Design is always evolving, and while some trends stand the test of time, others become overused, outdated, or just don’t work for small businesses. As we move into 2025, let’s take a look at design trends that need to go and what you can do instead to keep your brand fresh, professional, and engaging.
Generic Stock Photos
Nothing turns people away faster than a website full of stiff, staged stock photos—you know, the ones with people in awkward handshakes or looking way too excited about a meeting. These images don’t connect with customers and often make businesses look impersonal or outdated.
What Works Instead: Investing in real photography is worth it! Even a few high-quality shots of your team, workspace, or products can make a huge difference. If custom photography isn’t in the budget, go for more natural-looking stock images from sites like Unsplash or Pexels, which feel more authentic and relatable. For example, many independent cafes like Bluestone Lane (New York, NY) and Verve Coffee (Santa Cruz, CA) use professional but relaxed photography to capture the feel of their brand.
Excessive Neon Gradients
A couple of years ago, bright neon gradients were everywhere, especially in tech startups trying to look modern and edgy. But for small businesses, these colors can feel overwhelming, clash with your brand, and even make text hard to read.
What Works Instead: Softer, earthy tones and subtle gradients are becoming the go-to. Many local businesses, like cafes, boutiques, and service-based businesses, are leaning into warm, muted palettes that feel inviting and timeless. Brands like Parachute Home (Los Angeles, CA) and The Sill (New York, NY) have embraced calming color schemes that enhance their identity without overpowering the user experience.
Unreadable Ultra-Thin Fonts
Thin, delicate fonts might look elegant in theory, but they can be a nightmare to read, especially on small screens. If customers have to squint to see your logo or website text, they’ll move on fast.
What Works Instead: Bold, legible fonts that balance style with readability. Many modern brands are using clean, easy-to-read typography that still looks high-end but doesn’t sacrifice usability. Look at how Allbirds (San Francisco, CA) and Outdoor Voices (Austin, TX) have used approachable, bold fonts that are both stylish and easy to read across all platforms.
Dark Mode Fails
Dark mode is great, but many businesses don’t adjust their branding for it, which can result in logos, images, and text disappearing or looking washed out.
What Works Instead: If your website or marketing materials support dark mode, make sure your logo and colors adjust properly. Small tweaks, like using contrasting colors or ensuring images have transparent backgrounds, can make a big difference. Retail brands like Everlane (San Francisco, CA) have optimized their dark mode experience to maintain brand clarity while offering a sleek alternative browsing option.
Overcomplicated Website Designs
Pop-ups everywhere, fancy animations slowing down your site, and way too many menu options—these are the things driving potential customers away. A website should be clear, fast, and easy to navigate.
What Works Instead: Keep it simple. Small businesses that focus on easy navigation, clear messaging, and fast load times will always win. A well-structured website with a strong call-to-action (like “Book an Appointment” or “Shop Now”) will convert more visitors than flashy effects. A great example is Milk Bar (New York, NY)—its website is fun, vibrant, and interactive while keeping usability at the forefront.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Brand Fresh
Trendy designs may come and go, but great branding and usability never go out of style. If your website, branding, or marketing materials feel outdated or aren’t helping your business stand out, it might be time for a refresh.
At GlueBug, we help small businesses create branding, web design, and marketing materials that feel modern, engaging, and timeless without following fleeting trends.
Need a design update? Let’s chat about bringing your brand into 2025 with confidence!