This One Weird Thing Helps Me Make Websites Better
You know what makes a really good website? Of course, you need the usual suspects. A thoughtful strategy, an intuitive layout, clean design and our good mate, SEO.
But there’s one weird little thing I do that consistently helps me make websites better. It’s not in any design textbook. It’s not a hot new productivity hack and it doesn’t involve AI.
It’s this:
I talk it out.
Out loud.
To my dog.
While he doesn’t know anything about typography or mobile responsiveness, somehow, when I’m stuck, saying my design dilemma out loud to him helps me to untangle it.
“Okay, if I move the services section up, does that make the newsletter signup too hidden?”
“Should this client’s call-to-action be ‘Book a Call’ or ‘Let’s Chat’? What is their main goal again?”
Mikey blinks. He stretches. He very often farts. He sighs like a tired old soul (who is more than likely tired of my mutterings).
And suddenly I’ll hear the answer in head.
It’s ridiculous, I know.
And it works.
Here’s the thing: talking out loud to my dog Mikey, or talking to anyone or anything, slows my thoughts down enough to hear what I actually think. Look, even Dr Who does it! There is an ep where his companion (River Song) asks if there’s a plan, and he responds saying, “I don’t know, I’m not done talking yet”. (Ep Flesh and Stone for any Whovians out there).
It helps me:
Clarify my own thinking - If I can’t explain the layout out loud, it probably doesn’t make sense on the screen either.
Spot clutter - Saying it out loud highlights what’s repetitive or trying too hard.
Design with empathy - It forces me to get out of my “designer brain” and into “confused visitor brain.”
Play - Better ideas flow when you feel playful!
There’s actual research behind this that explaining something out loud (even to an imaginary audience) improves problem-solving. So technically, Mikey is my creative accountability partner.
God, he’s good. He deserves a raise.
Whether you're designing from scratch, stuck down a Squarespace Q&A rabbit hole, or wondering why your site isn't doing its job, here are 3 easy, and slightly weird ways to actually make your website better:
1. Talk it out
Say what you’re trying to do. Out loud. To your pet, your plant, your partner or your John Lennon picture on the wall.
“Okay, I want people to sign up for my newsletter … but first, I’m showing them five testimonials … hmm … wrong spot”
2. Narrate your clicks
Click through your website like a visitor and say what you’re doing:
“Looking for the contact form, do I understand where to go… nope, that’s blog posts… ohhh I need to make that clearer.”
3. Ask silly questions
Would someone who doesn’t know me get this?
Would I read this whole paragraph?
What would confused Aunt Norma do right now?
These simple exercises force clarity and show you what’s working and what’s not. That’s how you make a website better: you test it like a human, not a robot. Beep boop.
I’m not saying your website needs a dog involved, but also, why not? No, what I am saying is it needs:
Space
Intention
Empathy
And sometimes, a little weirdness to break through the fog.
If you want a website that’s not just pretty, but purposeful and designed to connect with real humans (possibly even ones who talk to their pets), I’d love to help.
Let’s build something beautiful.
🐾 Bonus points if your dog wants to join the call.
Book a free 20-minute call with me →
Or email me and tell me your weird creative ritual, I’m all ears (and so is Mikey).
