Does Your Website Suck?

Let’s get real: your website is either working for your business or actively working against it. There is no in-between. If you’re a small business owner who’s poured hours (and likely some dollars) into your online presence, the last thing you want is to discover that your site is silently turning people away.

But… how do you know if your website is actually doing its job?

I’ve worked with enough small business owners to know most people suspect something’s off, but they’re not quite sure what to look for. That’s where this quick, beginner-friendly website audit comes in.

No jargon, no techy deep-dives—just a straight-talking checklist to help you find out if your site needs a little tough love. And if it does? I’ve got some quick fixes and pro tips for that, too.

Pretend you’ve never seen your website before. Open it up and give yourself five seconds. That’s how long it takes for someone to decide if they’re going to stick around or bounce back to Google.

Ask yourself:

• Is it immediately clear what I offer?
• Do I say who I serve?
• Is the main headline helpful, not just clever?

Fix It Tip: Your homepage hero section (the top part of a website’s homepage—it’s the first thing visitors see) should do three things—tell people what you do, who it’s for, and what to do next. This is your first impression, not a place to play hard-to-get.

Want help refining your messaging? That’s where creative branding comes in.

Let me say this gently: if your website takes longer than 3 seconds to load, people are leaving. Attention spans are short. People are busy. You’re not the only tab open.

Audit It: Run your site through PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. If you’re in the red, that’s a red flag.

Fix It Tip:

• Compress your images.
• Ditch unnecessary plugins.
• Use modern hosting.
• Get off that outdated website builder, friend.

Need a speed upgrade and design refresh? My web design services cover both.

Quick stat: Over 60% of web traffic is mobile these days. If your site looks great on desktop but goes full Picasso on a phone, we’ve got a problem.

Audit It: Pull up your site on your phone and tablet. Click around. Is everything readable? Are the buttons clickable? Does the menu work?

Fix It Tip: Use a mobile-responsive layout. Prioritize finger-friendly buttons. Keep it clean, uncluttered, and thumb-scroll approved.

Your user experience shouldn’t depend on screen size. I offer UX consulting and mobile-first web design to help with this.

If your website feels like a scavenger hunt, people will quit before they convert.

Audit It: Your nav bar (menu bar) should have 5–7 clearly labeled items. If it’s more than that, consider cleaning house.

Fix It Tip: Think about your ideal customer’s journey. What pages do they need to see? Lead them there, clearly and confidently.

Great navigation is a key part of user experience and strategic web design.

A website without a call-to-action is like a salesperson who forgets to ask for the sale. You need to guide your visitors toward the next step—whether it’s booking a call, downloading a guide, or buying your product.

Audit It: Does every page have a clear next step?

Fix It Tip: Use buttons that stand out and use direct, active language like:

• Book a Free Call
• Get Your Freebie
• Start Your Project
• See Pricing

Need help writing persuasive copy or placing CTAs that convert? I offer branding and content strategy alongside design.

You don’t need to be a designer to spot an outdated website. Clashing colors, tiny fonts, grainy photos, and walls of text? Instant no.

Audit It:

• Are your brand colors consistent?
• Are your fonts modern and readable?
• Are your images high-quality and relevant?

Fix It Tip:

• Stick to two fonts max.
• Use generous spacing.
• Invest in professional branding, or at least a design refresh.

Yes, I do branding, and yes, it can actually be fun.

Even if your site looks great, boring or robotic copy will kill the vibe. You’re talking to real humans—let your personality show!

Audit It:

• Is the copy clear and conversational?
• Does it address your ideal customer’s needs or pain points?
• Is there too much “we” and not enough “you”?

Fix It Tip: Rewrite your homepage like you’re explaining what you do to a friend. Keep it helpful, direct, and a little human.

Great messaging is a key part of effective branding and customer experience.

If your dream client is Googling your service but can’t find you…ouch. That’s lost money.

Audit It:

• Do your pages have meta titles and descriptions?
• Are you using keywords (naturally)?
• Do your images have alt text?
• Are you blogging or updating content regularly?

Fix It Tip: Install an SEO plugin (like RankMath or Yoast), do some basic keyword research, and keep your content fresh.

Not sure where to start? My SEO services are beginner-friendly, results-focused, and tailored for small business budgets.

You can have a killer site, but if no one sees it…well, it’s like throwing a party and forgetting to invite people.

Social media drives traffic, builds trust, and makes your brand more human.

Fix It Tip: Get consistent with your socials. Share your story, showcase your work, and engage with your audience.

Need help showing up online without losing your mind? I offer social media management that actually fits into your life.

Let’s tally it up:

• 0–2 issues: You’re crushing it! Maybe just a few tweaks.
• 3–5 issues: Some DIY fixes can get you back on track.
• 6+ issues: Babe, it’s time for a makeover. Call me.