Don’t Let a Redesign Hurt Your Rankings

Redesigning your website is an exciting move, but it can also be risky business for your Search Engine ranking (SEO) if you don’t plan. You’ve invested time and money in building your online visibility. The last thing you want is to lose traffic because of a flashy new homepage. The good news? You can have both style and substance.

Here’s how to redesign your website without losing SEO, and maybe even improve your rankings in the process.

Audit Your Current Website Performance

Before you touch a single thing, start with an SEO audit. Identify what’s already working by reviewing:

• Top-performing pages
• Current keyword rankings 
• Backlinks and crawl data 

This is the foundation for a smart, SEO-friendly website redesign.

These websites offer tools to help with this.

Google Analytics | Google Search Console
Sitebulb | Screaming Frog SEO Spider

Create a Redirect Strategy for Old URLs

If any URLs (pages) are changing during the redesign, don’t leave users and search engines hanging. Create 301 redirects from every old URL to its new counterpart. This maintains link equity and ensures your site visitors find what they’re looking for.

Keep the Content That’s Performing

Don’t delete your high-ranking blog posts or landing pages during a redesign just because they feel outdated. If they bring traffic, they deserve a makeover, not a funeral. Refresh headlines, format for readability, and update the content, but keep the URLs when possible.

Protect and Optimize Metadata

Redesigns often wipe out meta titles, meta descriptions, and image alt text. These details are small but mighty in the eyes of search engines. Use an SEO plugin (like Yoast SEO) to ensure all your pages are properly tagged and optimized.

Use Proper Heading Structure

Stick with one <h1> per page, and nest <h2>, <h3>, and <h4> in logical order. This helps Google understand your content hierarchy and improves accessibility.

Make Sure Your New Site Is Mobile-Optimized

Google uses mobile-first indexing, which means your mobile site is the one it cares about most. Your redesign should work flawlessly on phones and tablets.

Test Thoroughly Before Launch

Don’t let broken links or missing pages sneak into your redesign. Before going live:

• Crawl the site for broken links
• Validate all redirects
• Submit your new XML sitemap to Google Search Console
• Test forms, navigation, and page load speed

Use a staging environment to test everything without affecting your live site.

Monitor SEO Performance After Launch

Once your new site is live, keep a close eye on performance. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console will show you:

• Keyword fluctuations
• Traffic drops or gains
• Crawl errors
• Missing pages

If all of this sounds too complex or like a nightmare, call ,  Email Us, or send a message from our Contact page. If you are already a client, know that we are going through these steps when working on your redesign.

If some of the lingo doesn’t make sense. You can check out a previous blog called Cracking the Code that will help define the meanings of some of the words.

What Is UX/UI Design, and Why Should You Care About It?

Have you ever landed on a website that made you want to throw your phone across the room? Buttons hiding like they’re playing hide-and-seek, fonts too tiny to read without a microscope, or a checkout process so confusing you forget what you were trying to buy in the first place?

Yeah, that’s what we call bad UX/UI design—and it’s driving your website visitors away.

What Is UX/UI Design?

Let’s start with decoding this mysterious acronym

UX = User Experience
UI = User Interface

Together, they make up the dynamic duo responsible for how a website feels and functions when someone uses it.

Think of UX as the behind-the-scenes brainpower that makes everything smooth, intuitive, and easy to use. It answers questions such as

• Can people find what they need quickly?
• Is the flow from A to B seamless?
• Will they cry tears of joy or frustration?

UI, on the other hand, is the face of the operation—the buttons, fonts, colors, and layout. It’s what your visitors see and interact with. It answers questions like:

• Does this look good?
• Can I read this?
• Why is this button neon green on a pastel pink background (please, no)?

Why UX/UI Design Matters a lot

• First Impressions Are Everything

  You’ve got about 3 seconds to impress someone with your website. If it looks like it was built in 2003 or feels harder to navigate than IKEA on a Saturday, you’ve already lost them.

• It Boosts Sales 

  A site that’s easy to use keeps people engaged longer. Engaged people buy things. It’s science. Or psychology. Or both.

• People Are Lazy (Yes, Even You)

  Nobody wants to figure out how to use your website. Good UX/UI makes it brain-dead simple to click, scroll, shop, sign up, or say “Yes, take my money!”

• It Builds Trust

  A polished, professional design makes you look credible. Clunky design? That screams “this might be a scam,” even if you’re legit.

• Google Likes It Too

  A better user experience means lower bounce rates, faster load times, and happier users, which can help your site show up higher in search results.

What Does Good UX/UI Look Like?

Glad you asked! Imagine a website where:

• The navigation makes sense (Yes!)
• Buttons are easy to find and work
• The design is easy on the eyes (no color crime scenes here)
• Everything loads fast, even on grandma’s Wi-Fi

That’s good UX/UI in action. It doesn’t scream for attention—it just works, and makes your visitor feel like a genius.

Final Thoughts

UX/UI design isn’t just a buzzword web designers throw around to sound cool. It’s the secret sauce behind every great website. Whether you’re selling handmade soap, offering coaching sessions, or running a dog bakery, UX/UI can make or break your online success.

If your website’s feeling a little clunky or outdated, it might be time to give it a design glow-up. Trust us, your visitors (and your bounce rate) will thank you.

Want a second opinion on your site’s UX/UI?
Let’s chat!

Looking for additional resources?

• UX tips from Google
• Modern UX/UI trends
• Tips from Smashing Magazine on UX design
• Learn more about UI design
• UX best practices

Why Web Design Companies Are Still Essential in the Age of AI

 

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape our world, many businesses wonder: Are web design companies still relevant? With the rise of AI website builders and automated design tools, it’s a fair question.

The answer is a resounding YES—and here’s why hiring a professional web design company still matters, even in today’s AI-driven world.

Strategic Website Design for Business Goals

While AI can build a basic site quickly, it doesn’t understand your business strategy. The technology isn’t sophisticated enough to create a product without issues and errors. A professional web design company looks beyond the surface to create a digital experience tailored to your needs and goals.

At Grateful Web Services, we ask questions like:

• Who are your customers?

• What are your conversion goals?

• What pages are needed for your users?

We combine branding, User Experience, SEO, and design strategy into a cohesive site that supports real business growth—something AI alone can’t deliver.

According to Adobe’s article on AI website building, AI tools can accelerate parts of the process, but still require human direction to maintain quality, brand alignment, and strategic planning.

Custom Website Design That Stands Out

Most AI website builders use generic templates. While fast and easy, they often result in sites that look and feel the same. Your business is unique, and your website should be too.

A custom website design crafted by experts helps you:

• Reflect your brand personality

• Incorporate specific features and functions

• Create a lasting impression

With a professional web company, your website becomes a true asset, not just an online placeholder.

As Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO explains, original, user-focused design is one of the keys to standing out in competitive search rankings.

User Experience and Conversion Expertise

Understanding how real users behave is key to successful websites. While AI can track data, it can’t interpret it with human insight.

Web design professionals understand

• Where users drop off

• What encourages clicks and conversions

• How design impacts trust and credibility

We design websites that don’t just look good—they perform well.

Even Adobe’s own UX/UI team acknowledges that while AI can assist with repetitive design tasks, it lacks the emotional intelligence and decision-making required to create seamless, meaningful user experiences.

AI is a Tool—Not a Replacement

Artificial intelligence can speed up some parts of the design process, like generating content or image suggestions. But AI tools still require direction, editing, and integration.

A web design company knows how to

• Leverage AI tools wisely

• Maintain brand consistency

• Deliver a polished, professional final product

Think of AI as an assistant—your web design team is still the architect.

The World Economic Forum emphasizes this in their Future of Jobs report: while AI will automate tasks, human-led roles involving creative thinking and problem solving remain in high demand.

Ongoing Website Support and Growth

Websites need updates, maintenance, and SEO adjustments over time. What happens when:

• A plugin breaks?

• A plugin needs updating?

• A security issue arises?

• You want to scale your site?

• Have website changes?

With professional web design services, you get long-term support, not just a DIY launch. You gain a partner who can help your website evolve as your business grows. A real person to lean on.

And don’t forget performance: Adobe’s article on AI website building shows that load speed, interactivity, and visual stability directly affect search rankings and user retention—something experienced developers know how to manage effectively.

AI Tools Are Still New—and Not for Beginners

Many business owners are intrigued by the idea of using AI to build a website. And while the technology is evolving quickly, most AI web design platforms are still in their early stages. They often look simple on the surface, but still require a strong understanding of layout, branding, copywriting, and user flow to be effective.

Let’s be honest—unless you already understand the basics of web development, SEO, accessibility, and user experience, these tools can quickly become overwhelming. They often require you to:

• Adjust the code or embed scripts manually

• Troubleshoot plugin compatibility

• Understand responsive design principles

• Know how to structure content for search engines

In other words, the learning curve can be steep. It’s not just about clicking “generate website” and going live. Without technical or marketing knowledge, you could unintentionally launch a site that’s slow, unprofessional, or non-compliant with accessibility or privacy regulations.

Even Adobe and Google emphasize the importance of human oversight in the web development process, even when AI tools are in play.

So, if you’re wondering why hire a web design company instead of going full DIY with AI? It’s simple, we know how to turn tools into outcomes. AI isn’t a replacement for professional insight—it’s a supplement.

This article discusses the learning curve associated with AI website builders, emphasizing that while AI tools can assist in website creation, they often require a foundational understanding of web design principles to be effective. https://blog.hubspot.com/website/ai-pros-cons-website

Why Hire a Web Design Company Today?

In a world where anyone can create a basic site, professional web design offers what AI can’t: strategy, creativity, human understanding, and long-term value.

If you want a website that does more than just exist—a site that reflects your brand, drives conversions, and grows with you working with a skilled web design company is still the smartest move you can make.

Need a modern, unique, results-driven website?

At , Grateful Web Services, we create strategic, beautifully designed websites that help your business stand out and succeed online. Contact us for a free consultation today.

So… What’s a Website Brief?

Think of a website brief like a blueprint for building your dream home—except instead of a kitchen and a bathroom, you’re designing killer landing pages and smooth-as-butter navigation. A good brief lays out all the juicy details: what the site needs to do, who it’s for, and how to keep things from going off the rails. It’s your golden ticket to making sure everyone involved is on the same page (literally and figuratively).

Start With the “Why” – What’s the Big Idea?

What’s this site actually for? Are you selling hand-knit cat sweaters or trying to build a community for taco enthusiasts? Define your purpose, your goals, your audience, and what a “win” looks like when the site is live. This is your website’s mission statement—just with fewer buzzwords.

Scope It Out – What’s Going In the Box?

List the pages you want (Home, About, Services, Cat Sweater Gallery—you get the idea) and what each one needs to do. Do you need a blog? A booking system? A shopping cart that doesn’t make people want to cry? This helps define how big and complex your website will be. Bigger doesn’t always mean better—but it does mean more planning.

Set a Timeline – AKA, No One Wants This to Take a Year

Decide when you’d like your website to go live, and break that into key milestones. When should the first draft be ready? When’s the content due? Setting dates helps avoid the dreaded “endless revisions” trap, although be realistic! It takes time to design and build. 

Budget Talks – Let’s Talk Dough

Be honest about how much you want to spend. Websites are kind of like weddings—they can be beautiful on any budget, but costs add up fast. Include design, development, hosting, and any ongoing maintenance. We will try our best to work within your budget if it’s reasonable, of course! 

Branding & Content – Your Website’s Wardrobe and Voice

Your site should look and sound like you. Share your brand colors, logo, fonts, tone of voice (fun? formal? cat-lady chic?), and any existing content. This keeps everything on-brand and avoids a Frankenstein-looking website.

Get Technical – But Not Scary-Technical

List any must-have features: do you need e-commerce? Contact forms? A members-only recipe vault for secret family tacos? Note any integrations you need, like Mailchimp, Calendly, or a CRM. 

Contact Info – Who’s Running This Show?

Finally, list the key players. Who’s making the decisions? Who’s designing, developing, reviewing, and approving? Having names and emails handy keeps communication flowing and ghosting to a minimum.

Wrap It Up and Breathe

Boom! You now have a website brief that’s clear, complete, and maybe even a little bit fun. Share it with your team, designer, or agency, and watch your website dreams take shape—without the chaos.

Contact us to start your project with us today!

Cookies

The term “cookie” in web technology is not an acronym. It comes from the term “magic cookie”, a concept in computing that refers to a data packet passed between programs, used to identify or authenticate users.

In the context of web browsers, cookies were designed as small data files stored on a user’s device to remember information, like login details or shopping cart contents, enhancing user experience on websites.

In the United States, cookie policies are regulated primarily through privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other state-level regulations rather than a federal law like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU. However in the United States, there are still best practices and legal considerations that websites should follow:

Key Rules for Cookie Policies on U.S. Websites

Disclosure Requirement – Websites that collect personal data via cookies must disclose their use in a Privacy Policy or a dedicated Cookie Policy. The policy should specify:

1. • What types of cookies are used
     (e.g., essential, analytics, marketing).
   • What data do they collect.
   • How users can control or opt out of cookies.

CCPA Compliance
(Applies to businesses meeting certain thresholds)

1. • If a website collects personal information through cookies, it must inform users in a privacy policy.
   • Users must be provided a “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” link if third-party tracking cookies are used.
   • Users have the right to opt out of the sale of their personal data.
   • California residents can request to know, delete, or opt out of data collection.

Other State Laws
(Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah)

1. • Some states have passed privacy laws similar to CCPA, requiring transparency in cookie tracking.
   • These laws generally follow the same principles but may have additional requirements for opt-in or opt-out.

Opt-In vs. Opt-Out

1. • Unlike the EU’s GDPR, which requires explicit opt-in for non-essential cookies, U.S. laws typically rely on an opt-out model.
   • This means cookies can be used by default, but users must be able to opt out of tracking.

Children’s Privacy (COPPA) Compliance

1. • If a website is directed at children under 13, it must obtain parental consent before collecting data through cookies.

Best Practices for Cookie Banners

1. • While not mandatory, it is best practice to provide a cookie banner with:
     • A brief notice about cookie use.
     • A link to a more detailed Cookie Policy.
     • An option to manage preferences or opt-out.

Should You Have a Cookie Policy?

• If your website uses third-party tracking (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, advertising cookies), it is strongly recommended to have a cookie policy posted on your website.
• Even if not required, a transparent policy builds trust with users.

In the U.S., you typically DO NOT NEED an opt-in for analytics cookies, as long as they do not collect personally identifiable information (PII) or track users for targeted advertising.

When Would You Need an Opt-in?

• If you use tracking cookies for targeted advertising.
• If analytics data is combined with personal data (e.g., email, IP addresses for profiling).
• If your website is accessed by European users, as GDPR applies.

If you are in the U.S. and only cookies are for analytics, you’re good.

If you have any questions, please feel free to Contact us

Revolutionizing How You Work

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a transformative tool reshaping industries and redefining how businesses operate. For business owners, understanding and leveraging AI can be the key to staying competitive, streamlining operations, and unlocking new growth opportunities.

What Is AI, and Why Does It Matter?

Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI is becoming an essential asset across various sectors, from personalized marketing strategies to inventory management. It helps businesses:

Save Time

Automate repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable hours.

Improve Accuracy

Reduce human error and enhance decision-making with data-driven insights.

Enhance Customer Experience

Deliver personalized interactions and 24/7 support through AI-powered tools.

Practical Applications of AI for
Business Owners

Customer Service

AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle customer inquiries, process transactions, and provide support around the clock. Tools like Zendesk AI or ChatGPT for business enable seamless communication and improve customer satisfaction.

Marketing and Sales

AI tools can analyze consumer behavior, segment audiences, and optimize ad campaigns. Platforms like HubSpot and Hootsuite Insights leverage AI to create personalized marketing experiences, driving better engagement and higher ROI.

Operations and Productivity

Streamline workflows with AI-based tools like Slack’s AI integrations or Microsoft Power Automate. From managing schedules to automating routine tasks, these tools free you to focus on strategic initiatives.

Financial Management

AI can assist in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. Platforms like QuickBooks and Xero use AI to automate bookkeeping, detect anomalies, and generate actionable insights.

Talent Acquisition and Retention

AI-driven platforms like LinkedIn Recruiter and Workday can identify top candidates, streamline the hiring process, and predict employee attrition, helping you build a strong and stable team.

How to Get Started with AI in Your Business

Identify Pain Points

Look at repetitive tasks, operational inefficiencies, or areas where human error frequently occurs. AI can often offer a solution.

Start Small

Begin with a single, easy-to-implement tool, such as an AI chatbot or email marketing automation, before expanding into more complex applications.

Leverage Free Resources

Many platforms offer free trials, tutorials, and support to help you get started.

Invest in Training

Equip your team with the skills needed to effectively use AI tools. This can be as simple as online courses or in-depth workshops.

Partner with Experts

If implementing AI feels daunting, consult with professionals who specialize in AI integration for businesses.

The Future of AI for Small Business Owners

As AI technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for small businesses are virtually limitless. From predictive analytics to advanced robotics, future innovations will make AI even more accessible and impactful for business owners.

By embracing AI today, you’re not just adopting a tool—you’re positioning your business to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re looking to save time, boost profits, or enhance customer satisfaction, AI offers solutions tailored to your needs.

Final Thoughts

AI is no longer a luxury
it’s a necessity for modern business owners. The sooner you embrace its potential, the sooner you can reap its benefits. Start small, stay curious, and watch as AI transforms your business into a more efficient, innovative, and competitive enterprise.

Are you ready to take the plunge? Get in touch with us today and let’s talk about how we can help you navigate AI. 

To Our Clients, Old and New

As the holiday season is upon us, we want to extend our warmest wishes to all our clients and new and upcoming clients. This time of year is perfect for reflecting on the relationships we’ve built and expressing gratitude for your trust and support.

To our valued clients, working with you has been gratifying. Your passion for your businesses and vision inspire us every day, and we’re honored to play a part in helping your businesses thrive online.

To our future customers, we look forward to collaborating with you and bringing your ideas to life in the new year. Whether it’s designing a website that truly represents your brand or enhancing your online presence, we’re here to make it happen!

May this festive season bring you and your loved ones joy, peace, and prosperity. Here’s to celebrating the achievements of 2024 and looking ahead to an even brighter 2025!

Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!

With Gratitude,
Laura Rider
Owner, Grateful Web Services
https://gratefulwebservices.com

What the heck is Domain Authority?

Domain Authority is a measure of how trustworthy and authoritative a website is in the eyes of search engines. The higher a website’s Domain Authority score, the more likely it is to rank higher on search engine results pages for relevant search queries. A high Domain Authority score is an important factor in building a successful SEO strategy and improving your website’s visibility in search results.

Domain Authority is a metric originally developed by Moz, a popular SEO software company, that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs).

How to Boost Your Domain Authority Fast

Boosting your Domain Authority takes time and effort, as it’s influenced by a range of factors such as the quality of your content, the age of your domain, and the strength of your backlink profile.

Create High-Quality Content

Focus on creating high-quality, relevant, and engaging content that provides value to your audience. Ensure that your content is well-written, well-organized, and optimized for search engines.

Optimize On-Page SEO

Optimize your website’s on-page SEO by ensuring that your content is properly structured, your metadata is optimized, and your images are properly tagged.

Build a Strong Backlink Profile

Acquire high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites in your niche. Focus on building natural backlinks through guest blogging, influencer outreach, and content marketing.

Remove bad Backlinks

Remove backlinks from your website that may be hurting your Domain Authority. These are backlinks that come from spammy, low-quality websites or are unrelated to your website’s niche.

Improve User Experience

Focus on improving your website’s user experience by ensuring that it’s fast, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. A good user experience helps improve engagement and keeps visitors on your site longer.

Promote Your Content

Promote your content on social media and other platforms to increase visibility and attract more backlinks.

Building a strong Domain Authority takes time and requires a long-term strategy. By following these tips, you can improve your Domain Authority over time and ultimately improve your website’s search engine visibility and organic traffic.

We can help with this very important part of website ownership, Contact us today.

 

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality is a computer-generated simulation that creates an immersive environment for users, making them feel as though they are inside a different world. Unlike traditional computer interfaces, VR places users within a 3D space that can be interacted with in real-time, often using specialized equipment such as headsets, controllers, and motion sensors.

Key Components of VR

Headsets

The most recognizable element of VR is headsets, such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR, which immerse users in a 360-degree virtual environment. These devices typically include stereoscopic displays, which create a sense of depth, and built-in sensors that track head movement.

Controllers

VR controllers allow users to interact with the virtual environment. These can vary from handheld devices that track gestures and movements to more advanced setups with haptic feedback, which provides tactile sensations to enhance realism.

Tracking Systems

Accurate tracking of the user’s head, hands, and body is crucial for a seamless VR experience. This is achieved through sensors, cameras, and motion trackers that translate real-world movements into virtual space.

Software and Content

The VR experience is driven by software that creates the virtual environments and interactive elements. This includes everything from video games and educational simulations to virtual tours and collaborative workspaces.

How Does VR Work?

VR technology operates on a combination of hardware and software to create a believable and interactive digital environment. Here’s a simplified overview:

Immersion

VR headsets use stereoscopic displays to create a sense of depth and 3D space. The display is divided into two images, one for each eye, which combine to form a 3D view.

Tracking

The VR system tracks the user’s head and body movements using sensors and cameras. This data is used to adjust the view and interaction in the virtual environment in real time.

Interaction

Controllers and other input devices allow users to interact with the virtual world. These inputs are translated into actions within the VR environment, such as picking up objects or navigating through spaces.

Feedback

To enhance immersion, VR systems often include haptic feedback, which provides physical sensations in response to virtual interactions. For example, a controller might vibrate when the user picks up a virtual object.

Applications of VR

Virtual Reality has a wide range of applications across various industries.

Entertainment and Gaming

VR gaming offers a highly immersive experience, allowing players to step into their favorite games and explore virtual worlds. Beyond gaming, VR is used in entertainment for experiences like virtual concerts and interactive storytelling.

Education and Training

VR provides a safe and controlled environment for training in fields such as medicine, aviation, and military operations. Medical students can practice surgeries, pilots can simulate flight scenarios, and soldiers can engage in tactical training without real-world risks.

Healthcare

VR is increasingly used in therapy and rehabilitation. For instance, it can help patients with PTSD by recreating and helping them process traumatic events in a controlled setting or aid in physical therapy by engaging patients in interactive exercises.

Real Estate and Tourism

Virtual tours allow potential buyers to explore properties remotely, and VR can transport users to famous landmarks or distant destinations, offering a glimpse into places they might not otherwise visit.

Collaboration and Remote Work

VR can enhance remote collaboration by creating virtual meeting spaces where teams can interact as if they were in the same room. This can be particularly valuable for businesses with geographically dispersed teams.

The Future of VR

The future of VR is promising, with ongoing advancements in technology driving new possibilities:

Improved Hardware

Future VR headsets are expected to be lighter, more comfortable, and offer higher resolution displays with wider fields of view, enhancing the overall experience.

Enhanced Interactivity

Advances in haptic feedback and motion tracking will make interactions in VR more realistic and intuitive.

Integration with Other Technologies

VR will increasingly integrate with other emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality, creating hybrid experiences that blend the virtual and physical worlds.

Broader Adoption

As VR becomes more affordable and accessible, its applications will expand across different sectors, potentially transforming how we live, work, and play.

Virtual Reality is a rapidly evolving technology that offers immersive experiences beyond the constraints of the physical world. By understanding its core components, applications, and future potential, we gain insight into how VR is reshaping our interactions with technology and each other. Whether for entertainment, education, or professional development, VR is set to play a significant role in the digital age, offering new ways to explore, learn, and connect.

VR has evolved from a science fiction concept to an integral part of our technological landscape. Whether you’re immersing yourself in a fantastical world, training for a critical job, or exploring new ways to connect with others, VR offers a unique and compelling experience.

Check out another blog that explains further what the Metaverse means

Planning your new website

A website Planner is the project scope. This is a document that outlines the goals, and requirements for a new website. It’s important to create a comprehensive plan before a new website project is started, to ensure that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the project, and can work together to create a successful website.

Define the Purpose and Goals

Start by defining the purpose of your website, and what you hope to achieve with it. Identify your target audience, the services or products you offer, and ways to connect with you. This will help you create a clear vision for your website.

Determine the Scope

Identify the pages and features you want to include on your website. Consider the functionality, design, and content you need to achieve your goals. This will help you determine the size and complexity of your website. Doing a thorough review before we start, helps to avoid any surprises mid-project, and will keep us on track and on budget. 

Establish the Timeline

Determine the timeline for the project, including key milestones, and deadlines. This will help us stay on track and ensure that the website project is completed on time. Don’t fall for companies that over-promise and under-deliver. A website does take time and we always try to be realistic. The more features, the longer it will take of course. With all of that said, we do our very best to get your project done quickly and meet your launch date aspirations.

Define the Budget

Establish the budget for the project, including any design or development costs, hosting fees, and ongoing maintenance expenses. We do not want any surprises and rarely have to create change orders. Of course, if there is new functionality requested, mid project, then we will need to account for that. Budget increases are very rare since we do our best to vet the project before we start.

Provide Content and Branding Guidelines

We will help provide guidelines for the content, branding, and messaging you want to use on your website. This should include your brand colors, typography, and any other visual elements you want to incorporate.

Outline Technical Requirements

Identify any technical requirements, such as the need for e-commerce functionality, custom forms, or integration with other platforms.

Include Contact Information

Provide us with the contact information for the key stakeholders involved in the project. This is very relevant for our non-profit clients who many times, have multiple decision-makers. 

By following these steps, we can create a comprehensive website plan that helps you achieve your goals and ensures that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the project. This will help us all create a successful website that meets your business needs and exceeds your expectations!

Contact us today to discuss your new website!