Designing drop-dead gorgeous websites brings us so much joy! Helping clients analyze their content strategy really gets us jazzed. Your website homepage needs to serve a few key purposes–users must understand exactly what you do, who you serve, and what makes you different within 3-5 seconds.  Here is a quick list we run through that makes sure my client’s content hits those key points. Do you check your analytics? If your website isn’t converting I suggest looking for these top 3 mistakes you’re probably making on your website.

When reviewing your website with content added in the use of this quick mental checklist to make sure you’re keeping on track with your purpose:

• Is what you do clear and easy to understand?
• Is there a clear call to action so we know what to do next?
• does the design working to attract your ideal client or is it distracting?
• Do the images & graphic elements reflect the mood & vibe of your brand?

Did you catch yourself stuck on any of these questions? I’ve noticed that most people are making three common mistakes. Keep reading below avoid these top 3 mistakes you’re probably making on your website.

The top 3 Mistakes You’re making on your website

1. Your website design reflects your own personal style & design aesthetic and is untrue to your brand.

We see this all too often, especially with new business owners! Perhaps you’ve launched your website, and you really wanted it to look and feel like “you.” Of course, you want to like and enjoy your brand, but ultimately, you’re looking to attract and serve others. Stay true to your brand but makes sure your content is serving your target audience. 

How to remedy this slip-up—learn about and focus on your ideal client. A little market research will help you immensely. Consider how your ideal client will interact with your website and content.

Think about the vibe, tone, and feelings that you want to be associated with your brand. For example, what feeling do you want to be associated with your brand? If your business is a salon you want the brand to feel modern, trendy, and trustworthy. This intentionality will lead to easy and fast conversion to sales.

2. Your website is saying WAY too much.

We’d say almost 95% of people have WAY too much copywriting on their site. Above all, you have a few seconds to catch your ideal client’s attention. When there’s too much text on your website your viewer feels overwhelmed and doesn’t know where to start. Clutter leads to confusion– when people are confused they’re more likely to leave your site. Your viewers shouldn’t have to sift through all the content to figure out what you actually do. Use your website as a strategic marketing tool NOT a brain dump of copy and content.

The sad truth…people just don’t read anymore! 

3. You’re forgetting to clearly state what your business does.

You might think the client will just “get it” when they land on your homepage, or perhaps you’re just in tunnel focus about your business, that you just straight up forget to include it! We see this mistake ALL the time.

In other words, clients must know exactly what you do within 3-5 seconds of landing on your site, or else they’re most likely to leave. No matter what business you run, e-commerce, service providers, lifestyle blogs, food blogs, etc. Therefore, every website needs a clear statement near the top of the homepage that tells your client what you do. 

The resolution? Write a one-sentence description near the top of your website that clearly articulates what you do, makes sure it showcases what sets you apart.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, it may not be easy, but take a hard look at your homepage, or better yet, get an honest opinion from someone you trust. Making these 3 quick moves for your website will make an immense difference.