I get asked a lot of questions about websites. That’s what inspired this post and we’re going real straight forward today. Haha. No fluff, let’s jump into it!

What is site strategy and how do you create it?

I create a strategy document for every client breaking down the goals we’re aiming to accomplish, how we’ll do that through design and function, what pages we need and the journey a visitor will most likely take, and more. It sets the precedence for the whole project. Let’s dive into what strategy really is for websites and why it matters.

The user experience is where I’m most focused when coming up with the layout of design elements and content on my client’s websites. There are certain things we can do to better convert visitors and break some rules to help their site stand out in the mind of the visitor. Small changes like where buttons are, how content is presented, and which images are used to compliment the message can make all the difference.

How do you decide the journey you want the viewers to take on your site, page by page?

When determining where you’d like a visitor to go on your site, there are 3 things you want to think about:

First, don’t depend on your main navigation. People look through websites in a much more natural way, either scrolling or following visual/verbal cues. Add guidance throughout your website pages instead.

Second, call-to-actions (usually buttons) are the perfect way to get people to view your site in a way that educates them so they’re ready to book when they land on your contact page.

While you can definitely have too little, you can also have way too many. Too little leaves the visitor lost, at least to where you want them to go next. But too many, they are ending up at the end of the journey with no helpful information or a reason to book, so they’re more likely to click away.

Lastly, when you are figuring out where someone needs to go to learn the most about you and your business while on your site, think of the types of questions you’re being asked by potential clients and the most important elements of your business to your clients.

This varies not only by industry, but by price point as well. For a photographer, if you are fine-art or a high price point, a potential client may want to learn more about who you are since they will have a strong, positive opinion of your work already. But if you’re just starting out or working to be established, you may want your work front and center to draw in a potential client and then your personality is what builds the connection to make them want to book!

You include a site mockup and site demo in my package, what’s the difference?

There are four main phases in my process and the mockup and demo are the focus of two of them. We work on the strategy guide in phase one. Then the second phase is all about the mockup. I’m able to create the full visual representation of the site and present it in a way that we can comment on the site itself, refining any details needed.

The demo is when I get to translate all of the design and apply the interactivity and user experience by developing the site on my Showit account. Then my clients can dive in and see exactly how everything will work for their site. Then the final stage is when I take all the tech steps to launch while you get to market your new website reveal!

Can I have a shop on Showit?

I love building shops for my clients using Showit. The secret weapon to make it all work is embeddable elements. So I can use Shopify Lite or ThriveCart to build shops for my clients easily.

Instead of building a storefront on Shopify itself, you can sign up to only use buy buttons and a cart through the platform. They definitely make you search for the Lite subscription on their site, but it’s perfect to embed on to Showit. Or we can use ThriveCart (which I use for my own shop) if we need more features. Both offer all the flexibility of Showit to make a highly custom shop experience without limitations.

I am able to build a fully customized store while keeping everything streamlined to be on the same site platform my clients are already using. And they get all the benefits of Shopify for only $9/month or ThriveCart for a one-time payment for lifetime access. Win win!

How do I know which website platform is the best for my business?

I created just the blog post for you! I breakdown all of the most popular and best website builders out there and let you know the pros, the cons, and who benefits most from each one. And find out which platforms I don’t recommend anyone use!

Do I really need Google Analytics on my site?

In short, yes yes yes! Google Analytics isn’t just for pageviews and that’s it. You can find out who is looking at your site, what else they visit and love online, where they live, your most visited pages, the flow people take on your site’s pages before leaving. The sky’s the limit!

Get the full details on one of our past posts!

Do I really need a privacy policy on my site?

Again, yes yes yes! It’s a simple way to protect your site, your content, and your imagery if you’ve created it. For a full breakdown of why it’s so essential, check out this post.

Website tech is just confusing. What does it all mean?

Check out my most favorite post all about tech and making it just a little less scary. 

Do you have a question of your own?

Let me know! Maybe I have a resource that’ll answer your questions. Ask away!