Your New Website Starts Long Before the Design
For many small business owners, this time of year is all about looking ahead. We're thinking about Christmas promotions, how to make the most of the new year and what we want to achieve in our businesses in 2027.
Perhaps you're planning to launch a new service, attract more of the clients you love working with or take your business in a slightly different direction. Or maybe you're finally ready to tackle some of those marketing jobs that have been sitting on your to-do list for far too long.
Sometimes, though, it's not just the business that's changing. It's you, too.
I've worked with several female entrepreneurs this year who have grown in confidence, gained clarity about what they want from their businesses and realised it's time for their websites to catch up. They've reached a point where they want their online presence to reflect who they are today, what they stand for and the businesses they've worked so hard to build.
It's been brilliant to see them take that step and invest in websites that feel like a true reflection of themselves and their businesses. And it got me thinking about how many other business owners might be ready for the same change as they look towards 2027.
If updating your website is on your list, now is a great time to start thinking about what you need.
A new website isn't something you can usually throw together overnight. A little planning now can make the process smoother and help ensure your finished website reflects your business, appeals to the right people and supports your goals for the year ahead.
So, if a new website is on your 2027 wish list, here are five things worth considering before you get started.
1. Get clear on what you want your website to achieve
It sounds obvious, but it's easy to jump straight into thinking about colours, layouts and photographs without considering what the website actually needs to do.
Do you want more enquiries?
More bookings?
To explain a new service?
To build trust with potential clients?
To reach a different audience?
Your goals will influence everything from your page structure to your messaging and calls to action.
Start with the outcome you want, then work backwards.
2. Think about the people you want to attract
Your website shouldn't just describe your business. It should help the right people recognise that you're the right person to help them.
Think about your ideal clients. What are they looking for? What questions do they ask? What might stop them from getting in touch?
The clearer you are about your audience, the easier it becomes to create useful content that speaks to them.
You don't have to appeal to everyone. In fact, being more specific can make your website much more effective. A review of your existing website will show us what's working well and what needs improving.
3. Take stock of your existing content
Before you start writing everything from scratch, look at what you already have.
Which pages are still relevant? Which services need updating? Do you have testimonials, case studies, photographs or useful articles that could be carried forward?
It's also worth looking at your existing search performance and important URLs before making significant changes. A redesign should protect valuable content and search visibility wherever possible.
A new website doesn't mean starting with a blank page.
4. Decide what you really need
It's tempting to add every possible feature to a new website, but more isn't always better.
Start with the essentials. What information do visitors need? Which pages will help them make a decision? What actions do you want them to take?
You might need a straightforward five-page website, or you might need booking functionality, a resource library or a more extensive service structure.
The right solution depends on your business, your audience and your budget. I'll help you map out everything you need in your Web Strategy Workshop.
5. Work with someone who makes the process easier
One of the things my clients often tell me is how much easier the whole web process feels when they're working with me.
And I can understand why. When you're self-employed or running a small business, your business, your website and your own identity are often closely intertwined. You know your business inside out, but stepping back to look at it objectively, pinpoint what makes you different and put that into words can be surprisingly difficult and time-consuming.
That's where having an experienced web designer in your corner makes all the difference.
I bring a fresh pair of eyes to your business, helping you identify your strengths, uncover what makes you stand out and communicate your value clearly. I'll guide you through the process, ask the right questions and help you make decisions, without leaving you to figure everything out on your own.
The result? A website that feels genuinely you, reflects the business you've worked hard to build and makes the whole process feel far less daunting.
You don't have to figure it all out yourself
If you're thinking about a new website but aren't sure where to begin, that's where a strategy and planning session can help.
We'll look at your business, your goals, your audience and your current website, then work out what you need and how to approach the project.
It gives you a clearer direction before committing to a full redesign.
And if a new website isn't necessary, I'll tell you that too. Sometimes a focused refresh is all that's needed.
Make your new website part of your 2027 plans
If improving your website is one of your goals for the new year, don't wait until January to start thinking about it. A little preparation now can help you hit the ground running in 2027.
Your website is where people go to get a professional view of your business, ensuring that you are experienced, bonified and qualified to work with.
Making sure it reflects who you are, what you do and who you want to work with can help you start the new year with confidence and make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Whether you need a few improvements or a completely new website, we can work out the best next step together.
Review it.
Refresh it.
Replace it.
Together we'll make your website ready for 2027.
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