Why I Decided to Give My Website a Fresh Makeover... and What Happened Next

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, standing out online is more important than ever. But as I neared my last birthday, understanding my primary relationship had changed dramatically, and realized I needed a reset, I made a major and critical decision: I ended my the contract I had for over two decades with my domain provider.

Understanding the Need for Change

Last year I lost all three of my Facebook pages due to a glitch in their system. Interestingly enough, after a few weeks of wondering what was going on in everyone else's life I started looking more carefully at my own life. The domain provider doubled the rates for maintaining my site. And, without a clear idea where I wanted to go next, I kept my domain name and got rid of my website.

Creating and maintaining a website is exhilarating, but consistency and modernity are vital for keeping audiences engaged. In this post, I will share the reasons behind my website’s transformation and the exciting outcomes that followed.

Websites can quickly become outdated in design and functionality. In 2024 I spent about ten grand on living a more authentic life. This included four tantric-centered retreats in three countries and a three-week retreat traveling in Europe.

During this time I was afforded the opportunity to step back at the life I'd created and the new life that lay ahead. In the process, I also looked at my website through a critical lens. It didn’t reflect the vision I wanted to convey or the quality of content I had developed.

Old images and clunky layouts had hindering the user experience. (Side note: WHY do people insist on littering their sites or online profiles with a trip down memory lane? I don't care what you looked like thirty years ago - I want to see who you are today.) With an increasing number of users accessing content on their mobile devices—over fifty percent of web traffic now comes from smartphones—I realized it was essential to revamp the site to truly connect with my audience effectively.

The Goals for My Website Makeover

Before embarking on the redesign, I outlined clear objectives to ensure my efforts were focused and measurable. Here are some key goals I set:

• Enhance User Experience: I wanted to make navigation intuitive, allowing visitors to easily locate the information they sought.

  
  

• Improve Aesthetic Appeal: A fresh, vibrant design would project a sense of professionalism and creativity that I aimed to communicate.

  
  

• Optimize for Mobile: With statistics showing that sixty-eight percent of users prefer mobile-friendly sites, prioritizing a responsive design was essential.

  
  

• SEO Optimization: My goal was to boost the website's visibility by improving its search engine optimization strategies.

  
  

The Redesign Process

Equipped with insights and inspiration, I rolled up my sleeves. I opted for a modern and minimalist design, focusing on sharp images, a clean layout, and easy navigation. This included choosing a color palette that energized the site while reflecting my brand identity.

Every element, from fonts to buttons, was thoughtfully selected to create a seamless experience for users. For example, I changed the primary call-to-action button from a muted gray to a vibrant rainbow.

Technical Upgrades

The redesign wasn't just about looks. I invested time into the technical aspects. I switched to a more reliable content management system, making updates quicker and easier. This new CMS improved loading speeds; studies show that a one-second delay can decrease customer satisfaction by sixteen percent.

Moreover, I added user-friendly plugins for functionalities like contact forms and email newsletter sign-ups (coming soon!), addressing previous issues with usability.

Starting Small to Grow

Right now my new website may seem like more of a landing page. There are two reasons this is the case. First, I get so much out of working one-on-one with my clients. Don't get me wrong: I'm not opposed to new opportunities of public speaking or facilitating a weekend workshop, but that's not where my focus is currently. I'm looking for people who will make the time for a Discovery Call with me to see more of what they are looking for and what I have to offer.

Second, the website will grow, both organically and by design. This first blog will be one of many, but probably not a weekly event, at least to start. Since the first of the year I've became inundated by blogs and emails spouting all the things that are wrong with what we see going on locally, nationally, and planetwide. I know what the issues are. I want this space to be how we can deal with seemingly endless and insurmountable problems. (I swear that the next time someone tells me a president or the weather is exhibiting an unprecedented change I'm going to scream.)

Testing and Feedback

The website is up and running. I hope there aren't any bugs, but if you find something lest me know. "Constructive criticism" is still criticism. Be kind!

What Happened Next?

You're reading the result of the next phase - "My Blogs." I've been on a number of blog sites over the years and keeping my website and my blogs in the same place makes more than sense economically. The real reason is control.

I lost years of work when Facebook created a debacle. While I have copies backed up, recreating everything was costly and a nightmare. All the blogs you see from here on will be new material. (My previous blogs are in printed form on my website and additionally still available on Patreon.com).

Continued Evaluation and Adaptation

This experience taught me that a website makeover is not a one-time event. With trends evolving rapidly, keeping my site current is necessary.

I plan to review analytics regularly to monitor traffic and user behavior. I also commit to staying attuned to emerging trends, ensuring my website remains a valuable resource for visitors.

Final Thoughts

The journey of giving my website a fresh makeover was not just about aesthetics. It was about reconnecting with my audience and defining who they are, enhancing engagement, and staying relevant in a competitive digital world.

If you are contemplating a website redesign, I highly encourage you to take the leap. With clear goals and a focus on your audience's needs, you can transform your website into a platform that truly resonates.

A fresh perspective can make all the difference!