I recently was considering an upgrade to my website, to make it more modern and fresh. The template I am using is pretty basic. My website gets the job done – people can learn what I do and how to contact me – but it doesn’t have any of the polish or bells and whistles that many other professional websites have. Admittedly I have been wondering if updating my website would help my business. After all, to be competitive in this world, you often have to do something impressive to be noticed. Yet, in spite of any potential upgrade, I still would want my website to reflect who I am.
As not to be my own judge and jury, I asked my clientele for their thoughts about my website. The feedback I received was quite positive. I was given only one suggestion for improvement, which I immediately implemented. If you must know: I was told the original header font was not that attractive (style or color), so I changed it from the default to a pretty script in teal.
In a world filled with fancy, eye-catching websites, I was surprised that my simple little internet home would appeal or be appreciated. But as I stepped back and thought about it, I realized that my website actually does reflect who I am: straightforward, no frills. Perhaps that is what my patients see and appreciate. To be honest, slick marketing just isn’t “me” anyhow.
Therefore, for the time being, I have decided to leave my website as is. I want to continue to put my time and energy where it counts: providing the highest quality patient care that I can. Whether or not I have a more modernized website wouldn’t change that one bit, so I can tackle an upgrade project if/when I am ready.
I feel like this was a lesson learned. I think we’re all prone to feeling like we need to judge our own – or others’ – book by its cover, or fixing our gaze on the externals. Yet for each of us, the externals (whether it be a website or our appearance, etc) aren’t what matters. We can always improve the externals, but on their own, they don’t have any intrinsic value. What truly matters is what is on the inside, and each of us has something of value to contribute to this world. For me, one way I contribute is by giving my best to my patients as a nutrition professional, and in turn, my efforts help them to give their best. I have many patients who come to me to improve their health so they can focus on the things that truly matter, like being there for their families. I love being part of helping them achieve that goal. I can see how much it means to them and that makes me smile.
No matter who we are or what we do, we can all focus on what truly matters. I hope this encourages you.