---
title: "Don’t build the website of your dreams"
url: "https://fivepointweb.com/dont-build-the-website-of-your-dreams/"
date: "2021-01-28T12:56:29-07:00"
modified: "2026-10-11T08:13:41-06:00"
---

When you [hire a web developer](/choosing-from-the-best-web-design-companies-in-the-usa/) to build a new website for your business, you may already have thought about what you want it to look like. You may have considered what features it will have. You may have thought about how you will tell visitors what you do. You may have tried to think of ways to entice people into buying your products or services.

I’m here to help change the way you think about your website. I’ve been building websites since 1999, and the vast majority of my clients first walk in the door thinking about the website that ***they*** want. I mean, that makes sense, doesn’t it? It’s your business, your livelihood, so shouldn’t your website be what ***you*** want it to be?

No.

## Build a website your visitors will dream about

It sounds crazy, but it’s not about you. It’s about your potential customers. You might like cute kitties and dancing bananas, but your customers probably don’t want to see that. They’re looking for something in particular, and they somehow found you. Your website needs to cater to them and offer a solution to their problem.

## Grab their attention

You could say the dancing bananas would catch your customers’ attention. Of course they would. But would they produce results? Not likely. The bottom line is this: visitors to your website are looking for something, so you need to call them to action. Tell them what to do.

## Make it easy

Some people want to get right down to business and hire you. This is the TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) crowd. Your website’s navigation needs to be simple and to the point, so visitors can quickly find what they want with a minimum of hassle.

Others want to research your company and what you offer. Give them that information without slowing down the TL;DR visitors. Be clear but thorough, and don’t ramble.

## Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

The design and layout of your website should be based on your audience. Think about your customers. What are they expecting to see? What will make them feel welcome? What will lead them to buy from you?

## Put yourself in their shoes

Step back and pretend you’re one of your customers. Then imagine what the ideal website experience would be for them. Here’s a simple way to start:

1. **Ask a few customers why they chose you.** Was there something in particular that made them comfortable with you? Try to recreate that experience on your website.
2. **List the questions customers ask most.** Those are the things your website should answer.
3. **Test your own site on your phone.** Try to find your phone number, your services and your prices. How long did it take?
4. **Make the answers easy to find.** Put the most important information where visitors will see it first.

## At the end of the day

Build it and they will come, as long as you build something that appeals to them. Your customers are the reason you’re in business, and putting out the welcome mat online begins with your website.

## What if you already have a website?

It’s never too late to make it better. Most websites benefit from a [refresh](/top-9-reasons-you-need-a-website-refresh/) every 1 to 3 years to keep up with technology, web standards, design trends and accessibility and privacy requirements. (Here’s more on [how often you should redesign your website](/how-often-should-you-redesign-your-website/).)