The Do’s and Don’ts of DIY Web Design for Event Professionals

Designing a website for your event business is no small task. As an event professional, you know that a well-designed website can showcase your work, attract dream clients, and set you apart in a competitive market. But if you’re taking the DIY approach, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the overall look and functionality of your site. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here are the essential do’s and don’ts of DIY web design to help you create a site that’s both beautiful and effective.

DO: Start with a Plan

Before jumping into design, map out what you want your website to achieve. Think about the pages you’ll need (Home, Services, About, Contact) and the journey you want your visitors to take. Planning ensures you’re building a site that meets your goals and keeps visitors engaged.

Tip: Sketch a basic outline of each page with notes on content and images. Need guidance? Sco-Ko Studio’s site planning services can help you clarify your layout before diving in! Just check out our Rapid Results VIP Days!

DON’T: Overcomplicate the Design

It can be tempting to add all kinds of fancy effects and colors, but simplicity is key. Too many elements can overwhelm visitors, making it harder for them to focus on what you offer. Aim for a clean, organized look that guides your audience effortlessly.

Quick Rule: Limit yourself to two main colors and keep animations minimal. This keeps the focus on your work and message, not on flashy design elements.

DO: Use High-Quality Images

As an event professional, your visuals are one of your strongest assets. Showcase your best work with high-quality images that reflect the level of service you provide. Low-quality or pixelated images can make your site look unprofessional, so invest in quality photos or consider a styled shoot if needed.

Pro Tip: Use your own event photos if possible, but if you’re just starting out, select carefully curated stock images. I really like unsplash.com as a free resource for stock images.

DON’T: Neglect Mobile Optimization

More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so it’s essential to make sure your site looks great on phones and tablets. Test each page to ensure images load properly, text is easy to read, and buttons are accessible.

How-To: Most DIY platforms like Wix or Squarespace offer mobile previews. Be sure to check each page and adjust layouts as needed. Need help? Sco-Ko Studio can ensure your mobile design is on point with our Website Checkups.

DO: Prioritize User Experience (UX)

A well-designed website is easy to navigate and puts the user first. Make sure your site is intuitive, with clear navigation and simple pathways to key information like services and contact details. Consider what questions clients might have, and make it easy for them to find answers.

Pro Tip: Add a call-to-action (CTA) on every page to guide visitors toward booking a consultation or learning more. Sco-Ko Studio specializes in creating sites that make every step feel seamless for users.

DON’T: Overlook SEO Basics

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your website show up in Google searches. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but at minimum, include relevant keywords in your text, optimize image file names, and use descriptive headings to make your site easier to find.

SEO Tip: Focus on keywords that your target clients are likely searching for, such as “wedding planner in [your city]” or “event coordination services.”

DO: Keep Your Brand Consistent

From colors to fonts to the tone of your text, every element of your website should reflect your brand’s personality. Consistency in design and language makes your site look polished and cohesive, creating a strong impression for visitors.

Example: If your brand is elegant and classic, use neutral colors and sophisticated fonts. Sco-Ko Studio can create a brand style guide to keep your DIY project looking cohesive across every page.

DON’T: Forget to Add Clear Contact Information

One of the biggest mistakes we see in DIY web design is unclear or missing contact info. Make it easy for clients to reach you by placing your contact information on every page or in the footer. An accessible contact page with a simple form can make all the difference.

Pro Tip: Include a “Book a Consultation” button at the top of your site to encourage quick connections. Sco-Ko Studio can help design a high-converting contact page that drives more inquiries.

DIY web design can be a rewarding project, but it’s essential to keep your site clear, cohesive, and user-friendly. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll create a website that truly represents your brand and attracts clients who align with your style and services. And remember, if you ever feel overwhelmed, we’re here to help! Sco-Ko Studio offers support from branding and design consultations to full-service web development.

Thinking about going DIY but need a little guidance? Book a branding or website consultation with Sco-Ko Studio today and let us help you get started on the right foot!