How to Make Your Website Feel More Human (and Less Corporate!)

A website is more than just a digital shop front — it’s an extension of your brand’s personality. Yet, too many businesses fall into the trap of making their websites feel overly corporate, rigid, or impersonal. The result? A cold and uninviting experience that fails to engage visitors.

The good news is that injecting personality into your website can make it more inviting, engaging, and relatable. By incorporating casual language, custom illustrations, storytelling, and human-centric design, businesses can create an online presence that connects with their audience on a deeper level. Here’s how you can achieve that.

1. Use Conversational and Approachable Language

One of the easiest ways to make your website feel more human is through the words you use. Many businesses default to formal, jargon-heavy language that can feel impersonal. Instead, opt for a conversational tone that mirrors how you would speak to a customer in person.

  • Write in first or second person to make it feel personal (e.g., “We help businesses grow” or “You’ll love our services”).
  • Avoid stiff, corporate jargon and opt for clear, relatable language.
  • Use friendly, engaging copy that feels approachable and natural.

For example, instead of saying, “We provide comprehensive digital solutions for businesses looking to enhance their online presence,” try something more engaging like, “We help businesses like yours create stunning websites that attract more customers.”

Example Call to Action

2. Incorporate Custom Illustrations and Authentic Imagery

Stock photos and generic visuals can make your website look impersonal. Instead, opt for custom illustrations and real imagery that reflect your brand’s identity and values.

  • Custom illustrations help bring personality to your site and make it stand out from competitors.
  • Authentic team photos instead of stock photos create a sense of trust and credibility.
  • Behind-the-scenes images of your team at work, your office space, or customer interactions can add warmth and authenticity.

The goal is to humanise your brand by showcasing the real people behind it.

3. Tell Your Story in a Relatable Way

People connect with stories, not just services. Sharing your brand’s journey, mission, and values can create an emotional connection with your audience.

  • Have an “Our Story” page that shares how your business started, challenges faced, and what drives you.
  • Use customer success stories to show how your business makes a difference.
  • Include personal anecdotes that make your brand feel relatable and genuine.

For example, instead of simply listing your services, tell a story about how your company helped a specific customer achieve success.

4. Personalise the User Experience

A humanised website is one that makes visitors feel seen and understood. Personalisation can go a long way in making your site feel more engaging.

  • Use dynamic content that adapts based on user preferences (e.g., location-based recommendations, tailored product suggestions).
  • Greet returning visitors with personalised messages.
  • Offer live chat options with real team members instead of chatbots when possible.

When users feel like your website is speaking directly to them, they’re more likely to engage and convert.

5. Add Handwritten and Hand-Drawn Elements

A great way to break the corporate feel is by incorporating handwritten fonts, sketches, or doodles that add a personal touch. These elements give a sense of authenticity and warmth, making your website feel crafted rather than mass-produced.

  • Handwritten call-to-actions like “Let’s Chat!” instead of “Contact Us”.
  • Hand-drawn arrows, circles, or underlines to highlight important content.
  • Unique font pairings that feel more relaxed and less formal.

6. Show Personality in Your About Page

Your About Us page shouldn’t just be a formal corporate bio. It’s an opportunity to show who you are, what you stand for, and why you do what you do.

  • Write in a friendly and engaging tone.
  • Introduce your team members with fun facts, candid photos, or personal interests.
  • Share the story behind your brand, why it was started, and what makes it unique.

When visitors feel like they know the people behind the brand, they’re more likely to trust and connect with your business.

7. Use Engaging and Relatable Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Your CTAs don’t have to be boring! Instead of the standard “Contact Us” or “Learn More”, try something that feels more engaging and inviting.

  • “Let’s Make Something Amazing Together” instead of “Get a Quote”.
  • “Start Your Journey with Us” instead of “Sign Up”.
  • “Ready to Chat? We’d Love to Hear from You” instead of “Contact Us”.

A little creativity in your CTAs can make them more appealing and encourage action.

Conclusion

Your website should feel like an extension of your brand’s personality, not just a digital brochure. By using conversational language, custom visuals, storytelling, and personalised experiences, you can create a more human-centric website that connects with your audience on an emotional level.

A website that feels warm, engaging, and authentic will not only build trust but also encourage visitors to stay longer and take action. If you’re looking to inject more personality into your website and create an experience that truly resonates with your audience, get in touch today to see how we can help.

 

Web Design Huddersfield by Ben Dickinson of Athena Media

Written and Edited by Ben Dickinson

Athena Media was set up by Ben Dickinson with a huge passion and ambition to provide quality digital marketing to businesses in and around West Yorkshire.

I’ve always believed the key to success online is building a great digital presence. I love amplifying how businesses are seen online. From amazing web design to outstanding search engine optimisation… a good digital presence always pays off.