Have you ever walked into someone's house and immediately felt at home? Maybe it’s the warm lighting, the carefully chosen decor pieces, or the subtle scent of freshly brewed coffee that makes you feel at ease.
The space tells you something about the person who lives there: their taste, their personality & what makes them feel comfortable. It’s more than just a room, it’s an extension of who they are.
This same principle applies when designing a website. Just as a welcoming home invites you to settle in and stay awhile, a thoughtfully designed website invites visitors to explore, engage, and connect. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an experience that feels authentic and aligns with your brand’s identity.
Them: "I guess my website is fine, but I don't really feel proud of it" Me: "I'm sorry, WHAT??"
As a brand designer, that sentence above is something I hear all the time from small business owners and solopreneurs. But here’s the thing: Your website is your home on the internet.
You shouldn’t neglect it or put it aside.
Unlike social media platforms who don’t really belong to us (One day your account could be hacked, or the algorithms might change -again- and everything you’ve built on there can disappear), a website on the other hand, is your space:
You can customise it to look like your business.
You can tell a story in the way the navigation works.
You can play with wording.
You can do whatever you feel like!
Let’s think of your brand/website like a house you’re inviting people to visit.
1. The Floor Plan
The very structure of your brand is built on its essence: Why did you start your business? Who are you helping? What are you offering? This is the foundation of your business. Think of it as the “blueprint” for your entire brand house, the part that keeps everything in sync and lets people know what your business stands for.
2. The Welcome Mat
Now that you have a solid foundation, you can place your welcome mat at the door, something that says, “Come on in!” That’s your logo. It’s a first impression that’s simple and inviting, hinting at what guests (your potential clients!) can expect before they’ve even stepped inside. A welcome mat can give a hint of your personality (is itthere a pun? is it colourful? is it simple and reliable?) but doesn’t reveal too much. Just like a logo should ;)
3. The Walls
Time to spice it up! Your brand colors (and fonts) are the colours on the walls. They give instant personality, set the mood, and help people connect with your brand on an emotional (and unconscious) level. Whether they’re bright, warm, or calm, these colors make your space feel like your business.
4. The Decor
Finally, your visual language (icons, photography style, illustration, graphic system, etc) are the final touches that complete a room. These small details add polish, create harmony, and make your brand memorable. Think of them as the little touches that make your website feel uniquely yours.
Now let me ask you something: when you have guests over, you always tidy up, right? You most likely want them to feel comfortable and to experience the best version of your home.
Guess what? It’s the same with your website!
A well-designed site gives visitors that same feeling of being welcomed and valued, showing them they’re in the right place from the moment they arrive, and that you will do anything for them to feel cared for.
Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Margo van de Linde who was one of those solopreneurs that neglected their websites for years. Together, we laid down the foundations and then builded a website that truly felt like her, from the layout and colors to the small design details that made it uniquely hers (for example, her logo is actually her own handwritting!).
Now, her website isn’t just a place for practical information, it’s a welcoming space that reflects her personality and connects with her clients. You can have a look at her fresh new website here, or details of the brand identity here.
So here’s the big question: Does your website design feel like a true reflection of your brand? Or is it time for a refresh?
If you’re ready to make your online “home” truly feel like yours, book a call with me!
I’ll give you free feedback on your website, covering what’s working, what could use an update, and ways to make it feel more you.
You don't have to do everything yourself. I'm here for you.
Whenever you are ready, here are some other ways I can help you:
Free website review, for those of you who just need to talk things through. A free call to go through your website and give you feedback on your current brand identity and a list of easy tips to improve your overall look and feel in just a few clicks!
Branding consultancy, for those of you who like to do things on their own but need an design expert's guidance and support. An in-depth 90min call to discuss your brand strategy followed by a personalised game plan with clear action steps for you to work on your website.
Branding packages, for those of you who are ready to invest in your (re)branding. Let's talk about it! Book a (no obligation) discovery call. We'll take time to discuss where you are at in your entrepreneurial journey and I'll make up a personalised package that matches your needs.
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