I will always and forever be pro-website – and not just because my job is website design. What customers are looking for nowadays is a seamless brand experience, where they can bounce between your social media, your website, and your product/service in a way that flows and keeps the same vibe throughout. When there’s misalignment there, a client’s trust in you drops immediately. That’s why a strong web design is so crucial to your business, and why investing in a pro who has a trusty website design portfolio is key.
My Website Design Portfolio
If you’re making this kind of investment in your business, please be sure to first check out the designer’s website design portfolio first. Make sure their vibe fits your vibe, their work looks professional, and that their work will actually get you results.
My approach to websites will always be strategy-first. Of course, you want it to look nice. But my website design portfolio is rooted in a plan that actually works for you. Your website should be an experience, not just a website. It should mirror exactly what your product or service brings to the customer, and be completely unique to your business.
Why Websites > Linktree, Always
Hot take: I hate Linktrees. They lack the brand experience, the SEO, and the solidity that a website adds to your brand.
And I get it – building a website is an investment. But if you’re not willing to invest in your own business, how can you expect your clients to invest in you?
What My Websites Do for Businesses
The return on investment you get from a solid website? Insane.
And don’t just take it from me – take it from my clients who are consistently booking clients with proposals 3x higher than they were before investing in brand and web design with me.
So… What Kind of Website Do I Need?
The kind of website you need fully depends on what your goals are. The main (yet very, very broad) categories I typically see are:
- E-Commerce – to sell products
- Portfolio Sites – to showcase your work
- Brand Presence Sites – to dive into your what your business does
Once your site’s goals are determined, you’ll choose your website platform. The ones I recommend for those DIYing their site are Shopify, Showit, and Webflow.
An Expert’s Rapid-Fire Tips For Your Website Design
You Don’t Need a 9+ Page Website
On average, people visit three website pages. So, ideally, we want those to be a first impression page, a learning page, and then a conversion page. If you’re sending your potential clients on a wild goose chase for information, there’s a good chance your conversion rate will drop.
My basic website builds start at four pages and a contact page. I recommend that most businesses start there, and then you can expand as needed.
Invest in a Web Designer Who Builds a Website That Grows With You
That being said, booking a website designer who will build an adaptable site that grows with your business is key. Any good designer should teach you a basic knowledge of how to use your website in the future, because let’s face it – your business won’t stay the same forever.
My approach is to work myself out of a job as your web designer. My goal is that you feel confident and empowered to make the changes yourself, but you also know that I’m always here if you need something!
Less Words, But Better Words
Too much copy on your site gets overwhelming, fast. Your copy should be concise, meaningful, and straight to the point. Never fluffy or there just for the sake of filling space.
And please, for the love of God, never include “Welcome to my corner of the internet!” on your website homepage. Make the words yours: unique to your business, part of your story.
A good copywriter can help you with this, in a way that speaks to your dream clients and positively impacts the SEO on your page (meaning more people will find you).
Include Strong Brand Photography
In my opinion, really good photography is the best supplement to a really good brand designer. It elevates your site, makes it more professional, and gives a clear feel of who you are. Stock images have no personality and make your website feel cookie-cutter, fast.
Be Sure That Your Colors Are Web-Contrast Safe
For accessibility purposes (and honestly, for the general overall look), make sure to check your color contrast when you’re putting text on your site to ensure that it’s easily readable. You can check your colors using their hex codes on WebAIM!
Investing in Website Design That Tells a Story | Nous Sommes Creative
At the end of the day, know that your website should be about your client, not about you.
If you’re ready to invest in a professional who has a strong website design portfolio, who focuses on strategy, who will always match your ambition, and who will ensure a quality client experience on your site, you can inquire here.
