What makes a website actually work for your business?

Here’s the thing: your website can look amazing, but if it’s not helping your business grow… what’s the point?

I’ve seen plenty of beautiful sites that miss the mark because they’re built around how they look, not what they need to do. And in the small business world, your website needs to work just as hard as you do.

So what does that even mean?

Let’s talk about what actually makes a website work—not just visually, but functionally, strategically, and for the real people trying to learn about your business.

1. It communicates clearly

If someone lands on your homepage, can they figure out who you are, what you do, and how you can help—within a few seconds?

No jargon. No clever-but-confusing taglines. Just clarity.

Tip: Your headline doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to tell the truth, fast.

2. It makes taking action easy

A great website is designed with your audience in mind. What do they need to do next?Whether it’s booking a call, making a purchase, or sending an enquiry—it should be simple and obvious, not buried at the bottom of the page or hidden behind three menu clicks.

Tip: Every page should have a purpose and a clear call to action.

3. It reflects your brand (not just your favourite colours)

Yes, design matters. But your website isn’t just there to look good—it’s an extension of your brand. The way it feels, the words you use, the images, the layout… all of it should feel like your business.

Tip: Consistency builds trust. Make sure your website feels aligned with your logo, tone, and the rest of your marketing.

4. It works well on mobile

More than half your visitors are checking you out on their phone. If your site is hard to read, slow to load, or the buttons are too tiny to tap—bye.

Tip: Always check your site on mobile during the design process. It’s not an afterthought—it’s essential.

5. It’s easy to update (so you actually keep it fresh)

The best website in the world is no good if it’s out of date. Your services change, your prices change, you grow. You shouldn’t have to wait on a developer or learn code just to swap out a photo or tweak your wording.

Tip: Build on a platform that gives you control—like Wix (which is why I use it for all my clients).

So, does your website work?

If you’re not sure—that’s totally normal. Most business owners don’t know what to look for. That’s where I come in.

When I design websites, they’re not just pretty—they’re strategic. Everything from the layout to the copy is crafted to support your goals and make life easier for your audience (and for you).

If your website isn’t quite pulling its weight, I can help you fix that—whether it's a full redesign or a few key improvements.

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Want help figuring it out?

Request a Free Website Audit or Book a Free 30-Minute Call—and let’s get your site working for you.