The Story: Creating an Experience That Feels Like Home

Imagine walking into a yoga studio for the very first time. You’re a little nervous — new spaces always bring that mix of excitement and uncertainty. But the moment you step through the door, everything shifts.

The air is warm but not heavy, the perfect temperature that makes your shoulders soften. Gentle music hums in the background. At the desk, someone greets you by name with a genuine smile, checks you in without fuss, and points you toward a space that’s already waiting for you.

Inside the studio, the lights are soft, the mats are laid out, and everything feels effortless — like you were expected, like you belong. You don’t have to worry about where to go or what comes next.

You can just exhale, settle in, and focus on the experience.

One of my clients once told me, “That’s exactly how I want people to feel when they land on my website. Welcomed. Guided. Confident they’re in the right place.” She didn’t want a site that was just pretty. She wanted a space that felt thoughtful, intentional, and positioned her as the expert her dream clients had been looking for.

And that’s the difference between a website that’s simply there and one that actually works for you. A powerful website creates an experience — it makes your dream clients feel like VIPs from the moment they arrive.

So before you dream of more leads, the question to ask is this: what kind of experience am I inviting people into?

The Heart of a Website That Attracts Clients

Here’s the truth: design alone can’t carry a website. The sites that actually attract clients and grow with your business are built from the heart — with intention, care, and a deep understanding of what your brand truly stands for.

Before I touch colours, layouts, or fonts, I always start with three questions:

Who do you serve?
Your dream clients need to recognize themselves on your website instantly. When your messaging and visuals are aligned with their needs, they feel seen, understood, and at home.
What do you want to be known for?
This is about positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your industry. A website isn’t just a portfolio; it’s a stage where your authority and credibility shine.
How do you want people to feel when they land on your site?
Just like walking into that perfect yoga class — warm, welcomed, and cared for — your website should create an emotional experience that stays with your audience long after they click away.

When you’re clear on these three pieces, the design becomes effortless. Every photo, every icon, every word is guided by this foundation. Without it, even the prettiest site will miss the mark.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

Design That Flows From Your Story and Your Business Goals

Once we’re clear on who you serve, what you want to be known for, and how you want people to feel, the design process becomes effortless. Every choice flows from that clarity.

For me, this looks like:

Custom icons that bring personality and reinforce your brand story in subtle, memorable ways.
A page that unfolds like a story. For example, on a client’s homepage:
- The first section makes a clear promise, welcoming visitors and positioning her as the expert.
- The next section builds connection by sharing her story and values.
- Then, we highlight services or offers in a way that’s aligned with her biggest goals — whether that’s booking more consults, filling her programs, or attracting high-value clients.
- Finally, we guide visitors toward a call-to-action that feels natural and inviting, whether it’s “book a call,” “download a resource,” or “join the community.”
Design choices motivated by her goals. Every colour, headline, and button is chosen with intention — not just for aesthetics, but to lead dream clients closer to working with her.
Mapping the top 2–3 client journeys. Whether someone is brand new, referred, or returning, we make sure they all have a clear path forward without confusion.

I often sketch out these flows by hand before I ever touch design software — because when your website tells a story, every detail matters.

When you work with Simply by Katie, your website journey starts by mapping out your biggest goals and creating a unique strategy to get you more leads.jpg

Your website should tell the story of the transformation your ideal, dream clients will take. It takes into account the psychology of the information they are looking for and provides them with intentional buying pathways..png

Aspire Realty hired Simply by Katie to build their strategic and high-converting website to elevate their online presence.png

Mortgage with Cheri a customized website by Simply by Katie.png

The Difference Between a Pretty Website and a Profitable Website

A lot of websites look beautiful on the surface. The colors are polished, the photos are professional, and everything feels on trend. But here’s the problem: pretty doesn’t always mean profitable.

I’ve seen gorgeous websites that left potential clients confused. The homepage didn’t clearly say who the business served, the navigation was cluttered, and the calls-to-action were buried at the bottom of the page. The result? Visitors clicked away, unsure if this was the right fit for them.

A profitable website, on the other hand, feels completely different. The promise is clear the moment you land on the page. The navigation is simple and intuitive, guiding you step by step. You are guided through a perfectly crafted story — one that reflects your unique brand and draws your dream clients closer with each scroll. And instead of being generic, the site reflects your vision with thoughtful details like custom icons, carefully chosen words, and buttons that invite action.

That’s the difference. A pretty website might earn a compliment. A profitable one builds trust, positions you as the expert, and invites your dream clients to take the next step with you.

Your First Step to Building a High-Converting Website

Before you think about layouts, photos, or fonts, take a moment to dream into the experience you want your website to create. What people remember most about your website isn’t just about how it looked, it’s how it made them feel.

Here’s a simple practice I love:

At the end of the day, grab your journal and open it to a fresh page, and write down your answer to this question:

“If someone landed on my website today, what would I want them to feel, know, and do?”

It can be simple. Maybe you want them to feel inspired. Maybe you want them to know you’re the go-to expert in your space. Maybe you want them to book a call or join your community.

Don’t overthink it — just let the words flow. This one question is the first step to building a website that not only looks beautiful but also invites in the right clients, the right opportunities, and the right growth for you.

Create a Website That Welcomes Clients In

Just like that yoga studio, your website can feel intentional, welcoming, and effortless. It’s not about having a site that’s just “up” — it’s about creating an experience that makes your dream clients feel at home, guided, and ready to take the next step with you.

A website done with intention is more than design — it’s the beginning of deeper connection and growth. It’s where your story meets the people who need it most.

Dreaming of a Website That Gets You More Leads? Do This First