Ryo Lu highlights common pitfalls in early-stage startup websites, including unclear value propositions, confusing branding between open-source and commercial versions, and overreliance on generic AI aesthetics. He emphasizes the importance of clear, audience-specific messaging, visual consistency, and intuitive navigation. Websites that lead with jargon or flashy design often fail to communicate their core offering, while simpler, focused layouts with strong calls to action perform better. For platforms requiring trust—like tax or customer service tools—design clarity and meaningful feedback during user delays are critical. Ryo also critiques intrusive sign-up walls and non-functional UI elements, advocating for free exploration, better error handling, and showcasing real user projects to build credibility and engagement.