How to make your website feel personal without hiring a designer
When most people think about creating a personal, engaging website, they assume you need a designer or copywriter to get it right. And yes, professional designers and copywriters are incredible! They can elevate a website in ways that are hard to match.
But we know it’s not always possible to outsource your website to a professional, but the good news is that you can still create a website that feels professional, personal and completely you, without hiring anyone.
It’s really about being clear on your goals, your ideal client and what you want your website to achieve, while making the most of the tools and resources you already have. With Squarespace and a bit of planning, you can create a website that showcases your personality, highlights your values and shares your expertise, all while looking polished and staying easy for visitors to navigate.
Be clear on your goals and audience
The first step to a personal-feeling website is clarity. Ask yourself:
Who is my ideal client?
What do I want my website to achieve?
What impression do I want visitors to leave with?
Once you know the answers, every decision, from your copy to your visuals and layout, becomes much easier. You’re not just filling pages, you’re creating an experience that feels intentional and welcoming.
Use your words to show your personality
Your copy is one of the simplest ways to make a site feel personal. You don’t need to be a professional writer, you just need to speak like yourself. Imagine explaining your services to a client over a coffee. That’s the tone you want to aim for.
Share a bit about your process, why you do what you do or how you approach your work. Even small personal touches make a huge difference. For example, a therapist might explain what a first session is like, a nutritionist could give a simple tip on building healthy habits, and a creative service provider might outline how they collaborate with clients.
Choose visuals that feel authentic
Images are a fast way to add personality. You don’t need professional photography everywhere, but your visuals should reflect your world. This could include:
Your workspace or tools
Behind-the-scenes shots of your process
Styled shots of your work or products
Consistency is key - pick a colour palette, a font pairing and an image style, and carry it through the site.
Plan your website structure intentionally
A personal website isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about how it works. Pages should flow logically, helping visitors find what they need without confusion.
Think about your homepage, services page, blog, and contact page. How do visitors move between them? What journey makes sense for someone discovering your business for the first time?
Planning this out makes your site feel thoughtful, professional, and easy to use. If you want, a simple tool like our free Website Content Planner can help you map your pages and user journey.
Bring your voice to life with storytelling
Stories make your website feel human. You don’t need long essays, even small anecdotes add personality.
You could share:
Why you started your business
What your approach to working with clients looks like
A simple example of how you helped someone solve a problem
Stories help visitors relate to you, remember you and feel confident about reaching out. They’re also a great way to grab your readers attention and make your website stand out from your competitors.
Use your blog or free resources to connect
Your blog or downloadable resources are another way to show personality and support your audience. Write about questions your ideal clients have, your approach to common problems, or tips they can use straight away.
Free resources, like templates, guides or checklists, are a way of saying, “Here’s something helpful from me, just for you.” They build trust and allow visitors to experience your expertise before booking a service.
Our final thoughts
Designers and copywriters are amazing, and they can take your site to the next level. But you don’t need to hire them to create a beautiful, personality-filled, well-written website.
With Squarespace, a clear plan, intentional copy, authentic visuals, and the guidance in our Website Content Planner, you can build a website that feels like you, attracts your ideal clients, and supports your business… all on your own terms.
