The Website Scorecard

Formulated for Interior Designers

Created by The Art of You

How elevated is your website?

This scorecard is designed to help you evaluate how effectively your website communicates value, builds trust, and invites action. By answering each question below, you can identify key opportunities to elevate your website to align with the premium projects you want to attract.


Scoring guide

  • 2 points – Strong evidence

  • 1 point – Some evidence

  • 0 points – Little or no evidence

  • Tally your points below with a paper and pen.

1. Your website clearly communicates who you serve, the type of spaces you design, and what makes your approach distinct.

  • 2 points: The homepage states a specific audience (e.g., modern residential interiors for professionals) and differentiates your design philosophy.

  • 1 point: The site hints at your audience but lacks precision or distinct positioning.

  • 0 points: The site describes services without clarifying who they are for or why your approach matters.

 

2. Your services and process are clearly articulated so visitors understand what working with you involves.

  • 2 points: A services page outlines scope, steps, and expectations in plain language.

  • 1 point: Services are listed but lack process detail or clarity.

  • 0 points: Services are vague or absent, leaving visitors uncertain about what you offer.

 

3. Your portfolio highlights problem solving and outcomes, demonstrating expertise beyond aesthetic imagery.

  • 2 points: Project descriptions explain client challenges and solutions.

  • 1 point: Projects show visuals but limited narrative about results.

  • 0 points: Portfolio consists only of images without context or storytelling.

 

4. Your site includes visible trust signals such as testimonials, awards, credentials, or measurable results.

  • 2 points: Testimonials and success stories are prominently displayed near calls to action.

  • 1 point: Trust signals exist but are buried or minimal.

  • 0 points: No visible proof of client satisfaction or professional recognition.

 

5. You demonstrate expertise through insights, transformation stories, or educational content.

  • 2 points: Blog posts or case studies share knowledge and strategic insight.

  • 1 point: Some content exists but is infrequent or surface-level.

  • 0 points: No content demonstrating expertise or thought leadership.

 

6. Your visual identity is cohesive and professional, reinforcing brand consistency.

  • 2 points: Fonts, colors, and imagery align across pages with intentional design.

  • 1 point: Visual elements are somewhat consistent but show mismatches.

  • 0 points: Design feels disjointed or inconsistent, reducing perceived professionalism.

 

7. Your website content is structured in a way that naturally guides visitors toward understanding your value and taking action.

  • 2 points: Information flows logically (positioning → services → portfolio → next steps), and content is organized thoughtfully in brief sections to avoid reader fatigue.

  • 1 point: Content exists but could be better organized or expanded to guide understanding and action.

  • 0 points: Content is sparse, unclear, or disconnected, leaving visitors uncertain about your services or value.

 

8. Your site addresses potential questions and concerns so visitors feel informed and confident.

  • 2 points: FAQs or process details answer common objections (investment, timelines, expectations).

  • 1 point: Some questions are addressed but important gaps remain.

  • 0 points: The site assumes understanding without addressing likely concerns.

 

9. Clear pathways to engagement exist, such as inquiry options or resources that encourage deeper relationships.

  • 2 points: Calls to action and a free lead magnet invite visitors to take meaningful next steps.

  • 1 point: Engagement options exist but could be more prominent or compelling.

  • 0 points: No clear pathways for inquiry or deeper engagement.

 

Tally your score

15–18: Truly Elevated

Congratulations! Your website is crushing it. Of course, strategic refinements can further elevate performance and attract higher-quality opportunities.

8–14: Room to Grow
Most interior designers score here. Strong elements likely exist, but gaps are limiting your ability to hit the right notes with the right clients. Targeted improvements should increase inquiries and opportunities.

0–7: Needs Attention
Fundamental opportunities exist in messaging, structure, or user experience. Addressing these areas can significantly improve how clients perceive and engage with your business.


Click to understand our scoring system

  • The purpose of clarity is to establish understanding and alignment by communicating who you serve, how you work, and what results you create. A clear website removes uncertainty, helps ideal clients recognize themselves in your message, and builds the foundation for credibility and action.

    Clarify Positioning
    Define exactly who your ideal clients are, the spaces you design, and the transformation you deliver. Make it immediately obvious what makes your design approach distinct and why it matters.

    Articulate Offerings
    Clearly explain what you offer and how you work. Outline your services, scope, and design process so visitors understand what it’s like to work with you and what they can expect.

    Showcase Projects Strategically
    Present your portfolio in a way that highlights problem solving and results—not just beautiful imagery. Organize projects to demonstrate expertise, style range, and the outcomes you create.

  • The purpose of credibility is to reinforce trust and authority so visitors feel confident in your expertise and professionalism. Credibility bridges interest and action by proving you can deliver what you promise.

    Build Trust Signals
    Feature testimonials, awards, credentials, press mentions, and measurable results that validate your expertise. Social proof reassures visitors that others have trusted you—and been glad they did.

    Demonstrate Expertise
    Share insights, transformation stories, or educational content that reflect depth of knowledge. Position yourself not just as a designer, but as a strategic expert in your niche.

    Unify Visual Identity
    Ensure your logo, typography, color palette, imagery, and layout consistently reflect your brand personality. A cohesive visual presence reinforces professionalism and signals a high level of care and refinement.

  • The purpose of conversion is to transform trust and interest into meaningful next steps. A successful website doesn’t just inform—it guides visitors toward inquiry and engagement.

    Optimize User Experience
    Design navigation, layout, and content flow so visitors encounter information in the order they are likely to want it, while also making it easy to find what they're looking for. This reduces friction, helping them progress naturally toward understanding and action.

    Address Buyer Readiness
    Anticipate and answer the questions, concerns, and objections potential clients may have before reaching out. Consider clarifying investment expectations, timelines, and working relationships so visitors feel informed, aligned, and confident taking the next step.

    Generate Leads
    Create opportunities for deeper engagement through an inquiry form and valuable resources. Offer clear incentives for connection and make the path to working together seamless.

Want an expert opinion?

Get a Website Diagnostic.

In a focused, one-on-one session with our lead strategist, Yian, you’ll understand what’s truly working, what’s holding you back, and exactly what shifts will elevate your website to the attract premium projects with greater ease.

This Website Diagnostic includes a pre-call review of your website, a 90-minute Zoom consultation, and a tailored action plan that helps you move forward with clarity and confidence—without committing to a full Website Refresh upfront.

About Yian

Yian Quach (pronounced Ian Qua) is the founder and lead strategist behind The Art of You, a boutique branding and website studio that helps experienced interior designers attract larger, more profitable projects by elevating their website and more.

With a lifelong passion for effective communication, Yian brings an inquisitive mind and open ears to every meeting to understand what truly sets each client apart before helping them to clarify their messaging and refine their visual identity.

Real success stories

“I spent an hour with Yian and I felt as if I attended an entire webinar! He is ‘spot-on’ with advice and suggestions for my industry. And, his interior designer web site designs are clean, crisp and current! I look forward to having more discussions in the future!

Tanna Edler, Interior Designer


“Yian's diagnostic was quite helpful. He had a lot of great tips and ideas which really inspired me to develop further on my own. I will not hesitate in hiring him again as needed.”

Renee Neumann, Interior Designer

“Yian is very thorough and detailed. He gave valuable information and immediate feedback on my webpage. We were able to make changes that will enhance my page and I am planning to invest more time with him. I highly recommend his services.”

Casey Sarkin, Interior Designer

Want to know more about our Website Diagnostic?