Imagine this: you meet a potential client face-to-face for the first time. You shake hands, smile, and present yourself professionally. Now, think about your website doing the same job—except it’s shaking hands with dozens, maybe hundreds, of people every week. For Somerset businesses, especially those working in fields like counselling, wellness, and therapy, your website isn’t just a digital business card; it’s often the very first impression that clients get. And let’s be real—first impressions online are just as important as those in person, if not more. If your website looks outdated, loads slowly, or is hard to use, visitors might just click away before you ever have a chance to connect. That’s why investing in professional web design isn’t just about looking good; it’s about building trust, engaging users, and helping your business thrive in the competitive online world.
First Impressions Matter: The Role of Web Design in Credibility
When someone lands on your website, they make snap judgments before they even read a word of your content. Your design, colour scheme, layout, and imagery all send powerful signals about your business. For Somerset’s small and medium-sized businesses—especially those in sensitive fields like therapy or wellness—credibility is everything. A professionally designed website tells visitors you’re trustworthy, established, and care about quality.
Consider this: 75% of people judge a website’s credibility based on its design. That’s an overwhelming majority. If your site looks amateurish or cluttered, people may subconsciously question your professionalism or expertise, no matter how qualified you actually are. On the flip side, a clean, modern design with clear navigation and thoughtful branding instantly puts visitors at ease. They’re more likely to stay, read, and, most importantly, reach out.
At RTWD, we’ve seen countless times how a refreshed website can transform a business’s reputation. Whether you’re a solo counsellor in Glastonbury or a growing wellness clinic in Somerset, your website should reflect your values and build confidence from the very first click.
User Experience: Enhancing Engagement and Retention
Web design isn’t just about making things pretty. It’s about making your site easy and enjoyable to use. User experience (UX) covers everything from how quickly your site loads to how easy it is for someone to find your contact page. For wellness professionals and small businesses, every detail matters—because your clients are often looking for reassurance, clarity, and simplicity.
Here’s a sobering fact: 88% of users are less likely to return to a site after a bad user experience. That means if your navigation is confusing, your content is hard to read, or your booking forms don’t work smoothly, you could be losing almost nine out of ten potential clients. Ouch.
Great UX involves:
- Logical navigation menus so users can find what they need quickly
- Readable fonts and soothing colour palettes that match your brand
- Fast-loading pages that keep visitors from getting frustrated
- Clear calls-to-action so people know how to contact you or book an appointment
At RTWD, we build sites with your visitors in mind, making it effortless for them to connect with your services. Because when users feel good about your website, they’re far more likely to trust you with their business.
Mobile Responsiveness: Catering to the On-the-Go Audience
The days of people only browsing the web on desktop computers are long gone. Now, your future clients are just as likely to be searching for “therapist in Somerset” or “wellness coach near me” from their phone while waiting for a coffee. If your site isn’t mobile friendly, you’re missing out—plain and simple.
Did you know 61.4% of all internet traffic now comes from mobile devices? That’s more than half of your visitors, right from their pocket. And it’s not just about looking good on a small screen. Mobile users expect quick load times, easy-to-tap buttons, and content that adjusts seamlessly to any device.
Even more compelling: Responsive design alone increases mobile conversion rates by 24%. That’s a huge boost in people taking action on your site—whether it’s calling you, filling out a form, or booking an appointment. For Somerset businesses, especially those in competitive fields, mobile responsiveness isn’t optional. It’s essential.
At Richard Thorne Web Design, every site we build is fully responsive. We test across multiple devices to ensure your website’s design and functionality shine, whether someone’s visiting from a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Your business should be accessible to everyone, everywhere, at any time.
SEO and Web Design: A Symbiotic Relationship
Most business owners know that being found on Google is important. But did you know that your website’s design directly affects your search engine rankings? Good SEO and thoughtful web design go hand in hand—they’re like two sides of the same coin.
Search engines like Google reward sites that are well-organised, load quickly, and provide a great user experience. Factors such as mobile responsiveness, clean code, and logical site structure all play a role in how easily your site can be crawled and indexed. A poorly designed site, or one stuffed with cluttered code, can hurt your visibility—even if your content is great.
Here’s where professional web design makes all the difference:
- Optimised page speed: Fast-loading websites rank higher in search results and keep users happy
- Structured content: Proper use of headings, lists, and meta descriptions helps Google understand your site
- Accessible design: Sites that are easy to navigate (for both users and search bots) get a boost in rankings
- Mobile-friendly: As mentioned, Google prioritises responsive sites in its mobile-first indexing
With RTWD’s experience in both design and SEO, we ensure your Somerset business gets the visibility it deserves. Plus, with the coming integration of AI-generated content services, you’ll have even more tools to keep your site fresh, relevant, and competitive—without spending hours writing blog posts yourself.
Local Focus: Tailoring Web Design for Somerset Businesses
Your business isn’t just any business—it’s a Somerset business. You know your community, your clients, and what makes your services unique. Your website should reflect that local flavour and personal touch. At RTWD, we specialise in building sites that highlight your connection to Glastonbury, Wells, Street, and the wider Somerset area.
Why does this matter? Because people searching for wellness services or therapists often want someone nearby who understands their local context. A site tailored for Somerset can:
- Feature local imagery and landmarks, making it instantly relatable
- Use language and terminology familiar to your audience
- Highlight your participation in community events, groups, or networks
- Optimise for local SEO, so you show up in searches like “counsellor in Glastonbury”
It’s more than just design—it’s about telling your story in a way that resonates with Somerset people. And as your business grows, your website should grow with you. Flexible payment options, managed hosting, and ongoing care services mean you can focus on your clients, while we handle the tech side. No stress, no hassle—just a professional online presence that works for your local business.
Don’t just take our word for it: 92% of small businesses say having a website is critical to their success in 2025. A professionally designed site isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s a necessity for staying competitive in Somerset and beyond.
Conclusion
Professional web design is an investment that pays off every single day. For Somerset businesses—especially those in the wellness and therapy space—a well-designed, mobile responsive, and locally-focused website builds credibility, improves user experience, and helps you stand out in search results. With most visitors judging your business by your site’s design and expecting a seamless digital experience, can you really afford to leave your online presence to chance?
At Richard Thorne Web Design, we’re here to make your business shine online. From flexible monthly plans to complete managed hosting and ongoing care, we take the stress out of web design so you can focus on what you do best—helping your clients. And with new AI-driven content services coming soon, keeping your site fresh will be easier than ever. Explore more at https://richardthornewebdesign.uk/. Your Somerset business deserves a website that works as hard as you do.