Although it can be tempting to rush into creating a website without a strategy, that’s like hosting a murder mystery party but forgetting to reveal the killer. Your guests would show up expecting a dramatic twist… but instead, there’s just awkward silence, and the whole thing falls flat.

Here are 3 steps to follow if you don’t want your website to be a dead end…

1. Choose the Theme | Clarify Your Key Messages

Imagine hosting a glam 1920’s murder mystery, but your guests show up in full Marvel cosplay 🤦‍♀️

Before designing your website, you need to set the foundation by crafting clear and compelling messaging. Ask yourself:

What’s the most important thing visitors should know in 5 seconds?
Why should they care?
What action do I want them to take?

Without a clear message, visitors will turn up to a party that feels like a hot mess.

DO: Pick the most important elements you want to convey.
DON’T: Try to communicate too many things. This can dilute the message and make it harder for the audience to connect with your brand.

2. Set the Mood | Develop a Style Guide

Have you been to a party where the theme was pulled off to absolute perfection? 👌

Everything works together for an immersive experience - the music, food, lighting, decorations. By creating a style guide, your brand’s visuals and messaging can weave together seamlessly. Here’s where to begin:

Colours: pick 2 to 4 brand colours that set the right tone
Fonts: choose 1 to 2 complementary typefaces for a polished look
Imagery: use consistent photography or graphic styles to reinforce your brand

When your visuals align, your brand feels intentional. Just like a well executed party theme.

DO: Create a foundation that can grow and adapt as your brand does. Less is more applies here!
DON’T: Choose too many elements that won’t work together.

3. Keep it Intimate | Start Small

I avoid unnecessary stress, so you won’t catch me inviting 500 guests to my first ever murder-mystery party. I’d start small and try to pull off a fun and memorable event. (Look, if I suddenly become an A-lister with a team of helpers, I might change my tune.)

Your website should be the same. Instead of building a complex, multi-page site right away, start with a simple website that:

Clearly states who you are and what you offer
Has one focused call to action (book a call, sign up, buy now)
Guides visitors seamlessly towards the next step

A smaller, curated guest list allows you to ensure everyone has a good time. Likewise, with a well-crafted one-page website, you can nail the essentials.

DO: Start with a One-Page Website
DON’T: Host a blog that has one post from 4 years ago.

The Takeaway

A successful website doesn’t happen by accident. It’s carefully planned, just like a great party.

By clarifying your key messages, developing a style guide, and starting small, you’ll have a website that keeps visitors engaged and leads them exactly where you want them to go.

Case closed? Or do you need help uncovering more clues about why your website isn’t working?