Can a Website Increase Conversions? Yes. But It's Not the Whole Story.
Branding + Strategy Elise Elbourne Branding + Strategy Elise Elbourne

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.

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Is Your Website Keeping Up With Your Business?
Small Business Elise Elbourne Small Business Elise Elbourne

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.

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What You're Really Paying for When You Hire a Web Designer
Small Business Elise Elbourne Small Business Elise Elbourne

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.

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Can Social Media Replace a Website? Not Quite. Here’s Why.
Small Business Elise Elbourne Small Business Elise Elbourne

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…

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DIY Web Design Mistakes to Avoid
Web Design Elise Elbourne Web Design Elise Elbourne

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.

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Bounce rate: What is it, and why should I care about it if I have a website?
Web Design Elise Elbourne Web Design Elise Elbourne

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.

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Webz by Elise: LinkedIn Newsletter
Small Business Elise Elbourne Small Business Elise Elbourne

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.

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Website Maintenance: What Are the Benefits?
Web Design Elise Elbourne Web Design Elise Elbourne

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.

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Domain Extensions: Which One Should You Choose?
Web Design Elise Elbourne Web Design Elise Elbourne

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.

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5 Reasons You Should Build Your Website On Squarespace
Web Design Elise Elbourne Web Design Elise Elbourne

5 Reasons You Should Build Your Website On Squarespace

As a Squarespace Circle Member, it’s exciting to talk about the reasons to build a website on this platform. The benefits and features offered by Squarespace make it a top contender for clients who are looking for a user-friendly, performance-focused, and design-driven solution in a website platform.

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