How to Make Your DIY Website Better

So, you built your own website—go you! Whether it was a late-night Squarespace hustle or a “just one more tweak” weekend project, you made it happen. That’s the kind of energy that gets a business off the ground.

But if your site’s been sitting untouched for months (or years) and you’re wondering why clients aren’t biting, I’m gonna lovingly tell you this: your DIY site might need a little TLC. Not because DIY is bad—but because when your website is your first impression, the details matter.

Let’s go through the top things to fix on your DIY site to help you get more inquiries, better bookings, and finally stop cringing when you send someone your link.

1. Your Headline Isn’t Doing Its Job

Your homepage headline is like the welcome mat to your brand. If it says something vague like “Welcome to my website” or “I’m so glad you’re here,” it’s not doing much to help a potential client know who you are or how you can help them.

🛠️ Fix it: Make your headline instantly clear and benefit-driven. Speak directly to the kind of client you serve, so your dream clients feel seen the second they land on your homepage.

Try something like:

• “Online Therapy for Women Ready to Heal, Grow, and Thrive—from Anywhere.” (for a therapist)

• “Modern Hair Styling in Lansing That Feels as Good as It Looks.” (for a stylist)

• “Business Coaching for Women Entrepreneurs Who Are Done Playing Small.” (for a coach)
  
  Make it specific. Speak to your people. And let them know they’re absolutely in the right place.

2. Your Navigation Is a Maze

If someone has to click five times to find your contact form or still doesn’t know what you offer after poking around your site, that’s a problem.

Confusing navigation = high bounce rate = fewer inquiries.

🛠️ Fix it: Your main menu should include:

• Home

• About

• Services (or Work With Me)

• Portfolio (if you have one)

• Contact
  
  Keep it simple. Think of it like your favorite brunch spot’s menu: easy to skim, no filler, and you instantly know what you’re ordering.

3. The Mobile Experience Is… Not It

Let’s be real—most people are finding your site on their phone, not a laptop. And if your site only looks good on desktop, you’re losing leads fast.

🛠️ Fix it: Pull up your website on your phone and actually click through it like a visitor. Is the text readable? Are buttons easy to tap? Are things overlapping or taking forever to load?

If you’re on Squarespace or another builder, check the mobile preview and make adjustments. Stack elements vertically. Give things breathing room. Make sure your fonts are legible without squinting.

4. The Visuals Feel Off

DIY doesn’t have to mean “thrown together,” but sometimes mismatched colors, blurry images, or weird spacing can make even the best content feel...off.

🛠️ Fix it:

• Choose a color palette of 2–3 brand colors and stick to it. You can have more colors, but honestly, a limited palette is more appealing and feels put together.

• Use high-quality photos—even iPhone pics can work if they’re well-lit.

• Create spacing between sections so it doesn’t feel like everything’s squished together.

• Bonus points for consistency in fonts and image editing.
  
  When in doubt, less is more. Clean and simple beats chaotic and cluttered every time.

5. The Copy Sounds Like a Resume

If your website copy (words) reads like you're applying for a job (“I’m passionate about helping others and started my business in 2021...”), it might not be connecting with your audience.

Your dream clients want to know what you do, how you can help them, and what it’s like to work with you—not just your backstory.

🛠️ Fix it: Shift from “me” to “you.” Start with what your client is struggling with and show how your service solves that.

Example:

Instead of:
“I started my business to help people with design.”
Try:
“You’re ready for a website that finally feels like you—and actually gets you booked. I’m here to make that happen without the tech stress.”

6. Your Contact Form Is Hard to Find (Or Broken)

You’ve done all this work to get them to the site, and now they can’t even reach you? 😩

🛠️ Fix it:

• Make your “Contact” link visible in your main menu and footer.

• Add a call to action (CTA) button that leads to your contact page on every main section (like under Services, About, and the homepage).

• Test the form. Yes, actually test it. Fill it out yourself to make sure it works and goes to the right inbox.
  
  

Pro tip #1: Add a short message above the form that reassures people of what happens next. Example: “I’ll get back to you within 2 business days with more details!”

Pro tip #2: Don’t just rely on the contact form, always display your direct email. It’s always great if someone wants to fill out your form, but you’re going to find that some people simply want to ask a question, so make it easy for them!

7. You’re Not Leading Visitors Anywhere

You might have the prettiest website site ever—but if you’re not telling people what to do next, they’ll bounce.

🛠️ Fix it: Every page should have a clear CTA:

• Want someone to book a call? Say it.

• Want them to fill out the form? Guide them there.

• Want them to read your blog? Link to your best post.

Add buttons, links, and clear direction so people aren’t left guessing. Your website isn’t just a digital business card—it’s a journey.

DIY Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Book Big

Having a DIY website isn’t a deal-breaker. In fact, for many newer service-based businesses, it’s the perfect starting point. You’re experimenting, learning what works, and getting your name out there.

But once you're ready for more consistency, higher-quality leads, and a site that works with you, not against you—it’s time to either refine what you’ve got or bring in some help.

And hey, that’s exactly what I’m here for. 😉