7 steps to creating a website fit for a Queen
Confession time! I have been designing and maintaining websites for nearly 10 years, but the thought of designing and launching my own filled me with absolute dread. Having been employed in my role for most of that time I knew I had to do some serious soul searching before I put code-to-keyboard.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your current site an overhaul going through the following steps will make the whole process easier and will help you to align your branding and website with your truly authentic self.
1. Get clear on who you are
It is vital that you are clear on who you are as a business. Some of the most successful businesses and even celebs are unapologetic about who they are and who they serve. Make peace with the fact that you are not for everyone. Clients crave authenticity, focussing on what makes you different is a game changer. Be clear on who you are and be unapologetic about it.
There’s not a brand designer out there that will even consider taking on a client without having them do some work on their brand vision. Your vision helps you and your ideal client to understand what you do, who you do it for and why you do it. When I first started out I used to compare myself to other awesome creators out there and it was soul crushing. I never felt like I was good enough. One thing all of those creators had was authenticity. They were all being themselves.
Be yourself, know yourself, own yourself
I am a bossy nerd who can code like a mofo. I’m not for everyone but there are folk out there that love my vibe. I own that ish! Use power words in a way that truly reflects your authenticity. There are lots of sites out there that will give examples. I like sumo.com.
2. Get to know your ideal client
Your idealclient is that one person you would chew their right arm off use your business. This bit always feels a bit weird but you need to get to know them on a deep level. Now, I’m not asking you to dust off your Nana’s vintage type-writer and plan a novella but, you will need to brainstorm that character like a mofo. Here are some of the things you should consider.
Name
Age
Gender/pronouns
Marital status
Income
Hopes and dreams
What worries them?
What inspires them?
Once you have nailed this you will then need to think about why they need you? What are they struggling with that you can help with?
Now that you know your ideal client all of your communictaion should speak to them.
3. Find your vibe
It’s important to stand out from the competition but you also want to attract that ideal client you just narrowed down. Your brand emulate you and should help you to stand out. Take your power words and search for visuals and colours that embody you. The easiest way to do this is to create a vision board on pinterest.
Look for images, quotes, branding and site inspiration that reflect you. It is best that you don't just copy someone else, be inspired but challenge your own creativity. How will you be different? Think about how you want your branding and website to make your ideal client feel.
4. Go colour shopping
For me this is always the fun bit. By now you should have a little idea about what colour you would like for your branding. Now you need to narrow it down. I recommend that your brand have 5 colours:
1 white normally #FFFFFF;
1 black ( dark grey or deep navy will also suffice);
1 light colour;
1 dark colour; and
1 contrasting colour.
Your colour palette should evoke emotion in your ideal client so be mindful of this when making your selection. That being said don't be afraid to use your favourite colours if your feel that they “spark joy”. There are so many schools of thoughts on this issue. Some people say to use contrasting colours. Some say your colours should compliment. I say you do you, but keep that ideal client in mind.
Coolors.co is the MVP of colour selection. Their site allows your to choose a color palette, pick colours from a photo and select from gradients. I love it! There are also sites that will give inspiration for trends and industry specific palettes. Adobe Color is one of my faves.
My colour magic quiz can also help you find your brand colours that fit your personality and the vibe you want for your business. I have cretaed a pinterest board for each of the colour magic archetypes to help get your creative juices flowing.
5. Find your visuals
Images and icons are essential for creating a great user experience. They also help to break up the content on your site and help to enhance your email and social media. Your visuals should be consistent across all channels. Your face should be on your site so dont shy away from adding pics of yourself. Stock images are great if you dont have your own brand photos. Try to use images that harmonise with your brand. Make sure they embody the look and feel you are aiming for.
Strive for originality as people can spot a shoddy stock image a mile off. There are some great sites that offer free high quality stock images. I use Canva, Pexels and Unsplash (to name a few). Photos of yourself and your team are always a plus but make sure they are high quality. Last week’s bathroom selfie will not do (unless you sell bathrooms 🤣)!
6. Map it out
Map out all the pages you need on your website. At the very least your website will need:
home page
about page
services/shop
contact
privacy
You will also need to make sure you have clear calls to action on your site. Get clear on the actions you want your ideal client to take when they visit each page of your site.
7. Nail that copy
This is always the hardest bit for me. After over 15 years of writing for web I’ve realised that this is my least favourite job. This turned to hatred when I had to do it for myself, but the reality is it had to be done. Now copywriting is not something you have to do yourself there are some pretty shit hot copy writers out there (giz a shout if you want deets). either way your web copy needs to be in your voice. Use the words and isms that you use. Speak your truth and tell your ideal client what they want to hear.
Dont forget about SEO. You want your ideal client to be able to find you when they are using search engines. Make sure your copy uses keywords your idealclient will use when they are searching for your services. Use your keywords in your page titles and meta descriptions too.
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