselves from their competitors in a meaningful way. Meaningful, in a sense, that whatever difference you claim to have must benefit the customer. It needs to be something that they desire.   Theres no use in gaining a unique advantage in an area in which people dont care anything about. Once you develop your unique selling proposition, make sure that you drive the point home all throughout your site.   If youve done your job right, your visitor will feel that they would be foolish to not buy your product or service.     Mistake # 2 - No Strategy to Drive Traffic to Your Website   Most small business design their website with absolutely no plan for bringing visitors to their site. Just because you build your site, dont think that people will come to it, no matter how well designed it is.   Your website marketing plan should include, but shouldnt be limited to, the following marketing strategies: