“Website Shame” is a term I use when you’re embarrassed to promote your website. Several issues could cause it.
- Maybe the design is a bit outdated
- You’ve updated your packages and services
- Maybe your target audience has shifted
- Or, you’ve simply outgrown your site
It’s the feeling you get when the website you have no longer represents the quality of your services. You know you have website shame when you cringe a little bit sending someone to your site for more information because you’re no longer 100% in alignment with what they’ll find.
Website Shame is an Expensive Mistake for 2 Big Reasons!
1. You don’t show up and play full out in your business when you don’t feel proud of your site.
How do you feel when you’re in a social setting, like a party or conference, and you don’t feel particularly good about what you’re wearing? If you’re like me, you tend to be on the shy side and you want to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
Compare that to how you feel when you’re dressed for success and you feel dynamite in what you’re wearing.
Feeling great about how you look gives you a whole new level of confidence and you show up in an entirely different way. That’s what happens to my clients when we’re launching their new site. They CAN’T WAIT to show it off!
2. You’re losing potential leads if you aren’t making a good first impression with visitors!
Stanford’s web credibility research project revealed that 75% of people judge the credibility of a business based on the design of its website.
Combine that with the study that revealed you only have 50 ms to make a good impression with your website visitors before they form an opinion!
If you haven’t piqued their interest the moment they landed on your site, you’re behind the game, having to play catch-up.
And it goes without saying … if you’re one of those businesses who doesn’t have a website, you’re not even in the game.
3. You’re missing out on potential sales.
Having a website that works and you’re proud to promote is like having a salesperson working for you 24/7!
If you have to “sell” on your sales calls, your website isn’t doing its job.
Frequently, by the time I get on the phone with someone, 90% of their questions have been answered. I’ve earned their trust. They know what I do and the results my clients achieve.
This allows me to show up to our calls relaxed and ready to serve them at the highest level possible. I’m confident my website has given them the details. My only job is to ask questions about their budget, why they want to build a site, and their goals for a new website. That way I can show them the options we have that fit their goals, budget, and needs.
There is no “selling” involved. I love it. And my clients love it because they don’t feel “sold” to.
They can learn what they need to know to make an educated decision at their own pace, and by the time they contact me, they are simply looking for reassurance that they’ve made a good decision.
How to Overcome Website Shame
If you’re realizing that website shame may be holding you back in your business, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Here’s an easy 3-step process for evaluating if you need a new site.
- Evaluate your site with fresh eyes: Why don’t you like it? What specifically do you not like? What would you change if you could wave a magic wand over it and have it just the way you want it? Can these things be changed without a website redesign? If yes, change them. If not, keep digging.
- Go beyond your option and take a look at the data:
- According to Google Analytics, how is your site performing with your visitors? Is your bounce rate really high or are your visitors sticking around? Remember, your bounce rate will vary depending on the type of content you’re measuring and your industry.
- What is your conversion rate? How many leads are you generating from your website? Is your website generating revenue for you right now? If so, how much? Use our free tool to calculate your website’s conversion rate and annual revenue. This free ROI calculator will help you determine how quickly a new site could pay for itself.
- If it seems like a new website may be a good idea:
- If you’d like our help building a custom site, schedule a free strategy call with us so we can talk about your business goals and website needs, so we can present you with possible options for getting a website you love that grows your business for you!
- If you’re more of a DIYer, we have options for you too. Check out the Get Leads & Clients Masterclass!
Website shame keeps you from showing up and playing full out in your business. It prevents potential clients from considering your business as a viable option for them. And it makes it harder to sell your products and services.
If you’re feeling like website shame is an issue that’s holding you back in your business, do something about it. There are people out there who NEED what you offer.
❤️Heather
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