Let's debunk some website strategy myths

Have you ever googled "how to improve my website" and found yourself overwhelmed by all the advice out there? I know I have. And the problem isn’t just the sheer volume of advice. It's that SO much of it is outdated, misleading, or just flat-out wrong.

When you're running a service-based business, your website is often the first (and sometimes the only) impression potential clients get of you. So, it’s understandable that you want to make sure you’re doing it right. But with so many "website experts" out there shouting conflicting advice, it’s hard to know who or what to trust.

In my (almost) 10 years of working in website design, I’ve seen a lot of myths that just won’t die. So, in this post, let’s debunk some of the most common website strategy myths and get to the heart of what you, as a service-based business owner, really need to know.

Myth 1: “A website is just a digital brochure.”

This is one of the oldest myths in the book. Sure, your website might look like a brochure at first glance—offering details about your services, your pricing, and your contact info—but it’s actually so much more than that. A website should be the hub of your business. It’s where your clients go to learn about you, engage with your brand, and ultimately make a decision to work with you. If your website is just a static brochure with no clear direction or calls to action, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.

The real truth: Your website needs to be a strategic tool for growing your business. It should guide visitors to take action—whether that’s booking a service, signing up for your newsletter, or contacting you for more information. Simple, passive information just doesn’t cut it anymore.

My advice: Make sure your website includes clear calls to action (CTAs) on every page. Want someone to book a session? Put a “Book Now” button front and centre. Want to build your email list? Add a newsletter sign-up form. Your website should always be working towards a goal.

Myth 2: “More content = better website.”

I get it. When you’re first building your website, it’s easy to think that the more information you cram in, the more likely you are to impress your visitors and convert them into customers. But here’s the thing: Too much content can overwhelm your visitors and muddy the message you’re trying to communicate.

The real truth: Quality over quantity. A cluttered website with walls of text is a surefire way to drive people away. In fact, research shows that web users tend to skim content rather than reading every word. You want to make sure your message is clear, concise, and to the point.

My advice: Review your website regularly and ask yourself if every piece of content is necessary. Does it serve a purpose? Does it help guide visitors to take the next step? If not, simplify or remove it.

Myth 3: “Your website needs to be everything for everyone.”

When you’re building a website, it's tempting to try to cover all of your bases. You want to appeal to as many people as possible and offer every product or service you can think of. But here’s the thing: Trying to be everything to everyone will only dilute your message and confuse your audience.

The real truth: You need to focus on your target audience and their needs. By narrowing your focus and tailoring your website to speak directly to the people who are most likely to convert, you’ll be much more successful.

My advice: Take the time to clearly define your ideal customer. Who are they? What are their pain points? What solution are you offering them? Once you know the answers to these questions, adjust your website design and content to speak directly to them. This will help you stand out and make a stronger impact.

Myth 4: “SEO is a one-time task.”

SEO (search engine optimisation) is crucial for getting your website to rank well on search engines like Google. However, some business owners mistakenly think that SEO is a one-time task—something you do when you first launch your website, and then forget about it.

The real truth: SEO is an ongoing process. While there are initial steps you should take to optimise your website when it’s first built (like keyword research, optimising images, and creating SEO-friendly content), it’s not something you can just set and forget.

My advice: Set aside time each month to check in on your website’s SEO performance. Are you ranking for your target keywords? Are there new opportunities to optimise your content? SEO isn’t a one-off task—it’s an ongoing effort that evolves with your business.

Myth 5: “Your website design doesn’t need to evolve once it’s live.”

Once your website is up and running, it’s easy to think that the job is done. But if you’re not updating and improving your website, you’re missing out on opportunities to engage your visitors, improve user experience, and stay ahead of the competition.

The real truth: Your website should be a living, breathing entity that evolves as your business grows and changes. This includes updating your content, tweaking your design, and adding new features as needed.

My advice: Regularly review your website for improvements. Are there new services or products to showcase? Is the design still aligned with your brand? Have there been any changes in your business that need to be reflected? Keep your website fresh and relevant, and you’ll keep your audience engaged.

Have I helped to debunk some website strategy myths?

There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to website advice. Some of it helpful, some of it not so much. The key is to separate the myths from the facts and focus on what truly matters for your business.

Remember, building a successful website strategy isn’t about trying to follow every trend or advice you read online. It’s about understanding your audience, honing in on your goals, and designing a website that evolves with your business.

Looking to re-design your website so that it aligns to your business strategy? That's where we come in! Take a look at our Website Design Service to see what we can do for you.