Curated Essex Artists & Artisans

6 Quick & Simple Steps to Make Your Website Work Wonders

Being a creative business owner offers endless potential, but are you ready to make bold decisions to increase your income?

 

Is Your Website Really Easy to Use?


When it comes to improving your website, simplicity is key. The goal? Make your website effortless for visitors to read, navigate, and shop without distractions.
 A smooth journey on your site should feel intuitive. If it’s tough to find what they want, they won’t stick around. And let’s face it—people’s patience is thin. It’s up to you to ensure they can easily discover what you offer and make a purchase or enquiry with minimal effort.
The moment someone lands on your homepage, they should immediately grasp what you do and who your products or services are for. Fun fact: The average visitor spends less than 6 seconds deciding if they’ll stick around. So, make that first impression count with clear imagery and a strong message about who you are and what you provide.
Create a simple, straightforward navigation menu with clear categories like Home, Shop, Blog, About, and Contact. Avoid confusing labels or overcrowding. Simplicity is clarity—help your visitors find their way without the hassle.
If you run an e-commerce site, make it a breeze for people to shop. A “SHOP” heading should be easily visible, with well-lit product images and concise descriptions. If you want people to reach out for commissions or inquiries, simply say “Contact Me” and link it to your email.
Break up large text blocks with short paragraphs, relevant sub-headings, and bullet points to make content easy on the eyes. Add imagery to make reading a pleasant experience.
Want to know how your website truly feels? Ask a friend or colleague to test it out. Observe how they interact with your site without interrupting. Ask them for honest feedback:
• Did they find what they were looking for?
• Was the process clear and easy?
• Were there any steps that confused them?
Remember, a user-friendly site is not only better for your visitors, it boosts your Google ranking too! Search engines prioritize websites that are easy to navigate, so make sure your site meets those expectations.
2. Images Make All the Difference
. Great images don’t just make your website look good—they help attract your ideal clients, showcase your expertise, and can even boost your sales.
Your images should reflect the quality of your work. Whether you’re showcasing the fine details of your creations or the beauty of your materials, high-quality images will make all the difference.
Capture close-ups of your items—showcase textures, colors, and craftsmanship.
If you can, invest in professional photography. It’s an investment that often pays for itself quickly. But if that’s not in the budget, try to take the best photos you can, using tips on lighting, backgrounds, and angles.
Did you know images also help your SEO? Properly optimized images can bring more visitors to your site. Here’s how:
• Use descriptive file names (e.g., “handmade-ceramic-mug.jpg” rather than “IMG1234.jpg”).
• Add Alt text to each image, making sure to include keywords relevant to the image.
• Resize images to prevent slow loading times, which can harm both your user experience and SEO.
A well-optimized image makes your site more likely to appear in search results, increasing your chances of being found by potential customers.
3. Define Your Voice
. What do you want your website to communicate about you and your work? Your tone of voice matters—it’s a powerful way to express your brand’s personality and connect with your audience.
Do you want to come across as friendly and approachable? Or perhaps more polished and professional? Your website’s voice should reflect the essence of your business.
Think about the words you use and the feeling you want to evoke. For example:
• If you’re aiming for a fun, casual vibe, let your personality shine in product descriptions.
• If you’re positioning yourself as an expert, share in-depth knowledge about your work.
The words you choose can make or break a connection with potential clients. Consider the language they would use and make sure to speak to them in a way they relate to.
Also, think about how your website is laid out. The font should complement your brand, be readable, and consistent throughout your site. Fonts can make a huge difference in your website’s usability—so keep them simple and clear!
4. Boost Visibility with Keywords in Your URLs. 
Don’t underestimate the power of your URLs—they’re vital for helping potential customers find your site through search engines. The trick is to use the right keywords to make your pages more discoverable.
Here’s how:
• When creating new pages or blog posts, make sure the URL includes relevant keywords.
• If you offer commissions, include a dedicated page with specific keywords like “personalised-wedding-stationery”.
Including location-based keywords in your URLs is essential for local businesses. This helps potential customers find you when they’re searching for specific services in their area.
This simple step can significantly improve your site’s SEO and traffic.
5. Keep Track of Your Website’s Performance
. Understanding how your website is performing is essential for long-term growth. Review your numbers regularly to keep track of how visitors interact with your site.
Here’s a simple SEO tip: Pages with a word count of at least 250 tend to rank better. So if you’re looking to improve a product or service page, aim for longer descriptions. Use relevant keywords throughout your content, such as the materials, colors, or uses of your product.
Google Analytics (or a similar tool) is essential for tracking your website’s performance. Monitor where your visitors come from, what pages they visit most, and how long they stay.
Also, pay attention to conversion rates. A typical website conversion rate is 2.5-3%. To achieve your sales goals, you’ll need to attract a steady flow of traffic. Adjust your marketing efforts—whether it’s through SEO, social media, or email—to drive more people to your site.
6. Add Value to Keep Visitors Coming Back. 
Your website should offer value. Don’t just sell your products—share knowledge, inspire, and engage your audience. Think about what draws your ideal customers in and keeps them interested.
When writing product descriptions, go beyond the basics. Share stories about your inspiration, ideas for how customers can use your products, and suggestions for complementary items. Create a connection by using emotive, descriptive language.

The Bottom Line

Consider writing blog posts that offer value too. Share your expertise, your creative process, or even personal stories. Show your personality and let visitors see the real you behind the work.
Your goal is to build trust and create lasting relationships with your customers. When your website offers more than just a shopping experience—when it educates, entertains, and connects—it will naturally build loyalty and keep customers coming back for more.

 

Have a lovely day!
Love, Katy x