Wireframing. Coding. Developing. Search Engine Optimization. Algorithms.
The words alone are enough to make you pull your hair out.
When you meet a potential customer in person, you’re a master at selling your business. You can talk for hours about your mission, your background, and your goals—but when it comes time to reflect that on a website, you lose confidence.
You don’t trust your writing, you don’t know the specifics of your brand, and you can barely handle running a social media page. You think, “How on Earth am I going to make a website?”
Not to worry. We’re breaking down four simple elements that will make your website engaging, eye-catching, and a magnet for your ideal client!
#1 – Curating Lovely Brand Colors
Deciding on your brand colors can be as simple as finding complements for your favorite color. We recommend taking a look at coolors.co/palettes – here, you’ll be able to match with the perfect palette for you. Coolors allows users to filter by color for free! If you decide to go Pro for only $3/month, you can filter by color, style, and theme!
You’ll want to make a bold yet authentic choice. Colors have the potential to become an integral part of a business’ identity. It’s why our mouths water for a Big Mac at the sight of red and yellow! Take time to research what specific feelings and associations a color can evoke. If you run a daycare, the calm of blue may prove more effective than the stimulation of red. Discover your brand’s signature color by polling friends, taking an online quiz, or taking inspiration from similar businesses that you admire!
#2 – Choosing the Right Font
So, are you a Times New Roman or Helvetica person? Is there even a difference? Never underestimate the power of choosing a solid font.
Vogue uses a font called ‘Didot’ on the cover of their iconic magazines. It’s simple yet easily identifiable. Even when a few letters from “Vogue” are covered by the gorgeous portrait of a famous actress, you can confidently declare from a mile away that it is, in fact, Vogue Magazine.
Think of the whimsical loops made famous by Walt Disney, the theatrical letters that tower on your screen to let you know that you’ve opened Netflix, or the italicized N, I, K, and E that look like they may run right off the shoebox—it’s all purposeful!
Is your brand more playful or serious? Rigid or lax? If you’re a midwife, Comic Sans might be inappropriate—but Arial may be too clinical. Take your time and really decide the themes and moods that you want your font to convey.
#3 – Having Eye-Catching Photos
Because a website is a largely visual medium of communication, it makes perfect sense to invest in well-shot photographs. Here are a few different options:
Option A) Professional Photography
Start by reaching out to co-workers, friends, and loved ones to see if they can suggest any photographers in your area. This’ll save you from having to vet on your own! However, if you hit a dead end, finding a professional photographer to shoot headshots or visit your place of business for a session is quite simple with apps like Fiverr, Upwork, or even Facebook!
When you’re searching for the perfect photographer, you’ll want to be clear about your vision.
- Curate a Pinterest board that captures the mood you’re trying to achieve.
- Write out a list of words that accurately reflect your brand.
- Think about props and scenery that are crucial to your business’ identity.
A photographer you want to work with will be receptive to your ideas and even have suggestions on how to bring them to life!
Developing a relationship with a photographer will also serve you in the long run. In a few years’ time, when you’re preparing to update your website, you won’t have to re-familarize someone with the goals of your business.
Option B) Stock Images
We do acknowledge that having professional photos taken is not possible for some. The case may also be that you do not want to feature your own face or the faces of others on your website.
Take a look at Shutterstock, iStock, Unsplash, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images for royalty-free images that you can download and upload to your website at a price you can afford!
Option C) D-I-Y Portraits
Taking pictures on your own will give you full creative control and the freedom to shoot whenever and wherever you want. Also, phone cameras are getting better by the second.
In this informative video from professional photographer Jamie Windsor, you’ll learn 13 tips for getting the most out of your phone camera.
Check it out: 13 Phone Camera Tips
#4 – Telling a Story & Setting the Tone
Website copy needs to be clear, concise, and captivating. A combination that is difficult to achieve, even for the most skilled website developer.
There are so many questions you’ll find nearly impossible to answer alone: “How far back in my story should I start?” “Is there something specific I should mention in the mission statement?” “How many words is too many words?” “What makes a great ‘Hero Message?’” “There’s also this whole “S-E-O” business! What even is that?”
These are all valid questions—questions you won’t have to sit on for much longer …
At the Website Workshop, we’ll tackle one of the hardest parts of website building together. You’ll learn how to tell your story with confidence, write copy that truly connects and turns clicks into clients.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing site, this hands-on session will give you the tools, clarity, and confidence you need to move forward.
Join us on June 23rd at 9:30 a.m. (MST) or June 26th at 6:00 p.m. (MST).
You’ve done the hard work of building your business—now let’s build the website to match.
There’s a seat with your name on it. Ready to claim it? Register today.
