I once met a business owner who had everything going for them—sharp mind, great energy, a solid offer. but when they sent me their website link… it told a completely different story.i once met a business owner who had everything going for them—sharp mind, great energy, a solid offer. But when they sent me their website link… it told a completely different story.
It loaded slowly, the colours clashed, and I had no idea what they actually did until I scrolled halfway down the page. My first impression? Confusion. And if I, someone genuinely interested, felt that way—what about potential clients who didn’t know them at all?
The truth is, first impressions happen before you even say a word—in real life and online.
Your website is your handshake, elevator pitch, and business card all rolled into one. And in a world where attention spans rival goldfish, you have seconds—literally—to make it count.
We like to pretend we don’t judge books by their covers, but let’s be real—we do. And online, your design is your cover. A sleek, modern site signals professionalism and credibility. A cluttered, outdated mess? That screams DIY circa 2010 and makes potential clients wonder if your business is running on the same outdated systems.
your website speaks before you do
The design of your site instantly tells visitors whether you’re modern and professional or outdated and overwhelmed. And whether you realise it or not, that judgment happens in seconds.
A strong first impression looks like:
- A well-balanced colour palette that reflects your brand
- Clean, readable typography
- High-quality images that build trust
A weak first impression looks like:
- Too many clashing colours or fonts
- Auto-play music
- A cluttered, overwhelming layout
Your website should feel intentional, not thrown together.
speed matters more than you think
A slow website is the digital version of making someone wait 15 minutes for their coffee order. They’ll leave.
Google reports that 53% of mobile users abandon a site if it takes longer than three seconds to load. That means a sluggish website could be silently costing you potential business—without you even knowing.
Quick fixes for a faster site:
- Optimise images
- Reduce unnecessary plugins
- Use a reliable hosting provider
Red flags:
- Your homepage loads in pieces like it’s buffering on dial-up
- Clicking between pages feels like waiting for a polaroid to develop
Speed isn’t just about convenience—it’s about keeping potential clients from leaving before they even see what you offer.
make it easy, not complicated
Ever been to a restaurant with a menu the size of a novel? That’s what a confusing website feels like. If visitors have to hunt for your services, contact info, or pricing, they’ll bounce—fast.
Simple navigation looks like:
- A clear, intuitive menu
- A logical flow that guides visitors to action
- Well-placed calls-to-action
Navigation nightmares:
- Broken links or dead-end pages
- An “about” page that tells your life story but never explains what you actually do
- Contact info buried like hidden treasure
When in doubt, simplify.
trust is everything
A website isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making people feel like they’re in the right place.
If your site is glitchy, lacks real testimonials, or hasn’t been updated since 2016, visitors won’t stick around long enough to find out how amasing you actually are.
Elements that build trust:
- Professional branding
- Client testimonials and case studies
- Secure, well-functioning contact forms
Red flags:
- No social proof
- Inconsistent branding
- A generic “we are passionate about our work” statement with no substance
Trust isn’t just built—it’s felt.
is it time for a website glow-up?
If your website doesn’t feel like you—or worse, if you secretly cringe when sending someone your link—it’s time for a change.
Your online presence should be working for you, not against you.
So ask yourself:
- Does my website reflect who I am today?
- Is it easy for clients to navigate and take action?
- Am I losing opportunities because my website isn’t up to par?
If the answer to any of these is “ugh, maybe”… let’s fix that.
Ready to create a website that feels right and works as hard as you do? Let’s talk.
Leigh Carnell
Creative Director at Expansion Zone
expansionzone.co.za
info@expansionzone.co.za