Web Design & Website Strategy Blog
Can a Website Increase Conversions? Yes. But It's Not the Whole Story.
One of the phrases I hear most often in the web design industry is conversion-focused web design. I don't have a problem with the phrase itself because I genuinely believe a thoughtfully designed website can improve conversions. The way information is organized, the messaging, the calls to action, and the overall user experience all influence whether someone feels confident enough to take the next step.
Is Your Website Keeping Up With Your Business?
Many people think of a website as a one-time project.
You launch it, check it off your list, and move on to running your business and living your life.
But the reality is that your website should evolve alongside your life and your business. Services change, experience grows, and your audience may change over time. The way people search online has also changed drastically in the last few years. If your website isn't keeping up, it can quietly start working against you.
What You're Really Paying for When You Hire a Web Designer
When most people hire a web designer, they expect a beautiful website. That's certainly part of the job, but it's only a small piece of the value we provide.
One of the biggest advantages of working with a professional happens long before and long after your website goes live. It's the experience we've built by spending hundreds of hours learning the platform, solving problems, and keeping up with the changes that most business owners never have time to follow.
Things to Think About When Building a Website
Whether you’re DIYing your website or working with a professional web designer, the same truth applies: a successful website is built on strategy first, design second. Before you choose a platform, a layout, or a color palette, there are a few foundational things worth thinking through, because they affect how your site performs long after it launches.
Can Social Media Replace a Website? Not Quite. Here’s Why.
📱✨ It’s a fair question. Social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are powerful tools. They’re where people hang out, discover new brands, and engage with content. For many business owners, social media feels faster, more accessible, and more connected to daily life than a traditional website.
But here’s the catch: Social media can support your business, but it should never replace your website.
Here’s why…
DIY Web Design Mistakes to Avoid
Advancements in AI have made creating a website in minutes more commonplace for non-designers. However, it can take years to hone the skills needed to build and develop a website that meets your needs and makes sense to visitors.
While I can appreciate AI's assistance in terms of productivity, it can never replace the time and knowledge that the human experience provides.
Bounce rate: What is it, and why should I care about it if I have a website?
I had an email exchange with a client last week about their website. Specifically, they wanted me to direct traffic to another website to complete a booking task. I explained why this is never in your website’s best interest regarding SEO (search engine optimization).
However, while explaining, I realized that if she didn’t understand Bounce Rate, she probably would not understand my explanation.
Webz by Elise: LinkedIn Newsletter
How it all started...
One night in 2016, I sat on my bed building a WordPress website. I'd recently started a blog and worked tirelessly on it to prepare for launch. It was slow going so far, but this particular night, I was frustrated. I asked my husband, who works in IT, for help, but he could not.
This was the last straw. I started to cry.
Exploring Website Accessibility: A Look at accessiBe
As a web designer, my websites must adhere to specific Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and ADA compliance standards. Web accessibility requires that content and functionality be usable for individuals with disabilities.
5 Things a Website Designer Will Need to Begin Building Your Website
Building a website can feel like a monumental task. Doing the research to find out exactly what you will need to begin is a must. Before you purchase a domain, website host or anything at all consider the information below. Here are five crucial assets that your website designer will require before starting the website creation process.
Website Maintenance: What Are the Benefits?
If you've had a new website created or have an existing one that hasn't been updated in a while, it's time to prioritize maintenance. While it may seem like a minor task, putting it off can have major consequences. Did you know that visitors form an opinion about your website within the first 0.05 seconds of landing on it? Don't let a neglected website tarnish your business's reputation.
Domain Extensions: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re thinking about building a website then you probably already have a domain name picked out. This domain name + domain extension will create the website address. Choosing a name can be exciting. There is a lot more room here to be creative with how you present your brand.