(What you really need to know before you fall for the hype)
Here’s the thing. The internet is full of advice about website design—and not all of it is good. The moment you mention you’re thinking about a new site, “experts” pop up everywhere. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard something that starts with, “Well, my sister’s boyfriend’s college roommate built his website on his phone, so it must be easy.”
Bless their hearts! (and yes I am tapping into my Texan roots here!) These little nuggets of “wisdom” are usually more confusing than helpful. So today I thought I’d set the record straight on some of the biggest fibs, half-truths, and flat-out lies I hear about website design.
1. Blogging is dead
Nope. Not even close.
Blogging is still one of the best ways to connect with your dream clients, share your expertise, and give people a taste of who you are. It also helps with search engine visibility (aka Google actually noticing you).
Now, here’s where people get it wrong: blogging is only valuable if what you’re writing actually helps your audience. A “day in the life” ramble about your trip to the farmers market probably isn’t what they’re searching for. But sharing tips, insights, or behind-the-scenes details about your work? That’s gold.
2. You have to have a blog
Also not true.
A strong, strategic website can stand on its own without a blog. In fact, I’d rather see you with no blog at all than one that has the standard “3 posts at launch” and nothing since.
Consistency matters more than frequency. If you can’t commit to showing up with content that’s relevant and valuable, don’t force it. Your site should work for you, not guilt-trip you.
3. You can launch a website in a few hours
Unless someone’s handing you a magic wand (and if they are, please call me so I can borrow it), this is not happening.
A solid website takes planning, strategy, design, testing, and more than a few cups of coffee. Even as someone who builds websites for a living, I can tell you—it takes time. The right site is worth the effort because it’s not just a pretty page, it’s a tool that helps grow your business.
4. All you need is your smartphone
I love my phone, but let’s be real. A site built entirely on a smartphone is not going to cut it. Even the platforms that claim “easy mobile website builders” don’t deliver something professional enough to represent your business. I once tried just to see. Spoiler: it was not pretty.
5. The more words the better
Quantity is not the same as quality.
You don’t need to write a novel. You just need enough words to be clear, direct, and helpful. Too many words, and you risk confusing or boring your reader. Not enough words, and they’ll leave with more questions than answers.
So focus on clarity first. (And if writing is the part you dread, that’s what people like me—and copywriters—are here for.)
6. Everything important must be above the fold
I cringe every time I hear this one.
Above the fold isn’t where you cram in your entire life story, your why, every service, and a freebie offer. That’s overwhelming. What you do want above the fold is attention-grabbing clarity: who you are, what you do, and one clear action step to take next.
7. White space is wasted space
Absolutely not. White space is what gives your content breathing room. Without it, everything feels squished and overwhelming. White space is the pause that lets your visitors process what you’re saying. It’s not wasted—it’s essential.
8. A great website = overnight success
Oh, if only.
Websites are powerful, yes. But they don’t sprinkle fairy dust on your business and bring instant fame. Real success comes from consistently showing up, building trust, and connecting with your audience.
Your site is part of that bigger picture—it’s the tool that helps showcase your work, not the thing that guarantees stardom. Overnight success looks glamorous, but behind every “instant hit” is usually years of work, learning, and showing up.
The “REAL” truth:
There are no shortcuts. A great website is built with strategy, clarity, and consistency. When it’s done right, it works quietly in the background to support your business every single day.
So the next time someone says, “Web design is easy, I built mine on my phone in an afternoon”, just smile. You know better.
And if you’re ready for a site that actually works for your business (without the fibs), I’m just a call away.
