Getting Seen Online Isn’t Just Luck
When I first started building websites, I thought good design just meant flashy animations and big hero sliders. I’d spend hours trying to make things look “modern” - but the site would sit there doing absolutely nothing. No enquiries, no calls, not even spam emails. Just... silence.
Turns out, a good website isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about whether it actually gets people through the door, or at least into your inbox.
Don't get me wrong, I'm from a graphic design background and love making websites that make people smile. However, it's not JUST about looks...
Plenty of people ask me: “Do I really need a decent website? My cousin’s mate did one for us a while back.” Fair enough. But if your site’s not doing anything for your business, then it’s just wallpaper. You want a website that actually pulls its weight.
Let’s talk about how a decent website can help you get more customers - without fluff, sales waffle or being too clever for its own good.
First Impressions Make a Difference (Even Online)
Imagine someone hears about your business. What do they do next? They’ll Google you. Click your link. Land on your homepage. And in about three seconds, they’ll decide whether you’re worth their time.
If your site looks like it was last updated when people still said “surfing the web”, they’re gone. Doesn’t matter if your product’s brilliant - you won’t get the chance to prove it.
A good website doesn’t mean it needs to be fancy. It just needs to look trustworthy and work properly. Clear layout, mobile-friendly, not packed with clutter. Think of it like showing up to a meeting with your shirt ironed - no one's going to give you extra points, but if you turn up looking scruffy, they'll definitely judge.
Honestly, some of the best converting sites I’ve built are dead simple.
Clear Message = More Customers
You’d be surprised how often people visit a website and still have no clue what the business actually does. I’ve seen sites with massive paragraphs about “solutions” and “services” but no actual explanation of what’s on offer.
If you’re a roofer, say that. If you fix hearing aids, say that. Don’t make people decode it.
When your website says clearly who you help and what you do, people stick around. They don’t need to guess. They don’t need to scroll through ten blocks of waffle to work out if they’re in the right place.
You wouldn’t believe how many businesses make it awkward to contact them. Tiny phone numbers, forms that don’t work on mobile, no clear way to book or ask a question.
People don’t hang about. If someone wants to book or buy and they can't figure out how, they’ll leave and go elsewhere. Your website should be like your best receptionist - helpful, easy-going, and always available.
Add a big button. Add your phone number at the top. Use a short form, not something that looks like a job application. You don’t need to go mad with features - just make it easy.
I once worked with a massage therapist whose bookings doubled within a week of adding a clearer call-to-action on her homepage. Not kidding.
Show You’re Legit
People want to know they can trust you. That’s why things like reviews, photos, and real customer testimonials go a long way. They act like proof that you actually do what you say you do.
If your website feels like it's been copied from a stock template with fake testimonials and no photos of real work, people notice.
Real pictures of your work, honest feedback from customers, and even a short “about you” bit can help someone feel more confident in getting in touch. Doesn't need to be anything fancy - just real.
Bit of a side note - don’t go too far trying to “look big”. People trust people, not faceless corporations. If you’re a one-person business, own it. Doesn’t mean you’re not professional.
Google Actually Cares About User Experience
A good website helps you show up in search results. If your site loads like a snail, isn’t mobile-friendly, or is full of broken links - Google’s not going to like it.
Now, I’ve had people say “I just want to show up on Google” without sorting their website first. That’s like wanting to run a marathon before you can jog round the block.
You don’t need to obsess over every tiny SEO detail, but you do need a website that works properly. Fast, simple, easy to use. That’s half the battle.
Wrapping Things Up (Sort Of)
Look, your website won’t magically solve everything. But if you treat it like a proper tool - not just a brochure or an afterthought, it can genuinely bring you more business.
I’ve seen it happen with small cafés, fitness coaches, chimney sweeps, you name it. If your website is clear, quick, and shows you’re a real business that people can trust, that’s half the job done.
So if your current site isn’t doing anything for you… might be time to rethink it.
And if you’re stuck or don’t know where to start - I know a freelance web designer who loves this stuff.
(Spoiler alert: it's me.)
