Why your website isn't converting & what to do about it

Ok so - I am sure you have heard it before but - your website should be your hardest working employee. If it’s sitting there looking pretty and not bringing in you enquiries, sales or new leads, we need to talk about it because the truth is...The problem isn’t just your design. It’s what’s missing from the foundations of it. I have heard it all before - "my friends Dad's sister built a website in 2021 and she sad she would do it for nothing for me." GREAT. You've got a static website, published into a abys, that will only ever be found by you giving the link to someone directly.

Sparkle Event Styling - Branding and Website Design by Rachael Does Design

So let's dive into what could be going wrong and how you can fix it...

1. Your Website Looks Nice - But It’s Not Doing the Job it should be doing for your business.

This is where so many small businesses get stuck. You’ve got a site. It’s got your logo, some nice colours, your services are listed and maybe a few testimonials for social proof.

But…

• You’re not seeing conversions.

• People visit, but don’t buy.

• You feel embarrassed sharing the link.
  

A pretty website doesn’t mean a it's a strategic one.

A website has a job to do and that job is to build trust and guide your audience to take a specific action.

If there’s no clear message, no defined journey and no real reason to care, your visitors won’t stick around. And they definitely won’t hit that “book now” button. You need to build a journey that let's them know why they should care about YOUR business and not Lisa's down the road.

2. You Built the Site First and Thought About Branding and Strategy Later

It’s one of the most common mistakes I see.

You jump into building your website because it feels like the next step. But without a clear brand strategy in place, it’s like building a house without a blueprint. It might look fine at a glance, but behind the scenes? Wobbly foundations.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Unclear messaging

• Inconsistent tone of voice

• Random layouts and pages that don’t connect

• No idea what makes your business different to the next one that offers the same thing

If any of that feels familiar, you’re not alone. This is exactly why I never design websites without brand strategy first. Because…

Branding is the vehicle that gets your marketing from A to B. If you skip the brand work, the website won’t take you anywhere.

3. You’re Trying to Speak to Everyone (So You’re Not Inspiring Anyone)

Your website isn’t a CV. It’s not there for you to list everything you do and every qualification you have ever earnt. It’s a piece of the puzzle that should be speaking directly to your ideal client and showing them:

• Who you are

• What you offer

• Why it matters

• And why they should trust you over someone else

Vague, generic websites are forgettable. Clear, bold websites that know exactly who they’re speaking to? They convert. Let's think about the difference between Aldi and Waitrose for a sec - they are both supermarkets, they both sell roughly the same thing. But they have different target markets - therefore their branding, their tone of voice and their overall messaging is completely different and they make their ideal client care about WHY them - over the next supermarket. (Very big example - but hopefully it is clear)

4. It’s Not Set Up to Convert - No Matter How Good It Looks

You can have the most gorgeous website in the world…But if your buttons don’t lead the client to do the thing, your copy isn’t compelling or your service pages don’t make it easy to take the next step?

It’s not doing its job.

Every page should have one job. One goal. One action.

So ask yourself:

• Is there a clear next step on every page?

• Do your contact or booking forms make sense (and actually work)?

• Does your homepage lead people where you want them to go?

If not? It’s time to rethink it. Step back - take a minute to scroll through the site as a customer, put yourself in their shoes and drop your ego for a sec - does it work?

5. You’ve Outgrown It - And That’s a Good Thing

This one’s big. So many business owners stick with the same website they built when they started. It did the job back then. But now?

You’ve levelled up. Your business is more mature. You might even be a leader in your industry. Your offers have evolved. Your confidence has grown .And that clunky, DIY website you whipped up on a weekend just doesn't cut it anymore.

You don’t need to feel bad about that. You just need to recognise that it’s time for your website to catch up with your business. Remembering that this is your clients first impression from Google of you!

So, What’s the Fix?

If your website isn’t working, you don't have to throw it all in the bin and start again.

You can:

• Get clear on your brand strategy

• Design a website that’s tailored to your audience

• Create a site that looks good and drives results

This is exactly why my process starts with strategy - not templates. Because your business deserves more than a quick fix. It 100% deserves a website that’s doing the hard work for you.

Lyons Removals and Storage - Branding and Website Design by Rachael Does Design

Are you ready for a Website That Actually Converts?

If you’re done wondering why your site isn’t bringing in enquiries, let’s fix it. Whether you need a full redesign or a strategic brand refresh to go with it - I’ve got you covered for all of the above. Have a nosey at The Big Reveal (Brand & Website Package) and The Digital Drop (Website Design Package)

Not sure what you need? That's fine too - just reach out and we can map it out together!

Your website isn’t just a brochure. It’s your online trust builder. Let’s make it brilliant.