Help! I Need a Professional Website For The First Time
You need to design a professional website, but you're stuck staring at a blank screen, wondering where to begin. Maybe you've been running your business through Instagram, relying on word of mouth, or simply putting it off until "someday." Now that it's time to take the leap, it feels overwhelming.
Breathe easy. You're not alone, and you're not behind. This post is here to walk you through everything you need to know to get started calmly, clearly, and with zero jargon overload.
Having an efficient website isn't just about looking legit, it’s about building trust and giving your audience a clear, easy way to connect with you.
Here’s what an expertly designed website does:
✔ Establishes your credibility (especially important for new businesses)
✔ Makes it easy for people to find and contact you
✔ Works for you 24/7—even while you sleep
✔ Gives you control (unlike social media platforms)
Think of it as your online home base. Something you own, shape, and can grow with you over time.
Not sure what the difference is between a casual website and a professional-looking website? It’s a good question, I created a checklist of essentials to help:
| Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Custom domain | Instantly builds trust (yourbusiness.com) |
| Mobile-friendly design | Over 60% of traffic comes from phones |
| Clear navigation | Visitors shouldn’t get lost |
| Strong branding | Consistent fonts, colours, and imagery |
| Calls to action | Help people take the next step (buy, book, contact) |
| Great copywriting | Words that connect, not confuse |
| SEO basics | So people can actually find your site |
Before hiring a designer or diving into a website builder, here’s what to gather:
Your goals – What do you want your site to do? (Sell, book, share, showcase …)
Branding elements – Logo, colour palette, photos (or placeholders to start)
Website copy – Or at least a rough draft of your key messages
Platform decisions – Like Squarespace, WordPress, Shopify, etc. E.g. you are selling items, look at where you want to sell, and the credit card fees as Shopify is the better option for selling products worldwide (in my opinion)
Budget + timeline – Knowing these helps you make clear decisions
DIY is a great option if you’re tech-savvy, have time, and a limited budget. It often comes with a steep learning curve and takes longer than expected. So if you do go this route, please be patient and kind to yourself.
Hiring a web designer can take the mental load off your plate and help you get the website you deserve faster, with better results. You're also less likely to end up stuck midway.
All that said, do what is best for you and your needs right now.
Starting your first website can feel like a lot. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to get it going and go from there.
Start with the essentials, keep your audience in mind, and let the rest evolve as your business grows.
And if you’re still unsure where to start, I’d love to help.
Need a professional website but still feeling stuck?
Book a free 20-minute call with me, and I’ll help you get clear on your next steps, no pressure, just honest advice.
