Your website looks beautiful, you paid good money for it. The photos are stunning, the colors match your brand, and when you show it to friends, they say “wow, so professional!”. Yet, it’s not getting you sales.
Nobody’s booking directly from your website, your inbox isn’t exactly overflowing with “yes, I want to work with you” messages. And you’re starting to wonder if you wasted all that money on a digital business card that just… sits there, catching digital dust.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- The brutal truth nobody tells you about getting sales from your website
- Why your website isn’t getting sales: the real reasons
- How to get sales from your website
- What to do about your website + FAQ
TLDR: A pretty website doesn’t equal sales. Most service-based business websites fail because they’re invisible on Google, unclear about what they actually do, or make it weirdly hard to say yes. The good news is that these are fixable problems, and fixing them turns your site into a 24/7 client-getting machine.
The brutal truth nobody tells you about getting sales from your website
Here’s what I see all the time: someone invests $3K, $5K, sometimes $10K+ on a gorgeous website. The designer delivers something that could win awards, everything looks perfect.
And then… crickets.
Because here’s the unpopular truth: your website’s job isn’t to be pretty. Its job is to make you money.
And another truth is that not all website designers are actually optimizing your website to get found on Google. Not blaming them, one of my closest friends is a web designer and she doesn’t optimize the website she builds for search engines (she technically hires me to do it).
Why? Because these are 2 different skills. I can build SEO websites, but the design is minimalist (like mine, I love it like that). When it comes to fancier design, I don’t have the skills, the touch or the patience.
I know that sounds harsh, but think about it this way: would you rather have a stunning website that nobody sees and nobody buys from, or a simple, clear site that brings you clients every single week?
The websites that actually generate sales do three things well:
- People can find them (SEO)
- People understand them (clear copy)
- People can easily say yes (simple next steps)
Miss any one of these, and you’re basically running a business with a “closed” sign on the door.
Why your website isn’t getting sales: the real reasons
1) Nobody can find your website (The SEO Problem)
Let’s start with the obvious one that most people ignore: if your ideal clients can’t find your website on Google, they can’t buy from you.
And no, being on page 7 of Google doesn’t count, nobody goes to page 7. Honestly, most people don’t even scroll past the first five results on page 1.
Here’s what’s probably happening:
Your website doesn’t show up when someone searches for exactly what you do in your area. So while you’re waiting for clients to magically discover you, they’re finding your competitors instead; the ones who actually show up on page 1.
You might be thinking “but I don’t have time to learn SEO!” or “isn’t SEO some complicated technical stuff that takes years?”
Nope. Basic SEO is actually pretty straightforward:
- Use the words your clients actually search for (not industry jargon)
- Make sure Google knows what you do and where you do it
- Create content that answers the questions your ideal clients are asking (eg: an FAQ on your service pages or blog articles)
That’s it. Nothing super complicated, no tricks, just making it easy for Google to connect people who need you with your business.
Start by Googling what your ideal client would search for. “Therapist in (your city)”, “business lawyer near me”, “dog trainer (your area) or “vet for rabbits around me”. Where do you show up? If you’re not on page 1, that’s your first problem to solve.
This blog article will help you fix it: How to Rank #1 on Google without spending a dime on ads.
2) Your website isn’t speaking your clients’ language (The Copy Problem)
Okay, this one’s going to sting a little, but I promise it’s said with love.
Your website probably sounds like a corporate press release. Something like “innovative solutions”, “Multidisciplinary care approach”, “holistic approaches” and “leveraging synergies” (okay, maybe not that last one, but you get my point).
Here’s the thing: your ideal clients don’t talk or even think like that, and they definitely don’t search for any of these terms when they need help.
They search for things like:
- “Why does my back hurt after sitting all day”
- “How to get more clients without being on social media 24/7”
- “Lawyer who can help me with (specific legal mess)”
- “Vet near me that’s open on weekends”
See the difference? Real problems, real words, no jargon, no fluff.
When your website speaks in vague, professional-sounding language, here’s what happens in your visitor’s brain: “Hmm, this sounds… nice? I think? But I’m not totally sure if they can help with my specific problem. Let me check a few more sites.”
And poof, they’re gone.
Now, go and read your homepage out loud. If it sounds like something a pro would say at a corporate conference, rewrite it. Use words your actual clients use, talk about their actual problems, and make it so clear that a 10-year-old could explain what you do.
Need help to re-write your homepage? I got you: How to write a Homepage that brings in clients
All your pages need to be relatable, build trust and make your visitors feel like you’re the obvious choice. Yes, even your “About Me” page.
Your “About” page needs to create connection with your visitors, not seek to impress or prove your expertise.
Controversial opinion alert: Your professional credentials and diplomas don’t sell you. Your ability to clearly explain how you solve your client’s specific problem is what does.
Nobody cares that you’re “passionate about delivering excellence.” They care about knowing if you can fix the thing that’s keeping them up at night. It’s a show-don’t-tell situation. Meaning, instead of telling them you’re passionate, make them feel it instead.
This blog article will help you: How to write an About page that makes website visitors want to work with you.
It even contains a free downloadable guide with a checklist.
3) You’re not sharing the info your potential clients actually want to know (The Trust Problem that blocks your sales)
Let me guess: your prices are either not on your website, or they’re somewhere with “contact us for pricing.” And maybe you have one testimonial, kind of buried at the bottom.
I get why you did this, someone told you “never show prices, make them call!” or “testimonials look too salesy or that you’re trying to prove your worth!”. But it makes people suspicious.
When someone can’t find basic information on your site (like how much it costs or if other humans have actually worked with you and liked it), they assume one of these two things:
- You’re going to be expensive
- You’re hiding something and maybe you’ll be “chasing them”
Either way, they’re clicking away to find someone more transparent.
The truth nobody wants to hear: People shop around, they’re comparing you to 5+ other options. The one who makes it easiest to say “yes, this is the right person for me” usually wins.
Here’s how you can fix this:
- Show your prices (or at least a range or starting point)
- Get testimonials that speak to specific results, not generic “great to work with!”
- Make it crystal clear what working with you actually looks like
- Show you understand their problem before you talk about your solution
- Add a “what to expect”.
- Add photos of you being an actual human, not stock photos of people in suits shaking hands.
- Bonus point if your personality shines through, because you’ll stand out from your competitors.
4) You’re making it hard for clients to pay you (The Friction Problem)
This one is an easy fix, yet so many websites mess it up.
Your visitor has finally found you, they understand what you do, they’re interested… and then they can’t figure out how to actually hire you.
Common mistakes I see:
- Your “Contact” button is only at the very bottom of a super long page
- The contact form asks for 7 pieces of information, just ask for name, email, message, that’s it!
- No clear next step (tell them what happens after they fill out the form)
- Your navigation menu has 47 options to choose from and nobody knows where they need to click
- Your site loads slower than a 90s dial-up connection (site speed, or lack of, is a deal breaker, no one wants to wait)
- Everything looks funky on mobile (where 60%+ of your visitors are browsing from)
Every extra click, every moment of confusion, every second of waiting is another chance for someone to say “well, never mind” and leave.
Make it very simple to contact you with obvious buttons, make sure they have a consistent color so they’re easy to spot. Short forms, fast-loading pages, clear “here’s what to do next” instructions. Test your site on your phone, if YOU can’t figure out how to book yourself in 30 seconds, your clients definitely can’t.
How to get sales from your website
Here’s what most people don’t realize: your website needs to work for people at different stages of knowing you, that is to say those who:
- Land on your site and have never heard of you: they need to understand what you do and why it matters to them now. Usually they are researching the cause of their problem, they need better understanding.
- Are actively looking for a solution; in that case, they need to see why you’re that solution and of course why they should choose you over anyone else.
- Are ready to buy RIGHT NOW: they’re already aware of the solution they need, they just need a clear, easy way to say yes.
Most websites only speak to one of these 3 groups, usually the middle one.
But if you want consistent sales, your website needs to work for all three:
For the “who are you?” people:
- Super clear headline that explains what you do in 3 seconds
- Content that shows you understand their problem
- Easy-to-navigate site that doesn’t overwhelm
For the “I’m comparing options” people:
- Social proof (testimonials, case studies, real results)
- Clear differentiation (why you and not someone else)
- Transparent pricing or at least ballpark ranges
For the “shut up and take my money” people:
- Obvious, easy booking/contact options
- Clear next steps (“book a call,” “get your quote,” “start here”)
- No unnecessary hoops to jump through
When your site covers all three stages, you stop losing potential clients at every step of their decision-making process. That’s when your website gets you sales (and money).
Here’s what actually happens when you fix this
I’m going to share some real examples because “just trust me” isn’t good enough.
David, mental health specialist, had had a website for 3 years that brought him exactly zero clients. After he hired me to fix his SEO and rewrite his copy to actually speak to his ideal clients’ problems, he got clients finding him and booking within the first 2 months. Now people find him on Google, book appointments, and buy his book. His words: “I can focus on my clients knowing this part of my marketing runs on its own.”
One of my veterinarian clients saw:
- 19% more site visits in less than 20 days
- By month 2: 177% more visitors, 150% more “click to call” actions, 17% more contact form submissions
Rozella, a career change coach, had a website that was buried on page 9 of Google. Now she has 16 pages ranking on Google’s first page (including her blog posts). Her prospects find her instead of her having to chase them on social media all day.
Here’s what changed for my clients: they became visible on Google, their copy actually made sense to humans in different stages we’ve just seen above, and it was easy to hire them.
So what to do about your website?
Look, you basically have two options here.
Option 1: Keep your site exactly as it is and try to fix it yourself with the complementary blog I’ve linked. (Not judging, sometimes people genuinely aren’t ready to hire someone yet.)
Option 2: Turn your website into an asset that actually works for your business. Meaning it shows up when people search for you, it clearly communicates why someone should choose you, and it makes it very easy to become your client.
If you’re leaning toward Option 2, I suggest getting expert eyes on your specific situation. I do messaging audits where I go through your entire client journey from discovering for the 1st time to becoming a client (website + social media, the whole thing).
What you get:
- Website copy review (homepage, about page, contact page, sales pages) showing exactly where you’re losing potential clients
- Social media profile and content analysis to ensure your message is consistent across platforms
- User experience walkthrough identifying any friction points that prevent sales
- Specific action plan with clear steps for improving your messaging
- Detailed video audit (no time limit, as thorough as it needs to be) that you can reference while making changes
Investment: USD 285 (€250), fully deductible from done-for-you services if you decide to hire me afterward. Basically a down payment, not an expense.
Or if you just want to talk it through first, book a free 20-minute strategy call and we’ll figure out the best next step for your situation. No pressure, no weird sales tactics, just a real conversation about whether your website is actually doing its job.
Key Takeaways (The Stuff You Need to Remember)
- A beautiful website means nothing if nobody can find it or understand it
- SEO isn’t optional, if you’re not on page 1 of Google, you’re invisible
- Use words your clients actually use, not industry jargon that sounds professional but means nothing
- Show prices, testimonials, and that real humans work with you and get results
- Make it very simple to hire you (consistent buttons, short forms, clear next steps)
- Your website should work for people at all stages: the curious browsers, the comparison shoppers, and the ready-to-buy-now folks
- Every day you wait is another day of missed opportunities, lost clients, lost sales (and money).
Read to fix your website? Book your messaging audit here and see exactly what’s keeping your site from making sales.
FAQ: The questions everyone asks about website sales
How long does it take to see results after fixing my website?
Honestly, it depends on what’s broken. If your main problem is clarity (confusing copy, unclear messaging), you can see results pretty fast, like within a week or two once you update things. If your problem is SEO (nobody can find you), that can take longer, minimum one month to start seeing more visitors. But here’s the thing: every day you don’t fix it is another day of lost opportunities, so the best time to start is now.
Do I really need to show my prices on my website?
You don’t NEED to, but hiding them usually costs you more qualified leads than it saves. People are shopping around, when they can’t find pricing info on your site, they often just move on to someone more transparent. If you’re worried about looking expensive, show starting points or ranges. “Packages starting at $X” or “Most clients invest between $X and $Y.” Way better than making people jump through hoops to get basic information.
I’m on social media all the time, isn’t that enough?
Social media is rented land. Algorithms change, platforms come and go, and you’re competing with cat videos for attention. These platforms have a lot of noise going on and require a real, consistent strategy. Your website is YOUR space. When someone searches for what you do, they land on your site, not your Instagram. Plus, let’s be real, most people check your website before they hire you, even if they found you on social media first. Your website is your credibility hub.
Can’t I just pay for ads instead of dealing with SEO?
You can, but ads stop working the second you stop paying for them. SEO is a guaranteed return-on-investment for your business. Yes, it takes some time upfront, but once you’re showing up on Google, you get consistent traffic without constantly paying for it. Some successful businesses do both (at least temporarily), but SEO gives you the foundation that doesn’t disappear when your ad budget runs out.
What if I’m just not good at writing? Can I really fix my own copy?
Look, you don’t need to be a novelist. You just need to be clear, talk about real problems and use words actual humans use. If you can explain what you do to a friend at dinner or to your 7 year-old nephew, you can write decent website copy. That said, if writing makes you want to cry, hire someone. It’s a business investment, not a luxury. Your website is your 24/7 salesperson, so it’s worth getting it right.
My website is brand new. How long before it starts bringing in clients?
A brand new site has zero authority with Google, so SEO takes time (3 months minimum for a brand new domain name). BUT if your copy is clear and you’re driving traffic from other sources (social media, referrals, networking), it should start turning visitors into clients right away. The key is making sure both parts are working: the “getting found” part (SEO) and the “making people want to work with you” part (copy and user experience).
Your website should be getting you sales right now
Here’s the bottom line: you didn’t get into business to become an SEO expert or a copywriter. You got into business because you’re good at what you do, and you want to help people.
But if your website isn’t bringing you clients, you’re stuck on the hustle hamster wheel. Constantly posting on social media, networking, chasing leads… that gets exhausting.
Your website should be doing the selling while you’re working with clients, sleeping, or living your actual life. Your site should always be:
- Getting found by people who need exactly what you offer
- Showing them why you’re the obvious choice
- Making it easy for them to become clients
That’s what a website that actually works does.
Book your messaging audit and get my expert eyes on your entire client journey with specific recommendations for what to change.
Whatever you choose, just don’t let your website keep sitting there looking pretty while your competitors get all the clients. You deserve better than that.
Talk soon,
Morgane
