I’ve heard all the dismissive takes on design:
- “Your website isn’t a fashion show.”
- “Design looks good, but it’s useless.”
- “Design isn’t about making things pretty.”
Let me be blunt: it’s both. And if you don’t get that, you’re leaving money on the table.
Your website and brand are no different than a storefront, an office lobby, or even the clothes you wear to a meeting. They represent your business. You’ll feel embarrassed if your shop is disorganized, dated, or poorly maintained. Worse, your customers would notice it—and they wouldn’t return.
So why do so many business owners treat their websites as if design doesn’t matter?
Sorting Through the Noise: The Problem with “Either-Or” Thinking
Business owners, I get it. You have to sift through a lot of junk today. There’s so much noise out there—so many agencies making bold claims about what they can do for you. Some say, “It’s all about conversions; who cares how it looks?” Others promise flashy designs but fail to deliver measurable results.
Here’s the hard truth: many of these agencies are either lazy or just chasing a quick buck. They’ll offer you one or the other—performance or aesthetics—because it’s easier for them. But your business deserves better than “either-or.”
If I were spending my own money on branding or a website for Boken, I’d demand both. The website has to close deals, make a statement, convert, and look good. It’s not about vanity—it’s about setting a quality standard for your customers and clients.
Your Website Is Your Storefront
Think about the last time you walked into a brick-and-mortar store. What made you feel confident about shopping there? Was it the clean, organized layout? The modern fixtures? The thoughtful design made it easy to find what you were looking for.
Your website is no different. It’s the first place many potential customers interact with your brand. If it looks cluttered, dated, or confusing, what does that say about the quality of your products or services?
According to a study by Stanford, 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on its website design. That’s right—three-quarters of your potential customers are forming opinions about your business based on your site’s appearance.
And yet, some people still claim that design doesn’t matter. Let me tell you—it matters. A lot.
Good Design Drives Real Results
The argument that “design doesn’t sell” is lazy. In reality, good design enhances your business’s ability to perform. Here’s why:
- It Makes Your Offer Clear.
Disorganized websites with cluttered visuals confuse potential customers. They’ll leave if they can’t quickly figure out what you’re offering. Research shows that users decide whether to stay or leave your site within 10 seconds—and visual clarity is the top factor in that decision (HubSpot). - It Builds Trust.
Would you trust a messy, outdated store? Of course not. Your website works the same way. A well-designed site signals professionalism, attention to detail, and quality. - It Enhances the User Experience.
Good design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making the user’s journey seamless. According to Forrester, poor website usability costs businesses billions in lost revenue annually. - It Boosts Conversions.
A visually appealing and user-friendly landing page can increase conversions by up to 86% (HubSpot). Great design eliminates friction and guides users toward the actions you want them to take.
Stop Knocking on Design—Do Better Work
As business owners, we don’t cut corners on our office spaces, storefronts, or lobbies. So why do it with your website? Your online presence is just as critical as your physical one—arguably more so in today’s digital-first world.
Yet, I see so many brands treating their websites as an afterthought. They slap together something functional and call it a day. Or worse, they spend a fortune on flashy designs that don’t perform well.
It doesn’t have to be this way. You can have both. At Boken, we don’t believe in choosing between aesthetics and performance. We believe in combining them to create websites and brands that:
- Look incredible.
- Convert like crazy.
- Reflect on the quality and value your business offers.
Beauty + Brains = Better Business
Here’s the thing: great design and great performance aren’t mutually exclusive. They’re complementary. When done right, they amplify each other.
- A beautiful design grabs attention and builds trust.
- A high-performing design drives action and delivers results.
Together, they create a brand experience that’s effective and memorable.
It’s Time to Demand More
If you’re investing in your website, don’t settle for less than both beauty and brains. Demand a site that looks amazing and works hard for your business.
At Boken, we approach every project with the same mindset: If I wouldn’t spend my own money on it, I won’t recommend it to you. It’s that simple.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- Strategic Clarity: We start with a deep understanding of your business, audience, and goals.
- Purposeful Design: Every visual element is crafted to support your objectives and reflect your brand’s quality.
- Relentless Performance: From user experience to conversion optimization, we ensure your site works as hard as you do.
Let’s Raise the Standard
Business owners, it’s time to stop making excuses for mediocre design or performance. You can have a website that’s both functional and beautiful. One that closes deals wows customers and sets you apart from the competition.
Stop listening to the noise from lazy, money-hungry agencies telling you to pick one or the other. You—and your business—deserve better.
At Boken, we don’t just build websites; we create experiences that reflect the best of your brand. Let’s raise the standard together.
Are you ready to demand more from your marketing? Let’s talk.
