I get it. Your days are full of busy to-do lists, client work and there’s no room for creativity. You haven’t updated your website in a several months and possibly years. I hear you, and I get it.
Because I’ve been there …
But I’m not anymore.
What if I told you that your website updates don’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. From content updates to new images, all the way to testimonials and case studies, I have a few tricks up my sleeve …
What if I gave you five tips to getting out of a rut and back into the art of it all? Are you ready to save time and make money all while elevating your brand? Then you’re in the right spot!
Today I am digging into my go-to website tactics that will relieve stress, elevate your brand, and, you guessed it, generate profits! Regardless of what you do, here is my sure fire way to website updates that will make magic.
Why does an outdated website keep you stuck in a cycle of low value clients?
Imagine for a moment that you are walking down the street looking for a new outfit with matching accessories for a dinner party on Saturday night. Most shops look the same and don’t stand out. Some of them actually deter you because their window showcase is a mishmash of store items. They consist of an array of different clothing types, they don’t have matching accessories and you can’t picture what the items look like together as an outfit. You can tell the storefront window has not been updated in a while because the clothes are outdated and you can even see an old pop can in the back corner (those details matter, don’t they?). There is nothing inviting about this store. You are not even tempted to enter the store and don’t believe that they would offer anything of value. All of this from your first impression of the store front.
Your website is an invitation into your business.
Similar to a storefront, the first impression of your website can determine the perceived value of what you have to offer. Like the storefront, a poorly designed website can:
- Deter visitors from exploring your offers because your website isn’t polished and inviting.
- Lead to your business being perceived as low quality or low value if it appears to be a DIY website. In other words, your visitors may not take you seriously if you’re not investing in your website.
- Cause you to be overlooked because visitors don’t understand what you offer, the benefits of your services and how it will enhance their life.
- Undermine your credibility if your messaging doesn’t position you as an expert with content and social proof that build trust and authority.
- Create missed opportunities because you’re too embarrassed to send people to your website.
First impressions can make or break your business. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few thoughtful changes, you can change the perceived value of what you have to offer and actually charge what you're worth.
Intentional website updates can help you attract higher paying clients
A website that is intentionally designed in a thoughtful manner allows you to command higher prices. It gives you more confidence and you will be proud to send your clients to your website. And increased confidence leads to more credibility that you can deliver the results you promise.
If you want people to value you, your services and your business, your website needs to be designed with the following strategies in mind:
- Ensure that your website is professional and polished – the little details will give your visitors a sense of ease and trust.
- Create an amazing customer experience leading your visitors on a journey through your website so they get to know, like, and trust you to the point of buying.
- Craft compelling messaging that clearly describes the value you provide and the results your buyers can expect.
- Provide imagery and content that evoke emotions in your visitors so they feel understood and can picture themselves working with you and how their lives will be after working with you – you want your website to resonate with your ideal client.
When people believe that you can deliver the results that you promise, they can picture themselves working with you, they get excited about working with you, and they can picture how life will be after working with you.
Speaking of promises, I promised you five tips to update your website so that you can elevate your brand and raise your prices. So, let’s get started!
Website update #1 - Curate high-resolution images that resonate with your ideal clients
As much as we don’t like to admit it, our first impressions are typically visual. And they matter! When you visit an open house, what do you typically take in? The “For Sale” Sign? Or the house? The landscaping? The front entrance? The gardens? You have a visual experience of the house as soon as you lay eyes on it.
Images will amplify your brand, create an instant connection with your visitors and help them picture themselves working with you. If you don’t have beautiful photos of yourself yet, there are thousands of amazing stock photo websites where you can download inspirational brand images. These are some of my favourites:
- Pexels.com – free
- Pixabay.com - free
- Unsplash.com – free
- Shutterstock.com - paid
- DepositPhotos.com - paid - one of my favs!
- HauteStock.co - paid
Have you heard this before ...
People buy based on emotions and justify based on facts.
The photos on your website can help you evoke those emotions so that your visitors can picture themselves working with you.
Now that you’ve got your imagery working for you, let’s move on to the facts so you can build trust and authority.
Website update #2 - Make it crystal clear what you offer and how you help
You only have a few seconds to capture the attention of your visitor so you’ll want to do it swiftly and effectively. The easiest way to engage your visitor is to clearly describe what you offer and how it will enhance their life. They need to know what’s in it for them, that you understand what their challenges are and that you are the best solution to their problem. You know that feeling when you feel completely understood and you almost wonder if they’ve been reading your journal, that’s the kind of information you want to include.
When people know what to expect, they are more inclined to invest.
Tip ⇒ Want to make your offer more effective? Make sure it is above the fold on your website.
Website update #3 - Sprinkle testimonials with impact
There’s nothing more rewarding than receiving a glowing testimonial from your favourite client. You’ve spent hours exploring options and creating the perfect solution to help them overcome their challenge. They’ve loved working with you and can’t stop talking about how “nice” you are. Your feathers have been perfectly fluffed, and yet, you know there’s something missing. Is it really just fluff?
In today’s competitive market, being nice is not enough. Your testimonial will get lost in the see of fluff in the online world.
People want to know that you can give them the outcome they are looking for.
Do they have more energy? Are they sleeping better? Do they have more mobility? Are they feeling more confident to dress up and go out? Are they making more money? Do they have more time to spend with their family?
Craft testimonials that sound like you've already solved the problem for other clients.
You get the gist of it. If you sprinkle meaningful testimonials throughout your website as social proof, people will get excited about working with you knowing that you will deliver on your promises. It gives them hope knowing that if somebody else can do it, so can they. And the better the results, the more people are willing to pay for what you offer.
Website update #4 - Create content that empathizes, educates and engages
I’m always blown away at how much I learn every time I connect with a nutritionist. Many people initially contact a nutritionist to lose weight which usually means eating healthier. Who doesn’t want to look good and feel great in their clothes, right? Not having to worry if those pants are going to fit, or if your belly will bulge against your new top.
The challenge with promoting weight loss is that the market is inundated with information on this topic. However, you can take this as an opportunity to differentiate yourself in the market by educating your audience on the plethora of other benefits to eating in a healthy and intentional way. Many people don’t realize how eating better can impact their mood, improve their sleep, minimize brain fog, to name a few. Sprinkle in a bit of empathy and ask your audience to share their biggest challenge and you’ve got a great formula to increase connection and engagement.
When you show that you understand your audiences’ pain and frustration along with their vision and dreams and share solutions, you position yourself as an expert and they know they can count on you to find the answers they need.
When people understand the value they can expect, they are more willing to invest in what you have to offer.
And if the value exceeds their expectations (i.e. through your education), they are willing to pay more.
Website update #5 - Share your Portfolio and/or Success Stories
Can you recall reading a story of someone else’s success and thought – “Wow, I could do that! If she can do it, I can do it!” What a great feeling, right? When negativity is transformed into hope. That’s the magic of a case study.
A powerful case study describes how a client felt before they invested, what objections they may have had, and how the experience transformed their lives.
Case studies are like glorified testimonials that elaborate on real life experiences and the benefits people can expect from working with you.
Showing your work through portfolios and success stories builds trust and positions you as an authority who follows through on your promises. Having a variety of case studies demonstrates all the different kinds of challenges you help people overcome as well as all the benefits your clients can expect. The best thing about case studies and portfolios is that they promote your value without an ounce of sleazy marketing.
When people see proof of the results you provide, they are more inclined to invest in your services at the price you request.
Tip ⇒ Don’t have time to keep your portfolio up-to-date? You can use a plugin to showcase your Instagram feed on your website where all your beautiful creations will show up auto-magically.
Which website update will you start with?
You deserve to have a website and online presence that elevates your brand, attracts more of your dream clients and empowers you to charge more for your work.
Your website is available 24-7 for people to find, so why not have it shine for you. With compelling messaging, the right guidance and engaging design, your journey to grow your business will be intentional and empowering without the confusion and overwhelm.
This is something I help my clients create every single day – intentional design. If you’d like to talk about your updates and strategize about your website. I’d love to talk.
There’s never any pressure on my strategy calls. My goal is to understand what you and your business need, and guide you in the right direction.
Contact me for your free consult call.