What Makes a Website “Well-Designed”? (UX, UI, Mobile, Accessibility)
Most coaches didn’t start their business because they love tinkering with tech or obsessing over font pairings. You started your business because you’re passionate about helping people create transformations. Whether it’s mindset shifts, emotional healing, or life strategy, you’re here to serve, not spend hours fussing with web design.
But here’s the truth no one tells you loud enough:
Your website is part of your client experience.
And just like your coaching container is thoughtfully designed with trust, safety, and results in mind, your website should be too. So what exactly makes a website well-designed?
Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense (no techy lingo or designer snobbery here). We’re talking real talk about what matters most when it comes to your online home, and how things like UX, UI, mobile, and accessibility impact your coaching business.
It’s All About the Experience (UX)
Let’s start with UX, or user experience. It’s a fancy way of saying: does your website feel smooth, intuitive, and easy to navigate, or confusing and clunky?
Think of it like this:
Imagine inviting a new potential client into your coaching office. You offer them tea, show them where to sit, and have your best vibe music on in the background. Everything is intentional, the lighting, the mood, even how you start the conversation.
That’s UX.
It’s the thought behind the structure. On a website, this shows up in things like:
- Clear, simple navigation (can I find what I need in 3 clicks or less?)
- Organized layout (does the information make sense and flow naturally?)
- Speed (is it loading quickly, or am I already annoyed?)
- Logical page hierarchy (do I know what step to take next?)
When your site is designed with the user’s journey in mind, they feel welcomed, guided, and confident about booking that discovery call.
UI = How It Looks & Feels
Now let’s talk about UI, or user interface. This is where things get visual: your colors, fonts, spacing, images, and overall vibe.
UI is like your personal brand voice, but in picture form. It communicates who you are before someone even reads a word.
Let me give you a real-life example:
One of my coaching clients had a website full of bright neon colors, bold fonts, and spinning icons. The problem? Her actual energy was super calming, nurturing, and intuitive. Her dream clients were overwhelmed moms looking for clarity. The design was pushing people away instead of pulling them in.
We redid her site using soft neutrals, elegant fonts, and beautiful space around each section. Suddenly, people were staying longer on her site, reading more, and reaching out. Why? Because the look matched her energy.
A well-designed UI feels like you, on your best day.
Mobile-Friendly Isn’t Optional Anymore
Here’s a question:
How often do you scroll Instagram, read emails, or shop online from your phone?
Exactly.
Over 60% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices. So if your site only looks good on a big screen, you’re unintentionally creating a frustrating experience for most of your visitors.
Here’s how to check if your site is mobile-friendly:
- Is the text large enough to read without zooming?
- Do buttons work with a thumb tap?
- Does anything feel squished or out of place?
Mobile design isn’t just about shrinking your desktop site. It’s about prioritizing the essentials for a small screen: your headline, offer, and call to action. Think of it as the highlight reel version of your business.
And bonus—Google also ranks mobile-friendly sites higher. So it’s good for you, too.
Accessibility: The Hidden Hero of Great Design
If UX is about how people feel, and UI is how things look, accessibility is how inclusive your site is for everyone, regardless of ability.
Imagine if someone wanted to book a discovery call, but couldn’t read your text because of low contrast. Or they use a screen reader, but your site doesn’t support it. Or they physically can’t click a tiny button because it’s too close to another one.
That’s what accessibility covers.
You don’t have to be a coding wizard to make your site more accessible. Here are some quick wins:
- Use high contrast between text and background (like black on white or navy on beige)
- Add alt text to all your images (so screen readers can describe them)
- Avoid using only color to show meaning (like “green = yes” without a label)
- Make buttons big enough to click easily on a phone
Accessible design isn’t just kind, it’s professional. It shows that you care about every potential client, and it positions you as a trustworthy, thoughtful coach.
Flow, Not Fluff
You don’t need a flashy website with dancing banners or a dozen different sections.
You need clarity and flow.
A well-designed coaching website usually has:
- A clear headline that says what you do and who you help
- A few short sections about your results, process, and story
- A strong call-to-action (book a call, download a freebie, etc.)
- Clean contact form or link to connect with you
If you’re overthinking all the extras, breathe. Simplicity wins.
Real Talk: Why This Matters
Let me tell you something I’ve seen over and over again:
Coaches spend so much time on Instagram, trying to attract clients…
But when someone finally does click the link in their bio—
The website doesn’t hold their attention.
That’s where the disconnect happens.
A poorly designed site doesn’t just cost you views—it costs you trust.
And in a heart-centered business like coaching, trust is everything.
Let Your Website Do the Heavy Lifting
You already wear enough hats—coach, marketer, content creator, possibly mom, maybe even therapist at times. Your website should take work off your plate, not add more to it.
A well-designed website…
✅ Builds credibility
✅ Captures leads
✅ Speaks your message clearly
✅ Works beautifully on all devices
✅ Welcomes your people in
You don’t have to be a tech expert. You just need the right guide—or team—to help you bring it all together.
Final Thoughts
You deserve a website that reflects the care and clarity you bring to your coaching practice. Because design isn’t just decoration—it’s communication. It’s how your future clients feel when they find you online.
So if your current website makes you cringe, or you’ve been avoiding making one at all, take this as your loving nudge. You’re ready. Your people are looking for you. Let your website help them find you, feel connected, and take the next step.
And if you need help? I’m just a message away.
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