Building a website that actually works: a guide for founders who’ve got better things to do
Let’s be real. Creating a website sounds simple, but doing it right is a whole different game.
After working on 50+ digital products for startups and mid-to-large businesses, we’ve seen it all. Over-complicated ideas. Missing content. Projects stuck at “almost ready” for months.
This article breaks down our process, so you know what’s ahead and how we can help you make it faster and easier.
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Jul 21, 2025
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Preparation: think before you design
Before we open any design tool, like Figma, or write content for the website, we need to know what we’re building and why.
Here’s what you need to figure out:
Here’s what you need to figure out:
1. What is the product
Sounds obvious, but many teams skip this. Describe what your product is, what it does, and how people use it.
2. Main idea and purpose of the website
Why are you building this website? Is it to sell something, promote a launch, explain your product, or build trust? Write it out in one simple sentence:
💡For example: "We need a website to [main goal], so people can [take action]."
This will guide everything else: structure, content, and design.
3. Target audience
Knowing your audience shapes the structure, tone, and calls to action.
💡For example
- If you're targeting early-stage investors, you’ll need clear traction, team highlights, and a confident tone.
- If you're speaking to developers, include technical details and product docs.
- If you're speaking to managers, focus on ROI and simplicity.
The goal here is simple: Understand what you’re building, why it matters, and what your website should help people do.
Research: learn from others
Look at your competitors. Study cross-category websites. Collect inspiring examples. Put it all into a moodboard.
This isn’t about copying — it’s about recognizing patterns that work and creating a language that fits your product.
Content & copy: write it all out
Now that you know what you're building and why, start writing the content.
Use a simple text editor — no design tools yet. Just focus on your message.
Quick tips to write better copy:
1. Do it yourself first. You know the product best.
2. Dump everything on paper. Edit later.
3. Write like you’re explaining it to a 5-year-old.
4. Avoid vague phrases like “best solution” or “cutting-edge.”
5. Be specific – skip “many,” “some,” or “all”; say exactly what you mean
6. Use action words. Help users imagine doing something.
7. Use verbs in buttons – e.g. “Book a call,” “Try demo,” “Download now”
8. Keep it short. People scan, not read.
9. Keep title capitalization consistent in every section.
10. Start small. You can always expand later.
The goal here is to finalize the structure of blocks and fill them with content that’s clear and purposeful.
Prototype: build the skeleton
Once you’re clear on what you’re building and who it’s for, you can start shaping the layout.
This is where founders often overcomplicate things, but simplicity wins. Focus on what your users need to see and understand, not what you want to squeeze in.
Here’s the structure we usually start with:
Hero section
Show why users should take action. Use bold, simple headlines. Highlight keywords.
CTA or form
Button, two buttons, input + button — keep it direct.
Demo
Show how the product works. Always prefer UI examples (even fake ones) over long text.
💡Show, don’t tell.
Convert section
Use social proof — badges, team avatars, logos, reviews. Add urgency (FOMO) if it makes sense.
Advantages
Lay out the benefits. Clear, short, and visual.
Final CTA + contacts
Include socials, contact info, and one last nudge.
Optional extras:
Announcements. Highlight new features, launches, or offers above the fold.
Benefits list. Use icons or checkmarks for a fast, scannable list of value props.
Design behaviors we encourage:
- If you're unsure about something — delete it.
- Only add elements you understand. Design meaningfully.
- Use common patterns — don’t reinvent what already works.
- Before you add anything, ask: "Why is this here? What’s the goal? Who is this for?*
- Don’t wait for perfect — publish the first version today, then iterate.
Make it shine
Now that the content and structure are in place — let’s make it beautiful and effective.
Here’s how we design with purpose:
Fit the product
Match visuals to your idea. Space tech? Go dark. Health app? Calm and clear. Kids’ app? Fun and bright.
Keep it consistent
From colors and fonts to spacing and icons — one visual language across the whole site.
Add just enough depth
Gradients, textures, and motion can add polish — but don’t overdo it.
Focus on accessibility
Your site should work for everyone. Good contrast, readable fonts, and usable components are non-negotiable.
Use real UI and real people
Avoid generic stock images. Show the product. Show the team. Be human.
And finally: Designers should speak directly with clients — ask questions, present work, take responsibility. That’s how better solutions happen.
Going live
The last steps matter more than people think.
1. Connect your domain — no one wants to see a Notion or Webflow subdomain
2. Set up basic analytics — Google Analytics, Hotjar, or Plausible
3. Test, iterate, repeat — your website is never really “done”
Treat your site like a living thing. Improve it as your product grows.
Building a website that actually works: a guide for founders who’ve got better things to do
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