From Website Refresh to Business Overhaul

Lessons from Nowaday Studio’s Website Transformation

In January 2024, I set out on what I thought would be a simple refresh of Nowaday Studio’s website. I planned to update a few pages, tweak our services, and showcase our new team photos. But as I dove deeper into the project, it became clear that we needed more than a visual makeover of our website. We needed a complete business overhaul—of our service offerings, brand messaging, and even the way we operated.

Here’s what I learned during this process, along with some tips if you’re considering a similar journey for your own business.

---

Takeaway 1

A Website Refresh May Expose Deeper Issues

At first, I was just updating copy and images, but it didn’t take long to realize that a fresh look wasn’t enough. If your website is struggling to communicate your business clearly, it could be a sign that your services, messaging, or internal structure need to be reevaluated.

TIP:

Before diving into a website refresh, take a step back to look at the bigger picture. Is your website failing to convey your current services, or is it that your services themselves need redefining? Start there.

Takeaway 2

A Strong Visual Identity Starts with Clarity on Your Services

By March 2024, I had scheduled a photoshoot to capture our growing team, now 10+ strong. But when I started inputting the new images into our old site… something was still missing. New images only solved part of the problem. It became clear that without revisiting what we were offering, we couldn’t communicate EXACTLY who we are and what we do effectively.

TIP:

Don't rush into creating new visuals before you're crystal clear on the services you want to promote. Invest time in understanding your strengths and profitability before any branding refresh.

Takeaway 3 

Sometimes You Need Outside Help to See the Bigger Picture

I realized we needed more than new images or copywriting tweaks, so I hired a business consultant. Over the next six months, we meticulously examined every aspect of the business—from service offerings to profitability and internal operations.

TIP:

Don’t hesitate to bring in outside expertise. A business consultant, marketing strategist, financial advisor (the list goes on) can help you see things you may have overlooked and provide a roadmap for growth.

Takeaway 4

Profitability and Passion Should Guide Your Service Suite

The most important part of this journey was evaluating what we were good at, what we enjoyed doing, and what was actually profitable. Only after this deep dive could I confidently sit down with a copywriter to articulate our brand’s value and purpose.

TIP:

Take the time to align your services with both your team’s skills and your financial goals. It will make branding, marketing, and sales efforts far more focused and effective.

Takeaway 5

Business Soul Searching Is an Ongoing Process

It took me 10 months of digging through every cobweb in the corners of my business to arrive at the brand and service suite I felt proud of. And the process is never really over—businesses evolve, and so should your brand.

TIP:

Give yourself time and space for introspection. Quick fixes can’t address the fundamental issues that hold back growth. If your business is stuck or unclear, it’s worth the time to do some deep work on it.

---

Some Final Thoughts

What started as a website refresh turned into a full-blown business transformation for our studio. The process was time-consuming and sometimes challenging, but the end result—a clearer, more profitable, and more aligned business—was worth every minute.

If you’re considering refreshing your website or brand, be prepared for the possibility that it might lead to much bigger changes. Start with understanding your core services and profitability, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.

One last Takeaway

Are you ready to take your brand to the next level?

Start by asking yourself: What do you really want your business to represent?