What types of websites do you build?

I build local business, brand, blogger, school, and church websites all on Wordpress. This way, your website design and development is able to grow with your business.

Where are you located?

I currently live in Osceola, IN & South Bend, IN but service both the Michiana region and across the country.

Do you design or develop websites?

I both design and develop websites to serve your business' needs and goals. Rather than taking a theme and putting in your content, I design a website around a strategy and then develop the website to your specifications.

Do you offer local SEO?

Yes! I offer solutions to grow your search presence in Google Business, YELP, Facebook, and other review type platforms. I also am able to create content to help your website grow your online presence.

Why do you build on Wordpress?

Simply put, Wordpress gives us the most flexibility and room for growth your business' website. I have tools that do not limited my website design abilities in ways that Wordpress used to limit design and functionality.

What happens after my website is built?

I offer Wordpress maintenance and support plans to make sure that your website is always up and running. In this plan, you are able to use me to edit your website and ask any question that you may have.

Do you host websites?

If you subscribe to my wordpress maintenance and support plan, you do get free hosting.

Beyond Aesthetics: Exploring the Crucial Roles and Objectives of Modern Websites

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In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, a visually appealing website is no longer enough to captivate and convert visitors. Today, websites have evolved into powerful marketing tools with distinct roles and objectives beyond mere aesthetics. In this article, we will dive into the crucial functions and goals of modern websites, shedding light on their true potential.

Gone are the days when a website’s primary purpose was to be an online brochure. Now, websites serve as the centerpiece of a company’s digital presence, acting as a 24/7 salesperson, customer support representative, and brand ambassador. They provide a platform for businesses to showcase their products or services, engage with their target audience, and drive conversions.

From optimizing user experience to implementing effective lead generation strategies, modern websites play a pivotal role in achieving business objectives. We will explore how websites can enhance brand awareness, generate leads, increase online visibility, and ultimately drive revenue growth.

Join us as we uncover the multifaceted nature of modern websites, going beyond aesthetics to uncover the true power they possess in today’s digital landscape.

The Evolution of Websites: From Aesthetics to Functionality

In the digital age, a website is an essential component of any business’s marketing strategy. It serves as a virtual storefront, providing potential customers with a glimpse into what the brand has to offer. A well-designed and functional website can make a lasting impression and set the foundation for building trust and credibility. Moreover, a website acts as a central hub for all online marketing efforts, providing a platform for businesses to showcase their products or services, engage with their target audience, and drive conversions.

With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, having a website is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Consumers now expect businesses to have an online presence, and a website is often the first point of contact between a brand and its potential customers. In today’s competitive business landscape, a strong online presence can make all the difference in attracting and retaining customers.

However, simply having a website is not enough. It needs to go beyond aesthetics and focus on functionality and user experience.

A website should be designed with the target audience in mind, providing a seamless navigation experience and easy access to relevant information. By understanding the importance of websites in the modern business landscape, businesses can leverage this powerful tool to achieve their goals and stay ahead of the competition.

Key objectives of modern websites

The evolution of websites has been remarkable, with significant advancements in both design and functionality. In the early days of the internet, websites were primarily focused on aesthetics, with flashy graphics and animations taking center stage. However, as technology progressed and user expectations evolved, websites had to adapt to meet the changing needs of their audience.

Today, websites are not just about looking good; they need to provide a seamless user experience and deliver valuable content. The emphasis has shifted from flashy visuals to clean and intuitive designs that prioritize usability. Websites now focus on delivering information in a concise and visually appealing manner, ensuring that visitors can easily find what they are looking for.

Moreover, websites have become more interactive, allowing users to engage with the brand and its content. From social media integration to live chat support, websites now offer a range of features that enhance the overall user experience. This evolution from aesthetics to functionality has transformed websites into powerful marketing tools that can drive engagement, conversions, and brand loyalty.

Key Goals of Modern Websites

Modern websites have a range of objectives beyond aesthetics. Let’s explore some of the key goals that websites aim to achieve:

1. User Experience: Designing Websites for Optimal Usability

A positive user experience is critical for the success of any website. Users should be able to navigate through the site effortlessly, find the information they need, and complete desired actions without any friction. To achieve optimal usability, websites need to be designed with a user-centric approach in mind.

This involves conducting thorough user research to understand the target audience’s needs, preferences, and behavior. By gaining insights into user personas and conducting usability testing, businesses can identify pain points and make informed design decisions. From intuitive navigation menus to responsive layouts, every aspect of the website should be optimized to enhance the user experience.

Additionally, website content should be easy to read and digest, with clear headings, concise paragraphs, and relevant visuals. By prioritizing user experience, websites can create a positive impression and increase the likelihood of conversions.

First Baptist Church Richardson Custom WordPress Website 3 — Example of a how adding in proper visuals and paragraph sections can transform a website.

2. Mobile Responsiveness: Catering to the Growing Mobile Audience

In today’s mobile-first era, websites must be optimized for mobile devices. With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, a significant portion of web traffic now comes from mobile users. Therefore, websites need to be responsive, adapting to different screen sizes and resolutions seamlessly.

A mobile-responsive website provides an optimal user experience regardless of the device being used. It ensures that the content is displayed correctly, and the navigation remains intuitive, regardless of the screen size. By catering to the growing mobile audience, businesses can reach a wider audience and maximize their online visibility.

A mobile responsive website not only improves user experience but also plays a significant role in search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines like Google prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their search results, making it easier for mobile users to find and access relevant content. By neglecting mobile responsiveness, businesses risk losing potential customers and damaging their online visibility.

To ensure mobile responsiveness, web developers employ techniques such as using responsive design frameworks, optimizing images for different screen resolutions, and implementing touch-friendly navigation. By prioritizing mobile responsiveness, businesses can effectively engage with their mobile audience and enhance the overall user experience.

3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Websites: Driving Organic Traffic

Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a crucial role in driving organic traffic to websites. By optimizing website content for relevant keywords and ensuring technical compliance, businesses can improve their search engine rankings and increase visibility.

When a website ranks higher in search engine results, it is more likely to attract organic traffic from users actively searching for related products or services. By implementing SEO strategies such as keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building, websites can increase their online visibility and attract targeted visitors.

One of the key elements of SEO is keyword research. By identifying the keywords and phrases that are relevant to their target audience, businesses can incorporate them strategically into their website’s content. This helps search engines understand the context and relevance of the website, increasing its chances of ranking higher for relevant searches.

Apart from keyword optimization, other SEO techniques include optimizing meta tags, creating high-quality backlinks, and improving website speed and performance. By investing in SEO, businesses can drive organic traffic to their website, increase brand visibility, and ultimately boost their revenue.

What type of content do you need to create to boost our SEO?

Individual service pages: Every service you offer needs it’s own page, not just one page for all your services.
Location focused service pages: If you are a local business and service many different towns and cities in your area, you can (and should) create service pages to target specific locations so that if someone looks up something like “website designer in South Bend,” you have a higher chance of appearing in search results for people in the South Bend area.
Blog posts: Even though it’s the 21st century, blog posts are still an essential piece of content to be found online. This is because it creates more content for Google to crawl, allows for more internal linking to all parts of your website, it connects with your audience to answer direct questions that they have about the services you provide, and it shows Google that your website isn’t dead and sterile (Google doesn’t like dead websites).
Portfolio posts: Don’t just tell people what you do, show them what you do! Great portfolio posts both show people that you can do the job and it also is content for Google to crawl! For example, if someone searches “tile work in Indianapolis” and you have multiple project portfolio posts on your website, you have a greater chance of showing up high in that search result! Plus, if they click on your page and see what you are able to do, they most likely will reach out to you! Pretty cool, huh?

4. Conversion Optimization: Turning Website Visitors into Customers

While attracting visitors to a website is essential, converting them into customers is the ultimate goal. Conversion optimization involves designing and implementing strategies to maximize the percentage of visitors who take a desired action, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or signing up for a newsletter.

To optimize conversions, businesses need to understand their target audience and tailor their website’s design and content accordingly. This includes creating clear and compelling calls-to-action (CTAs), optimizing landing pages, and simplifying the checkout process. It is also important to build trust and credibility through social proof, customer testimonials, and secure payment options.

Furthermore, website analytics play a crucial role in conversion optimization. By monitoring user behavior, businesses can identify areas of improvement and make data-driven decisions to enhance conversion rates. A/B testing, heatmaps, and user feedback are valuable tools in understanding visitor preferences and optimizing the user experience.

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5. Website Analytics: Measuring Performance and Making Data-Driven Decisions

To gauge the success of a website and make informed decisions, businesses need to track and analyze website performance. Website analytics provide valuable insights into visitor behavior, traffic sources, conversion rates, and more.

By analyzing data from tools like Google Analytics, businesses can identify areas of improvement, track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, and make data-driven decisions. This allows them to refine their website strategy, optimize conversion funnels, and allocate resources effectively.

Here are a few articles to help you understand your website’s stats & how to appropriately respond to the story your stats tell:

6. Website Security: Protecting User Data and Building Trust

In an era of increasing cyber threats, website security has become a critical concern for businesses and users alike. A secure website not only protects user data but also builds trust and credibility. Visitors are more likely to engage with a website that they perceive as secure and trustworthy.

To ensure website security, businesses must implement measures like SSL encryption, regularly update software and plugins, and enforce strong password policies. It is also crucial to have a system in place to detect and respond to security breaches promptly. Furthermore, displaying trust indicators such as security badges, privacy policies, and customer reviews can enhance the perception of website security. By prioritizing website security, businesses can protect user data, build trust with their audience, and establish a positive online reputation.

If you’re using WordPress, the best free plugin that you can use is Wordfence. Although you need to pay to have premium features, the free version of Wordfence does a great job and making sure that you a basic level of security on your website.

Conclusion: the future of websites and their role in business success

Your website is the 24/7/365 sales person and online representative of your business. With our employees, we constantly clarify their roles in the organization, but sadly, most business owners don’t clarify their website’s role and then hold their website accountable. As the world continues to run to the internet, you cannot afford to have your business showing up poorly online (if it even is showing up online that is!). Let’s talk today about what it will take to position your website in such a way where your business is ready to thrive in the modern, digital landscape of the 21st century.

Here are a few business that work with me to make sure that their website and strategy is ready for the modern world. Click on the links to view the work we accomplished together!