How to Build a High-Converting DIY Website
Your go-to recipe for DIYing a successful website
Want to DIY your website … but don’t know where to begin when it comes to creating something that’ll actually convert? We’re here to help!
There’s a secret family recipe that Brea brings out for special occasions. It’s been guarded by the Galpers’ for generations and is truly the tastiest apple pie you’ll ever experience.
And while the pie is undeniably a crowd-pleaser, the truth is that Brea has been polishing and perfecting her own recipe in recent years; one to help you DIY a high-converting website!
Because just like making and mastering [insert recipe] involves using the right ingredients in the right way, DIYing your successful website is all about following the right steps, too. And we’ve got those exact steps whipped up and ready to roll for you.
How to DIY a high-converting website
Write killer web copy.
If you haven’t heard of the phrase ‘web copy’ before, it’s basically the words on your website. Your web copy is super important. It’s there to not only tell your audience what you do (in a way they can easily understand), but also persuade your dream customer that you’re THE business for them.
But don’t stress, you don’t have to write a novel’s worthy of copy for your website to convert. We recommend writing copy that’s bite-sized and easy for your guests to scan. You don’t want to bog them down in the minute details of your experience yet. For now, your website copy should build trust and set you up to easily convert.
Still worried you won’t know what to write? Our high-converting DIY website templates come with copy prompts to help you write killer words for your website.
Create a powerful impact statement.
Do you have a one-liner up your sleeve that you can use to clearly articulate the value of your business, brand and offerings? If not, make sure you have one ready before you DIY your website. Having an impact statement makes it so much easier to explain why you. They can also connect you with your audience in a more meaningful way so it feels like you’re speaking directly to them.
Struggling with inspo? One of our impact statements is, “Creative templates that give you permission to shift your side-hustle into a full-time success story.” Notice how we’ve told you not only what we offer but the transformation that can happen as a result of our offering too? This invites you to imagine what life will be like once you build your successful biz (which is at the heart of our mission!)
You can go ahead and make your own impact statement here.
Use polished website design (that makes you look like a pro!)
Your website design should work with your business goals … not against them. Which means avoiding website design that’s too complicated and confusing. You want your design to be like Brea’s family recipe: Delicious and easy to digest!
And just in case you’ve forgotten😉, our DIY website templates have already been designed FOR you! Just customize with your branding and copy, then launch and love your high-converting website! Come on over and check the templates out here.
Have an email opt-in or freebie available.
The key? It has to make sense and add value for your audience. Our Brand Starter Kit was crafted to help start-ups and small businesses sort out the basics for their first – or best! – brand. We put a LOT of thought into this baby to ensure it truly supported our audience.
Make sure you do the same so you’re gifting your audience with something that will help them with what they’re struggling with.
Keep your website imagery on brand.
Curious how we consistently create websites that convert? One of our secret ingredients is cohesiveness! Every single element of your site should be in alignment with your existing brand (or the brand you’re creating – and if you’re DIYing yours, be sure to check out our DIY Canva Brand Templates here.
This alignment includes – but is not limited to – your website imagery (aka your photography, illustrations and iconography). If you don’t have the budget for professional brand photos at first, make sure you choose stock photography that reflects your visual brand and business.
Unsure how to source good photos for your website? Read this article next [link to stock photography article].
Stick to simplified offers.
FYour website is a multitasking hero, but its two main tasks is to build trust with your audience and get them ready to convert with you. It isn’t there to confuse or overwhelm them. So as much as you might want to offer up a million things – or tell your audience about a million different things – you need to keep your site simple and straightforward.
This means having a solid suite of offers and sticking to just those. At Style & the Storyteller we do three things really, really well: We design custom brands and websites, we offer DIY Canva brand templates, and we sell DIY website templates. Simple. 😉
Create clear and direct call to actions.
We know your website might feel like the be all to end all of converting your customers. But the truth is that your website isn’t the final destination for your customers – it’s just part of their journey. And each page of your website should be designed to help them progress in that journey.
To guide them in this progression, your website needs clear call to actions. These are buttons and copy that guide your visitor in their next step and where you want them to go next. Some examples are:
Book [x] service
Sign up for [x] freebie
Book a consultation call
Make sure your website is clearly guiding your visitors so they can take these actions and convert.
Okay, you’ve got the steps to website success … now get the strategy and style!
Psst – that’s our call to action … and your next step! 😉
