Practical tips for interior designers, architects, and custom home builders
Your website is more than a portfolio—it’s the digital front door to your business. Whether you’re an interior designer, an architect, or a custom home builder, your site should be doing more than sitting pretty. It should be attracting, educating, and converting your ideal clients.
Here’s the truth: a full redesign isn’t always necessary. In fact, small, strategic improvements can make a big impact without changing your layout or starting from scratch. Below are 7 high-impact ways to enhance your site—starting today.
1. Fix Broken Links (They Happen to Everyone)
Few things are more frustrating for visitors—or worse for SEO—than a broken link. If you’ve updated a blog, removed an old service page, or switched domains, there may be dead ends hiding on your site.
Use a free tool like Broken Link Check to scan your website and clean things up. It’s a simple win that builds trust and improves user experience.
2. Refresh and Refine Your Website Copy
Your words guide visitors, establish authority, and inspire action. Even subtle updates—like refining headlines, clarifying service descriptions, or rewriting CTAs—can elevate your entire site.
Focus on:
- Homepage messaging
- Portfolio introductions
- Calls-to-action
- Your About page
Well-written copy helps potential clients quickly understand your value and feel confident taking the next step.
3. Audit Your Email Sign-Up Experience
“Sign up for updates” isn’t enough anymore. If growing your email list is a priority, your opt-in strategy needs to be front and center—and crystal clear.
✅ Make sure your form is visible on:
- Your homepage
- About page
- Blog posts
- Social media bios
- Your email signature
✅ Follow the “3 P’s”:
- Prominent – Don’t make visitors hunt for it
- Proof – Show testimonials or how many are subscribed
- Promise – Clearly state what subscribers will receive
Prioritize a smaller, engaged list over a large, disinterested one. Intentionality wins.
4. Strengthen Your Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Your call-to-action should lead people toward the next step—booking a call, exploring your services, or downloading a guide. Use clear, directive button text like:
- “Download My Lookbook”
- “Book a Consultation”
- “See the Portfolio”
Avoid vague phrases like “More Info.” Use verbs. Be specific. Remember: a button with text is not a CTA unless it inspires action.
Pro tip: Use the WYLTIWLT test: Would You Like To If You’re Likely To? If it doesn’t drive action, it needs refinement.
5. Add Social Proof Strategically
Before someone hires you or signs up for your list, they want reassurance that others have done the same—and loved the experience.
Use testimonials, press mentions, or client project highlights near:
- Contact forms
- Service descriptions
- Blog CTAs
Even a single quote from a happy client builds trust.
6. Optimize for SEO—Yes, Even Your Copy
Search engines can’t rank you if they can’t find you. Optimizing your website copy with relevant keywords helps ensure your ideal clients discover your work online.
Start simple:
- Do keyword research (target your service area + niche)
- Optimize one keyword per page
- Use headings, meta descriptions, and alt text intentionally
Here’s what many forget:
Google doesn’t rank websites. It ranks individual web pages.
That means every page—your homepage, portfolio, about section, and blog—needs its own focus. Long-tail keywords like “modern kitchen remodeler in Wayzata MN” often drive more qualified leads than generic terms.
7. Reevaluate How You Present Yourself
A beautiful site can still miss the mark if it doesn’t feel like you. Your website should:
- Reflect your expertise
- Show your best work, intentionally curated
- Speak to your audience through visuals and language
- Build trust through consistency and clarity
Ask yourself:
- Does my homepage clearly state who I serve and how?
- Is my portfolio up to date and easy to navigate?
- Do I look like the kind of expert I’d want to hire?
These are the details that shape perception—and ultimately, conversion.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Results
Improving your website doesn’t have to mean a total overhaul. Often, the most effective updates are the simplest: tightening your copy, fixing broken links, updating your calls to action, and showing up as the expert you are.
Your website is your online storefront. It should make people want to come in, not keep walking.
Let’s Make Your Website Work Harder
At Auden Street, we help interior designers, architects, and custom home builders craft websites that attract and convert the right clients. If your site could use a fresh set of eyes, we’d love to help.
