Have you ever scrolled past an ad because it just looked suspicious? Some ad designs instantly give off a scammy or spammy vibe—even before you read a single word. If your ads aren’t building trust, they’re not converting. That’s why avoiding these common graphic design mistakes is key to creating high-converting and trustworthy ad designs.
Here are six design issues that make your ads hard to trust—and what to do instead.
1. Using the Wrong Typeface
Your choice of font has a major impact on how people perceive your brand. Using a horror-style font for a travel ad? That instantly sends the wrong message.
Tip: Choose a professional, on-brand typeface and stick to it. Your font should reflect your tone and industry—not distract from it.
2. Using Too Many Fonts
Mixing several typefaces in one design looks messy and unprofessional. It breaks visual consistency and makes your content hard to follow.
Tip: Limit your design to just one or two fonts. This keeps your layout clean and helps build brand recognition across all your graphics.
3. Using Low-Quality Images
Blurry, pixelated, or poorly cropped photos make it seem like your business lacks the budget or care to present itself well. That damages your credibility.
Tip: Use high-quality images that match your message and brand style. There are plenty of free and paid stock photo websites that offer professional visuals.
4. Using Clashing or Off-Brand Colors
Colors that don’t complement each other—or don’t match your brand—can make your ad feel loud, unbalanced, and amateurish.
Tip: Stick to your brand color palette. Consistent use of colors improves brand recognition and makes your designs feel more polished and intentional.
5. Overcrowding the Layout
Too much text, too many graphics, and not enough breathing room? That’s a fast way to lose your viewer’s attention. People won’t bother trying to read a chaotic ad.
Tip: Apply visual hierarchy and leave white space to make your design easier to scan. Every element should have a clear purpose and place.
6. Overloading with Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
Multiple CTAs fighting for attention just confuse the user and make the ad feel pushy or desperate.
Tip: Focus on one clear, compelling call-to-action. Make it easy for people to understand what to do next—without feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts: Design with Trust in Mind
Many of these mistakes happen when you try too hard to convince the viewer to take action—without thinking about how your design makes them feel. A well-thought-out brand guide can help you avoid these issues by keeping your visuals consistent, professional, and trustworthy.
At Pugo Design Studio, we help businesses like yours create goal-driven, brand-aligned marketing designs that not only look good but work.
Need help making your ad designs feel more polished and trustworthy?
Send us a message—we’d love to help!
