ICYMI, I recently launched my new website and told you ALLLLLL about the 10-step process I followed to do it.
From the outside, it might seem like I had it all figured out – after all, I’ve been doing this kind of work for 8+ YEARS.
But the truth is, I made a BUNCH of mistakes while revamping my website – and today, I’m going to share them with you.
I hope they help!
The 7 Mistakes I Made While Revamping My Website
1 – Not pulling enough visual references for my website + branding (initially)
This sounds basic, but I didn’t really pull many visual references for my designer before she began the visual identity process (oops!).
Yes, we discussed my brand, the “vibe” I was going for, etc, but I really think providing visuals (especially for a designer who is a visual person) is the best way to go.
Eventually I pulled together a Pinterest board with tons of website, color, logo, and branding references which helped us get clear on the vision I was aiming for.
If I were to do it again, I would have created the Pinterest board BEFORE starting the visual ID process to help clarify my vision early on.
2 – Not giving myself enough buffer time with the copy
I underestimated how long it would take to write my copy – and how “stuck” I would feel while writing (hello doubts, fears & perfectionism!).
I tried to write all of the copy during the winter break … and then life happened and my plan got totally derailed.
This left me scrambling, writing things faster and with less buffer time than I would have liked.
If I were to do it again, I would give myself 1-2 MONTHS (not 1-2 weeks) to write the copy so I could do it without feeling rushed.
Another thing: Copy can change pretty dramatically (for the better) if you give yourself enough time to let it “marinate” so try not to rush this process if you can (or hire someone who can help you!).
3 – Not fully vetting my designer
As I mentioned in my website revamp process, I didn’t really vet my designer (I just saw a glowing review about her work from a copywriter I respect and said “let’s do this!”).
Thankfully it worked out AMAZINGLY (love you, Gigi! ❤️), but it really could have been a disaster … and it would have been entirely my fault for not doing my due diligence.
If I were to do it again, I would review the designer’s portfolio in more detail to make sure they could do what I wanted (and I would save projects from their portfolio that best represented my vision).
I also would have reached out to their past clients and asked for their honest opinions, and I would have looked into other options to make sure I was choosing the right person for the job.
4 – Doing my photo shoot BEFORE finalizing my visual identity
Thankfully this worked out fine, but I would NOT recommend doing your photo shoot before finalizing your visual identity (meaning your brand colors, look/feel, vibe, etc).
Otherwise you run the risk of choosing the wrong outfit colors/styles, the wrong props, the wrong backgrounds or textures, etc (and then you can’t use them on the website).
If I were to do it again, I would have waited to do the photo shoot until the visual ID was complete.
5 – Not taking enough photos of me “working”
During the prep phase, I made a shot list that included photos of me working, me reading, me working with a “client” (my husband lol), me cooking, doing yoga, etc (I wanted a mix of biz / lifestyle).
I ended up with a good variety, but not enough of me actually “working” which is what I really needed for the website (aka the whole reason I was doing the shoot).
If I were to do it again, I would have skipped 1-2 lifestyle shots in favor of at least 1 other “working” set up with a different outfit/look.
6 – Doing my photo shoot BEFORE writing the copy
While I had a general idea of the types of shots I wanted (i.e. me writing, me “working,” me at my computer, me with a microphone, etc) I didn’t plan shots around my copy.
If I were to do it again, I would have written the copy FIRST so I could have planned shots that would have complemented the copy (this would have made the visuals and words feel more connected/purposeful).
7 – Not knowing which colors are flattering on me
This sounds silly, but if you’re taking professional photos this is kind of important.
I didn’t find out until AFTER the photo shoot that I’m a “Light Spring” which means I should have been choosing more pastels vs so much black (which is the majority of my wardrobe … I’m a New Yorker, what can I say?!).
If I were to do it again, I would have done the color analysis BEFORE the shoot so I could have selected the very best colors/outfits for my skin tone, hair, etc.
Want to find out which colors look best on you? Try this color analysis service (don’t be surprised if you end up overhauling your entire closet!).
Despite these mistakes, I still ended up with an incredible website I’m CRAZY PROUD of.
I didn’t need to be perfect – and neither do you.
BUT, if you are revamping your site, I hope these tips help you avoid some of the mistakes I made … so you can focus on making your own mistakes (just think of them as opportunities for learning + growth! 😉).
Are you revamping your website?
Let me know! I’d love to help guide you through the process and help you create a website you’re crazy proud of, too. 😄
