You’re an established creative entrepreneur, pouring your heart and soul into your craft. Your business is growing, clients are coming in, but something feels… off. Could it be your website? The very one you painstakingly built yourself when you first started out? 

Let’s face it, creative soul – when you first launched your business, that DIY website was your digital baby. You stayed up late, fueled by caffeine and determination, to bring it to life. And it served its purpose… for a while.

But here’s the tea: What worked when you were just starting might not be cutting it anymore. Your business has evolved, but has your website kept up?

In this post, we’ll explore five clear signs that your DIY website could be holding your thriving business back from reaching its full potential. Ready for some tough love and a dash of website wisdom? Let’s dive in! 

1. Your Site Looks Like a Blast from the Past (And Not in a Cool, Retro Way)

The Sign: Your website looks like it’s stuck in a time warp. Maybe it’s sporting a design that was trendy five years ago, or perhaps it’s giving off vibes from the early days of the internet. Think clashing colors and maybe a font reminiscent of Comic Sans.

Why It’s Holding You Back:

• First impressions matter. An outdated site can make potential clients question if your skills are also outdated.
• It doesn’t reflect your current brand and expertise level.
• It might not be optimized for the latest devices and browsers.

The Fix:

• Invest in a modern, professional design that aligns with your current brand.
• Ensure your site is responsive and looks great on all devices.
• Regularly update your portfolio and services to showcase your latest work and offerings.

2. Your Site Loads Slower Than a Sloth on Vacation

The Sign: Your website takes forever to load. By the time it’s ready, potential clients have already brewed a pot of coffee, scrolled through their entire Instagram feed, and started questioning their life choices. In the fast-paced digital world, ain’t nobody got time for that!

Why It’s Holding You Back:

• Slow loading times lead to high bounce rates. Translation: People leave before they even see what you offer.
• Google penalizes slow sites in search rankings.
• It creates a poor user experience, potentially turning off potential clients.

The Fix:

• Optimize image sizes without compromising quality.
• Minimize the use of plugins and scripts.
• Consider upgrading to a faster hosting service.
• Use a platform like Showit that’s optimized for speed and performance.

3. Your Navigation is More Confusing Than Assembly Instructions for IKEA Furniture

The Sign:

Visitors need a map and compass to find their way around your site. Your menu structure is complex, your pages are buried, and important information is harder to find than a needle in a haystack.

Why It’s Holding You Back:

• Frustrated visitors are likely to leave without taking action.
• It makes it difficult for potential clients to find the information they need to hire you.
• Poor navigation can negatively impact your SEO.

The Fix:

• Simplify your menu structure. Aim for 5-7 main navigation items.
• Use clear, descriptive labels for your menu items.
• Ensure your most important pages (Services, About, Contact) are easy to find.
• Include a search function if you have a lot of content.

4. Your Copy Sounds Like a Robot Wrote It 

The Sign:

Your website copy is dry, formal, and about as exciting as watching paint dry. It doesn’t capture your unique voice or the passion you have for your work.

Why It’s Holding You Back:

• Boring copy doesn’t engage visitors or encourage them to take action.
• It fails to differentiate you from competitors.
• It doesn’t build an emotional connection with potential clients.

The Fix:

• Inject your personality into your copy. Let your unique voice shine!
• Focus on benefits, not just features. How do you make your clients’ lives better?
• Tell your story. Share why you do what you do and what makes you unique.
• Consider hiring a copywriter who can capture your voice and craft compelling content.

5. Your Site is About as Mobile-Friendly as a Sumo Wrestler in a Phone Booth

The Sign:

Your website looks great on desktop but turns into a hot mess on mobile devices. Text is tiny, images are off-center, and buttons are so small they require toothpick-sized fingers to click.

Why It’s Holding You Back:

• Over 50% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. You’re potentially alienating half your visitors!
• Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search results.
• It creates a poor user experience for a large portion of your potential clients.

The Fix:

• Use a responsive design platform like Showit that allows for separate mobile customization.
• Prioritize content for mobile view – what’s essential for the small screen?
• Test your site on various devices and browsers regularly.
• Consider a mobile-first design approach for your next website update.

Your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your business

In today’s digital world, it’s like your storefront, your brochure, and your sales team all rolled into one. Investing in a professional website isn’t just an expense – it’s an investment in your business’s growth and success.

Working with a web designer (like yours truly) means:

• You get a strategic partner who understands your business goals and how to achieve them through design.
• Your site is built with user experience and conversions in mind from the ground up.
• You save time and frustration, allowing you to focus on what you do best – serving your clients and creating amazing work.

Your creative business has evolved, and your website should too. If you’ve recognized any of these signs in your own site, it might be time to consider a professional upgrade. Remember, your website is often the first impression potential clients have of your business. Make it count.

Ready to take your online presence to the next level? Let’s chat about how we can create a website that truly reflects your brand and attracts your ideal clients.