Your Website Ideas Suck (But Here’s How to Turn Them Into Digital Gold)

Generic Ideas Are for Amateurs—Why Your Website Needs to Stand Out

Let’s start with the basics: If your website idea sounds like something already done a million times, you’re in trouble. The internet is flooded with generic websites that bring nothing new to the table, and guess what? No one cares about them. Only expect people to stick around if your idea is as exciting as watching paint dry. Instead, think of websites like Blocket, a Swedish online marketplace, or [successful website 2], a niche community platform, that have carved a unique niche for themselves and are thriving. What sets them apart? Blocket’s focus on local communities and [successful website 2] ‘s user engagement strategies. That’s what you need to figure out for your website.

The Brutal Truth: No One Needs Another Boring Blog

Here’s the thing—everyone and their grandma has a blog. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stand out. If your idea of a blog is some half-hearted attempt at ‘lifestyle tips’ or ‘personal finance advice,’ it’s time to step up your game. The internet is already overflowing with this stuff, and unless you’ve got something truly unique to say, you’re just adding to the noise. But with the right angle and a fresh perspective, you can create a blog that’s anything but boring.

The Fix: Find Your Unique Angle

So, how do you ensure your website idea isn’t just another drop in the digital ocean? The answer is simple but challenging: Find your unique angle. What makes you different? What do you bring to the table that no one else does? It could be your irreverent sense of humor, insider knowledge of a niche market, or ability to simplify complex topics. Whatever it is, lean into it hard.

Instead of starting “just another” blog, how about creating a site that dives deep into a specific subculture or tackles a controversial topic from a fresh perspective? The more niche you can go, the better. Remember, it’s better to be a big fish in a small pond than a tiny guppy in an ocean of mediocrity.

E-commerce? More Like E-Com-‘Bore’—How to Build a Store That Actually Sells

Alright, let’s talk e-commerce. If your big website idea is to start an online store, congratulations—you and about a million others had the same thought. But here’s the catch: Most online stores suck. They’re poorly designed, sell generic products, and have zero personality. If you want to sell drop-shipped products you don’t care about, do yourself a favor and don’t bother.

The Cold, Hard Truth: Your Store Will Fail If It’s Just Like Everyone Else’s

Here’s the reality—if your store is just another clone of what’s already out there, you won’t make any money. The competition in the e-commerce space is fierce, and unless you’ve got a killer niche, a brand that resonates, and products that people actually want, you’re going to get crushed.

The Fix: Niche Down and Build a Brand

So how do you build an e-commerce store that doesn’t suck? Start by niching down. The more specific you can get with your product offerings, the better. Instead of selling ‘women’s fashion,’ how about selling ‘vintage-inspired dresses for women over 50’? This is what we mean by ‘niching, ‘ which focuses on a specific, often overlooked segment of the market. Instead of selling ‘home decor,’ how about selling ‘eco-friendly decor for tiny homes’? The key is to find an underserved niche and go all-in on it.

But that’s not all—you must also build a brand that resonates with your target audience. Your brand isn’t just your logo or color scheme—it’s the entire experience you create for your customers. It’s the tone of your copy, the story you tell, how you package your products, and how you interact with your customers. If your brand doesn’t evoke emotion, you’re doing it wrong.

Portfolios Are Pointless—Unless You Do This

So, are you considering creating an online portfolio to showcase your work? That’s cute. But unless your portfolio is something extraordinary, you might be shouting into the void. The internet is littered with portfolios that no one ever looks at because they’re boring, outdated, and irrelevant. If you want your portfolio to stand out, you need to do more than slap a few images on a page and call it a day.

The Brutal Truth: No One Cares About Your Portfolio Unless It’s Exceptional

Here’s the deal—if your portfolio is just a digital version of your resume, you’re missing the point. No one cares about your list of past jobs or the fact that you know how to use Photoshop. They care about how you can solve their problems, bring their vision to life, or make them look good. If your portfolio doesn’t immediately communicate that, it’s useless.

The Fix: Make Your Portfolio an Experience

Here’s how you turn your portfolio from a snooze fest into something that actually gets you hired: Make it an experience. Your portfolio should showcase your work and tell a story about who you are as a creative professional. Use it to highlight your process, share your inspiration, and give potential clients a glimpse into what working with you is like. For instance, you can include case studies that show how you solved a particular design problem or a blog that shares your thoughts on the latest trends in your field.

And don’t be afraid to get creative. If you’re a web designer, your portfolio site should testify to your skills—think interactive elements, stunning visuals, and seamless navigation. If you’re a photographer, let your images take center stage and tell a story through your portfolio’s design. The goal is to create something that’s not just a collection of work samples but a showcase of your unique talents and personality.

Want to Start a Community Site? Don’t Even Think About It—Unless You Can Do This

Do you want to build a community website? Let me stop you right there. Unless you have a crystal-clear vision, a die-hard passion, and the ability to unite people like a digital Pied Piper, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Building a community site isn’t just about creating a space where people can chat—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, connection, and value.

The Cold, Hard Truth: Most Community Sites Fail

Here’s the harsh reality—most community sites die a slow, painful death. Why? Because they’re built around vague ideas, attract the wrong people, or fail to offer real value. You’re in for a rude awakening if you’re just creating a forum and hoping people will flock to it.

The Fix: Build a Community Around a Shared Passion

Here’s how to do it right: Identify a niche or passion people are genuinely excited about. Your community needs a unifying theme that brings people together and keeps them returning. Whether it’s a love of vintage vinyl records, a passion for vegan cooking, or a commitment to sustainable living, your community should be built around something that resonates deeply with your target audience.

But that’s not enough. You also need to offer value—whether that’s through exclusive content, expert advice, or opportunities for networking and collaboration. Your community should be where members can get something they can’t find anywhere else. And most importantly, you need to be an active participant in your own community. Don’t expect anyone else to stick around if you’re not leading the charge.

Blogs Are Boring—Here’s How to Make Yours Unforgettable

Alright, let’s tackle the big one: blogging. If you think starting a blog is as simple as picking a niche and cranking out content, you’re in for a rude awakening. The blogosphere is a brutal battlefield; if your blog is anything less than extraordinary, it will get buried alive. But don’t worry—I will show you how to take your blog from boring to brilliant.

The Brutal Truth: Your Blog Is Probably Lame

Here’s the thing—most blogs are lame. They’re filled with generic content done a thousand times before, written in a tone that puts people to sleep, and lacking any real value. If your blog is just another echo in the digital void, don’t expect anyone to read it—let alone subscribe, share, or engage.

The Fix: Create Content That Slaps

Here’s how you fix your blog: Start by creating content that slaps. And I don’t mean “decent” content—I mean content that’s so good that people can’t help but stop and take notice. Whether it’s your unique perspective, ability to break down complex topics, or your knack for storytelling, your content must stand out in a big way.

But that’s not all. You also need to make sure your content is valuable. If you’re just writing for the sake of writing, you’re wasting everyone’s time. Your content should solve a problem, answer a question, or provide insight your audience can’t find anywhere else. And don’t forget to inject some personality into your writing—because no one wants to read a blog that sounds like it was written by a robot.

The Secret Sauce: Be Consistently Brilliant

Consistency is critical, but consistency means doing something other than churning out mediocre content regularly. It means consistently delivering value, engaging your audience, and consistently showing up with content worth their time. You’re already ahead of 99% of the blogs if you can.

Niche Sites Are the Future—But Only If You Know What You’re Doing

So, you’ve got a niche website idea? Awesome. But before you start patting yourself on the back, let me clarify: just because you’ve chosen a niche doesn’t mean your site will be a success. In fact, niche sites can be some of the hardest to pull off. But when done right, they can be some of the most rewarding.

The Brutal Reality: Niche Doesn’t Mean Easy

Here’s the deal—just because your site is focused on a specific niche doesn’t mean it will be easy to build or grow. Niche sites come with challenges, from finding and reaching your target audience to creating resonating content. If you’re not fully committed to your niche, don’t even bother.

The Fix: Be the Authority in Your Niche

Here’s how to dominate your niche: Become the authority. Your goal should be to create the go-to resource for your niche—whether that’s through in-depth articles, expert interviews, or comprehensive guides. You need to know your niche inside and out and be able to deliver content that no one else can.

But that’s not enough. You also need to build a community around your niche. Whether through social media, email newsletters, or a forum on your site, you need to create a space where your audience can connect, share, and engage. The more you can foster a sense of community, the more loyal your audience will be.

The Long Game: Patience and Persistence

Niche sites aren’t a get-rich-quick scheme—they’re a long game. Building authority, growing your audience, and seeing results will take time. But your niche site can become a powerhouse in its field if you’re patient, persistent, and committed to delivering value.

The Personal Brand Website: Stop Making It About You

Are you planning on building a personal brand website? That’s cool—just don’t make it all about you. Wait, what? Yeah, you heard me. If your personal brand website is nothing more than a digital shrine to yourself, you’re doing it wrong. The best personal brand websites are the ones that balance showcasing your expertise with providing value to your audience.

The Brutal Truth: No One Cares About Your Ego

Here’s the reality—no one cares about your resume, awards, or self-proclaimed “expert” status. What they care about is how you can help them. If your website is nothing more than a glorified about page, you won’t build a personal brand that resonates with people.

The Fix: Make It About Them, Not You

Here’s how to build a personal brand website that actually works: Focus on your audience. Sure, you need to showcase your expertise, but you must also clarify how that expertise can benefit your visitors. Your content should solve their problems, answer their questions, and provide value beyond self-promotion.

And remember your blog (if you have one). Your blog should be a platform for sharing your insights, tips, and advice—not just a place to toot your own horn. The more value you can provide, the more people will see you as a trusted authority in your field.

The Balance: Showcase and Serve

A great personal brand website perfectly balances showcasing your expertise and serving your audience. It’s about creating a brand that’s both personal and professional, both authoritative and approachable. If you can do that, you’ll not only build a solid personal brand—you’ll also make a loyal following.

The Portfolio Website: Go Beyond the Basics

If you’re considering creating a portfolio website, you’re already on the right track. But here’s the thing—most portfolio websites are boring as hell. If your portfolio is just a digital version of your resume, you’re doing it wrong. A great portfolio website doesn’t just showcase your work—it tells a story, makes a statement, and leaves a lasting impression.

The Cold, Hard Truth: Your Work Alone Isn’t Enough

Here’s the reality—your work might be excellent, but if your portfolio doesn’t present it in a way that’s engaging and memorable, it’s not going to make the impact you want. A portfolio website is more than just a gallery of your work—it’s a chance to show potential clients or employers who you are, what you’re capable of, and why they should hire you.

The Fix: Make Your Portfolio an Experience

Here’s how to take your portfolio website to the next level: Create a design that reflects your brand and style. Whether sleek and minimal or bold and colorful, your portfolio should be a visual extension of your personality and work.

But don’t stop at design—think about the user experience. Make sure your site is easy to navigate, with transparent sections for your work, bio, and contact information. And don’t forget to include case studies or project breakdowns that give visitors insight into your process and the results you’ve achieved.

The more you can create an experience that’s both visually and intellectually engaging, the more likely people are to remember you—and reach out to work with you.

The Extra Mile: Add a Blog or Journal

Want to really stand out? Consider adding a blog or journal to your portfolio website. This allows you to share your thoughts, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories about your work. It’s a great way to show potential clients or employers you’re talented, passionate, thoughtful, and engaged.

The Membership Site: Make People Want to Pay for Access

So, you’re thinking about starting a membership site? Awesome. But before you start counting your future profits, let me give you a reality check: Membership sites are hard to pull off. It’s more than just throwing up a paywall and expecting people to start handing over their credit card info. You need to offer something so valuable and irresistible that people can’t help but want to be part of it.

The Brutal Truth: No One Pays for Mediocrity

Here’s the deal—if your membership site is mediocre, it will fail. People aren’t going to pay for access to content or a community that they can get for free elsewhere. If you want people to fork over their hard-earned cash, you must give them something they can’t get anywhere else.

The Fix: Offer Insane Value

Here’s how to build a membership site that people are willing to pay for: Start by offering insane value. Whether exclusive content, expert advice, one-on-one coaching, or a thriving community, your membership site must offer something worth the admission price.

And don’t just think about content—think about experience. Your membership site should be where members feel valued, supported, and engaged. That means offering personalized interactions, regular updates, and opportunities for members to connect with each other.

The Hook: Create a Strong Value Proposition

Your membership site needs a strong value proposition that clearly communicates the benefits of joining. Why should someone pay for access to your site? What do they get that they can’t get anywhere else? If you can answer those questions, your membership site is ready for prime time.

The Online Course Site: Stop Phoning It In

Online courses are all the rage, and for good reason—they’re a great way to share your expertise and make some serious cash. But here’s the catch: Most online courses suck. They’re poorly structured, are lazily designed, and offer little value. If your idea of an online course is to slap together a few videos and call it a day, do yourself (and your potential students) a favor and don’t bother.

The Brutal Reality: Your Online Course Needs to Deliver

Here’s the thing—if your online course doesn’t deliver real value, it will flop. People aren’t going to pay for a course that’s poorly organized, lacks depth, or fails to deliver on its promises. If you want your online course to succeed, you must go above and beyond.

The Fix: Build a Course That Changes Lives

Here’s how to create an online course people rave about: Start by building a truly transformative course. Your course should be more than just a collection of information—it should be a step-by-step journey that takes students from where they are to where they want to be.

That means putting in the time and effort to create high-quality content, whether video lessons, written materials, or interactive exercises. Your content should be explicit, engaging, and easy to follow. And remember to include opportunities for feedback, whether through quizzes, assignments, or one-on-one coaching.

The Bonus: Offer Ongoing Support

Want to take your online course to the next level? Offer ongoing support. Whether through a private Facebook group, regular Q&A sessions, or email access to you as the instructor, ongoing support can make a massive difference in student success and be a big selling point for your course.

The Event Website: Make It More Than Just a Flyer

Are you thinking about creating a website for an event? That’s cool. But if your idea of an event website is just a digital flyer with a date, time, and location, you must do it right. An event website should be more than just a static page—an interactive, engaging experience that gets people excited to attend.

The brutal Truth: Boring Event Sites Don’t Drive Attendance

Here’s the reality—if your event website is boring, people won’t be excited about attending. Your website is often the first impression people have of your event, and if it doesn’t get them hyped, they won’t buy tickets, sign up, or even bother showing up.

The Fix: Create an Experience That Gets People Hyped

Here’s how to build an event website that drives attendance: Create an experience. Your event website should provide all the necessary information and build excitement and anticipation. Use dynamic visuals, interactive elements, and engaging copy to create a sense of urgency and excitement.

Include video previews, testimonials from past attendees, and detailed information about what people can expect. And don’t forget to include a clear, compelling call to action—whether it’s “Buy Tickets Now,” “RSVP Today,” or “Register Before It’s Too Late.”

The Extra Mile: Offer Exclusive Content or Perks

Want to really get people excited? Offer exclusive content or perks to those who visit your event website. Whether it’s early access to tickets, a discount code, or exclusive behind-the-scenes content, offering something extra can be a great way to drive engagement and attendance.

The Charity Website: Stop Begging—Start Inspiring

If you’re building a website for a charity or non-profit, you’re already doing something extraordinary. But here’s the thing—too many charity websites come off as desperate, poorly designed, or just plain uninspiring. If your charity website is nothing more than a plea for donations, you won’t connect with people meaningfully.

The Brutal Truth: No One Wants to Feel Guilty

Here’s the deal—people don’t want to be guilted into giving. They want to be inspired. If your charity website is about how bad things are and how desperate you are for money, you won’t build the connections that lead to long-term support.

The Fix: Tell a Story That Inspires Action

How to build a charity website that moves people to action: Tell a story. Your website should communicate the impact of your work in a compelling and inspiring way. Use visuals, testimonials, and case studies to show how your organization is making a difference and how visitors can be part of that change.

And don’t just ask for money—offer ways for people to get involved, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or spreading the word. The more ways you can provide people to support your cause, the more likely they are to take action.

The Bonus: Show the Impact of Donations

Want to really connect with your audience? Show them exactly where their money goes. Use your website to highlight specific projects, share success stories, and provide transparency about how donations are used. When people see the direct impact of their contributions, they’re more likely to give—and to keep giving.

Your Website Idea Doesn’t Have to Suck—If You Do It Right

So, there you have it—a no-nonsense guide to turning your website idea from “meh” to “magnificent.” If you’ve made it this far, congratulations—you’re on your way to creating a website that doesn’t just exist but excels. But remember, having a great idea is just the first step. The real work comes in execution.

Your website can be anything you want—a platform for sharing your passion, a tool for building your brand, or a resource that changes lives. But it will only work if you put in the time, effort, and creativity to make it exceptional.

So stop making excuses, stop settling for mediocrity, and start building a website that’s worth visiting. Because at the end of the day, there are two kinds of websites—those that suck and those that succeed. Which one do you want to create? The choice is yours. Now, go out there and make it happen.