Why Your Website Doesn't Feel Like You (And Why That's More Common Than You Think)
- Catarina Lopes
- Jun 23
- 5 min read
Recently, I onboarded a new client who came to me feeling incredibly frustrated with her current website, which she had paid an agency for it less than a year ago.
The website looked very technical, and the navigation was a bit confusing. All because they didn't do their homework, they didn't get to know her as a person, as a business. They simply cracked on with a plain, boring website.
Needless to say, she didn't love it and in fact, she didn't feel proud of it when sharing it on her socials.
She told me:
"It just doesn't feel like me. I wanted it to feel like home. I have seen other people's websites and they match their frequency and mine is just not a representation of who I am or my business."
There were very few conversations about her business, let alone talking about her values, the people she wanted to attract, what motivated her or her business goals.
There weren't regular check-ins or opportunities to shape the design together and the whole process felt transactional.
The result? A website that looked ok but felt completely disconnected from the person behind the business.
Your Website Should Feel Like Home
As business owners, we pour our hearts into what we do. Our businesses evolve, our confidence grows, we change as people and our experience deepens. We become clearer on who we help and the kind of clients we want to attract.
But often, our websites stay stuck in the past, or perhaps they were never truly "us" to begin with.
A website isn't just somewhere people go to find your contact details, it's their first impression of your business and ultimately needs to do its job at generating your more enquiries.
But it should also tell your story, build trust and make people think:
"I know this is the person I want to work with."
If it doesn't do that, it's no wonder so many business owners feel disconnected from their websites.
Why So Many Small Business Websites Miss the Mark
I think there are two common reasons.
1. The website was designed too quickly.
Templates can be wonderful tools, but they often skip the most important part of the process: getting to know you.
Without understanding your story, values and personality, it's impossible to create a website that feels deeply aligned. Remember that people buy from people, so it's very important to share your story, a bit of your soul so that it may connect you with your type of people - your ideal clients.
2. Your business has changed.
The website you needed three years ago might not be the website you need today.
You've grown.
Your services may have evolved.
Your confidence has likely increased.
Your ideal clients may look very different.
Your website should grow alongside your business.
Bespoke Website Design Is About More Than Looking Pretty
When I design a website, I spend a lot of time asking questions.
Lots of questions. In fact, I send out a full in-depth questionnaire to my clients that really makes them reflect on their business, their brand. It also allows me to get to know them as a person. Questions like:
Why did you start your business?
What do your clients say about working with you?
How do you want people to feel when they land on your website?
What makes your approach different?
Because good design isn't simply about colours and pretty fonts. It's about creating an online home that reflects who you are and supports where your business is going.
A beautiful website means very little if it doesn't connect with the people you're trying to reach.
Your Website Should Work For You, Not Become Another Job
I often hear business owners say:
"I'm scared to update my website."
"I don't know where anything is."
"I haven't touched it in years."
"I can't access it as I don't have ownership rights." - guessed who it is? The agency.
"I don't even send people to it anymore."
That makes me sad because your website should be one of the hardest-working parts of your business.
It should:
build trust
answer questions
showcase your expertise
attract your ideal clients
make you feel proud to share it with the world
It shouldn't feel overwhelming or like another thing on your endless to-do list.
A Website That Feels Like You Changes Everything
There's something really special that happens when a business owner finally sees a website that genuinely reflects who they are.
They become excited to share it.
They feel more confident.
Their messaging becomes clearer.
Marketing becomes easier.
And often, they start attracting more of the right people.
Because when your website feels aligned, people can feel it too.
Does Your Website Still Feel Like You?
If your answer is "not really", please know you're not alone. Many business owners outgrow their websites. Many settle for websites that are functional but don't feel like home.
Many don't realise that a website can be so much more than a collection of pages. It can become a beautiful extension of your business story. One that feels intentional and unmistakably you.
Love note from recent clients
"Catarina was fantastic 💗 I contacted her after I had made my own website but had no clue what I was doing, how to make sure I had the correct disclaimers/ cookies/terms and conditions etc (most of which I didn't even know I needed at the time!). She is so calm, kind and knowledgeable and was so patient with me explaining everything so clearly. She was so easy to work with and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. The best bit is I have a website that I love ❤️
~ Ali, The Pelvic Physio Farnham
"Kate has been absolutely incredible from start to finish. She was so patient, really took the time to listen to everything I said, and completely understood my vision - bringing it to life in a way that exceeded all of my expectations. She truly went above and beyond, not just delivering a beautiful website, but creating something that feels completely aligned with me and my business. Kate is an expert in her field, and there is absolutely no way I could have done this without her and I honestly couldn’t recommend her highly enough 🤍"
~ Laura, Born Confident
Don't be a stranger...
Interested in getting to know me and chat about your brand vision? You can book a complimentary discovery call below and view my brand and website design packages here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my website needs redesigning?
If your website no longer reflects your business, feels outdated or you're reluctant to share it, it may be time for a redesign.
What is bespoke website design?
Bespoke website design is a personalised approach where your website is built around your story, goals and ideal clients rather than using a generic template.
Why doesn't my website feel like me?
Often it's because your business has evolved or the website was created without truly understanding your brand and personality.
Can a new website improve enquiries?
Yes. A website that clearly communicates who you are and who you help can build trust and attract more of the right clients. Of course the boring backend technical stuff such as Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) help too!
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