Pretty vs Performance : What to prioritize in your website’s design

You’ve finally decided to launch a new website (after taking my free course, perhaps?) or that it's time to give you existing site a facelift. Exciting news, let's break out the bubbly!

But before your site can go live, you’ve got to take care of all the heavy lifting and actually build and design the website. It’s important to slow down and think critically about the website design process if you want to do it right the first time. Not everyone has time for a starter website!

If you aren’t clear on your website’s goals, it’s nearly impossible to build a website that fits your brand, generates leads AND helps grow your business. When the focus of a website is purely on aesthetics and the design ignores the goals, the best case scenario is that you end up with an appealing website that doesn't perform how you want it to. The truth is, however, that often you’ve just wasted everyone’s time and a whole lot of money. Whomp whomppppp.

In my opinion, we can do better than that.

Today we are going to take a look at what I prioritize in my custom website projects and look at the relationship between pretty and performance websites.

How to have a website on the side without getting fired from your day job

Having a website is all the rage right now. It seems like everyone and their cat runs a website, has a blog, or is growing an online presence in some way or another. There’s no shortage of projects to work on or ways to tinker around on the internet, and a website is one of the most obvious ways to do that.

I’m a huge fan of people having their own website, whether it’s for business or personal reasons. Maybe it's a lifestyle blog, a portfolio, a place to write about your thoughts on current events, or a way to share stories of your life with others. Your website could also be part of a bigger side hustle, for example if it’s an e-commerce site, a place to sell your services, a monthly membership site, whatever - the sky is the limit. Side websites can act as a creative outlet but they can also turn into lucrative side-hustle when done properly.

I know loads of people who work a regular 9-5 and have a website that they run on the side and let me say, I friggin’ LOVE that. Own your place on the internet, yo!

But if you do decide to work a regular job AND run a website on the side, make sure you do it right and don't get fired! Take a look at things to consider so that both can coexist happily from here on out.

BusinessCharlotte O'HaraMarch 21, 2018side website, build a website, grow website, growth, side hustleComment

How and why having a strong purpose leads to significant website growth

Websites are funny things, when you think about it.

They're a little slice of the internet than anyone can claim and there are literally a million and one topics covered out there. Whether your website is a personal blog or is intended to support your business, there's room for everyone online.

But, as the saying goes, not all websites are created equally.

I've written before about how it's not as easy as cranking out some text, slapping a few pictures up and calling it a day. A good website requires thoughtful content, intentional design, and a clear intention. That's what sets the winners apart : they aren't satisfied with simply being "there". Instead, their owners/managers are always pushing the sites to grow and expand their reach.

As a web designer/developer, I work on my own website(s) every day as well as those of my clients. I've honestly seen it all and can pinpoint from the start which websites will see significant growth - and which ones will not.

Luckily, my friends, a successful website is NOT rocket science! It does, however, take time and effort to execute correctly.

You could spend your time Googling every tip & trick out there, or throwing method after method at the wall hoping something sticks. Eventually, something will work but you'll be exhausted and will probably hate yourself.

Alternatively, I've shared what I know works for me and my clients, and you can apply my pointers on your own websites. Let's get started.

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