10 website and strategy upgrades for designers, makers and creative brands

1. Let go

Expansion comes from release. Send the thing. Say no. Say yes. Perfection is blocking your progress. You know you do it well, just do it, release it into the wild.
Let it go.

Try this:

1. Choose one draft (offer, email, product, page) that has been “nearly ready” for more than two weeks and publish or send it today. Honestly, I did it with this blog post and you are reading it now...
2. Write a list of 5 things you are saying yes to this year and 5 things you will say no to. Pin it above your desk.
3. Set a 30-minute timer twice a week to do a “messy release”: update one photo, one paragraph of copy about your service, or one product without overthinking.

2. Long form content is back and will garner more meaningful engagement.

We are SO tired of clickbait. Depth, conversation, and storytelling win now. Be prepared to talk to camera, create longer thoughtful blog posts and podcasts.

Try this:

1. Pick one core topic you want to be known for and outline a 1,000 - 1,500 word blog post that answers the most common question you get about it.
2. Block 60 minutes this week to record a simple “talk to camera” video on your phone, sharing the story behind a collection, service, or project.
3. Turn one existing Instagram caption into a longer newsletter or blog by adding: the backstory, what you learned, and one practical tip for your reader.

3. Are you capitalising on Pinterest? It could be your new quiet-superpower.

Unlike Instagram, Pinterest is a search engine and your clients and customers are finding the solutions to their design needs on there.
Your brand is visually-led and that’s exactly what Pinterest and its 600 million monthly active users celebrate. I know it can feel wishy-washy, beaswax candles and cottage core, BUT your photography is sensational and you will stand out.​

Try this:

1. Create or refresh your Pinterest business profile and write a clear bio that mirrors your website positioning and niche.​
2. Make 3 - 5 boards that align with your offers (for example: “Bespoke Engagement Rings”, “Modern Cottage Gardens”, “New Chair Collection”) and pin your best work into each.​
3. Choose 10 of your strongest images, upload them as fresh pins, and write keyword-rich titles and descriptions that include your location and what you sell.​

4. Optimise for AEO (AI Search).

Showing up in ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude and beyond are where brands want to appear in 2026. People are asking real questions “I have X need, find me Y solution”, so make sure your company is the answer. Optimise your copy and metadata so your services / products and business name appear.
Handy tool: Ahrefs I have used Ahrefs for years; it’s my go‑to for tracking rankings and performance for myself and my retainer clients too. The new Brand Radar tool shows exactly where your business appears in AI‑generated answers.
Sign up here → (NOT an affiliate link)
Businesses and brands that optimise soon will reap the benefits of being found in the newest form of search & discovery.​

Try this:

1. On your homepage, add one short paragraph that clearly states who you are, what you do, where you are based, and who you do it for, in plain language.
2. Update the page titles and meta descriptions for your homepage and one key service or product page so they include your niche, location, and brand name.​
3. In Ahrefs, or a similar tool, plug in your site and identify 3 real questions your ideal clients are asking, then add clear answers to your FAQ or service pages.​

5. People have stopped scrolling. Optimise your hero sections.

Your hero section has to work harder than ever. Redesign it with conversion in mind, clarity, confidence, and one clear call to action. What do you do, who is it for, what’s the transformation?

Try this:

1. Rewrite your hero headline and subheading so they answer: what you do, who it is for, and what changes for them in two short lines.​
2. Remove any extra buttons or distractions and keep just one primary call to action (for example “Book a consultation” or “Shop the collection”).
3. Swap in one strong, on-brand image that shows either your work in context or your ideal client using it, rather than a generic stock image.

6. Genuine proof matters.

Find a way to collect reviews, display them transparently, and keep them real. Social proof is your trust currency.
Service businesses, try LinkedIn, Google or Trustpilot.
Ecommerce, try Judge Me or Loox.​

Try this:

1. Email or message 3 - 5 of your favourite past clients with two simple questions: “What were you struggling with before?” and “What changed after working with us or buying from us?”
2. Add a dedicated “Kind words” or “Reviews” section to your homepage or key sales page and drop in 3 specific, unedited quotes.
3. Set up or tidy one review channel (Google Business Profile, LinkedIn recommendations, Trustpilot, Judge.me or Loox) and send a monthly reminder to invite new reviews.​

7. Audit your digital ecosystem.

Check your systems, DNS settings etc. are set up, connected and optimised. Update bios, headshots, product and services copy. Make every channel current and cohesive. Check your Shopify theme and apps are up to date connected properly, review your email flows.

Try this:

1. Make a simple list of all your digital touchpoints (website, Instagram, Pinterest, email platform, Google Business Profile, etc.) and check that your bio, offers, and links match on each one.
2. If you use Shopify, log in to your backend to update your theme, review your installed apps, and remove anything you no longer use. Webflow folk, you will not need to do this.
3. Click through and review your main customer journeys (from Instagram or Pinterest to your site, to enquiry or checkout) as if you were a new visitor and note any broken links or friction points to fix. Draw them out and see how they flow.

8. Set up your email flows (or let me at them).

Pre and post purchase flows for both service and ecommerce businesses turn browsers into believers. Write like you know your people, because you do.

Try this:

1. Create a basic welcome sequence of 2 - 3 emails that introduce who you are, what you offer, and how people can work with you or shop from you.
2. Set up at least one automated flow: abandoned cart for ecommerce, or a follow-up after an enquiry or discovery call for services.
3. Rewrite one existing automated email in your natural voice, as if you were writing to a favourite client, not “a list.”

9. Raise your prices.

Yes you can. Energy, expertise, inflation, everything rises. When did you last raise your rates?

Try this:

1. Choose one offer or product to increase in price first and decide on a clear percentage uplift that feels stretching but fair.
2. Update your website, price lists, and enquiry guides to reflect the new pricing, and set a date in your calendar to review again in 6 - 12 months.
3. Loot at your margins, what elements have increased and do you need to review your offer architecture. Where do you make money and on which products can you afford to lose it?

10. Plan your year with intention.

Map out quarterly milestones, your major marketing opportunities, holidays, life events, and time to work on your business. Your future self will thank you.

Try this:

1. Choose one primary focus for each quarter of 2026 (for example: Q1 website and foundations, Q2 content and Pinterest, Q3 email and offers, Q4 refinement and prep for next year).
2. Add key dates to your calendar: launches, fairs, shows, gifting seasons, school holidays, and any big life events, so you can see realistic capacity.
3. Block recurring “CEO time” once a week or once a fortnight to review metrics, make small optimisations to your site, and check that your actions still match your goals.

Always here to work through this with you.. Book a call and we will discuss the next steps.