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Why Set and Forget is No Longer an Acceptable Website Strategy

Written by Kip Smith | Jun 4, 2025 3:37:47 PM

Not Sure it Matters?

When was the last time you made a purchase without starting your search online? For me—and many others—the internet is always the first stop. Whether I’m shopping for a new car or deciding where to eat in an unfamiliar town, it all begins with a search on the web. 

Your website is far more than a static placeholder online. It’s the face of your business, your 24/7 salesperson, and often, the first impression your prospects have of your brand. Yet, treating your website with a “set and forget” mentality fails to leverage its full potential and could cost you valuable opportunities.

If your goal is to drive growth, attract the right clients, and stand out in competitive markets, your website must become a living, evolving entity that aligns with your business goals and speaks directly to your audience. This post will explore the essential elements of a high-performing website and how to make sure yours doesn’t simply exist but thrives.

Your Website Is Your Best Salesperson

Your website doesn’t take holidays or sick days. While your team clocks out at the end of the day, your site is on, constantly engaging visitors, generating leads, and moving prospects down the funnel. But for your website to deliver real results, it needs to do more than just look good. It has to work smart.

Think of it this way: would you hire a salesperson who offers no clear value, refuses to answer client questions, and hasn’t updated their skills in years? A static, outdated website is just that. Your website should operate like a top-tier member of your salesforce—but it needs the right tools and information to succeed.

Modern Website Essentials

It Should Clearly Communicate What You Do

When a potential client lands on your homepage, they need to know within seconds what your business does. Is this clear to your visitors? Or does your current messaging leave them guessing?

Tips to clarify your message:

  • Use a strong headline that sums up your value proposition.
  • Avoid jargon and focus on simple, relatable language.
  • Include a short explainer or tagline that makes your purpose unmistakable.

For example, instead of saying, “We deliver customer-centric solutions,” say, “We help small businesses streamline operations with powerful automation tools.”

Your website is often the first touchpoint for your prospects. Deliver on clarity, and they’ll be far more likely to stick around and explore further.

It Should Tell Who Your Ideal Client Is

Your website isn’t meant to appeal to everyone. Trying to speak to a broad audience dilutes your messaging and ultimately drives away the right clients. Instead, your website should explicitly call out who you serve.

How to define your ideal client on your site:

  • Create content that directly addresses their pain points and goals.
  • Use “you” language to make it personal and relatable (e.g., “Are you a B2B leader looking for smarter solutions?”).
  • Include industry-specific case studies or testimonials.

A prospect should land on your website and think, “This company understands me.” That connection is the first step to building trust and converting visitors into leads.

It Should Highlight Your Client Logos

Social proof is a powerful driver of decision-making. Displaying the logos of reputable clients you’ve worked with instantly communicates credibility and experience.

Why logos work so well:

  • They establish trust and legitimacy in an instant.
  • They show that industry peers value working with you.
  • They give prospects confidence that you’ve successfully solved similar challenges before.

If appropriate, include short client testimonials alongside their logos. Provide snippets that speak directly to the outcomes you delivered, such as increased efficiency, revenue growth, or ROI.

It Should Explain Why You Are Different

The digital space is highly competitive. It’s not enough to have an attractive website; you need to articulate why prospects should choose your business over others.

How to stand out:

  • Highlight your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Be specific about what makes you different.
  • Use metrics and facts where possible. For example, “Clients see a 35% boost in efficiency within their first three months using our tools.”
  • Showcase your culture, values, or approach that sets you apart.

Whether it’s proprietary technology, award-winning services, or an unmatched customer support team, your differentiation is what makes your business memorable. Don’t hide it; celebrate it.

It Should Offer a Fast and Easy Way to Reach You

This may sound simple, but you’d be amazed at how many company websites make it difficult to get in touch. A clear and easy way to contact you is essential for conversions.

Best practices for accessibility:

  • Provide a “Contact Us” button in your site’s navigation bar.
  • Use clear call-to-action buttons like “Get a Quote” or “Talk to an Expert.”
  • Include multiple contact options, such as a contact form, phone number, and email address.
  • Reduce friction by keeping forms short (only request essential details).
  • Integrate a chatbot equipped with AI-powered FAQs and the option to connect with a human for personalized assistance.

Remember, every additional step you introduce between a visitor’s intent and a conversion reduces the likelihood of them following through. Simplify the path to ensure they take that next step.

Not Sure Where To Start?

Your website should be your best salesperson, not a neglected afterthought. By ensuring it works around the clock to showcase what you do, who you serve, and why you’re the right choice, you can turn it into a powerful growth engine for your business.

Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t need to handle all this alone. Need help making your website your best salesperson? Contact us today, and we’ll help transform your site into an indispensable business asset.