To give good website feedback, be specific about what bothers you and where it is, explain why it matters (not just "I don't like it"), and describe the problem rather than prescribing the solution. Say "the call-to-action doesn't stand out" instead of "make the button red." Prioritize your feedback into must-fix and nice-to-have, and always start with what's working before diving into what needs to change. The clearer your feedback, the fewer revision rounds you'll need.
Why Most Feedback Doesn't Help
Most bad feedback isn't mean — it's just vague. "I don't like it" gives a designer absolutely nothing to work with. "The headline font feels too playful for our brand" gives them everything they need.
The difference between useful and useless feedback comes down to one thing: being specific.
How to Give Better Feedback
1. Describe the Problem, Not the Solution
Instead of "make the button red," try "the call-to-action doesn't stand out enough from the rest of the page." This tells the designer what's wrong and lets them figure out the best way to fix it. They might make it red, or they might try a dozen other solutions that work better.
2. Point at the Exact Spot
Don't say "the spacing is off." Say "there's too much space between the hero section and the features on the homepage." Even better — use a tool where you can click on the exact element and leave your note right there.
3. Say Why It Matters
"This section feels cluttered" is okay. "This section feels cluttered — I'm worried visitors won't know where to click" is way more useful. When you explain the reasoning, the designer can make smarter decisions.
Good feedback describes problems. Great feedback describes problems and explains why they matter to users or the business.
4. Separate Must-Fixes from Nice-to-Haves
Not everything is equally important. If you list 20 items and they all feel urgent, nothing feels urgent. Call out which things absolutely need to change and which are just suggestions.
5. Start with What's Working
Someone put a lot of thought into every decision on that page. Starting with what you like before getting into what needs to change makes the whole process feel collaborative instead of critical.
A Simple Format
When you're leaving feedback, try this:
- Where: Which page, which section
- What: What you're seeing that seems off
- Why: Why it matters for users or the business
- Priority: Must-fix, should-fix, or nice-to-have
That's it. This turns "I don't love this page" into something a designer can actually act on.
Want to make giving feedback even easier? WebsiteFeedback.ca lets you click on any part of a live website and leave your notes right there. No screenshots, no long emails — just click and type.