Let’s face it: building a website is like throwing a party. If the vibe is off, everyone leaves. And the last thing you want is for potential clients or collaborators to ghost you because your online space feels as inviting as a dentist’s waiting room. Fear not, fellow creative entrepreneurs, because I’m here to make sure your website becomes the Pinterest-worthy, vibey, and functional hub that keeps people coming back. (Also, who doesn’t love a party that leads to $$$?)

So, here’s a list of the 10 must-have features for your website. Think of it as your checklist for making sure your site not only looks pretty but actually works—because pretty is great, but effective is better.

1. A Clear AF Value Proposition

What do you actually do, though? If someone has to scroll through a labyrinth of artsy-but-vague graphics to figure out what you’re selling, you’ve lost them. Your value proposition is like your digital handshake—tell them who you are, what you do, and why they should care within the first 5 seconds. It’s not rocket science; it’s common sense. Put it front and center. In big, bold letters.

Example: “Hey! I’m a graphic designer who makes brands look like Beyoncé.” Now that’s something people will stick around for.

2. A ‘Call to Action’ That Doesn’t Make You Cringe

“Sign up for my newsletter!” Wow, riveting. You can do better. Think about what action you actually want your site visitors to take, and make it sound fun, easy, and totally worth their time. Be creative! Whether you want them to book a discovery call, download a freebie, or buy your latest digital product, make it exciting and not salesy.

Upgrade: Instead of “Sign up for my newsletter,” try something like, “Wanna be the next boss babe? Let’s keep in touch, and I’ll send you all the good stuff.”

3. Mobile Optimization (Because Duh)

In 2024, people are scrolling your website while waiting for their oat milk lattes. If your site looks like a 2012 Tumblr page on mobile, you’re done. Bye. Over 50% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, and if your website doesn’t adjust to look just as stunning on a phone as it does on a desktop, you’re leaving money on the table.

Pro tip: Open your site on your phone and ask yourself, “Is this giving Instagram aesthetic or Craigslist ad?”

4. High-Quality Visuals (No Pixelated Messes Allowed)

Listen, no one—and I mean no one—wants to squint at a blurry photo. You’re a creative entrepreneur, so your site needs to reflect that you know what looks good. Invest in high-quality visuals, whether it’s photos, graphics, or videos. We live in a visual culture, so your website is your digital portfolio—make sure it slays.

Pro tip: If you wouldn’t double-tap it on Instagram, it doesn’t belong on your website.

5. An About Page That Doesn’t Put People to Sleep

Okay, we all know writing an About page can feel like pulling teeth. But here’s the thing: People don’t want a resume; they want your story. Be real, be relatable, and show your personality. If you’re quirky, show it. If you’re sarcastic, well, you know the drill. Your About page is where people connect with you, so don’t hold back.

Example: “I’m basically the Carrie Bradshaw of copywriting, minus the questionable love life. I help women-led businesses find their voice and say it loud.” Boom, instant connection.

6. Testimonials (AKA Social Proof Is Your BFF)

Nobody wants to be the first person at a party. Potential clients feel the same way. They want to know that other people have worked with you, loved it, and survived to tell the tale. Testimonials add that “Oh, okay, I’m not about to get scammed” vibe, which is crucial in the digital world. Include glowing reviews from clients, collaborators, or anyone who’s experienced your magic.

Pro tip: Bonus points for using video testimonials. People trust faces more than just words!

7. SEO That Doesn’t Make You Want to Throw Your Laptop

You could have the best site in the world, but if Google doesn’t know you exist, then, well…good luck. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) might sound like tech nerd stuff, but it’s actually your best friend. You don’t have to be a wizard—just make sure you’re using keywords that your ideal clients are searching for, add some meta descriptions, and sprinkle some alt text on your images like SEO fairy dust.

Pro tip: There are free tools like Ubersuggest that can help you find the right keywords. It’s like having a mini marketing team in your back pocket.

8. A Blog That Doesn’t Suck

Wait, wait, wait—I know what you’re thinking. “Who even reads blogs anymore?” Gen Z, that’s who. But not your grandma’s blog. Think of your blog as a content hub that shows off your expertise, builds trust, and gets you on the good side of Google. Keep it conversational, make it value-packed, and, most importantly, don’t make it boring. Short on ideas? Just talk about what you know best!

Pro tip: Repurpose your blog content for Instagram captions, email newsletters, or TikTok scripts. Work smarter, not harder.

9. Easy-to-Navigate Menu (No One Has Time for a Scavenger Hunt)

If someone has to solve a puzzle to find your services or pricing page, you’re making their life way too hard. Your navigation bar should be as simple and intuitive as ordering coffee: fast, easy, and predictable. You want people to know where to go and how to get there. The simpler, the better.

Pro tip: Stick to five main tabs max—Home, About, Services, Blog, Contact. Anything more and people will get lost in the sauce.

10. Contact Info That Doesn’t Feel Like a Dead End

I cannot tell you how many websites I’ve visited where I’ve had to click through five pages just to find an email. Why?! Please, for the love of all things holy, make it easy for people to reach you. Whether it’s a form, email, or even a DM button (because let’s be real, some of us live in Instagram DMs), make sure there’s an easy way for potential clients to slide into your inbox.

Pro tip: Add a chatbot or FAQ section to answer basic questions. Because answering “What’s your pricing?” for the 17th time gets old fast.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already on your way to building a website that’s as fire as your business. Remember, your site isn’t just a static online brochure; it’s a dynamic, ever-evolving space that should grow with you. Keep it fresh, keep it functional, and most importantly, make sure it represents YOU.

Now, go forth and give your website the glow-up it deserves. Your future clients will thank you (and so will your bank account). 💅✨