Want to attract your dream customers and keep ‘em coming back for more?

… And more? And more?

I’ve got just the solution: Make your website feel like the ultimate VIP experience.

Apologies in advance ‘cos this is going to sound a little braggy (I promise it’s coming from a good place, ha!), but while the old ball and chain and I were honeymooning through Europe last year, we stayed in a variety of different places.

There was the five-star hotel in Venice.

The clean and clinical apartment in Amsterdam.

The hygge-infused condo in Copenhagen.

And let’s not forget the chic penthouse in London.

But our favourite by far was our ocean-view cavehouse in Santorini. Not only because of the incredible views of the Aegean Sea, but because of how it made us feel.

When we arrived, we were welcomed by two grinning locals. Even though our flight had been delayed and we’d gotten lost driving over to our meeting point in the dark, they brushed away our apologies (and repeated attempts to carry our own luggage), hoisted our suitcases up 3,000,000 stairs and proceeded to share all of their insider tips and wisdom with us.

There was no pressure to upgrade our suite or book a cruise with them.

They truly, authentically, just wanted to make sure we had a good time while we were in Santorini.

Even after they left, the signs of their caring, helpful natures were everywhere.

The fresh flowers on the dining table. The bottles of chilled water in the fridge. Two glasses of local wine and a cheese platter, just in case we needed revitalising after our trip. Soft, fluffy towels, and back-ups just in case. A warmed jacuzzi. A variety of books in English. Tour brochures and a guidebook on the table. Everywhere we looked, we were welcomed and embraced with open arms.

We felt like total VIPS.

And you can bet your butt that not only did I write them the best review I was capable of (and as a copywriter, I’m proud that it was pretty damn good), but next time we’re in Santorini we’ll definitely stay with them again.

Plus … I haven’t stopped raving about it. Even now, five months later, I still get a twinkle in my eye when I talk about it.

Which is EXACTLY how you want your customers to feel, right?

So … how do you do it?

Easy: You make them feel wholeheartedly, unbelievably, undeniable welcomed.

And your website is just the way to do it.

How do you make your website more welcoming?

Okay, so the first question you must ask is: Who do I want to welcome?

Your target market determines the kind of welcome you give your audience.

For example, if I was from Barcelona, my hosts might have had Spanish language books for me. If they knew I was an adventure-seeker, they could have recommended some of the water sports and hikes available on the island. And if I’d been travelling with my mother instead of my husband, they’d have done well to pop some Panadol in the pantry for me. Just kidding; but they’d definitely have set up the roll-out bed.

You get where I’m going with this?

Your websites’ welcome needs to reflect the personal tastes, preferences and personality of the person you want to attract.

If you don’t know what these are yet, now is a good time to start researching.

When you’re done, head back here and weave them through the four pillars of a welcoming website.

The four pillars of a welcoming website

Creative website copywriting

Copy that speaks directly to the hearts and souls of your audience and lets them know that you truly get them.

Persuasive website design

Visuals that excite and inspire your audience and showcase a vision for the future you can help them fulfil.

Thoughtful branding

Visual branding that aligns and connects you with your audience and builds an immediate, intuitive bond.

Powerful user experience

A digital experience that gently guides them through their buyer experience with care and consideration.

Nail these four elements and you’ll be well on your way to creating a website that makes your visitors feel like the VIPS they are.

Oh, and make sure you track your results … you’ll want a record of this.

Wink. Nudge.

You’ve got this.