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COACHING ARTICLES

How to grow your business online.

Is Your Website Too Pushy? How to Simplify a Cluttered Website

Ever walk into a cluttered store and instantly feel overwhelmed? Too much stock and too many signs are shouting for attention.


And before you even have a second to think, a salesperson is asking if they can help you - just when you were deciding whether you even want to be in this store or not.


I have literally left stores because of this. More than once.


A chaotic website feels the same way. It might have every feature imaginable, but visitors don’t know where to look, what to click, or what you actually do. The result? They leave.


The best websites aren’t the ones that do the most - they’re the ones that do the right things well. And that’s what simplifying a cluttered website is all about.


elegant website on laptop

What Does "Doing Too Much" Actually Look Like?


It’s easy to spot an overcomplicated website:


  • A dozen menu items that all seem equally important (Shop should not look as important as Shipping Rates)


  • Pop-ups fighting for space with chatbots, sliders, and newsletter forms


  • Videos autoplaying while music plays in the background (Never, never, never!)


  • Three calls to action before you even scroll


  • Services listed like a buffet menu with no clear specialty


Whether you're a therapist, coach, realtor, consultant, or spa director, the problem is the same: when everything is important, nothing is.



Simplifying a Cluttered Website Builds Trust


When someone lands on your site, you have a split second to earn their attention - and their trust. Clutter creates confusion, and confusion erodes credibility.


Think of a real estate site that clearly shows one thing:


  • Luxury homes for downsizers


  • No flashing banners


  • No competing offers


  • Just elegant photos, simple navigation, and a single clear message: “Helping you right-size with confidence.”


Suddenly, the visitor knows what to expect. They breathe easier. They stay longer. They click.



Why We Overcomplicate Things


It’s not just a design problem. It’s a human problem.


  • We add and layer because we want to prove we’re good at what we do


  • We worry we’re not doing enough


  • We’ve been told more is better


But in website design - especially for high-trust fields like health, therapy, law, or education - clarity always beats complexity.



Simple Doesn’t Mean Boring


A minimalist site doesn’t have to feel empty. Done well, it feels:


  • Curated


  • Intentional


  • Luxurious


Example:


A private school homepage might feature:


  • A single tagline: "Nurturing bright minds since 1964”


  • A photo of students in action


  • One button: “Take a Tour”


No jargon. No digital fireworks. Just calm confidence.


Or picture a wellness clinic website:


  • Clean white space


  • A few warm-toned images


  • A section that clearly outlines their approach


You know exactly what they stand for - and whether it resonates with you.



Let Your Website Breathe


White space is not wasted space. It’s breathing room. It lets the most important content stand out.


When you remove distractions, you make space for clarity. And connection


This is especially powerful for:


  • Coaches


  • Consultants


  • Therapists


  • Spas


  • Anything wellness, really


Your work is deeply personal. A serene, simple site sets the tone before the first conversation even happens.



Avoid the Pushy Salesperson Effect


You know that feeling when a salesperson won’t stop talking (and can't take their eyes off you)?


  • They rattle off every feature


  • Every benefit


  • Every possible reason you should buy


  • Without pausing to ask what you need


It’s exhausting. It's a complete turn-off.


Websites can feel like that too. Overly complicated pages are like pushy salespeople—they bombard visitors with too many choices, messages and details!


Instead of convincing someone to engage, it pushes them away.


Great websites feel like great conversations:


  • Welcoming


  • Relevant


  • Paced just right



Give Your Visitors a Single Next Step


One of the biggest causes of visitor drop-off? Too many choices.


Your website should be more like a guided path, not a choose-your-own-adventure.


Instead of three calls to action, try:


  • One clear one: Book a call, join your newsletter, or view your portfolio


  • Make it easy


  • Repeat it consistently


Here’s a simple trick:


  • Remove 50% of the links, forms, and options on your homepage


  • Ask: would the user journey get clearer or harder?



Case in Point: The Simplified Site That Converts


An interior design firm had a homepage packed with:


  • Project photos

  • Testimonials

  • Service descriptions

  • A lengthy bio

  • A mission statement (ugh)


They simplified it to:


  • One header

  • One hero photo

  • A short call-to-action: “Let’s design the space you dream of.”

  • 3 Service offerings with links to service pages


The results? Visitors spent more time on the site. Inquiries tripled. People weren’t confused anymore - they were intrigued.



Simplifying a Cluttered Website Is Strategic


Minimal doesn’t mean lazy. Every element on a streamlined website pulls its weight.


Example:


A spa site leads with just three offerings:


  • Massage


  • Facials


  • Acupuncture


That feels:


  • Curated


  • Trustworthy


  • Focused


Meanwhile, a page with 27 services? That feels like a grocery list.


Same goes for attorneys or consultants:


  • Simple service breakdown


  • Clear problem-solving message


  • 1–2 client testimonials


Far more compelling than ten sections of industry buzzwords.



How to Simplify Without Sacrificing Depth


Here’s how to balance clarity and substance:


  • Use smart navigation to tuck deeper content behind tabs


  • Offer one next step per page (not five)


  • Guide readers with conversational headlines and scannable sections


  • Focus on one core message per page


Example:


A therapist’s site might open with: “Struggling with anxiety or burnout? Let’s talk.”


Further down:


  • Links to blog posts or deeper resources


  • But only after they’ve connected


You’re not hiding the good stuff. You’re leading with clarity - and inviting people to explore further after they trust you.



Simplifying a Cluttered Website Is a Kindness


Your visitors are busy, likely stressed and probably have a million tabs open.


The gift of a simple, clear, well-paced website can feel like exhaling.


Because when someone’s overwhelmed, they don’t need to see everything you can do.


They need to know:


  • You understand what they’re going through.


  • You can help. Period.



Ready to Simplify?


If your website feels too noisy, too confusing, or just too much, it might be time to simplify.

And if you’re not sure what to cut, I can help you figure it out.


Want more clarity on what makes a site work? Don’t miss Website Pages That Win Clients: The 5 You Can’t Skip.

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