Fix Your Boring As-Can-Be website ASAP
10 Step-By-Step Tips
If Your Site Feels Like It Blends In With The Rest, It's Time For A Change
Your website should do more than just sit there. It should grab attention, build trust, and prove why you’re the best at what you do.
Michael has these step-by-step tips to help you turn your website around.
Here’s Michael’s Top Steps on Making Your Website a True Reflection of Your Expertise
Tip 1: Make a Strong First Impression
Your homepage is like a first handshake – it sets the tone. If it feels cold or forgettable, visitors won’t stick around
A strong homepage should have a bold statement, engaging visuals, and a clear reason to stay
- Think about your own experience online. If you land on a site that feels cluttered or generic, do you stay? Probably not.
- Your homepage should instantly communicate who you are, what you do, and why it matters – no fluff, no confusion.
- Your homepage should also tell people what they’ll gain by being there. Instead of generic greetings, give them a reason to explore further.
- Highlight key services, show an engaging video, or add a personal message that feels warm and inviting.
Tip 2: Use Real Photos and Videos
Stock Photos Make Your Website Feel Lifeless
Stock images are becoming easier to spot. Instead, show your real team, your real work, and your real impact.
Videos are even better. They don’t need to be fancy – just authentic. Let people see the passion behind what you do.
A quick explainer video, a day-in-the-life clip, or even a simple message from you builds a connection instantly.
Real People Trust Real People
If you work in a service-based industry, show clips of your team in action. Let people hear your voice, see your enthusiasm, and get a glimpse of what it’s like to work with you.
That personal touch can make all the difference. You could post pictures or video’s showing who you are and what you do.
Michael’s Tips on Stock Photos
You need 60% that are real photos and you can get away with about 40% stock photos. Don’t let stock photos look like stock photos.
Make sure that the lighting’s not perfect or that they’re not doing something like high fives. The photo should look real and not scripted.
Tip 3: Share Advice, Not Just Services
Your Website Shouldn’t Just List What You Do – It Should Help People
Offer real, useful information that shows you know your stuff. Step-by-step guides, quick tips, or even personal insights make visitors see you as the expert.
Think of it this way: if someone leaves your site knowing more than when they arrived, they’re more likely to come back – or even better, to work with you.
Be The Go-To Source, Not Just Another Option
For example, if you offer NDIS services, you could write a guide on “How to Prepare for Your First NDIS Plan Meeting Without Losing Sleep.”
If you’re a consultant, create a checklist on “5 Mistakes That Could Be Killing Your Credibility With Support Coordinators.” Real value keeps people engaged and builds trust.
Be More Niche
If you specialize in helping people with complex mental health, talk about “How to Prepare for Your First NDIS Plan Meeting When You Have Complex Mental Health.”
Tip 4: Write Like a Human, Not a Robot
Too many websites sound like they were written for a corporate meeting, not real people. If your content is stuffed with jargon and sounds like a government brochure, it’s time to loosen up.
Write Like You’re Having A Conversation
Keep it simple, friendly, and to the point. People trust content that feels natural. And the best part? Google actually prefers this style too. Win-win.
If you’re unsure if your content sounds natural, read it out loud. Does it sound like something you’d actually say to a participant? If not, simplify it.
Tip 5: Make Contacting You Easy
A Complicated Contact Page Chases People Away
If visitors have to dig to find a way to reach you, they’ll give up. Your contact page should be clear, simple, and welcoming.
Cut out anything unnecessary – just include the basics: name, email, phone, and a short message box. And add a friendly touch, like “We’d love to hear from you!” A little warmth goes a long way.
Make sure there’s more than one way to contact you. Some people prefer emails, others like phone calls, and some want a quick chat option. Give them choices.
Tip 6: Show, Don’t Just Tell
Anyone can claim they’re an expert. The real proof? Case studies, testimonials, and success stories.
If You Help People, Show The Results
Share a real story of how your service made a difference. A before-and-after example? Even better. People trust evidence, not empty claims.
Let’s say you help NDIS participants find suitable accommodation. Instead of just saying, “We provide the best support,” show a story of someone who found the perfect home with your help.
Make it personal and engaging.
Tip 7: Stop Using Jargon…After All, You're Not a Support Coordinator
Using big words doesn’t make you sound smarter – it makes your site harder to read. Keep things clear and straightforward.
The best experts explain complex ideas in simple, relatable ways – If your website reads like an instruction manual, visitors will check out. Talk to them, don’t lecture them.
Think about your ideal participant – if they wouldn’t use a particular term in everyday conversation, you probably don’t need it either. Clarity beats complexity every time.
Tip 8: Remove Barriers to Contact
Your Contact Info Should Be Impossible To Miss
If visitors have to hunt for a phone number or email, that’s a problem. Place it at the top, in the footer, and on the contact page.
Want to go a step further? Live chat or a simple “Call Now” button can make connecting even easier.
Keep it simple, friendly, and to the point. People trust content that feels natural. And the best part? Google actually prefers this style too. Win-win.
If you’re unsure if your content sounds natural, read it out loud. Does it sound like something you’d actually say to a participant? If not, simplify it.
When People Are Ready To Reach Out, Don’t Make Them Work For It
If you have social media, link it clearly. Some people prefer to message through Facebook or Instagram rather than email. Meet people where they are.
Tip 9: Make Your Content Unique
If your site sounds like every other one out there, why would someone choose you? Be different. Share your personal story, your unique approach, and what makes you stand out.
Your Voice Matters
Whether you’re lighthearted, bold, or straight to the point, let that personality shine. People remember brands that feel real.
For example, if your competitors use a lot of stiff, formal language, shake things up with a more relaxed and engaging tone. Stand out by being approachable.
Tip 10: Keep It Fresh
A Website Isn’t Set-And-Forget, It Should Grow And Evolve With You
The best websites stay updated with new insights, fresh content, and an improved user experience.Set a reminder to review your site every few months.
Does it still reflect your brand? Is the content still useful? If not, make some updates. Your website should be as dynamic as your business.
Think of it like a garden. If you don’t check in regularly, weeds start creeping in. Keep your site fresh with new testimonials, blog posts, or updated service pages.
Hopefully These Tips Help, You Can Reach Out if You Need a Hand
If there’s anything else I can do to help you, let me know.
But job one for you is go to empoweringabilityjourney.com.au and have a look around and see what we end up turning it into for him.