Have you ever just sat there and thought, “My website just doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t feel like me”? Many of my clients tell me this is exactly what they were thinking when they decided to reach out for help.
Here are a few things to think about when trying to work out why your website doesn’t feel like you, along with three practical ways to improve it.
Spoiler alert - Your website isn’t about you.
The first thing to remember is that your website isn’t about you. It’s actually about your clients. Even so, it should be something you’re proud to share, is accurate and on-brand so that when they come and see you in person, the experience feels consistent.
So, to work out why it doesn’t feel like you, you need to know what your clients need to know before they engage with you.
What is your website helping you to achieve?
The second thing to remember is that your website has a specific purpose. Do you know what it is? Is it to promote your services? Encourage people to book a call? Provide helpful information?
Your website has a very specific purpose in your business strategy to help you achieve your business goals. If you’re not sure about your business goals or the steps you need to take to achieve them, I recommend working with a business coach before we get started on your website.
Once you’re clear on what your website needs to be doing in your business, it’s easier to improve your website.
Three things you can do to improve your website and make it feel more like you
1. CHECK YOUR WEBSITE WORDS
Your website needs to feel like you, while saying the things your clients want and need to hear. If you use the words they use, it creates more connection with your clients. You’ll find your clients saying things like, “It sounds like you’re in my head” and “you get me.”
It’s easier for your clients to understand if you use the words that are floating around their heads. They have to use less brain energy trying to work out if you can help them.
2. CHECK HOW YOU'RE SAYING THE WORDS
The tone of voice is what makes your website feel like you. It's the feeling your words create.
Start by getting clear on your brand values. Think about the words that describe your business.
What words do people use when they talk about you? How do you want your clients to feel after working with you? Choose the three that matter most, then use words and imagery that consistently reinforce those feelings.
Think about how you naturally describe things to your clients. What metaphors or phrases do you use? Chatty language often feels more authentic than formal language, and writing in the first person (I, me, we) helps your website sound more human. Finally, read your copy out loud. If it doesn't sound like something you'd actually say, it's probably time for a rewrite.
3. LOOK AT THE VISUAL DESIGN OF YOUR WEBSITE
Does the visual design- your colours, typography, imagery and layout- reflect your tone of voice?
Imagine a website for a sleep specialist. The words are calming and supportive, but the design is grey and bright red. Clash!
Imagine a powerlifting gym. The colours are pastel and white, but the words are powerful and strong.
This mismatch is felt by you and your clients and contributes to your website not feeling like you.
When your visual identity and messaging work together, your website feels cohesive, memorable, and true to your brand. Browse our portfolio tto see how we've helped businesses create brands and websites that feel cohesive from the very first impression.
Take the first steps to improve your website
Do something about it - if you don’t, you’re left with a website that you won’t want to tell people about. You won’t get traffic to your website, and growing your business will be more difficult
Go and speak to someone. It might be a website designer (hi!) who can help you work out what's not quite sitting right.
Try and be specific about what needs improving - is it the words, the design, or the flow of information? All of the above? This definitely helps your website designer fix the problem.
Concerned that your website needs to be improved? But not sure where to start? Let’s talk
