How much does it cost to create a website for a small business?

How Much Does It Cost to Create a Website for a Small Business?

Creating a website is essential for any small business that wants to establish a strong online presence. A website can help you reach new customers, promote your brand, and generate leads and sales. However, the cost of creating a website can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of business, the type of website, and the web development company you choose to work with.

In this blog post, we will explore the various factors that affect the cost of creating a website for a small business and give you a general idea of how much it might cost.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Creating a Website for a Small Business

Business Size

The size of your business is one of the factors that affect the cost of creating a website. A small business with a few employees will generally require a less complex website than a larger business with many employees, which can impact the cost.

Website Type

The type of website you need also affects the cost. For example, a simple website with just a few pages and basic functionality will generally cost less than an e-commerce website with custom features, integrations, and payment gateways.

Design and Development

The design and development of a website are other crucial factors that affect the cost. A custom design with unique graphics, fonts, and colors will generally cost more than a pre-made template. Adding advanced features such as a blog, contact forms, live chat, or social media integration can also increase the overall cost.

Content Creation

Creating high-quality content is an essential aspect of website development. Writing copy, creating images or videos, and other types of media can make your website more engaging and informative for visitors. If you need help creating content for your website, you may need to factor in the cost of hiring a copywriter, photographer, or videographer.

Web Development Company or Freelancer

The cost of creating a website can also depend on the web development company or freelancer you choose to work with. Different companies or freelancers may charge different rates based on their experience, expertise, and location. It’s essential to choose a web development partner that you feel comfortable with and has experience creating websites for small businesses in your industry or niche.

Average Cost of Creating a Website for a Small Business

The cost of creating a website can range widely depending on the factors outlined above. Here are some general guidelines to give you an idea:

DIY Website Builders

If you’re on a tight budget and have the time and skills to create your website yourself, you may be able to use a DIY website builder such as Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress. These website builders offer pre-made templates and drag-and-drop editors that make it easy to create a basic website without any coding experience. The cost of using a DIY website builder can range from $0 to $30 per month, depending on the plan and features you need.

Freelancers

If you need more customization than a DIY website builder can offer, you may consider hiring a freelance web developer or designer. Freelancers typically charge by the hour or project and can cost anywhere from $25 to $150 per hour, depending on their experience and expertise. The cost of creating a website with a freelancer can range from a few hundred dollars for a simple website to several thousand dollars for a more complex website with custom features.

Web Development Companies

Web development companies are another option for small businesses looking to create a professional and customized website. These companies typically charge a flat fee or hourly rate for their services, which can range from $75 to $200 or more per hour, depending on their experience, expertise, and location. The cost of creating a website with a web development company can range from a few thousand dollars for a basic website to tens of thousands of dollars for a complex website with advanced features. While the cost of hiring a web development company may be higher, it often comes with a higher level of expertise, reliability, and support.

Additional Services

Additional services can also impact the cost of creating a website for your small business. For example, you may need to factor in the cost of website hosting, domain registration, website maintenance, and SEO services. These additional services can vary widely in cost depending on the provider and the level of support you require.

How to Choose the Right Web Development Partner

Choosing the right web development partner is crucial to ensuring the success of your website. Here are some tips to help you choose the right partner for your needs:

Look at Their Portfolio

Start by looking at the web development company or freelancer’s portfolio. This will give you a sense of their style and the quality of their work. Look for developers who have experience creating websites for small businesses in your industry or niche.

Check Reviews and Testimonials

Reading reviews and testimonials from previous clients can also give you a sense of the web development partner’s professionalism, communication skills, and ability to deliver on time and on budget. Check out their website, social media, and review sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, or Clutch.co to see what others are saying about them.

Consider Their Experience and Expertise

Consider the web development partner’s experience and expertise in website design and development. Look for developers who have experience with the specific features and integrations you need for your website, whether that’s e-commerce functionality, content management systems, or custom coding.

Get a Detailed Quote

Ask the web development partner for a detailed quote that includes all of the services they will provide, the timeframe for the project, and the cost. Make sure you understand what’s included in the quote and what isn’t, so there are no surprises later on.

Communication and Collaboration

Finally, consider the web development partner’s communication skills and their ability to collaborate with you on the project. Make sure they’re easy to work with, responsive to your needs and questions, and that you feel comfortable communicating with them throughout the project.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of creating a website for a small business can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the website, the design and features, the web development partner you choose, and additional services. It’s essential to choose a web development partner that you feel comfortable with and has experience creating websites for small businesses in your industry or niche. By doing your research and choosing the right web development partner for your project, you can create a website that represents your brand effectively and helps you achieve your goals.

How much does it cost to hire a website designer?

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Website Designer? A Guide for Small Business Owners

If you’re thinking about creating a website for your business or personal brand, one of the first things you’ll likely consider is hiring a website designer. A website designer can help you create a website that looks great, functions well, and represents your brand effectively. However, the cost of hiring a website designer can vary widely depending on a number of factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these factors and provide you with a general idea of how much it might cost to hire a website designer.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Hiring a Website Designer

  1. Experience and Expertise

The more experienced and skilled the website designer, the more they will typically charge for their services. Website designers who have been in the industry for several years and have a strong portfolio of work to showcase their skills may charge more than those who are just starting out.

  1. Type of Website

The cost of hiring a website designer can also depend on the type of website you want to create. For example, a simple website with just a few pages will likely cost less than a complex website with a lot of pages and features. E-commerce websites or those with custom integrations can also cost more due to the increased complexity of development.

  1. Timeframe

If you need your website designed quickly, you may end up paying more for the services of a website designer. Rushed projects often require more resources and labor, which can drive up the cost.

  1. Location

Where the website designer is located can also affect the cost. In general, website designers based in areas with higher costs of living may charge more for their services than those in areas with a lower cost of living.

  1. Additional Services

Finally, the cost of hiring a website designer may also depend on the additional services they offer. For example, some website designers may include services such as search engine optimization (SEO), content creation, or ongoing maintenance as part of their packages, which can increase the overall cost.

Average Cost of Hiring a Website Designer

So, how much can you expect to pay for a website designer? The cost can vary widely depending on the factors outlined above, but here are some general guidelines to give you an idea:

  1. Hourly Rates

Some website designers charge hourly rates for their services. Hourly rates can range from around $50 per hour for less experienced designers to over $200 per hour for highly skilled designers.

  1. Project-Based Rates

Other website designers may offer project-based rates. This means they will quote you a flat rate for the entire project, regardless of how many hours they spend on it. Project-based rates can range from a few hundred dollars for a simple website to tens of thousands of dollars for a complex website.

  1. Package Rates

Finally, some website designers may offer package rates that include a range of services. For example, they may offer a basic package that includes website design, hosting, and maintenance for a set fee. Package rates can vary widely depending on the services included, but can often be more cost-effective than hourly or project-based rates.

How to Choose the Right Website Designer for Your Needs

When choosing a website designer, it’s important to consider not just the cost, but also the quality of their work, their experience and expertise, and their ability to deliver on your specific needs. Here are some tips to help you choose the right website designer for your project:

  1. Look at Their Portfolio

Start by looking at the website designer’s portfolio. This will give you a sense of their style and the quality of their work. Look for designers who have experience creating websites in your industry or for businesses similar to yours.

  1. Read Reviews and Testimonials

Reading reviews and testimonials from previous clients can also give you a sense of the website designer’s professionalism, communication skills, and ability to deliver on time and on budget. Check out their website, social media, and review sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, or Clutch.co to see what others are saying about them.

  1. Consider Their Experience and Expertise

Consider the website designer’s experience and expertise in website design and development. Look for designers who have experience with the specific features and integrations you need for your website, whether that’s e-commerce functionality, content management systems, or custom coding.

  1. Get a Detailed Quote

Ask the website designer for a detailed quote that includes all of the services they will provide, the timeframe for the project, and the cost. Make sure you understand what’s included in the quote and what isn’t, so there are no surprises later on.

  1. Communication and Collaboration

Finally, consider the website designer’s communication skills and their ability to collaborate with you on the project. Make sure they’re easy to work with, responsive to your needs and questions, and that you feel comfortable communicating with them throughout the project.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of hiring a website designer can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the designer’s experience and expertise, the type of website you want to create, the timeframe, the designer’s location, and the additional services they offer. Hourly rates can range from $50 to $200 or more, project-based rates can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, and package rates can vary widely depending on the services included. When choosing a website designer, consider their portfolio, reviews and testimonials, experience and expertise, the detailed quote they provide, and their communication and collaboration skills. By doing your research and choosing the right website designer for your needs, you can create a website that represents your brand effectively and helps you achieve your goals.

Responsive vs. Mobile-First Design

Responsive vs. Mobile-First Design

Responsive vs. Mobile-First Design: How is One Different from the Other?

Over the years, mobile phone usage has increased dramatically. Case in point: in 2011, more people owned mobile phones than toothbrushes! In 2021, the number of smartphone users has grown to a staggering 3.8 billion. This translates to over 48.20% of the population.

The World Advertising Research Center (WARC) report indicated that close to 2 billion people use their phones to browse the internet. People also use their smartphones to access social media, emails, music, games, and others. By 2025, a projected 72.6% of people will use their phones to access the internet.

The statistics above highlight the importance of creating web pages that function well on mobile devices. Clearly, you need more than just creative web design to ensure your site visitors have a pleasant browsing experience. It’s safe to assume mobile browsing is here to stay. That said, you need to keep mobile users in mind in your web marketing efforts.

Responsive Web Design vs. Mobile-First Design

How is responsive web design different from mobile-first design? Which approach is right for your business? To answer this question, you need to first determine your target audience. You also need to factor in the actions you want them to do and how they access your website.

Are they accessing your site on their desks, or are they on the move? Are they using a 3G connection or WiFi? Once you know the answers to these questions, it’s easier for you to figure out which of the two suits your needs best. Unfortunately, there is a bit of confusion when it comes to these two concepts.

Many assume the two are the same. However, they are two different things. For starters, while a mobile-first website is always responsive, a responsive site is not always mobile-first. Mobile-first is a technical approach, while responsive web design is a deliberate design choice focused on how people interact with mobile devices.

Learn more about our web design services here.

Our team working on a mobile first web design
Our Team Working on Web Design

Responsive Web Design in a Nutshell

Responsive web design will respond to changes in device display sizes. So when your website is displayed on a smartphone, you will see different dimensions compared to when you view the site on your laptop, desktop, or tablet.

You can liken responsive web design to water—it fits into whatever you pour it into. Since it shifts content to fit other devices rather than focus on the visitors’ experience on those devices, the mobile experience is deemed lacking.

A website is of the utmost importance to your business.

Mobile-First Web Design in a Nutshell

On the other hand, mobile-first is considered a proactive approach to web design. It is not only about creating a website that works on mobile devices, it is also about creating a design that’s primarily for users on mobile devices.

Key Features of Mobile-First Design

1. Expandable “Hamburger” Menu

When browsing using your phone, it would be annoying to open multiple tabs. Unfortunately, many responsive websites will require you to click multiple times just to navigate a single interior page. A mobile-first design can improve the navigation process significantly.

For instance, some websites use an accordion-style navigation menu to give visitors a preview of what they can find in each section. It is also more user-friendly since they can simply scan the sections and directly access the information they need.

2.  Larger Buttons

Mobile phone users navigate websites using their thumbs. That said, the mobile-first design pays special attention to anything the visitors are supposed to click. This means hyperlinked sections are larger, buttons are more prominent, and items in a clickable list are spaced further apart.

3.  Consolidated Content

When it comes to the mobile experience, less is more. While responsive websites will condense all content on a desktop, it is not typically conducive to those visitors who use their mobile phones. Mobile-first websites will simplify bulky content and present information in a way mobile users will find engaging.

4. Larger Font Sizes

The text size is also crucial in reading comprehension. To further improve readability on mobile-first websites, font sizes are no smaller than 16 pixels. This is important, so mobile users won’t need to zoom in just to read the content.

When it comes to header texts, going larger is recommended. The bottom line is to make information and content easy to scan to find what they are looking for right away. Large headings can also be used to separate content into scannable sections.

The key differences? Mobile First vs Responsive Design
The key differences? Mobile First vs Responsive Design

Responsive vs. Mobile-First Design: Key Difference

The primary difference between the two is how the designer approaches the website. A mobile-first design is created and executed in tandem with the desktop site. In other words, it involves making proactive changes to the website’s overall design to ensure the mobile experiences can mimic the desktop experience. On the other hand, a responsive design is reactive. This means the design moves fluidly to fit devices.

Need a Quote on a Website that Works? Click here
Need a Quote on a Website that Works? Click here

Final Thought

While both designs can make websites more accessible on various devices, a mobile-first experience is considered better as it provides a more favorable user experience. This can be attributed to the fact that many important factors are considered during the design process, including load time, font size, and the use of white space. If unsure which of the two your site and brand needs more, invest in the services of an expert so you can be guided accordingly.

Build Trust With Good Website Design

build trust with web design

5 Tips to Build Trust With Website Design

Did you know that most people form an opinion of a website within 0.05 seconds (50 milliseconds) of landing on it? With that first glance, people decide whether they can trust you or not — often based on the design of your website alone. A good website design builds trust. That’s why it is so important to focus on building trust when designing your website.

This article will go over five tips to help you build trust with website design.

1. Keep Your Design Professional and Modern

An outdated design immediately brings up feelings of distrust and suspicion. If your website looks like it’s out of the 90s, it’s going to be hard for people to trust it. That’s why you need to get a modern, professional theme that looks great, is easy to navigate, and is clean and professional.

Let’s go over some things to pay attention to in this regard.

First, your website needs to be clean. That means you need to cut down on the number of pop-ups and advertisements on your site. You’re probably only getting a few cents per click from those ads, so ask yourself if they are worth it.

self playing videos are not good for user experience

You also need to avoid self-playing videos, flashy colors, distracting animations, and anything else that adds more clutter than value. Use black text on white background, not white text on black background — the latter is just too hard on the eyes. In general, try to include plenty of white space.

You also need high-quality media. Use professional, premium photos in your posts, and use a great logo. Avoid public domain stock photos you found on the web or Google Images — many bloggers use the same public domain images, and it looks lazy.

Finally, your website needs to be responsive on all devices of all sizes. A mobile-responsive theme is a must. You need to make sure mobile users can access your menu, fill out forms, click call-to-action buttons, and read the text — the text shouldn’t be too wide for the screen.

We specialize in digital marketing, which includes web designs that work and convert. Get a quote below.

2. Build Your Brand

A strong brand helps build trust, and a strong brand requires consistency. While there are many things you should be consistent with, there are two main aspects that will stand out the most: your color palette and your tone of voice.

The colors you use in your branding should be consistent across all branding materials. That includes your:

  • Website
  • Social media profiles
  • Emails
  • Advertisements
  • Offline flyers
  • Television ads
  • And so on

You might not have thought about it much, but there are specific color palettes that you usually associate with particular brands. Let’s go over some examples:

  • Green, lime green, yellow, and white — Sprite
  • Red, blue, and white — after the US flag, you’d probably think of Pepsi
  • Red and yellow — McDonald’s

Of course, context matters. If you are buying a soda in the store, and you see Pepsi’s colors, you’ll automatically think of Pepsi; in another context, you might think of the US flag. The specific shades of those colors matter as well.

Color palettes help increase brand recognition and help people remember you.

You also need a consistent tone of voice. Keep a consistent tone of voice:

  • On your blog
  • On social media
  • In your emails
  • In your messages and conversations with consumers

That way, people will know what to expect from you. They will know you are consistent and stick to a certain set of values.

build social proof to increase website design trust

3. Highlight Social Proofs

Social proof is important when building trust. When people come across a business online, the first thing they often look for is what other people are saying. People trust other people’s opinions online.

One way to highlight social proof is by showing awards or certifications you received. It doesn’t matter if the certification was big or small — most consumers don’t know the difference, and just having a badge affirming your award will often do wonders for your conversion rates.

If you did not receive any awards or certifications, you can always add simple trust badges to your website. Many WordPress plugins will help you do that. For example, you can add a Visa or Mastercard icon, a GoDaddy trust seal if you host on GoDaddy, or a DigiCert Trust badge if you have an SSL certificate from DigiCert.

Testimonials are important too. Try to get a few testimonials from customers and display them on your site. You can make a separate page with testimonials that you link to, or you can display a testimonial or two in your footer or sidebar.

Important: Make sure to include pictures and names with your testimonials, so people feel that the testimonials are coming from real people.

The reason testimonials work so well is that people put a lot of trust in online reviews. Testimonials on your website might seem somewhat less trustworthy, so consider linking to or highlighting reviews you have received on other platforms as well, such as:

  • Google
  • Facebook
  • Yelp

Since those reviews are on third-party platforms that you do not control, people tend to trust them a little more.

In addition to text testimonials, consider embedding a video testimonial. In a video testimonial, the speaker can tell a story and connect with their audience more. Videos by actual people often seem more real than a short paragraph with someone’s picture next to it.

Case studies on results you have achieved for your clients are perfect as well. You can make all kinds of claims and promises, but nothing beats real results, backed up with real data.

4. Make It Easy to Get in Touch

A good website design will make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you will drive more sales, as people will be able to ask questions and relieve common pre-purchase doubts and hesitations.

However, by making it clear how people can get in touch with you, you also help build trust. It shows you are transparent with your customers and that you are ready and willing to answer any questions. It also shows you are confident in the value of what you have to offer.

Some things to highlight on your website include your:

  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone number

Your address is especially important as a local business. Consider also embedding a Google Maps widget, so people can find directions to your location in Google Maps. Need help? Contact us today.

Having an email address is the bare minimum, but having a phone number that people can call to talk with a real person builds even more trust.

You can display your contact information in your header, sidebar, or footer. You can also add a contact page to your sidebar menu, but people shouldn’t have to look around your website for a way to contact you. You want your contact information to be clear and visible from the get-go, as soon as customers land on your site.

Make sure any contact information on your website is consistent with the contact information listed on your local citations.

5. Show Authority

Finally, you need to show that you are an authority in your niche and that you know what you’re doing. If you offer plumbing services, for example, or you are an HVAC technician, how will people know that you are any good at what you do?

A great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise is to offer valuable information on your blog. A blog allows you to not only help people but also show that you understand common problems and have the solutions to fix them. You can also talk about common mistakes that people make — including other professionals in your field — so people know you are unique and provide a better service.

Building a social following is another effective way to show authority. That goes back to the social proof aspect we talked about — when a lot of people follow you, it shows that others value your opinions and trust you, which builds trust in new visitors.

It’s not enough to have a lot of followers, however. You need your followers to engage with your content. If you have a lot of followers but no engagement, it will seem as if you bought followers, which is terrible for building trust.

Here are some tips for building up a social following and showing authority on social media:

  • Fill out your bio and upload a professional logo or photo
  • Post helpful content consistently
  • Mix up your content
  • Post images and videos
  • Consider posting helpful links to resources published on other websites (as long as they are not competitor websites)
  • Like and share posts made by others in your niche
  • Encourage discussions and comments
  • Respond to comments

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it all boils down to trust. Can consumers trust you enough to give you their money? If you can build trust, you will increase your conversion rates, improve your online brand and reputation, and get more sales. You will also get more word-of-mouth referrals. A good website design will build the needed trust if you follow the steps outlined above.

In addition to these five tips, always provide excellent customer service, both before and after a sale. Providing professional support is an integral part of building trust. Be attentive and make your customers feel heard. Accept feedback, including constructive criticism, and use it to improve your services.

Importance of Web Design To Your Business

importance of web design for business

Importance of Web Design To Your Business

Are you wondering why many businesses are willing to pay top dollar for web design work? Consider this: most consumers nowadays search for product information online before purchasing. This type of consumer behavior highlights the importance of having a content-rich, functional, and modern web design.

With competition becoming increasingly fierce, creating a basic website for your business would no longer suffice. Since it is considered one of your online presence’s critical elements, it must be designed right. If your site leaves much to be desired, you won’t be able to convert potential leads into paying customers.

Why Website Design Matters

Here’s an interesting statistic: A staggering 75 percent of online users make judgments about a company’s credibility based on visual design alone. Understandably, when you come across a website with an outdated design, more often than not, you won’t think highly of the company it represents.

It is possible that you may even question the quality of the products or services they are offering, doubt their legitimacy, or visit a competitor’s website to find what you are looking for. It is important to remember that first impressions are powerful, and their first impression of your site can either make them stay or drive them away.

just how important is web design to your business

The Importance of Web Design for Your Business

While unfortunate to note, poor design will not only hurt your credibility, it can also drive potential customers away. Below are other reasons why you need to make good web design a top priority:

It can help create a favorable first impression.

It takes just a few seconds for visitors to form an impression of your website. That said, you need to ensure you can create a great first impression in the first few seconds your visitors will land on your site. This is something your web design can help you accomplish.

It is also crucial that you update your site when needed to ensure it stays relevant and to guarantee a remarkable user experience. Fortunately, your site does not have to be brought down for updates to be patched. Nowadays, many expert web developers and designers can integrate updates seamlessly.

It can make it easy for visitors to find what they are looking for.

Your web design has a massive impact on how easy it will be for your visitors to find what they are looking for. Some research indicates that 86 percent of site visitors are looking for service or product information, 65 percent are looking for contact information, while 52 percent want to read the About page.

It is recommended that your web design should make finding those crucial elements easy. Otherwise, you can end up frustrating your visitors and, worse, driving them away. In line with this, consider placing primary services in your website’s main navigation. It would also be a good idea to feature the contact number in the upper right-hand corner.

amplify your conversions with a great website for business
amplify your conversions

It can help amplify your conversions.

Want to increase your conversions significantly? Your website design can help! Start by creating a design that highlights calls to action and draws attention to special offers. It is reassuring to know there are various ways you can optimize your web design for maximum conversion. Let us examine two different but equally powerful examples:

One of the foolproof ways you can draw attention toward the desired action is to use open or white space around the call-to-action. One established brand that employs this technique is Apple. The brand is known for its bold images and simple and clean designs surrounded by lots of white space.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Amazon. While most Amazon pages are crowded with product options and information, one thing always stands out: the yellow Add to Cart button. Even if the page is busy with contrasting colors and different styles, you are still drawn to the ever-important conversion button.

It can make your site look and function on all devices.

Nowadays, most online searches occur on mobile devices, and the trend has no signs of slowing down. With Google now encouraging a mobile-first approach, a web design that’s mobile-friendly is recommended if you want to stay relevant. Many users also think a mobile website design should be just as good as a desktop website design.

Unfortunately, some web designers focus too much on making the website visually appealing that they forget about mobile friendliness. In today’s mobile-friendly world, a superior website design should go beyond a single screen. Ideally, your website should be responsive and should function accordingly on all devices regardless of size.

You can learn more about common web design mistakes here.

It can help strengthen your search engine optimization efforts.

A well-rounded website design is not about the visual elements on the front end alone. However, it is essential to remember that how the design comes together can significantly impact your search engine optimization efforts.

For instance, if your website design has too many large images or loads slowly, it will drive visitors away and impact your SEO efforts negatively.

If you would like a free SEO site audit just message us today to get on the schedule.

user experience is key to making a great website

It is easy to maintain.

While it can be an expensive investment at the beginning, a well-designed website is worth every penny. Aside from the fact that they are way easier to develop, well-designed websites are also straightforward to maintain.

Not only that, maintaining a website that’s properly designed will also cost much less. With less maintenance work and cost, you can focus your time on other aspects of the business that need your immediate attention. We specialize in website design for businesses to get started simply fill out a quote request.

Conclusion

Your website design is one of the most powerful tools you can use to take your business to the next level. That said, it’s safe to assume it is one of those investments that will provide the most bang for your buck.

It is also recommended that you invest in professional help to ensure your website design is optimized accordingly so you can enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.

Is Your DIY Website Design Causing You Problems with SEO?

SEO Hero

Is Your DIY Website Design Causing You Problems with SEO?

The most commonly discussed element in SEO is backlinks. For a long time, backlinks were the central feature of SEO, determining whether your website design would achieve top rankings. Backlinks are still a crucial factor in the process, but there are other parts that play a key role. How does a DYI Website Design stand up against a Custom Web Design?

On-page optimization has grown in importance in recent years, with a negative user experience damaging any chances of long-term success. If your website has not been optimized properly, Google can detect this both through their crawling and the response of searchers who visit your pages. So, what are the website factors you need to consider for effective SEO?  Want more info on On-Page Optimization?

Speed

Website loading speed is not as commonly discussed as it should be. The time it takes for a page to load has a huge impact on reported user experience, with a matter of seconds between a positive and negative impression. Google have a page speed tool for testing loading times, while there are additional alternatives helping to get a broad picture. In the result of a problem, look at image optimization, quality of hosting, and using a CDN like Cloudflare.

You can check your websites speed over at GTmetrix and then check out the 6 reasons why website speed matters.

Content is King Bill Gates

Content

The content on a page is of great importance, but it doesn’t need to be the same style in every instance. The best type of content for SEO will provide the bulk of searchers with exactly what they are looking for. This concept is called search intent.  For example, some keywords will require a detailed article that goes into a lot of depth or niches only require a step by step guide that can be short and to the point.  At the end of the day what is the traffic to your website looking for in return?  Do they want quick answers?  Or do they want to gain a deeper and thorough understanding of a specific subject.  Get to know your traffic and your target.

Other queries, though, might only require a short answer to satisfy the search query. It is helpful to use your target keyword within the title and copy, while also including related terms. Dwell time is another SEO factor, so elements like video content can help increase the time spent on site.

mobile-first-design

Mobile First vs Responsive

Google has switched to mobile-first indexing, reacting to the increasing popularity in mobile usage. If your site does not offer an optimal experience for mobile users, you will struggle to maintain a great ranking. Most modern sites will offer responsive design, so they work across all types of devices. It is important to test your site using different devices, though, and run pages through the Google Mobile-Friendly tool. A great mobile experience won’t just replicate the desktop, but will instead be catered to the mobile browsing experience.

Here at Green Thoughts Consulting we find many clients have out dated and non-mobile friendly websites.  Having a website in this state is hurting you more than you know.  It’s simple really.  How much do you make on  your average sale?  If a client ready to buy comes to your site and can’t see it due to issues with mobile etc they bounce or leave and then find a competitor.  If we can redesign your site and get you just 2-5 new customers due to the design changes and optimization what is the worth to you based on your average sale?

Test your websites mobile friendliness with Google’s very own test here.

Social

Social media is a useful tool for promoting your website and blog content. Users might like and share your posts, leading to others seeing your content. This process can lead to greater visibility and engagement, creating backlinks for your site. The importance of social media for SEO is still debated.

However, the level of importance Google places on social links is not worth worrying about as there are plenty of indirect benefits to social promotion. The targeted backlinks you can gain on other platforms like industry blogs, often resulting from social media marketing, will play a huge role in ranking a page.

Nice post on how to use social media to promote your site.

internal and external seo links

URLs

The URL structure might seem minor, but it can have a high impact on SEO and click-through rate. Some content management systems use an awkward URL structure that isn’t optimal. These URLs might be long and feature dates or random digits to make them unique. This type of URL can negatively impact click-through rate, with the search engines lowering your ranking as a result. Various tests have shown shorter URLs are most effective, so try to use a keyword phrase that sums up the article content.

Bruce Clay has a classic post on SEO Siloing.  It’s a must read really.

Linking

Internal linking helps to pass authority around your site, increasing the rankings of certain pages. Wikipedia is the best known example of effective internal linking, with related pages helping users navigate around the site. This process also helps lower the bounce rate, avoiding a common SEO issue. Outbound links can be used to show the topical relevance of your content, with links typically going to authority sites within your industry.  If you are looking for a great primer on internal linking vs external linking look here.

 

Conclusion

On-page optimization can play a key role in an SEO campaign. Many site owners focus exclusively on the off-page factors, attempting to gain increased numbers of backlinks. Some quick changes to the way a site is set up, along with adaptations on individual pages, can often be enough to satisfy the search engines and individual visitors. When you can offer an exceptional user experience that satisfies the point of the original search query, you stand a great chance of maintaining top rankings into the future.

More on internal and external link significance for your site and SEO.

If there’s anything we can do to help you out on your journey and increase your Return on Investment reach out to us.

High Converting Landing Page Design

high Converting Landing pages

High Converting Landing Page Design

Landing Page Design Introduction

A best practices landing page design can greatly increase conversions for your business’s lead generation campaigns. High converting landing pages are an extension of your online marketing campaigns and to maximize conversions, landing pages should be geared to the reason the person has clicked-through. Here are the four key elements of a successful landing page.

Above the Fold

Above the fold refers to the part of the page that a visitor will see when the “land” on the page from another source.  When traffic first land without scrolling that’s the above the fold area under discussion. This area will change depending on the device the individual is using, such as cellphone, iPad, desktop etc.

The average person spends only about 15 seconds on a landing page before leaving it.  This means you have just a few seconds to get your point across. Due to this fact clean and simple information is imperative above the fold.  Keep this in mind as you design or communicate with your designer.

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Typically, I recommend a clear Call to Action with a big ass button that says what you want the user to do along with a clear Value Proposition and quick subheading to give some detail. Here’s a great example from HubSpot.

landing page design

The High Converting Call to Action (CTA)

Before you begin to draft the design of your landing page, determine what you want visitors to your site to do. Depending on your online marketing goals, you need to create expectations and a method for measuring results. Are you trying to increase newsletter subscribers? Do you want them to test-run your service with a free trial?

Speaking of methods for measuring results on your website this is imperative for you to get setup with NOW.  I’ve worked with far too many website redesigns that have no Analytics and no Tracking.  At a bare minimum you need Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag, and Google Search ConsoleIf you need or want help setting these up reach out to us.

Your actual call to action should be directly tied to your goals.

It may seem obvious, but some businesses forget to ask for what it is they want. If you want someone to download a program you offer, having a download button is necessary to a successful landing page. Keep it simple but let people know exactly what they are downloading, subscribing to, etc.

This discussion of goals being tied to design is very important.  It means that your business needs to be clear about where it’s going, how it wants to go there, who it is targeting and how to best do that BEFORE designing.  A discovery session or a call with a consultant can help clarify this so you aren’t constantly requesting website and design changes unnecessarily. A qualified landing page design agency can take your site to the next level and protect your asset.

Call to Action for landing page design agency

A call to action by itself isn’t enough if people don’t know what they are getting from entering their information. You should usually only ask for the vitals; otherwise, too many fields may scare off potential conversions. Vitals might include only an email address or name at the top of your funnel.  However, to qualify leads and when quoting it is often better to add requests such as budget, phone # etc.  This can impact your conversion rate tremendously and save your sales force time and money.

Landing Page Design and Your Content

“Clear, concise and persuasive” should be your mantra for landing pages. Provide enough information so that people who have never heard of your company, or are unsure of what you offer, can get a handle on just how much your product will benefit them.  This is where the Value Proposition I mentioned in the opening fits in and really helps your landing page shine.

How long should the Value Proposition be? It depends. While a single sentence or two may work for some; it doesn’t work for all. You want to provide enough interesting information to warm up visitors and encourage them to continue in the direction you want, following the CTA. Always have at least one picture for eye-catching appeal. If possible, have a below the fold video.  I don’t recommend video or sliders on landing pages as they slow load times and just mess up the user experience.  However, a well done and professional video can work, but this isn’t something a DIY web design can pull off in my opinion.  You really need a custom designer working on this.

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However, if you just don’t see yourself as a web designer that’s ok too.  We can provide you with help and many of the website builders are great at helping a newbie design site. One popular builder is Beaver Builder and iThemes has designed a course just for those looking to build there own website with the builder.

landing page design agency Steve Jobs

Design that Works: Landing Page 101

Design is very important when it comes to landing pages. Too much noise in the way of images, wording and such in the design can feel overwhelming and unclear. However, a page without enough elements can bore visitors. Keep your landing pages consistent with the design of the email or PPC marketing campaigns that led the visitor there; this includes fonts and colors. Studies have shown that single, centered-column landing page is the most effective, but you can test out other layouts to match your marketing campaigns.

Keep in mind where the page fold occurs. Have your call to action clearly stated and above the line. Of course, you don’t want to lose people who scroll down so scattering your calls to action is beneficial as well.

Provide the essential information above the fold, and if you need a longer page, include additional information below the fold. Making sure your call to action is a flattering, color contrast to the rest of the page is a great way to draw attention to that section of the page.

Conclusion

Simple, well-designed landing pages can increase your conversions from marketing campaigns but remember that testing is the key.  I believe that businesses should be A/B Testing landing pages and the source of these landing pages regularly. Be consistent with the design that has led people to the page and make the call to action clear.

High converting landing pages are about extending marketing campaigns, and in order to have a successful conversion rate, these pages should provide just enough interesting and informational content to show the visitor just how this product/service can benefit them. Pay attention to your CTA, content, and design to improve your landing pages and boost conversions.

Business Web Design

Business Web Design

Must Have Business Web Design

What are the MUST HAVES for your business web design

There are things that will work for a business web design and things that will not work for a business website. It will be our goal to outline a list of must haves and sprinkle in a bit of don’t do it comments. There are always exceptions, however when people visit a web design and particularly a business web design they expect to find a certain look or type for particular categories of business and/or sites.

With all of that said let’s get into the must haves:

BUSINESS WEB DESIGN MUST HAVES

Business Web Design Must Haves

Clear Calls to Action

Your business web design needs a clear call to action. The call to action button will and should stand out for your visitors as soon as they hit the page. It should be visible upon landing (exception to mobile browsers) and should be an attention getting color. I prefer reds and oranges. It should lead the way to what you want your visitor to do. What action do you want the individual to take? Use that text. Contact us. Get a Quote. Learn More.

Here’s an example.

Get a Quote Call To Action Button

Good Design

I think it goes without saying that your business web design needs to be attractive to your target audience. You want the colors to inspire trust and to work together. This also means you need a modern style for your website. You need a site that looks like it was built in the last 1 to 2 years. As a side note the average business updates and redesigns there website every 18 to 24 months. Make it look good and update it every few years.

Don’t do this.

Bad Web Design for your business

Mobile Friendly

This one is huge and should be one of your top goals. You MUST HAVE a business web design that is Mobile Friendly and works on all platforms and browser types. For example your site should resize appropriately for Desktop, Tablets, and Mobile Phones. If not you are putting yourself and your business at great risk. Google has stated they are giving the Search Engine Rankings preference to Mobile First Ranking and over half of all website traffic is mobile!

Going Mobile First for your Business web Design

Clear Contact Form

It’s absolutely necessary that you have a clear area on your website for visitors and clients to contact you. This area should include your NAP. Name, Address, and Phone Number. Bonus for local phone numbers, but if you do world wide business a toll free number will work.

You should include a contact form for the visitor to fill out his or her name & email at a bare minimum, however for most businesses adding a phone number field is a good followup idea. Finally, leave an area for the visitor to write a message to you.

I believe it’s best to include your NAP and contact information at the bottom/footer on each page aside from landing pages.

Clear Contact Form Example for business website

About Page

A business website design must have an about page, which is sometimes known as Our Story, or About Us. The point here is that those visiting you need to get to know you. They need to see real people and real office space or work stations. They need to connect with you on a human level. This may sound too much but it’s important. It builds relationship and connection when someone sees you instead of a model.

Keep the page short and sweet, tell a story or two about how you got where you are, and speak to the benefit or working with your business and how it differentiates you from other companies. Not too salesy though just to the point and honest.

Social Icons

Social Proof

Add social icons and links to your various social profiles. I guess it goes without saying that a quality business web design must have a social profiles behind it. Try to stay consistent with your branding across platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. For many companies these are the must have profiles, however in some instances you may wish to have a Pinterest or Snapchat depending on your industry.

Business website social proof and Reviews

Google Reviews Embedded

People are moved by Google Reviews, Yelp Reviews, etc take advantage of this and embed your reviews with an api or third party software to show proof of what others are saying about there experience with your business. This will elevate you and create a sense of trust.

On a similar note you need to work hard for your reviews and reply to all reviews you are given both good and bad. Build a process of followup with your clients were you request a review after service/etc and again 14 and 30 days later if you haven’t received it.

Closing Business Web Design Remarks

Follow the advice above to get on the right track with your small business web design. If you are feeling overwhelmed reach out to us for a free consultation. We provide full service affordable business web design and Search Engine Optimization.

contact us button

5 Common Web Design Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make

Web Design Mistakes

5 Common Web Design Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make

Today we will be speaking out about web design mistakes entrepreneurs make.  We have seen a few over the years and once upon a time we were there too.

As an online business, it’s understood that website traffic is one of the biggest factors in your success. Making sure that search engines find you and push customers to your site is of utmost importance. The real question, however, is what happens when people land on your page?

Getting prospects to your site and converting them into customers are two different things. If people have made it your website, it’s your duty to keep them interested. A professional, well-designed website will build their trust in your brand and make them take action. Unfortunately, there are a lot of turn-offs that may be running rampant on your website right now, if you’re like most first-time site builders.

Here are the five most common web design mistakes entrepreneurs make that should be avoided and/or fixed:

  1. Building a Flash website, a common web design mishap

Flash looks, well, flashy, but it’s not business-friendly. About 40 percent of users will be unable to view a Flash website because many hosts will disable Flash to decrease spam advertising. If a visitor can’t see your content, your site is essentially useless.

Wondering what a “Flash” website is?  See the quick video below to learn more and see if this is the type of design you are… or were interested in prior to this post.

Search engines likely won’t even drive people to your site based on your Flash content since the information embedded in Flash cannot be read. A recent article, however states otherwise.  The Search Engine Land article here disputes the aforementioned.

However, Flash is high-maintenance, and after all your hard work, you may not be able to even pull accurate website reporting on any of your Flash-driven pages or sites. All in all, Flash is not worth the time you’ll put into it.

There are of course exceptions to this rule, but generally a strong online presence for a business or entrepreneur should not have items that “move around”.  Things should load fast and get to the point you only have seconds before a visitor bounces an analytic term used to reference how long people stay on your site before leaving. All and all keep it simple.

Wondering what you should have in a website? Wondering if you need a custom design in 2019? You can read more here Why you need Custom Web Design in 2019 or If you want more direct help or a consultation schedule a discovery session with us here.

  1. Having a weakly defined brand

Your website needs to convey a strong sense of your company’s brand. Good graphics and a harmonious design are visually appealing. Your logo should be right in the banner, and people should quickly be able to determine what you do and who you are. An emphasis on information, rather than sales pitches, lends credence to your brand.

What doesn’t have a positive impact on your brand? Fuzzy graphics, blurry fonts, and loud colors all hurt your image. Each of these items is an eyesore, and most prospects will view these details as the trademarks of a fly-by-night company. Invest time and effort in making your image match your expertise.

branding-is-important

That being said it’s hard to boot strap your way to a well defined brand when you are just starting out in the world of business or growing your idea into being.  It’s for reason like this that we have affordable web designs and you can learn more there.  No matter what you do you need to create a strategy and an inexpensive set of tools to do what needs to be done to make the brand talk across all social media and presences on the web.

Tools like Canva are inexpensive and useful when starting out.  Other helpful links such as Fiverr and Upwork allow you to inexpensively hire contract worker to do work for you.  That being said be careful have you ever heard the term you get what you pay for?  I’ve had several clients that came to me to fix the work a contractor did online.

  1.  Call-to-Action message and Common Web Design Mistakes

Calls-to-Action specifically communicate with your clients. These links direct people to take action (“Contact us,” “Post a comment,” or “Buy now!” are common examples). It eliminates any confusion on your visitors’ parts, and it also compels them to do something rather than passively read.  Calls to Action are essentially like a web designs road map that tells visitors what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.  Click here, Get a Free Copy Now.

Determine the cohesive message your calls-to-action will communicate. You should be targeting your audience so you’re pulling in the people who will most benefit from your services or products. Don’t ask visitors to do something that doesn’t help meet this end goal.

As an example here’s a call to action and you can take action on it 🙂

call to action button

  1. Hosting third-party ads on your site that have no relevance

Allowing third parties to borrow real estate on your site isn’t the mistake here – having ads from companies that may enhance your product, or meet an additional need for your customer, is great. It elevates your standing in your clients’ minds, as they begin to brand you by association.  It also provides a helpful asset to your visitors and clients as you provide them with the answer to there problems (especially the answers you don’t hold).

The mistake is bombarding your prospects with advertising that feels random. If it has nothing to do with their interests or business needs, they’re wondering why you would offer it to them. This lets them start questioning your motives, your expertise, and your financial standing as a company. Don’t start that line of thinking.

In brief advertisements are great on a site if and when the time is right, however for most small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs selling a product or service the ads have no place until you are really raking in the coin.  Focus on building your brand and your products before pushing others away to spend there hard earned money on another site.

one-man-show-do-not-do-it

  1. Running a one-man show

As a a small business owner and/or entrepreneur, it’s your business to know your stuff. But just because you’re an expert on one thing doesn’t mean you can handle every aspect of your company solo. Having a website built by one person who’s dabbling in web design is easy, but it’s not efficient for maximizing your business prospects. You’ll want your site to be clean and accessible, even for your mobile visitors.

Check out our guide on the 3 Best Options for Afforadable Web Design.

I find many clients who have walked down the do it yourself path to save money.  It makes sense, but once your business grows up a bit it’s time for your web design to grow up as well.  Please don’t miss the next point. It is one of the biggest and most important web design mistakes entrepreneurs make.

You are best at doing what you do.  If you can make more money doing what you do you should do that.  If an expert can help you let them. End of story.

-Jeff@green thoughts consulting

You do you and let the other experts do them. I can almost guarantee you a higher and better satisfaction level along side a higher return on investment that way.

Wrapping it up

Conveying a strong business image and providing the right information to convert your prospects is essential to your company’s growth. You may be a rule breaker in your approach to the business world, but don’t break these five rules when building your site. Your bottom line, and your visitors, will thank you.

If you would like to learn more about why we do not recommend a Do It Yourself strategy read this post about the effect of DIY Web Design and Search Engine Optimization.