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kristin pruis, web designer

Why Your Website Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)

Oct 23, 2024

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When it comes to website design, most people think it’s just about slapping some pages together, adding pretty pictures, and calling it a day.

But the truth? That’s how your website ends up costing you money instead of making you money.

I’ve seen it all in my 12+ years of designing websites. This post is for you if you want to get serious about your online presence and finally create a website that actually works for your business.

1. Your navigation is a hot mess

Ever visited a website and felt confused on where to go first or couldn’t seem to find the thing you were looking for? I see this way too often. Most business owners don’t plan their website layout and structure from the start, so over time, they end up with way too much going on in the main navigation. News flash: more than seven links in your main menu? That’s decision fatigue waiting to happen.

Fix It:
If you’re guilty of having an overstuffed menu, it’s time to Marie Kondo your navigation. Group similar items into dropdowns or create a secondary expandable menu for less important stuff. Only put the most important, money-making pages front and center.

Related Post: 7 Website Usability Mistakes You’re Making (And How to Fix Them)

2. You’re playing it waaaay too safe

Another thing I see all the time? Clients trying to appeal to everyone by playing it safe with their words & messaging. I get it. You’re afraid that if you niche down, you’ll scare off potential clients. (I’ve had these same kind of feelings…) BUT, if your message is too generic, no one is going to care and there’s nothing that’s going to make you memorable.

Here’s the tough love: You need to speak to your ideal client and stop worrying about everyone else.

Fix It:
Get clear on who your website is for. Your website should be screaming to them, “Hey, I’m your person” The rest? They’ll either catch on or move on. Either way, you’re better off.

3. You built it but they’re not coming (yet)

Hate to break it to you…building a website isn’t enough. You need a plan. It’s like opening a store in the middle of nowhere with no roads leading to it and wondering why no one’s coming in. Without SEO, social media, ads, or even email marketing, your website’s basically stranded in the digital wilderness.

Fix It:
Before you even launch, have a marketing strategy in place. Think SEO, social media, email list growth, and more. Your site isn’t just there to look pretty. It needs to be working to pull people in and keep them engaged.

Related Post: 5 Website Design Errors to Avoid Before Launch

woman designing her website on a laptop while sitting on a couch

4. Your website isn’t pulling it’s weight

Your website can’t just be a glorified brochure if you really want it to bring in clients and add value to your bottom line. It needs to be a strategic tool that works for you and has ways for people to engage & convert. Not growing an email list? No blog? No opt-ins that encourage people to take action? Girl, you’re leaving money on the table.

Fix It:
Add lead magnets. Create opt-ins that make people excited to give you their email. Make sure your call to actions & contact forms aren’t super generic. They should feel like an invitation, not a chore.

Related Post: The Bullet-proof Website Strategy: Convert Your Visitors into Customers

Storytime: That time I helped my client with a $1.2 million transformation

Let me tell you about one of my all-time BEST client success stories…

My client was trying to sell their products on an outdated platform that felt more like an archaeological dig than an e-commerce site. Their site was confusing, disorganized, and lacked any branding whatsoever. They knew it was holding them back so we decided to rebuild everything from the ground up.

We developed their branding, switched to a new platform with search capabilities, planned out and organized the entire site and within the first year after launching… $1.2 million in sales.

🤯 Seriously… Shut. UP!

(Disclaimer: This is an exceptional example of what’s possible with the right strategy and design. My client results may vary based on their specific business, goals, and industry.)

It was a prime example of how a killer design and streamlined user experience can make or break your business.

5. Design without good copy is just wallpaper

You can’t have an effective website without solid copywriting. It’s like slapping a fresh coat of paint on a crumbling house. It might look nice for a second, but the foundation is still a mess. Without good copy, even the most stunning website design won’t bring clients in your door.

Fix It:
If you’re going to invest in a designer (hi, 👋 that’s me!), make sure you’re also ready to invest in high-quality copy. It’s the conversation between you and your ideal client. Don’t waste the opportunity by leaving it as an afterthought.

Related Post: 3 Reasons to Hire a Website Copywriter Before Designing Your Website

laptop on a couch

6. You’re underestimating the power of branding

I’ll say it louder for the people in the back: strong branding is a game-changer. I’m not just talking about having the prettiest logo or color palette (though those things can’t hurt). I’m talking about creating a connection with your audience that makes them feel like they belong through your words and visuals.

Fix It:
Take the time to develop your visual brand before jumping into design. Your brand is what gets people to stick around and pay attention. Design alone won’t do that.

Related Post: Branding Matters: Show Your Brand Assets Some Love!

Actionable Takeaways

Ready to fix that website of yours? Here’s what you need to get it back in shape:

  1. Simplify your navigation: clear, concise, and strategic.
  2. Get out of your own way and talk directly to your ideal client.
  3. Market your site! SEO, social media, ads, or email marketing, etc. Don’t think people will just come.
  4. Use your website strategically. Grow that email list, blog, and use lead magnets.
  5. Make sure your design and copy are working together.
  6. Invest in branding because it’s the backbone of everything you do online.

Building a website that actually works for your business doesn’t have to be overly complicated but it does require intention & strategy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to make sure you’re not wasting your time, I’d love to help you streamline the process and design a website that not only looks great but works for you.

Not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking for a full-on website redesign, website audit to help you pinpoint what’s not working or a quick strategy session to map out your website’s goals, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s chat about how we can make your site work harder (so you don’t have to).

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Editor in Chief, Designer & Founder

kristin pruis

Before I enrolled in design school, I was *this* close to switching my major to become a writer. But God had other plans, and here I am, 10 years later, designing gorgeous brands & websites while nurturing my love for writing on the side.

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Teaching others everything I've learned about branding, design, and marketing over the past 10 years is a passion that truly fills my cup. No matter where you are on your journey of owning your business, I hope you'll find something here that you can take with you and leave you feeling inspired.

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