BOOKING WEBSITE & BRANDING PROJECTS FOR JUNE 2025
REACH OUT TODAY
  • ABOUT

    Meet the CEO & Team

    courtney vickery declet designs
    MEET COURTNEY

    View the Portfolio

    portfolio
    PREVIOUS PROJECTS

    Client Stories

    starter brand and website
    READ TESTIMONIALS
  • SERVICES

    Website Services

    • Private Practice Websites
    • Small Business Websites
    • Website Support Plans

    SEO Services

    • Get an SEO Review
    • View our SEO Services
    • Learn how to DIY Local SEO

    Branding

    • Branding Packages

    Tech Strategy

    • Tech Strategy Packages
    • Moxie CRM Setup

    Tech-Savvy Clinician Crew

    Turn your admin chaos into systems that actually work

    The Tech-Savvy Clinician Crew is a community where clinicians learn to create systems that actually work and get their time back.

    LEARN MORE

    Extras

    • Custom Email Signature
    • Canva & EMR Templates
declet designs
  • ABOUT

    Meet the CEO & Team

    courtney vickery declet designs
    MEET COURTNEY

    View the Portfolio

    portfolio
    PREVIOUS PROJECTS

    Client Stories

    starter brand and website
    READ TESTIMONIALS
  • SERVICES

    Website Services

    • Private Practice Websites
    • Small Business Websites
    • Website Support Plans

    SEO Services

    • Get an SEO Review
    • View our SEO Services
    • Learn how to DIY Local SEO

    Branding

    • Branding Packages

    Tech Strategy

    • Tech Strategy Packages
    • Moxie CRM Setup

    Tech-Savvy Clinician Crew

    Turn your admin chaos into systems that actually work

    The Tech-Savvy Clinician Crew is a community where clinicians learn to create systems that actually work and get their time back.

    LEARN MORE

    Extras

    • Custom Email Signature
    • Canva & EMR Templates
  • Events

    • [LIVE WORKSHOP] Services Page Workshop
    • [WATCH REPLAY] Google Business Profile Workshop

    Free Recordings

    • Website 101 Masterclass

    Free SEO Review

    • Get a free SEO review

    Blog

    • Read the blog
    • Creating a Dietitian website that books clients
  • LET'S DO THIS!

Why your ‘Contact Me’ page is scaring off potential clients

  • Courtney Vickery, MS, RD, LD
  • May 3rd, 2025
  • Last updated May 4, 2025

Let’s talk about your “Contact Me” page.

You know, that dusty little corner of your website that you slapped together at the end of your DIY design journey. The one that says “Drop me a message!” or “Let’s connect!” in size 18 Arial with a blank white background and exactly zero compelling reasons for someone to actually, well… contact you.

Here’s the truth: your Contact page might be unintentionally sending potential clients running for the hills.

Not because you’re not qualified.

Not because your services don’t help people.

But because you’re making them do all the work, or worse — making them feel awkward about reaching out in the first place.

giphy (2)

And if you’re a weight-inclusive dietitian, therapist, or private practice owner, chances are the people landing on your site already have enough decision fatigue. They’re overwhelmed, burned out, and just want to know you’re someone they can trust to make their life easier — not more complicated.

So let’s dig into why your “Contact Me” page might be giving off “Please don’t talk to me” vibes — and how you can fix it.

your contact page might be unintentionally sending potential clients running for the hills.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 1. You’re Not Telling People Why to Reach Out
    • Instead of:
    • Try:
  • Want to save this blog post to read later?
  • 2. Your Form Is Either Overwhelming or Useless
  • 3. You’re Not Setting Expectations
  • 4. The Page Design Screams “Afterthought”
  • 5. No Alternative Contact Options
  • 6. There’s Zero Reassurance or Social Proof
  • 7. You’re Asking for the Sale Too Soon
  • What to Do Instead (aka Contact Page Checklist)
  • Final Thoughts: People Want Connection, Not Chaos

1. You’re Not Telling People Why to Reach Out

This might sound basic, but it’s one of the most common mistakes I see when I audit websites for private practice owners.

Your Contact page shouldn’t be a vague “If you have questions, let me know!” It should make it clear what kind of support you offer, who should reach out, and what they can expect when they do.

Instead of:

“Contact me with any questions!”

Try:

“Have a few questions before booking your first session? I’m happy to chat. Fill out the form below and I’ll respond within 1-2 business days.”

Or even:

“Want to make sure we’re a good fit? Book a free 20-minute discovery call, or send a quick message using the form.”

Why this works: it reassures them that

1) you’re open to being contacted,

2) there’s a timeline for a reply, and

3) there’s a real person on the other end who wants to help — not ghost them.


Want to save this blog post to read later?

Save this blog post form

By submitting this form, you’ll also get occasional emails from me with helpful resources. Unsubscribe anytime.

2. Your Form Is Either Overwhelming or Useless

This one is a fine line.

Too few fields, and you don’t get the info you need to respond in a helpful way. Too many, and you’re asking for a dissertation before they’ve even decided if they want to work with you.

I once saw a form that required uploading a PDF of past bloodwork. On a contact page. Not kidding.

Here’s the sweet spot:

  • Name
  • Email
  • Brief message or reason for inquiry
  • Optional: dropdown to select the type of support (especially helpful if you offer multiple services)
  • Extra idea: For my weight inclusive providers, I like to help them include a question that specifically mentions their approach and the potential client’s openness to said approach.

If you want to pre-qualify leads without overwhelming people, use conditional logic. Tools like Fluent Forms (what I use and love with many of my sites) let you ask smart questions based on previous answers — so the form adjusts as they go.

Just… don’t make people write a novel.

Save the intake forms for after they’ve decided to work with you.


3. You’re Not Setting Expectations

Let’s play this out:
A potential client fills out your form. They click submit. Crickets.

They wait. And wait. And wait.
By day three, they’ve already reached out to someone else.

Here’s the fix: tell people what to expect.

Literally just add a sentence near the form or under your email address that says something like:

“I’ll respond to your message within 1-2 business days.”

Or:

“Please note: I don’t respond to emails over the weekend or on school holidays (because #momlife).”

This tiny addition makes you feel human and approachable — and sets boundaries in a respectful way.

We love that.

giphy (3)

4. The Page Design Screams “Afterthought”

Your Contact page deserves more than a header and a white form on a blank screen.

At Declet Designs, I always design Contact pages with intention — whether that’s a warm photo, a headline that invites connection, or a short FAQ section to pre-answer common questions.

If your page looks like a Craigslist form from 2008, people will assume your services are stuck there too.

Design matters.

Make sure your branding is consistent — use the same fonts, colors, and tone as the rest of your site. Add a human photo. Bonus points if you include something personality-packed like:

“Just a heads up: I usually respond with a giant mug of coffee in hand, and at least one cat walking across the keyboard.”


5. No Alternative Contact Options

Some folks hate contact forms. Maybe they had a bad experience. Maybe they just prefer email.

It’s kind to give people options.

If you’re comfortable, include:

  • A direct email address
  • A booking link for discovery calls (like Calendly or your Practice Better scheduler)
  • Even a voicemail option, if that’s your jam

What matters is that people can reach you in a way that feels comfortable to them.


6. There’s Zero Reassurance or Social Proof

If someone’s already on your Contact page, they’re close to converting. Don’t lose them now.

This is a great place to include a short testimonial or two — something like:

“Courtney made the process so easy. I felt supported the whole way and now I actually like sending people to my website!”
— Megan Luybli, A Soft Place to Land

That kind of social proof can be the nudge someone needs to hit submit.


7. You’re Asking for the Sale Too Soon

Look, I love efficiency. But if your Contact page goes straight to a form titled “Request a Proposal” or “Apply to Work With Me” and the person has no idea what you even charge or how you work, that’s going to scare them off.

Let people get to know you first. Guide them through your process. Then let them contact you once they’re feeling confident and clear — not pressured or confused.


What to Do Instead (aka Contact Page Checklist)

Here’s a simple checklist to upgrade your Contact page without redesigning your whole site:

✅ Clear headline — tell them who should reach out and why
✅ Short intro with warmth and reassurance
✅ Brief form with smart, relevant questions
✅ Statement of response time and boundaries
✅ Optional direct email and scheduler link
✅ Branding that feels like the rest of your site
✅ One or two testimonials
✅ Clear CTA: “Send a message” or “Let’s connect” — not “Submit” in gray text


Final Thoughts: People Want Connection, Not Chaos

Your Contact page isn’t just a form. It’s a handshake. A welcome mat. The part where someone says, “I’m nervous but hopeful — can you help me?”

If you’re showing up with a blank screen and a vague “Contact me,” you’re not just missing out on leads, but you’re missing a chance to connect.

The good news is that you can literally change that today.

Clean up your copy. Simplify the form. Reassure people. And make it feel like you. Because your right-fit clients want to work with you, not some stiff, robotic version of your business.

Need help? This is literally what I do. Book a quick consult or snoop around my portfolio if you want to see how this looks in real life.

Let’s make your website feel like home!

courtney vickery declet designs
Courtney Vickery, MS, RD, LD CEO

Courtney has 15+ years of experience putting together and designing marketing materials, WordPress websites, customer experiences, and workflows that help you save time and money. She developed these skills during her years as a Director of Corporate Health Services, Group Fitness Program Manager, Lead Wellness Dietitian, fitness and yoga instructor, and her own nutrition private practice, Vickery Wellness.

She also taught undergraduate courses at the University of Georgia where she graduated with the following degrees:

  • MS/DI Foods & Nutrition
  • BS Dietetics
  • BA Political Science
courtney vickery declet designs

Hi, I'm Courtney

Dietitian turned web designer who helps private practice dietitians create websites that actually convert (without the tech headaches).

When I'm not building sites, you'll find me reading fantasy novels with a giant mug of tea and my dog Oliver at my feet.
free website red flags for dietitians

Discover the 10 critical website fixes that could double your inquiry rate!

Recent posts

should i use a template or go custom for my private practice website?
Should I Use a Template or Go Custom for My Private Practice Website?
May 9, 2025
READ NOW
bethany wheeler dietitian branding
Why Intentional Branding Updates Sometimes Beat “Waiting Until It’s Perfect”
May 8, 2025
READ NOW
what’s the point of a website if i use instagram?
What’s the Point of a Website If I Use Instagram?
May 6, 2025
READ NOW
3 website mistakes that hurt your private practice’s seo (and how to fix them)
3 Website Mistakes That Hurt Your Private Practice’s SEO (And How to Fix Them)
May 5, 2025
READ NOW
Previous Post

How to Know If Your Website is Doing Its Job (Without Needing a Full Redesign)

Next Post

Why “Just Tell Me What to Do” Doesn’t Work for Your Website

Where to next?

blog home
SUBMIT AN INQUIRY

Create Your Website 101

from Domain to Design

create your own website 101

Join me for a free masterclass where you'll learn:

 
  • The exact tech stack you need (and what you can skip)
  • How to make your website convert visitors into clients
  • Simple design principles that make your site look professional
  • The essential pages every service-based website needs
  • Plus you'll get my Website Planning Workbook ($47 value)
declet designs icons 25 07
QUICK LINKS

Portfolio

Shop

Blog

About

Testimonials

SERVICES

Private Practice Websites

Small Business Websites

Custom Branding

Website Support Plans

Tech & Systems Strategy

Moxie CRM Setup

Get an SEO review

Monthly Local SEO

Google Ads

GET IN TOUCH

Email

Contact

Client Portal

About

Declet Designs offers website design, strategy, and SEO for weight-inclusive private practices & small businesses. Located in Athens, GA, and serves businesses nationally and internationally.

Declet Designs is a welcoming and inclusive space for all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, neurodivergence, or national origin.

Declet Designs is located on the lands of the Muscogee and Tsalaguwetiyi people and wishes to acknowledge them as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We also pay our respects to their Elders, past, present & emerging.

COPYRIGHT 2025 DECLET DESIGNS LLC

PRIVACY POLICY – TERMS OF USE – DISCLAIMER

Pin It on Pinterest