Why My Website Needs a Makeover (and Maybe Yours Does Too)
You know the saying, “the cobbler’s kids have no shoes”? Well, this book designer’s website has been barefoot for far too long. After years of putting client projects first (and mine dead last), I’m finally starting to pull things together and give my little corner of the internet the glow-up it desperately deserves. Because yes—even designers need a redesign. And when you’re your own toughest client? It’s a whole different beast.
Let’s be real—it’s not easy being this critical 🙈 The portfolio is outdated, the SEO is… let’s not talk about it, and somewhere on the homepage, a two-year-old marketing class announcement is still acting like it’s breaking news.
So, what happened?
Let me pull back the curtain. I spend my days helping authors and entrepreneurs tell their stories visually. From cover design and typography choices to layout tweaks and publication timelines, I walk my clients through branding decisions and self-publishing puzzles every single day. Yet my own website? It’s been sitting quietly in the corner, waiting for some love and attention.
And honestly, I know I’m not alone in this.
When It’s Your Brand, It Gets Personal
Working on your own stuff is hard. Really hard.
When it’s your business, you’re emotionally invested in every color, every font, every word. Suddenly, tiny design decisions feel like huge personality statements.
Should I update the layout? Or change the logo? Do I even like my brand voice anymore? What if I redo the whole thing and still don’t love it?
Cue the spiral: Does this font make me look like I know what I’m doing or like I spent six hours second-guessing my own expertise?
Before long, you’re 42 tabs deep into inspiration websites, wondering if maybe you should just open a plant shop instead.
The Problem with Perfectionism
The issue isn’t just time (although time is definitely a factor). More often than not, it’s perfectionism with a capital “P.”
I tell my clients all the time: done is better than perfect. Your message matters more than the margins. But when it’s my turn? Suddenly I’m convinced I need a new tagline, new photos, new copy, new services… maybe even a new name?
It’s amazing how much easier it is to guide someone else’s brand evolution than it is to make decisions about your own.
One Page at a Time
So here’s where I’m at: I’m taking small steps.
A section here. A sentence there. I’ve started working on updates for my site at Bright Light Graphics, and I’m letting go of the idea that everything needs to change overnight.
If you want to do the same, start small:
- Begin by rewriting one page (just one!)
- Swap in a more recent testimonial
- Visit AnswerThePublic to see what your audience is searching for
- Check out Yoast SEO’s blog for simple SEO fixes you can make in an afternoon
- Browse my Self-Publishing Support page if you’re ready to get your book out of your head and into the world
If you’ve been putting off your own website makeover, know that you’re not alone. Even seasoned designers find it tough to carve out time for their own brand refresh.
You’re Not Behind
If your website is also gathering digital dust, I see you.
You’re not behind. You’re running a business. In fact, you’re showing up for clients and building something meaningful. That truly matters.
A website makeover doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Small updates make a big difference—especially when they reflect where your business is now.
So here’s to imperfect progress. Here’s to giving ourselves grace. And here’s to making just enough time to give our own businesses the care we give everyone else’s.
One font choice at a time.