Why Your Website Isn’t Working (and How to Fix It): Lessons from My Design Studio
The Real Reason Your Website Feels Off:
You’ve poured time, money, and energy into your website, but something just isn’t clicking. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
In my design studio, I’ve seen countless small business owners come to me feeling frustrated by their websites. Some say they’re not getting any enquiries, while others feel like their website doesn’t reflect their brand anymore. Most often, the issue isn’t their services or expertise—it’s that their website isn’t doing them justice.
Let’s explore the most common issues I see and how we can fix them.
A Messy User Journey
The Issue: Visitors feel lost.
Many websites I review have too much information crammed into the homepage or lack clear calls to action. One client came to me after noticing that visitors were landing on their site but not staying long. After a quick audit, the problem was clear—their site was trying to say everything at once and ended up saying nothing at all.
The Fix: Guide your visitors step by step.
A good website should gently lead your audience through the pages with intention. Instead of overwhelming them with options, make the next step obvious:
Want them to book a consultation? Include clear buttons on every key page.
Is your service page the next logical stop? Add a prompt after your homepage intro, such as “Ready to see how we can work together? Click here.”
Simple tweaks like these can turn browsers into buyers.
A Beautiful Design That’s Hard to Use
The Issue: Looks amazing but feels clunky.
One business owner told me, “My designer made the site look great, but I don’t even know how to update my blog.” I’ve seen this more times than I can count—sites that are visually stunning but confusing to navigate or update.
The Fix: Prioritise functionality over flashiness.
Your website should work just as beautifully behind the scenes as it does upfront. When designing or redesigning your site:
Ensure your CMS (like Squarespace or WordPress) makes it easy to update copy, add photos, or embed links.
Streamline your layout so you’re not relying on custom coding for every small change.
If you offer downloadable resources or bookings, make sure your systems are automated and easy to manage.
One client who struggled to upload her free eBook on her old website was shocked by how simple it was after we rebuilt her site using an intuitive setup.
Weak Messaging and Inconsistent Branding
The Issue: Your copy doesn’t connect with your ideal audience.
I once had a client whose website was full of industry jargon that didn’t resonate with their audience. They’d been copying competitors’ phrases rather than speaking in their own voice—and it showed. Their visitors weren’t converting because the content felt impersonal.
The Fix: Speak their language and stay true to your brand.
Your website copy should make visitors feel like you get them. Avoid overcomplicating things or using filler words. Here are a few tips:
Start with a strong headline on your homepage that immediately addresses their problem.
Use phrases that mirror what your clients actually say. For example, if your audience often says, “I feel overwhelmed by all the options out there,” include copy that reassures them with simplicity.
Maintain consistent branding across your site—from colours to tone—so it feels cohesive and trustworthy.
A Missing Emotional Connection
The Issue: It’s all facts and no heart.
A website isn’t just a place to list your services—it’s where potential clients form a first impression and decide if they connect with you. I’ve worked with service providers who shared what they do well but didn’t convey why they do it.
The Fix: Tell your story and show your values.
People want to work with people they feel aligned with. Here’s how to foster connection:
Share your "why" on your About page. What’s the deeper reason you started your business?
Use images that reflect your brand’s personality. Instead of generic stock photos, try using professional but approachable shots of your team or workspace.
Include testimonials to showcase real stories from clients who’ve benefited from your work.
One client added a heartfelt testimonial from a long-time customer and noticed an immediate uptick in inquiries. People want to know they can trust you—and reviews build that bridge.
No Clear Next Steps for Your Visitors
The Issue: Your website leaves visitors hanging.
One client I worked with had beautiful service descriptions but no obvious way to book a consultation. They assumed visitors would “just know” what to do next, but they didn’t. Without a clear path, people will leave your site before taking action.
The Fix: Add intentional calls to action (CTAs).
Think of your website like a helpful guide holding their hand:
End each page with a clear, action-oriented prompt: “Book your free consultation today.”
Make your CTAs visible and consistent (e.g., place booking buttons at the top of every service page).
If you’re offering free resources, create a landing page with an easy download process to build trust and gather leads.
Your Website Doesn’t Reflect Your Growth
The Issue: Your website is stuck in the past.
I’ve had clients come to me with websites they built years ago when their business was just starting out. But their brand has evolved, and their website hasn’t kept up.
The Fix: Invest in a refresh that aligns with your current vision.
Your website should grow alongside your business. If your services, messaging, or audience has shifted, it’s time to update your site.
Refresh your copy and visuals to reflect your latest offerings and brand values.
Make sure your design looks modern and is mobile-friendly—many visitors will view your site on their phones first.
One client’s new website was such a game-changer that they used it as the foundation for a full brand relaunch.
Your Website Should Work for You, Not Against You
Your website isn’t just a digital placeholder—it’s a powerful business tool that can foster connection, build trust, and drive sales.
If your current website feels like a source of stress rather than a solution, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate the changes alone, either.
Want to see how a thoughtful website can transform your business? I’d love to help you create a digital space that feels aligned, empowering, and easy to manage.
(P.S. I’ve included a sneak peek of one of my recent client projects below—take a look at what’s possible when design meets intention.)
