Building a Digital Storefront That Mirrors Your In-Store Experience
On the CauseLabs Resources page, we recently shared an article about how a website redesign can double your sales, inspired by Susan Alexandra’s success story in Inc. Magazine. While the CauseLabs article focuses on strategy and functionality, I’ve been reflecting on how websites can take cues from physical stores to create an engaging, customer-friendly experience.
Let’s face it, websites are our digital storefronts. But do they feel like it?
Does Your Website Feel Like Walking Into Your Store?
When you walk into a great store, everything is intentional. End caps showcase featured or seasonal items. Shelves are tidied and refaced. Displays shift with the seasons, drawing your eye to what’s new and exciting.
Now think about your website. Does it do that? Or is it static—more like a dusty, forgotten display that hasn’t been touched in years?
Here’s the truth: websites shouldn’t be “set it and forget it.” They require the same care and attention as your physical space.
- Seasonal Refreshes: Your website’s homepage is like your front window display. It’s what draws people in.
- Content Refacing: Just like restocking shelves, you should revisit and update your content regularly to keep it relevant.
- Feature What Matters: Highlight new products, stories, or services the same way you would with an in-store display or promotional signage.
Why Do We Forget About Our Websites?
We spend so much energy curating our social media feeds, but our websites often fall to the bottom of the priority list. It’s easy to assume that the content we uploaded years ago is still working for us. But is it?
What if that feature you thought was exciting never resonated with visitors? What if some of your content is no longer relevant? These questions might be uncomfortable, but they’re important.
Even I’m guilty of this. CauseLabs’ website doesn’t always get the love it deserves. (We joke that web agencies are like plumbers with leaky faucets.) But that’s exactly why redesigns and regular updates matter—they’re the foundation for making everything else work better.
A Redesign Is Just the Beginning
In the CauseLabs post, we talked about the importance of building a strong foundation through strategic website redesigns. A solid website can serve you well for 5–10 years, but it’s not a “one and done” deal.
Technology evolves. Customer expectations shift. And your business grows. That’s why you need to approach your website as a living, breathing part of your business. Regular updates and iterations don’t just keep it fresh—they keep it relevant and aligned with your goals.
What’s Next for Your Digital Storefront?
If you’re ready to take a hard look at your website, start by asking yourself this: does my site create the same welcoming experience I want customers to feel in my physical store?
If not, it might be time to invest in a refresh—whether that’s a few updates or a full redesign. And if you’re curious about the CauseLabs post that inspired this, you can read it here.
What do you think? Does this metaphor resonate with you? Let’s talk about it.