Five Must-Dos If You Have a Website
…Lessons learned the hard way!
When I first started my business, everyone said: you need a website.
As a writer working with architects, designers and female-led businesses, it was even more important. Your website is your digital studio, portfolio, and first impression rolled into one.
I built mine myself – with tutorials, research, templates, trial and error. And honestly I was proud of it.
But a recent refresh taught me a few valuable lessons that I now always share with my clients.
1. Be crystal clear about what you do and who you help
Ask: If a stranger lands on your homepage today, could they describe your business in one sentence?
The goal is clarity – we don’t want your customers guessing!
2. Human language beats jargon every time
Architecture and construction love complex language. It comes naturally.
Ask: Can your client hear your voice?
Tell a story. Speak to your client, not your peers.
3. Make Google your friend
Before you write a word – think about SEO.
Use keywords, clear headings, and location-based pages when needed.
Ask: How do your clients discover your business?
4. Give your visitors a next step
Don’t let them browse and leave – your website shouldn’t be a dead end.
Ask: What’s the one action you want visitors to take?
Add a simple CTA: book a call, get a quote, download a resource.
5. Showcase your thinking and results
Most portfolios just show pictures. And that’s not enough – especially in this industry.
Ask: If you removed the images, would your expertise still be clear?
Share the: Problems > Solutions > Impact.
A short case study goes further than a portfolio ever will.
These insights change the way I approach websites for myself and for my clients.
A few simple tweaks can turn your website from “online business card” into a powerful marketing tool – one that works for you, even when you’re not online.
