My #1 house rule: Big lights off after 6 PM!!
I’m all about setting a vibe around the house no matter what I’m doing.
I’m currently on the couch with a warm lamp behind me, another across the room, and the cozy vibes are 10/10.
Because if I’m paying a mortgage, I’m gonna enjoy it, ya know?!
Other house rules: Keep things generally clean.
Hear me out...not “my home could be in a magazine” clean, but clean enough that if someone gave me a 10-minute warning before showing up, I wouldn’t be freaking out!
Why? Because I've learned that clutter kills my creativity.
If my space is a mess, I simply cannot do my best work. Period!
I've worked from home running multiple businesses for the past 10 years, so this is something I've learned over time.
All of these little things—the lighting, the organization, the way it feels—affect the mood, the energy, the vibes.
It all makes it a place I want to be!!
So… what if you treated your website with that same energy?
Your website deserves the same TLC as your home.
What if you checked in on your website regularly to make sure the vibes were on point?
Even just once a month, make it an achievable goal you can actually commit to.
You know what’s wild? Most of us treat Instagram like our #1 priority (and yeah, she’s important).
BUTTTT… we literally PAY for our websites. Monthly. Yearly.
And we just let them sit there?! Make it make sense!!
Lucky for you, I volunteer as tribute to be that friend.
The one who reminds you to actually take care of your website (because trust me, your sales, traffic, and conversions will thank you).
A.k.a.: more money in your pocket!!
VOL. 11: A Giant DIY Website
Refresh Checklist
1.Home Page
- Swap out a couple key photos. Seasonal updates make a difference!
- Check your products/services. Are they current and aligned with what you want to promote?
- Refresh your 'about me' bio on the home page. Does it sound like you or like ChatGPT wrote it? (Be real, be fun, be YOU! Remember, that's what helps you connect with the right people!)
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Rearrange sections if needed. Does it flow? Is there anything new to add, like client reviews or a new service you need to highlight?
2. About Page
- Your bio pic. Maybe you can update it to a different shot from that photoshoot, or maybe you have something more recent (Don't worry if not...I just updated mine after a long time if that makes you feel any better.)
- Your story. (pull part of what you did for the home page^) Does it read like a convo with a friend? Lead with something that makes you human instead of a credentials list!
3. For product based businesses:
- Re-merchandise your collections. Switch up the order so repeat visitors see fresh things!
- Experiment with rearranging your products (by category, outfits, or color.)
- Hide/archive outdated products
- Update product photos. swap angles, add lifestyle shots.
4. For Service-Based Businesses
- Services. Are your services current? Anything need updating?
- Is your pricing/investment guide updated and on-brand?
- Check your inquiry form. Are you asking the right questions or do you feel like there's missing information when you get to the first consultation?
- Is your project proposal dialed in? If not, I gotchuuu—grab my exact HoneyBook Proposal Template here!
- Don't have Honeybook yet? Highly recommend (it’s saved me so much time with automated emails, digital payments, and seamless client management). Use my link for 30% off!
Here's a preview of my template below! Fully customizable to your own services, details, and prompts. My artwork within the headings are available for you to use, but everything can be replaced with your own branding!
5. Your Email List = Gold
I slept on this for too long. But here’s the deal—people give you permission to land in their inbox. That’s powerful. If you don’t have a list yet, start now (literally takes 5 minutes). Just:
- Add an email signup spot to your site. (a new section, a popup, a button to a landing page)
- Set up an automatic welcome email (so new subs hear from you immediately).
I use Kit (formerly ConvertKit), but Flodesk is another solid option.
6. Other Quick Fixes
- Is your Instagram feed still connected? It can randomly disconnect sometimes so check to make sure it's displaying properly!
- Check footer links...any dead ends? The footer is often overlooked, but it's a place where a lot of visitors look for important info!
- Look at your main navigation/dropdown menus...do they flow nicely? Anything to remove?
7. Blogging (don't overthink it)
I’m not a pro writer, but I’m working on it....and the best way to improve? Just start writing!!
- Blogs boost SEO, drive traffic, and help you sell on autopilot
- Shopify, Squarespace, and Showit make it super easy to start blogging
- Post something you want to talk about! Doesn’t have to be perfect. Just start! You'll be so glad you did
8. Branding Check
- Color palette & imagery should feel on-brand and cohesive with everything else you do! Make sure it feels connected with the vibes of your IG, packaging, etc.
- Brand illustrations? Sprinkle them throughout for personality! (or hire me to design some for you ;))
Rather have this DFY (done for you) instead of DIY?
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Ugh, my plate is full and I just need someone else to handle it…”, I hear ya, and that's exactly why I'm here!!
✨ If your branding is already solid, let’s get your site refreshed and dialed in.
✨ If you’re ready for a full site or brand transformation, I’ve got you covered there as well!!
Either way, no more stress, no more guesswork...just a polished, strategic brand + website that actually works for you, while you're out actually living life and doing what you love most!
You bring the vision, I’ll bring the design expertise!
Let’s do the dang thing and get you set up for BIG things in your biz this year!
I’m booking for April now! If you’re ready to make moves (whether it's for your brand, website, or both)... let’s chat and make it happen!
Here’s to treating your website like your home...keeping the vibes right, making it a place your audience wants to be, and bringing in more $$$ in 2025!
Have an amazing month, chat with you soon!
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Designing dream brands & igniting creativity
(and I love supporting other small business owners!)
Meet Naomi.
A Minnesota-based brand and website designer known for bold, modern, and artistic designs. My passion lies in crafting captivating brand narratives and inspiring others to pursue their creative dreams! Let's get creative together!
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