If you’re running a sports facility in 2025, you’ve likely felt the shift. It’s no longer enough just to rent courts or fields and hope
7 Website Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Sports Registrations
If you run a sports facility, your website isn’t just an online presence—it’s your registration hub, your digital front desk, and often your first impression. But if registration numbers are lower than you’d like, your website may be unintentionally turning people away.
So, what are the most common website mistakes that affect sports facility registrations?
Slow loading speeds, poor mobile experiences, and confusing navigation are just a few of the culprits. In this blog, we’ll walk through seven specific errors sports facilities often make—and show you exactly how to fix each one. We’ll also structure this guide using short, direct answers and clear headings, which not only make it easier for you to scan and apply, but also help this post rank for Google’s featured snippets—those high-visibility answer boxes at the top of search results.
1. Your Website Isn’t Accessible to Everyone
Why it matters:
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about inclusion. If your website isn’t usable for people with disabilities, you’re not only limiting who can register, you’re also potentially violating ADA guidelines and missing out on valuable traffic and SEO boosts.
How to fix it:
Use free tools like Wave Accessibility or Siteimprove to scan your site for issues. Check for missing alt text, low contrast text, and whether your site can be fully navigated via keyboard. Prioritize fixes that directly affect your registration process.
2. Your Pages Take Too Long to Load
Why it matters:
Speed equals trust. A delay of even two seconds can drive away a significant portion of your visitors—many of whom may never come back. A slow site creates friction during the decision-making process, and friction kills conversions.
How to fix it:
Compress large images. Eliminate unnecessary plugins and scripts. Enable browser caching. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to pinpoint and fix speed issues.
3. Your Registration Process is a Nightmare on Mobile
Why it matters:
More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your form is hard to read, slow to load, or impossible to complete on a phone, users will simply leave—and probably won’t try again on desktop.
How to fix it:
Use a mobile-first form design. Test your registration flow on multiple devices and screen sizes. Reduce the number of form fields and make buttons big enough to tap with a thumb.
4. You’re Not Explaining the Value
Why it matters:
People won’t register if they don’t know what they’re getting. If your website uses vague phrases like “elite programming” or “next-level coaching” without specifics, visitors may lose interest or fail to see how you’re different from the competition.
How to fix it:
Be specific and outcome-focused. Say things like “Train in small groups of 6 or fewer with college-level coaches” or “First-time registrants save 15% on any 10-week program.” Make your unique value obvious and visible early.
5. You’re Not Listening to Your Users
Why it matters:
Every unanswered question or abandoned registration form is feedback in disguise. Ignoring what your users are trying to tell you—directly or indirectly—leaves real problems unaddressed and slows growth.
How to fix it:
Add a simple one-question survey after registration: “What almost stopped you from signing up today?” Also monitor support emails, call logs, and bounce patterns on Google Analytics to identify areas of friction.
6. Your Navigation is Confusing
Why it matters:
A confusing registration link creates frustration. If users can’t find what they’re looking for in a few seconds, they’re gone. You only get one shot to help them take action.
How to fix it:
Simplify your booking experience. Use plain language like “Register Now” or “Book a Class” rather than vague terms like “Get Involved.” Using a Registration software like Upper Hand can make booking easier.
7. Follow Up with Clients Who Abandon Registration
Why it matters:
Many potential customers start to sign up—and then stop. Life gets busy. But without a gentle reminder, they’ll likely forget all about it. You’re missing out on conversions that could have been saved.
How to fix it:
Use tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to send behavior-based reminders to people who begin but don’t complete registration. Not sure what to say? AI tools like ChatGPT can help you write a friendly follow-up email that feels personal and on-brand.
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