Your story matters.
But AI can’t tell it the way you can.
Human touch makes all the difference. Capture your human made business with a handcrafted website.
Not sure if you need this yet? That’s exactly what this call is for.
Heidi Zwart is the person behind your human made website.
A glimpse at the lighter side of me.
I have an unnatural obsession with icons. And logos.
I’ve always wanted to use surf boards, campers, and vans on a website. I managed to squeeze in 2 of 3 on this site.
I can drive in the car for hours in silence. Unless my son sends me a song he wrote or produced. Then I listen on repeat.
Some people call me “Gaga.” If you’re under age four and related to me, you can call me that, too.
My favorite food is pizza. And peanut butter. And popcorn.
I love hockey and the Minnesota Wild. Except when they lose.
People think I have it all together. They can’t see the inside.
I love Jesus. But I’m not good at loving people. He knows, but loves me anyway… he can see the inside.
Me at home. I usually wear a hat.
The official bio.
My career path hasn’t been linear. But it makes sense to me. Sometimes.
I studied psychology in college because I loved the subject and my professor, but not in a weird way. I also minored in graphic design because I’ve always liked art.
Eventually, I added a Master’s Degree in Counseling, and certifications in health coaching, personal training, CliftonStrengths, and behavior science. Random, right?
Not really. Stories weave them together, and I love collecting and telling them.
I’ve had over 700 conversations coaching conversations, written over 300 published articles, authored 2 books, and designed over 60 websites.
Words bring meaning, understanding, and connection to the stories we tell. And design translates them into something we can see and respond to.
I’m in my “crystallized intelligence” years (read: over 40). That means I’m good at using my lifetime of knowledge, education, and experiences to help you. And I have a lot of years under my belt. The best are yet to come.
If you’re still with me, I’d love to hear your story, too.Tell me the long or short version. It’s up to you.
I’m ready to listen.
I’m driven by belief.
When I see a problem, I feel compelled to fix it. I see life the way it “should” be. These are a few of the should’s that prompted me to start StoryMatters.
Web design shouldn’t be so complex.
You can get better design, copy, & strategy when one person does it all.
Web design shouldn’t be so expensive.
You can get a custom website with copywriting at a fair price.
Web design shouldn’t take so long.
You can get a website from start to finish in as little as one week.
Your website doesn’t have to be a 24/7 sales engine.
There. I said it. It’s not everyone’s opinion, but it’s mine.
What “they” say:
Some people say a website’s only job is conversion.
Some people say SEO is a non-negotiable.
Some people say your copy should be clear, not clever.
Some people say you have to collect email addresses.
Some people say websites are going to be obsolete.
What I believe:
I believe a website’s first job is to build trust and connection.
I believe most small businesses don’t need it.
I believe clever can exist without compromising clarity.
I believe people will come back if they like and trust you.
I believe the future of websites is TBD.
People are looking for real businesses run by real people.
Let them know they found you.
AI strings words together that (sometimes) make sense, but it can’t capture:
what matters to you
your voice, vision, or values
your empathy and quirks
That’s the part I do best.
Your website should look and sound like you… human, relatable, and trustworthy.
More things you might want to know.
If your question isn’t answered here, connect with me on a call.
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I’m good at turning rough ideas into something clear, so you don’t have to have everything figured out to start a conversation.
I’ll ask you for photos, logos, and brand colors. If you are a new business who doesn’t have these, you can choose the New Business Website option.
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No problem! We can refresh it if it’s already on Squarespace or build a new one from scratch if you’re on a different platform. You’ll like it better. I promise.
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Nope. I like to work with businesses who are selling services, not physical products.
I don’t build courses either. Unless your name is Kristi and I’ve known you for over 50 years.
If you need a referral, I’m happy to provide one!
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I ask for 50% to lock in your start date. Then, 50% at the end of our two week design experience.
If you need another arrangement, please ask!
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When your website is ready to launch, you will choose a subscription plan that’s best for you and will be billed annually through Squarespace.
The Core Plan works for most. You get a 20% discount on your first year when you work with StoryMatters.
If you don’t have a domain, you can also get one free for the first year through Squarespace if you’d like. After that, it’s $20/year.
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Your website will be finished in two weeks.
We will meet 1 time during week one to capture your message. Then 2 times the following week to review and finalize your website.
We make live edits together and your site will be ready to launch by the end of week two!
It’s fast, fun, and highly collaborative.
(This is my friend Kristi. She’s reminds me to have more fun. She’s an amazing Enneagram coach.)
Not ready to work together?
No problem. When the time is right, you know where to find me.
Subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter, Behavior Design in Real Life, where I connect the dots between everyday moments and the human behavior that impacts our work, life, and relationships.
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