Launching your website is just the beginning of your online journey. While having a well-designed, fully functional site is essential, it’s equally important to ensure that your website continues to perform optimally. This is where ongoing maintenance and support come into play. Without regular updates, security checks, and performance monitoring, your website could quickly become outdated, vulnerable to cyber threats, or even lose its search engine rankings.
In this post, we’ll explore why ongoing maintenance and support are crucial after your website goes live and how investing in regular care can keep your site running smoothly, secure, and relevant.
Ensuring Website Security
One of the most critical reasons for ongoing maintenance is website security. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and without regular updates and patches, your site could become an easy target for hackers. Whether it’s an ecommerce site handling sensitive customer data or a simple informational website, no site is immune to potential vulnerabilities.
Why Security Maintenance Matters:
Protecting Customer Data: For websites that handle personal or financial information, such as ecommerce stores, regular security updates are essential for protecting sensitive customer data.
Preventing Hacks and Malware: Websites without regular security maintenance are more vulnerable to hacks, malware, and viruses. A hacked website can lead to downtime, loss of data, and damage to your brand’s reputation.
Staying Compliant with Regulations: Many industries are subject to strict regulations regarding data privacy and security, such as GDPR or PCI DSS for ecommerce sites. Regular maintenance helps ensure your site remains compliant with these laws.
To avoid the risks associated with outdated software and security vulnerabilities, ongoing security checks and updates should be a priority for any business.
Me as a website security guard..
Keeping Software, Plugins, and Themes Updated
Most websites rely on various platforms, content management systems (CMS), plugins, and themes to function. These tools require regular updates to ensure compatibility with the latest browsers, devices, and security standards. Failing to update them can lead to broken features, slow performance, or even complete site crashes.
Why Regular Updates Are Essential:
Improving Functionality: Updates often come with improvements to functionality or new features that enhance the performance of your website. Keeping everything up-to-date ensures your site remains fast, functional, and user-friendly.
Avoiding Conflicts: Outdated plugins or themes can cause conflicts that result in broken features or bugs. Regular updates help prevent these issues and keep everything running smoothly.
Maintaining Compatibility: As web technologies evolve, your site needs to stay compatible with new versions of web browsers, mobile devices, and other tools. Regular updates ensure your site remains accessible to all users.
By keeping your website’s software and plugins up-to-date, you’ll minimise the risk of crashes, downtime, and poor user experiences.
Enhancing Website Performance
Website performance directly impacts user experience and search engine rankings. A slow, unresponsive website can drive visitors away, increase bounce rates, and hurt your search engine visibility. Regular maintenance is essential for optimising your website’s performance and ensuring it runs efficiently.
How Maintenance Improves Performance:
Speed Optimisation: Over time, websites can slow down due to outdated plugins, large image files, or excessive code. Regular performance audits and optimisation can help keep loading times fast.
Broken Links and Errors: Broken links, 404 errors, or outdated pages can frustrate users and hurt your SEO rankings. Ongoing support ensures these issues are identified and fixed promptly.
Database Maintenance: For websites that store large amounts of data, such as ecommerce platforms, regular database optimisation can prevent slowdowns and keep the site running smoothly.
By continually optimising your site’s performance, you’ll ensure a better user experience, improve your SEO rankings, and ultimately increase your website’s ability to convert visitors into customers.
Maintaining SEO and Content Relevance
SEO is not a one-time task — it requires ongoing effort to stay competitive in search engine rankings. Regular content updates and SEO optimisations are crucial for maintaining and improving your website’s visibility over time.
Why SEO Maintenance Is Important:
Adapting to Algorithm Changes: Search engines like Google frequently update their algorithms, which can affect how your website ranks. Ongoing SEO support ensures your site adapts to these changes and remains competitive in search results.
Fresh Content: Regularly updating your content with new blogs, case studies, or landing pages signals to search engines that your website is active and relevant. This can boost your rankings and drive more traffic.
Keyword Optimisation: As search trends evolve, the keywords your audience uses may change. Ongoing keyword research and content optimisation help ensure your site remains optimised for the latest search terms.
Regular content updates and SEO tweaks will keep your site relevant and improve its chances of ranking well in search engine results pages (SERPs).
User experience is at the core of every successful website. A website that’s difficult to navigate, slow, or filled with broken links will drive users away. Ongoing maintenance ensures that your website provides a seamless, user-friendly experience that keeps visitors engaged and satisfied.
How Maintenance Supports UX:
Fixing Bugs: Even well-built websites can experience occasional bugs or glitches. Ongoing maintenance helps identify and fix these issues before they negatively impact user experience.
Mobile Optimisation: With more users accessing websites from mobile devices, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is essential. Regular updates help maintain mobile responsiveness and compatibility with new devices.
Navigation and Design Updates: As your business evolves, your website’s design and navigation may need adjustments to reflect new products, services, or branding. Regular maintenance allows you to make these updates without a complete redesign.
Providing a consistent, positive user experience through regular maintenance will lead to higher engagement, longer visit durations, and more conversions.
Addressing Business Growth and Website Expansion
As your business grows, your website will need to grow with it. Whether you’re adding new products, expanding into new markets, or offering new services, your website needs to be flexible and scalable to accommodate these changes.
Supporting Business Growth Through Maintenance:
Adding New Features: Ongoing support allows you to add new features, such as ecommerce functionality, booking systems, or customer portals, as your business evolves.
Scaling for Traffic Increases: As your website traffic grows, you may need to optimise your site for increased loads. Regular maintenance can ensure your server and hosting environment are equipped to handle higher volumes of traffic.
Updating Content and Design: As your business grows, your website’s content and design may need to be updated to reflect new products, services, or branding. Ongoing maintenance ensures your site remains current and aligned with your business goals.
By having a maintenance plan in place, you’ll be able to easily adapt your website as your business expands, ensuring it continues to serve your growing customer base.
The Role of a Website Maintenance Plan
To ensure your website receives the care and attention it needs, many businesses opt for a website maintenance plan. These plans provide regular updates, security checks, and performance optimisations to keep your site running smoothly.
What’s Included in a Website Maintenance Plan?:
Regular Software Updates: Ensures your CMS, plugins, and themes are up-to-date and compatible with the latest technology.
Security Monitoring: Provides ongoing security checks and protection against cyber threats, including malware scans and vulnerability patches.
Performance Optimisation: Includes regular site speed checks, database optimisation, and improvements to keep your website running quickly and efficiently.
Backup Services: Regular backups ensure that you have a restore point in case of a technical failure, data loss, or a cyber attack.
Ongoing Support: Access to a dedicated support team for troubleshooting and resolving issues as they arise.
By investing in a maintenance plan, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your website is regularly monitored, updated, and protected from potential issues.
Conclusion
Ongoing website maintenance and support are essential for ensuring that your website continues to perform optimally, stays secure, and adapts to the evolving needs of your business. From protecting your site against cyber threats to keeping your software up-to-date, regular maintenance plays a critical role in your website’s long-term success.
By investing in a maintenance plan or scheduling regular updates, you’ll not only keep your website running smoothly but also ensure that it remains a valuable asset that supports your business’s growth and goals.
Launching any new website is a big step for any business, especially in a vibrant location like Tauranga, New Zealand. It doesn’t matter if you’re a new or established business – having a strong online presence is the key to reaching your target audience.
This checklist will guide you through each step of the website launch process, making sure you have a polished, professional, and effective website. What does that look like? A website that attracts customers and ranks well on search engines.
Planning: Website’s Purpose and Goals
Define Your Website’s Purpose
Start by defining the primary purpose of your website. Is your site an online store, a service-based business, or a portfolio of some sorts? Understanding this helps you shape your website’s content, design, and overall structure. For example:
E-commerce Websites: Prioritise easy navigation, secure payment gateways, and a smooth checkout process.
Service-Based Websites: Focus on detailed service descriptions, user-friendly booking forms, and clear contact options.
Set Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)
Ensure that your website nudges visitors toward desired actions, such as signing up, booking a consultation, or purchasing a product. Use direct, clear phrases like “Buy Now,” “Book a Consultation,” or “Get a Quote.”
Gather Resources for Your Web Team
If you’re working with a web developer, prepare brand assets like logos, colour schemes, fonts, and examples of websites you admire. This ensures your website is designed to reflect your brand’s identity effectively.
Design Matters: Keep It Professional
Custom Design vs. Templates
While templates can be quick and cost-effective, they often look generic. A custom design helps your website stand out and connect better with your audience. In Tauranga’s competitive market, a unique design can be the difference between capturing attention or losing it.
If your still unsure if you need a custom or template website design, check out our article here!
Ensure Mobile-Friendliness
Mobile-friendliness is non-negotiable and you can see why here. A responsive design ensures your site looks good and works well on any device. Doesn’t matter if it’s a smartphone, tablet, or desktop!
Brand Consistency in Design
Your website should be a digital reflection of your business. Use your brand colours, fonts, and imagery consistently across the website to create a cohesive brand experience.
Content is crucial—it communicates your value, builds trust, and persuades visitors to take action. Make sure your content is clear, concise, and aligned with your website’s goals.
DIY vs. Professional Copywriting
Writing your own content is possible but requires time and skill. Professional copywriters can help craft persuasive, SEO optimised content that appeals to your target audience and ranks well in search engines.
Localise Content for Tauranga, New Zealand
Incorporate references to Tauranga to connect better with local audiences. Use relevant keywords such as “Tauranga web design,” “Tauranga business services,” and other terms that improve local search visibility. Kind of like what we’re doing right now!
SEO Setup: Ensure Your Site is Discoverable
Implement On-Page SEO
Optimise each page with keywords, meta titles, and descriptions. Use headings that clearly reflect the content, and include keywords in image alt text. This helps Google understand what your site is about and improves your chances of ranking higher.
Ensure Fast Load Times
Website speed directly affects user experience and search engine rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site’s performance. Compress images, enable browser caching, and use a reliable hosting service.
Set Up Google Tools
Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console and set up Google Analytics. These tools help you monitor your website’s performance, track user behaviour, and identify areas for improvement.
Google Trends UI Dashboard – a tool for finding trends!
Testing is Key: Don’t Skip This Step
Test Across Devices and Browsers
Ensure that your website works well on different devices (desktop, mobile, tablet) and browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
Check All Functionalities
Run a complete test of forms, links, buttons, and media to ensure everything works smoothly. Test the checkout process (if applicable), and verify that user interactions are seamless.
Ensure SSL Security
Check that your website has a valid SSL certificate. This keeps data secure and builds trust with users, as well as improving search engine rankings.
Launch and Monitor Performance
Prepare for Launch Day
Have a checklist ready for the final launch. Double-check that content, design, and functionality are as expected.
Monitor Analytics Post-Launch
Once live, use Google Analytics to track user behaviour, traffic sources, and conversions. This helps identify what’s working and what needs improvement. Adjust content, design, or marketing strategies based on the data.
Set Up Regular Maintenance
A website isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool. Plan for regular updates, bug fixes, and optimizations to keep it running smoothly.
Marketing the Website: Get the Word Out
Create a Google Business Profile
Register your business on Google Maps with an accurate address, phone number, and hours of operation. This boosts local search visibility and attracts customers from Tauranga and surrounding areas.
Promote on Social Media
Share your website launch on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Use engaging content that links back to your website to drive traffic.
Leverage Email Marketing
Send an announcement to your email subscribers about the new website. Include an exclusive offer or discount to encourage them to visit.
Why Partner with a Professional Team?
Save Time and Avoid Errors
Working with a professional web design team can save time, prevent errors, and ensure a more effective website. Experienced teams know how to design for usability, optimise for SEO, and handle the technical side of things.
Builtflat’s Professional Services
If you’re considering launching a website in Tauranga, Builtflat offers expert web design, development, and SEO services tailored to your needs. Our team can handle everything from planning to launch, so you can focus on growing your business.
Conclusion
Launching a website in Tauranga, New Zealand, can be a seamless process when you follow a detailed checklist like this one. Whether you choose to build it yourself or partner with a professional team, remember that every step matters. With clear planning, optimised design, and consistent marketing, your website can be a valuable tool for attracting customers and growing your business online. Happy launching!
Lazy loading – It’s one of those website optimisation techniques that doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. But it can seriously transform how your site performs! Making it a simple, effective way to make your website faster and more user-friendly. Which ultimately keeps visitors around longer and boosts your conversions.
If you’re not using lazy loading in 2024, you’re leaving performance on the table. Let’s break it down.
What Is Lazy Loading?
Lazy loading is exactly what it sounds like. The content on your web pages (like images or videos) don’t load straight away when the page is accessed. Instead, they load lazily—only when the user scrolls to them or they come into the viewport.
Imagine you’re reading an article on a site. As you scroll down, the images further down the page won’t load until they’re about to appear on the screen. This keeps the initial load time fast and smooth. By delaying the loading of certain elements you’re only showing what’s needed in that moment.
This makes everything faster and more efficient which your website users love!
Why Does Lazy Loading Matter?
Lazy loading isn’t just a fun party trick – It’s a vital tool for improving website performance and user experience. Here’s why it matters:
1. Faster Load Times
Let’s be real: no one likes waiting around for a website to load. If your site is slow, people bounce, plain and simple. Lazy loading can help reduce initial load times, which means users get what they want faster.
Why It Works: By delaying the loading of non-essential elements, you’re cutting down on the amount of data that has to be processed upfront. This makes pages load faster and improves overall performance.
What It Means for You: A faster site means better user experience, lower bounce rates, and potentially higher conversion rates.
2. Saves Bandwidth
Lazy loading isn’t just great for speed; it’s also smart about data usage. This is particularly helpful for users on mobile networks or slower connections. Why load a dozen high-resolution images when the user might only see two?
Why It Works: By loading elements only when they’re needed, lazy loading saves users from downloading unnecessary data, reducing bandwidth consumption.
What It Means for You: Lower bandwidth usage can be a big win, especially if you’re running an e-commerce site with lots of product images or a blog with high-quality visuals.
Google loves fast websites, and lazy loading can help with that. Since site speed is a key factor in Google’s ranking algorithm, a faster site can mean better rankings in search results. Plus, improved user experience and lower bounce rates are factors that Google’s algorithm considers.
Why It Works: Search engines favour sites that load quickly and deliver a good user experience. Lazy loading helps you achieve both by cutting down on the initial load time and keeping users engaged.
What It Means for You: Faster sites rank better, and better rankings mean more visibility, clicks, and conversions.
4. Better Mobile Performance
Over half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices, which makes mobile performance non-negotiable in 2024. Slow-loading sites don’t just annoy users—they also don’t rank as well on Google’s mobile-first index. Lazy loading ensures your mobile site loads quickly and efficiently.
Why It Works: By only loading images and videos when they’re needed, you reduce the load time and data usage for mobile users, improving their experience.
What It Means for You: A faster, more mobile-friendly site keeps users around longer and encourages them to engage with your content.
Blank Canvas – Real estate photography, videography, and marketing agency in Auckland, New Zealand.
How do I Implement Lazy Loading On My Website?
Alright, so lazy loading is awesome. But how do you actually make it happen on your site? Here’s how you can implement lazy loading, whether you’re a tech novice or a pro developer:
1. Use the “Loading” Attribute for Images
This is one of the easiest ways to add lazy loading to your site. The loading=”lazy” attribute can be added directly to image tags in your HTML, which tells the browser to load the image only when it’s about to be visible in the viewport.
Why It Works: This method is straightforward, requires minimal coding, and is supported by most modern browsers.
Pro Tip: Use it for large images, infographics, or product photos to enhance loading speed without compromising on quality.
2. Use JavaScript Libraries
If you’re dealing with more complex elements, like videos, iframes, or background images, you might need to use a JavaScript library for lazy loading. Libraries like LazyLoad or Lozad.js make it easy to set up lazy loading across your site.
Why It Works: These libraries allow you to customise how elements load, making it easier to handle more complicated layouts.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a CMS like WordPress, there are plenty of plugins (e.g., WP Rocket, Lazy Load by WP Rocket) that can add lazy loading without needing to touch a line of code.
3. Use Lazy Loading for Videos
Videos are heavy. They eat up bandwidth and slow down load times. Lazy loading can fix that by loading videos only when they’re in view.
How to Do It:
Use a placeholder image or thumbnail until the user interacts with the video.
Embed the video using the iframe tag with lazy loading attributes or a JavaScript library that supports video lazy loading.
Why It Works: Users won’t have to deal with laggy pages, especially if you’ve got videos embedded all over your site.
Pro Tip: Use lower-resolution thumbnails to save on initial load times, then load the full-resolution video when it’s needed.
4. Implement Lazy Loading for Background Images
If you’ve got large background images that load right away, they can be a huge drag on speed. Instead, consider using lazy loading techniques, like dynamically loading background images with JavaScript.
How to Do It:
Use a CSS class to display a placeholder until the actual background image is needed.
Replace the placeholder with the real background image using JavaScript as the user scrolls.
Why It Works: This prevents massive images from slowing down your site before they’re needed.
Pro Tip: Make sure your placeholder has a similar aspect ratio to the original image to avoid layout shifts when the image loads.
A custom designed photography portfolio website for Daniell Ledger that uses Lazy Loading.
When Should I Use Lazy Loading?
Lazy loading is ideal for websites with heavy visuals, lots of embedded videos, or pages that require scrolling to view all content. However, it’s not for everything:
Use it for: Large images, videos, infographics, embedded media, background images, and content below the fold.
Avoid it for: Above-the-fold content, like hero images or crucial calls-to-action, which should load immediately for the best user experience.
Common Myths About Lazy Loading
1. It’s Complicated to Implement
Nope, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Adding a simple loading=”lazy” attribute or using a plugin can have a big impact without requiring major code changes.
2. It Hurts SEO
This one’s a myth. Lazy loading can actually boost your SEO because faster load times improve user experience and site performance, both of which Google loves.
3. It’s Only for Images
While lazy loading is most commonly used for images, it’s effective for videos, iframes, and even background images. Basically, if it’s big and takes time to load, it can benefit from lazy loading.
Conclusion
Lazy loading is one of the simplest ways to improve website speed, boost user experience, and increase conversions. In 2024, it’s no longer just a good idea – it’s a must for any site looking to stay competitive. Implementing lazy loading is easier than you think, and the benefits are immediate. So, don’t wait. Get started today and see the difference for yourself.
Website optimisation isn’t just a nice-to-have in 2024 – it’s a game-changer for online success. It improves how your website performs, makes it easier to use, boosts your search engine rankings, and drives more conversions.
Unfortunately you can’t just rely on having a great website design anymore! So, if you have a small business site or a large e-commerce platform, using these strategies is essential. Not only do they give you a top-notch website, they help you stay competitive.
What Is Website Optimisation?
Website optimisation is all about making your site better. It means improving and developing different parts of your website to create a better experience all round! It involves both technical tweaks and content adjustments.
The goal is simple: make your site faster, more accessible, and easier for users and search engines to understand.
Website optimisation includes:
Technical SEO: Improving the backend structure so search engines can easily crawl and index your site. As it’s in the name, it’s a bit technical. And, depending on your skills, it will probably require the help of a developer so don’t be afraid to get in touch!
On-Page SEO: Enhancing content, titles, and meta descriptions on individual pages to boost search rankings.
User Experience (UX): Ensuring the design is smooth and user-friendly to keep visitors engaged.
Speed: Making sure pages load quickly so users stay on your site and Google gives you a thumbs up. We do this by optimising images, installing ‘Lazy Loading, upgrading the website hosting, and many more web-wizardry tricks!
By optimising all these elements, you make your website better for search engines! And, you’re creating a better experience for users, which means they’re more likely to come back.
Why Is Website Optimisation Important?
Website optimisation isn’t just a one-time thing – it’s essential to keep users happy and growing your business. And no matter where you are in the world, this type of website development matters!
Higher Search Rankings: Google loves fast, mobile-friendly, and high-quality sites. If you don’t optimise, your website might not even reach the first page of search results. And that means less visibility and fewer visitors.. We obviously don’t want that!
Improved User Experience: An optimised site is fast, responsive, and easy to navigate. This keeps users happy and encourages them to stick around longer. If you’ve noticed your Bounce Rate is quite high, I’d look into your websites UX to find any problems.
Increased Conversions: When users find what they need easily and complete actions smoothly, conversions go up. Even a one-second delay in load time can cut conversions by 7%. So, optimisation can directly impact your revenue. Another little tip: Make sure users can navigate around your website to where they need to go in 3 clicks or less!
Mobile Accessibility: Over 50% of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. So having a mobile-friendly site is a must. Google’s mobile-first indexing also makes it crucial for better rankings. Remember! Don’t forget about desktop users.
Top 10 Website Optimisation Strategies
Implement UI/UX Web Design Practices
What It Is: UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) design focus on making your site easy to use and look good! UI handles the look, while UX is about the feel of the website and how users experience different actions or pathways.
Why It’s Important: Good design makes users want to explore more pages but a bad design makes them leave faster. Ever landed on a site that made you think “Uh-Oh, I’ve just given my computer a virus!”? You’re not alone, that’s why having a good design can help by keeping your users engaged longer.
How to Implement It:
Simplify navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they need. Use clear menu labels and add a search bar. As I said before, make sure your users can get where they need to in 3 clicks or less! Search engines do rank websites based on this.
Use intuitive layouts: Arrange elements logically to guide users. Think about ‘Standard Website Practices’ and don’t reinvent the wheel as well.
Highlight CTAs: Make call-to-action buttons clear and easy to find, like “Buy Now” or “Sign Up.”
Expert Tip: Use Hotjar to watch how users interact with your site and spot problem areas, like where they get confused or drop off.
Optimise Content Marketing
What It Is: Content marketing means creating and sharing valuable content that attracts, engages, and converts your audience. This includes blogs, landing pages, videos, and newsletters all from your website!
Why It’s Important: Using quality content on your site’s design not only builds your authority but it also helps your search rankings and user trust.
How to Implement It:
Create content that answers user questions: Focus on solving problems and providing value.
Update old content: Keep it fresh with new info, stats, and links.
Promote your content: Use social media, emails, and SEO to get more eyes on it.
Expert Tip: Create content that your users actually want! Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find what your audience is searching for and create content that meets those needs.
Improve On-Page SEO
What It Is: On-page SEO involves optimising individual web pages to rank higher and attract more traffic. It includes keywords, meta tags, alt text, and structured data.
Why It’s Important: It helps search engines understand your content and what it relates to, which leads to better visibility and more clicks.
How to Implement It:
Use keywords wisely: Include them in titles, headings, URLs, and throughout the content.
Write strong meta titles and descriptions: These influence click-through rates from search results.
Use header tags: Organise content with H1, H2, and H3 tags for easier reading and better rankings.
Expert Tip: Use the Yoast SEO plugin (if on WordPress) to help optimise your pages and make content more readable.
Fix Technical SEO Issues
What It Is: Technical SEO improves your website’s structure, making it easier for search engines to crawl and index. It includes improving site speed, fixing duplicate content, and cleaning up broken links.
Why It’s Important: Technical SEO not only boosts rankings. It also means users have a smooth experience without errors or long load times.
How to Implement It:
Check Core Web Vitals: Use Google PageSpeed Insights to monitor speed, responsiveness, and visual stability.
Fix broken links: Regularly check for and remove broken links.
Use clean URLs: Keep URLs short, descriptive, and consistent.
Pro Tip: Run regular SEO audits using tools like Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to catch and fix issues. We even offer free audits on your websites health and SEO which you can get here!
Speed Up Your Site
What It Is: Speed optimisation improves load times so users don’t have to wait around.
Why It’s Important: Google loves fast sites, and so do users. Slow sites have higher bounce rates, lower engagement, and fewer conversions.
How to Implement It:
Compress images: Use TinyPNG to reduce image sizes without losing quality.
Use browser caching: Store parts of your site locally on users’ browsers for faster repeat visits.
Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML: Remove unnecessary code to speed things up.
Pro Tip: Use a CDN (Content Delivery Network) to deliver content faster across different locations.
Aim For Mobile-Friendliness
What It Is: Mobile optimisation ensures your site works well on all devices. This includes responsive design, simplified navigation, and touch-friendly buttons.
Why It’s Important: With over half of web traffic coming from mobile, you need to ensure a good mobile experience. Google’s mobile-first indexing also makes it essential for rankings.
How to Implement It:
Use a responsive design: Make sure your site adjusts automatically to different screen sizes.
Simplify menus: Use dropdown or accordion menus for easy navigation.
Ensure touch-friendly buttons: Make buttons large enough to tap easily.
Expert Tip: Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check your site and find areas to improve.
Blank Canvas – Real estate photography, videography, and marketing agency in Auckland, New Zealand.
Test and Run Experiments Regularly
What It Is: A/B testing starts by creating different versions of a site page which run at the same time. This way you can see clear winners and remove the losers!
Why It’s Important: It gives you insanely good insights so you can understand what users like and improve conversion rates.
How to Implement It:
Test headlines, images, colours, copywriting, and CTAs: See which combinations drive the most engagement.
Use tools like Google Optimise: Set up and analyse tests easily.
Design different layouts: Test different webpage sections in different spots to find clear winners.
Expert Tip: Start with small changes, then test bigger elements to see what impacts performance the most.
Follow Website Accessibility Best Practices
What It Is: Web accessibility ensures your site is usable for everyone, including those with disabilities.
Why It’s Important: It expands your audience and boosts search rankings, as Google rewards accessible sites.
How to Implement It:
Add alt text to images: Describe images for screen readers. Which also helps with your SEO ranking!
Include video captions: Making sure all videos are accessible for all users.
Ensure good colour contrast: Use contrasting colours for better readability.
Expert Tip: Use tools like WAVE to check and fix accessibility issues.
Invest in Link-Building
What It Is: Link-building is about getting other websites to link back to yours, signalling trust and authority.
Why It’s Important: Having high quality backlinks improves your rankings and bring in referral traffic.
How to Implement It:
Create valuable content: Make content that others want to link to, like guides or infographics.
Outreach: Reach out and build relationships with industry sites for link opportunities in exchange for content.
Expert Tip: Focus on earning high-quality backlinks from credible sites—they carry more weight than lots of low-quality links.
Use Customer Feedback to Enhance Your Site
What It Is: Customer feedback tells you what users like, don’t like, and want. Sometime’s its hard to hear, but it’s also extremely valuable to your websites performance!
Why It’s Important: Listening to users helps you make smarter decisions that improve user satisfaction and conversions.
How to Implement It:
Use surveys: Ask for feedback through pop-ups, emails, or forms.
Monitor reviews: Pay attention to online reviews and fix recurring issues.
Conclusion
Website optimisation is a continuous process. Start small by improving user experience, boosting SEO, increasing speed, and ensuring accessibility. You’ll begin to attract more traffic, keep users engaged, and drive better conversions in a short amount of time. Keep testing, analysing, and refining your strategies to stay ahead!
And of course, if you need a hand – Reach out to us here!
In today’s digital-first world, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. While DIY website builders and pre-designed templates offer quick solutions, they often lack the flexibility and impact needed to truly stand out in a crowded market. Investing in custom website design can significantly boost your business’s online presence by creating a unique, user-friendly experience that aligns perfectly with your brand and goals.
In this post, we’ll explore how custom website design can elevate your online presence and drive long-term success for your business.
Tailored to Your Brand’s Unique Identity
One of the primary benefits of custom website design is that it is built specifically for your brand, reflecting your company’s unique personality, values, and visual identity. Unlike generic templates, which often limit your branding options, a custom design ensures that every aspect of your website is aligned with your brand.
How Custom Design Reflects Your Brand:
Consistent Branding: A custom website incorporates your brand’s colours, fonts, imagery, and tone of voice, ensuring a cohesive look and feel that resonates with your audience.
First Impressions Matter: Your website is often the first point of contact potential customers have with your business. A custom design helps create a lasting impression, showing professionalism and attention to detail that builds trust.
Stand Out from Competitors: In a competitive market, standing out is key. A custom website design differentiates your business from competitors using the same cookie-cutter templates, helping you make a unique mark in your industry.
By showcasing your brand’s unique identity, a custom website design strengthens your online presence and makes your business more memorable.
User experience (UX) plays a major role in the success of your website. A website that’s difficult to navigate or slow to load can frustrate visitors, leading to higher bounce rates and fewer conversions. Custom website design allows you to prioritise UX, creating a seamless journey that keeps visitors engaged and encourages them to take action.
Why UX Is Critical for Online Success:
Intuitive Navigation: A custom website is designed with your users’ journey in mind. You can create easy-to-follow navigation that helps visitors find the information they need quickly and effortlessly.
Faster Load Times: Custom websites are optimised for performance, ensuring fast load times that keep users from abandoning your site. This is especially important as page speed is a key factor in both user satisfaction and SEO rankings.
Tailored to Your Audience: A custom website allows you to design with your target audience in mind. Whether you’re catering to a specific age group, industry, or location, you can create an experience that resonates with your visitors’ preferences and needs.
By offering a smooth and engaging user experience, a custom website encourages visitors to stay on your site longer, explore more pages, and ultimately convert into customers.
Improved SEO and Search Engine Visibility
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is essential for any business looking to grow its online presence. While most website builders offer basic SEO tools, a custom website design allows for more advanced optimisation techniques, improving your chances of ranking higher in search engine results.
SEO Benefits of Custom Website Design:
Clean Code for Better Crawling: Custom websites are built with clean, efficient code that makes it easier for search engines to crawl and index your pages. This can lead to improved rankings and better visibility in search results.
Mobile-First Design: Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites in its rankings, and a custom website ensures that your site is fully optimised for mobile devices. This means a better user experience on smartphones and tablets, which can lead to higher rankings.
Targeted SEO Strategies: A custom design allows you to implement advanced SEO strategies, such as keyword-optimised meta tags, image alt text, and schema markup, which can significantly improve your site’s visibility in search results.
By investing in a custom website design, you’ll be better positioned to rank higher in search engine results, driving more organic traffic to your site and increasing your chances of reaching potential customers.
A custom designed photography portfolio website for Daniell Ledger
Flexibility and Scalability as Your Business Grows
One of the key advantages of custom website design is the flexibility it offers. As your business grows and evolves, your website will need to adapt to accommodate new products, services, or functionalities. A custom website is built with scalability in mind, making it easy to add new features without starting from scratch.
How Custom Websites Adapt to Growth:
Ecommerce Integration: If you plan to sell products online, a custom website can seamlessly integrate ecommerce functionality, from shopping carts and payment gateways to inventory management.
Adding New Pages and Features: As your business expands, you can easily add new pages, blogs, or service sections to your custom website without disrupting the user experience or design consistency.
Third-Party Integrations: A custom website allows for the integration of third-party tools, such as CRM systems, email marketing platforms, or booking systems, giving you the flexibility to add the tools you need as your business grows.
By investing in a scalable custom website, you ensure that your online presence evolves alongside your business, providing the tools and flexibility needed for long-term growth.
Enhanced Security and Ongoing Support
Website security is a major concern for businesses of all sizes, especially those handling sensitive customer data or transactions. While DIY website builders offer basic security features, custom website design provides enhanced security measures tailored to your specific needs.
Why Security Is Important in Custom Website Design:
Custom Security Solutions: A professional website designer can implement custom security features, such as SSL certificates, firewalls, and regular security updates, to protect your site from cyber threats.
Compliance with Data Privacy Laws: Custom websites can be built to comply with data privacy regulations like GDPR, ensuring that your business is following best practices when it comes to handling customer data.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance: Many professional website designers offer ongoing support and maintenance services, ensuring that your site stays up-to-date, secure, and functioning properly as technology evolves.
By prioritising security, you’ll protect your customers’ data, build trust with your audience, and avoid potential legal issues — all while maintaining a strong online presence.
A custom real estate production business website & furniture e-commerce website
Stronger Conversion Rates and Business Growth
At the end of the day, the goal of your website is to convert visitors into leads, customers, or clients. A custom website design is specifically built to support your business objectives, with features and layouts that guide visitors through the sales funnel and encourage them to take action.
How Custom Design Improves Conversions:
Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs): A custom website allows you to strategically place CTAs throughout your site, encouraging visitors to contact you, make a purchase, or sign up for a newsletter.
Optimised Landing Pages: Custom websites can be designed with specific landing pages for targeted marketing campaigns, ensuring that visitors are directed to the most relevant content or offers.
Trust-Building Elements: Incorporating trust signals, such as customer testimonials, reviews, and industry certifications, helps build credibility and encourages visitors to convert.
By optimising your website for conversions, a custom design can drive more leads and sales, directly contributing to your business’s growth and success.
Conclusion
Custom website design is a powerful tool for boosting your business’s online presence. From creating a unique brand identity and improving user experience to enhancing SEO performance and ensuring long-term scalability, a custom-designed website offers countless advantages that can help your business stand out in a crowded digital marketplace.
By investing in a custom website, you’ll not only create a more engaging and professional online presence but also lay the foundation for future growth, higher conversions, and long-term success. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all solution — build a website that truly represents your business and helps you achieve your goals.
Still unsure if a custom website design suits your business? You can read our comparison article here or get in touch and talk to our team here!
Before diving into the design and development of your website, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your business needs. The success of your website hinges on how well it reflects your business goals and meets the expectations of your target audience. Too often, businesses rush into the process without defining these needs, which can lead to a mismatch between what the business requires and what the website delivers.
In this post, we’ll explore the key steps involved in identifying your business’s specific needs for website design, helping you lay a solid foundation for a successful online presence.
Define Your Website’s Primary Purpose
Every business website has a primary goal, and identifying that purpose is the first step in ensuring your site meets its objectives. Is your website meant to generate leads, sell products, provide information, or act as a portfolio for your work? A website’s design and structure should reflect its core function.
Common Website Purposes Include:
Lead Generation: Websites that aim to capture leads through forms, offers, or contact information.
Ecommerce: Selling products directly online through an integrated shopping cart and payment system.
Information Hub: Providing valuable information, such as a blog or resource centre, to establish authority and trust.
Portfolio or Showcase: Displaying previous work or services to demonstrate expertise (common for creative industries or service providers).
Pro Tip: Write down your website’s primary and secondary goals. This will help you communicate clearly with your website designer and ensure the final product aligns with your business objectives.
Identify Your Target Audience
Understanding your audience is crucial for creating a website that resonates with visitors. Your website needs to speak directly to your target customers, addressing their pain points, needs, and interests. If you haven’t clearly defined your target audience yet, now is the time.
How to Define Your Target Audience:
Demographics: Consider the age, gender, income level, and location of your ideal customers.
Psychographics: What are their interests, challenges, and values? How can your product or service solve their problems?
Behaviour: What devices do they use? How do they search for information online? Are they ready to buy, or are they still researching options?
A clear understanding of your target audience will guide not only the design but also the content and functionality of your website. For example, a sleek, minimalist design may work well for a tech-savvy audience, while a more straightforward, user-friendly interface might be better suited to older demographics.
Finding your target audience!
Determine the Features and Functionality You Need
The next step is to outline the specific features and functionalities your website needs to achieve your goals. This will ensure that your designer knows exactly what to include during the development process.
Key Features to Consider:
Contact Forms: Simple lead-capture forms or detailed multi-step forms, depending on your sales process.
Ecommerce Functionality: A secure payment gateway, inventory management, and a user-friendly checkout process.
Booking Systems: Allow customers to schedule appointments directly from the site.
CRM Integration: Integrate with your customer relationship management software to streamline communication and tracking.
Blog or Resource Center: Keep content fresh and informative with a regularly updated blog or knowledge base.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcomplicating your website with unnecessary features. Focus on the ones that will enhance user experience and directly support your business goals.
Set Clear Business and Website Goals
It’s important to align your website’s design with your broader business goals. A good website should not only look great but also contribute to your business’s growth and success. Start by setting clear, measurable goals for your website.
Examples of Website Goals:
Increase Website Traffic: Focus on SEO and content marketing strategies to drive more visitors to your site.
Generate More Leads: Implement lead magnets, forms, and calls to action to encourage visitors to get in touch.
Boost Online Sales: Optimise product pages and streamline the user journey to increase conversions.
Each goal should be aligned with a specific business metric, such as increasing sales by 20% or boosting lead generation by 50%. Make sure your designer understands these goals so they can create a website that supports them.
Google Analytics Dashboard.
Consider Your Budget and Timeline
Budget and timeline are often the deciding factors in how ambitious your website design can be. It’s essential to have a realistic understanding of how much you’re willing to invest in your website and how quickly you need it live.
Budgeting Tips:
Template vs. Custom Design: If budget is a concern, a template-based design may be more affordable, but a custom design offers more flexibility and uniqueness.
Additional Costs: Remember to account for ongoing maintenance, hosting, and content updates in your budget.
Timeline:
Do you have an event, product launch, or other deadline that requires your website to go live by a specific date? Communicate this clearly with your designer to ensure the timeline is feasible.
Evaluate Your Competitors
A competitive analysis will provide insight into what your competitors are doing right and where they’re falling short. You can leverage this information to create a website that stands out in your industry.
Key Areas to Analyse:
Design and User Experience: Are there elements of your competitors’ websites that you like or dislike? Identify opportunities to improve on what’s already out there.
Content: Look at the tone, structure, and quality of content on competitor websites. How can you provide better or more valuable information to your audience?
SEO and Keywords: Identify which keywords competitors are targeting. You can use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to see where they rank in search results.
This process will help you identify gaps in the market that your website can fill, giving you a competitive edge.
Choose a Website Designer Who Understands Your Needs
Once you’ve identified your business needs, it’s time to choose a website designer who can deliver on those requirements. Make sure your designer has experience with the features and functionality you require, and check their portfolio for examples of similar work.
Questions to Ask Your Website Designer:
Have you worked with businesses in my industry before?
How will you ensure my website meets my specific goals?
What’s your process for incorporating features like ecommerce, booking systems, or CRM integration?
A good designer will take the time to understand your business and create a custom solution that aligns with your vision and objectives.
Conclusion
Understanding your business needs is the first and most crucial step in building a successful website. By clearly defining your website’s purpose, identifying your target audience, and outlining the necessary features, you’ll be able to create a site that not only looks great but also drives real results for your business.
Once you’ve taken the time to consider these factors, you’ll be well-prepared to collaborate with a website designer who can turn your vision into a reality. Remember, a thoughtful and strategic approach at the beginning of the design process will pay off in the long run, helping you achieve your business goals and stand out in a crowded online marketplace.
When planning a new website for your business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to go for a custom website design or use a template-based design. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on your specific business needs, goals, and budget.
In this post, we’ll dive into the differences between custom and template-based website designs, exploring the pros and cons of each to help you determine which approach is right for your business.
What Is a Custom Website Design?
A custom website design is a website built from scratch, designed specifically to meet the unique needs of your business. Everything from the layout to the functionality is tailored to your brand, allowing for full control over how your website looks and operates.
Key Features of a Custom Website Design:
Unique Design: No two custom websites are alike. The design is created specifically for your business, ensuring that your site stands out from competitors.
Scalable: Custom websites are built with flexibility in mind, allowing you to easily add new features or expand your site as your business grows.
Tailored Functionality: Whether you need complex ecommerce functionality, integration with third-party tools, or custom forms, a custom website can be built to accommodate your specific requirements.
Want to find out how a custom site design can boost up your business? Check out our article here!
Custom site design – Daniell Ledger’s photography portfolio website
What Is a Template-Based Website Design?
A template-based website design uses pre-designed website layouts that can be customised to a certain extent.
Key Features of a Template-Based Website Design:
Pre-Designed Layouts: Templates provide a starting point with pre-made layouts that can be adjusted with your business’s branding, images, and content.
Faster Setup: Template-based websites can be up and running in a fraction of the time compared to custom websites.
Lower Cost: Since the design and development work is already done, template-based websites are typically much more affordable than custom builds.
WRKS New Zealand – Template website design
The Pros and Cons of Custom Website Design
Pros of Custom Website Design:
Full Customisation: A custom design gives you complete control over every aspect of your website. You can create a unique user experience that perfectly aligns with your brand and business goals.
Built for Your Business: Custom websites are designed to meet the specific needs of your business. Whether you need advanced functionality, such as booking systems or integrations with other software, a custom website can be tailored to fit your exact requirements.
Scalable: As your business grows, so can your website. Custom websites are built to evolve with your business, allowing you to add new features and pages as needed.
Unique Brand Identity: A custom website allows your business to stand out from the crowd. Unlike template-based websites, which can look similar to others, a custom design reflects your brand’s unique identity.
SEO-Friendly: A custom website can be optimised for search engines from the ground up. You’ll have full control over site structure, meta tags, and other important SEO elements, giving you a better chance of ranking higher in search results.
Cons of Custom Website Design:
Higher Cost: Custom websites are more expensive because they require more design and development time. The cost of a custom website can range significantly depending on complexity.
Longer Development Time: Building a website from scratch takes time. If you need a website up quickly, a custom design may not be the best option.
Ongoing Maintenance: Custom websites may require more maintenance and updates over time, especially if you’re adding new features or upgrading technology.
The Pros and Cons of Template-Based Website Design
Pros of Template-Based Website Design:
Cost-Effective: One of the biggest advantages of a template-based design is the cost. Because the design is pre-made, you can save significantly on design and development fees.
Quick to Launch: Template-based websites can be set up and launched much faster than custom websites. This makes them an ideal solution for businesses that need to get online quickly.
User-Friendly: Many template-based platforms, like WordPress, come with user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for non-technical users to update content and make changes.
Wide Range of Options: There are thousands of templates available, so businesses can choose a layout that closely matches their vision and customise it to fit their brand.
Cons of Template-Based Website Design:
Limited Customisation: While templates offer some customisation options, they are generally limited to basic changes like colours, fonts, and images. You may not be able to fully customise the site to meet your specific needs.
Not Unique: Since templates are widely available, it’s possible that other businesses — including your competitors — are using the same design. This can make it harder for your brand to stand out.
Less Scalable: Template-based websites aren’t always built with scalability in mind. As your business grows and you need more advanced functionality, you may find that a template can’t accommodate your needs without significant workarounds.
SEO Limitations: While some templates are optimised for SEO, many come with limitations that can affect your ability to rank well in search engines. Customising SEO elements may be difficult or require third-party plugins.
Which Option Is Right for Your Business?
Deciding between a custom website design and a template-based design ultimately comes down to your business’s specific needs, goals, and budget. Here’s how to determine which option is best for you.
Go for a Custom Website Design if:
You want a completely unique website that reflects your brand identity.
You need specific features and functionality that a template can’t provide.
Your business is growing and you want a scalable website that can expand as needed.
You have the budget to invest in a long-term, custom solution that will differentiate your business.
Go for a Template-Based Website Design if:
You need a website quickly and on a tight budget.
You’re a small business or startup that doesn’t need complex functionality.
You’re looking for a simple, user-friendly way to manage your website.
You’re okay with some limitations on customisation and don’t mind using a pre-designed template that other businesses may also use.
An Ecommerce furniture website template design
Hybrid Solutions: Customising a Template
If neither option seems like a perfect fit, a hybrid approach may be the solution. Some businesses choose to start with a template and invest in customising it to better meet their needs. This approach offers a balance between affordability and customisation, allowing you to get more control over your website’s design without starting from scratch.
Advantages of a Hybrid Approach:
Lower Cost: You save on design costs by using a template as a base, while still getting the custom features and look that align with your brand.
Faster Launch: Since you’re not building from scratch, you can get your website up and running faster than a fully custom solution.
Customisation Potential: Depending on the platform and template you choose, you can still make significant customisations to your site’s functionality and design.
This option is particularly useful for small to mid-sized businesses that want a more tailored website without the high cost of a fully custom design.
Conclusion
Choosing between a custom website design and a template-based design comes down to understanding your business’s current needs, goals, and budget. Custom websites offer full control, flexibility, and scalability, making them ideal for businesses that require unique features and a strong brand presence. On the other hand, template-based designs provide an affordable, fast solution for businesses that need a straightforward website without the complexity of custom development.
Whichever route you choose, it’s important to consider your long-term goals and how your website will grow with your business. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, consult with a professional website designer who can help guide you through the decision-making process.
With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and thriving tourism industry, Rotorua is an ideal place for small businesses to grow. However, in an increasingly digital world having a professional website is crucial to maintaining that growth and staying competitive. For many local businesses investing in a well-designed website can be the key to unlocking new opportunities, attracting more customers, and standing out in the Rotorua market.
In this post we’ll explore why small businesses in Rotorua should invest in professional website design and how it can help drive local success.
Increasing Visibility in Rotorua’s Local Market
Rotorua’s economy is supported by tourism, local services, and small businesses. With more people relying on the internet to find products and services, having a professional website can significantly increase your business’s visibility in the local market.
How Website Design Boosts Local Visibility:
Online Search Behaviour: Many Rotorua residents and tourists search online before visiting local businesses. A well-designed website optimised for local search terms (e.g., “Rotorua restaurant” or “Rotorua spa services”) can help your business appear higher in search engine results.
Google My Business Integration: A website that integrates with Google My Business enhances your local SEO efforts, helping your business appear in map results and local search queries. This increases your chances of attracting nearby customers.
By investing in professional website design, you ensure that your business is visible and easily accessible to both locals and visitors who are searching for services in Rotorua.
Building Credibility and Trust with a Professional Website
For small businesses, establishing credibility is key to gaining the trust of potential customers. A well-designed website serves as an online storefront, offering potential customers a glimpse into your professionalism and the quality of your products or services.
How a Website Builds Credibility:
First Impressions: A professional website gives visitors confidence in your business. A sleek design, clear branding, and user-friendly navigation create a positive first impression, encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore.
Showcasing Testimonials: Your website is the perfect platform to showcase customer reviews, testimonials, and success stories. This helps build trust and social proof, especially for new customers who may be unfamiliar with your business.
Certifications and Awards: If your business has received local awards or certifications, displaying these on your website adds credibility and reinforces your reputation within the Rotorua community and beyond.
In a competitive market like Rotorua, a professional website can set you apart from other businesses and build the trust you need to grow your customer base.
A rehabilitation business website template.
Attracting More Tourists to Your Business
Rotorua’s vibrant tourism industry brings thousands of visitors each year, and many of them turn to the internet to find local attractions, accommodations, and services. Having a strong online presence ensures that your business can attract more tourists and take advantage of the influx of visitors.
How Website Design Helps Attract Tourists:
Mobile-Friendly Design: Many tourists rely on their mobile devices to search for activities, dining options, and services while travelling. A responsive, mobile-friendly website ensures that visitors can easily find your business on the go.
Clear Calls to Action (CTAs): Encourage tourists to book services, make reservations, or visit your store with clear and engaging CTAs. Whether you’re offering a guided tour, a spa treatment, or a restaurant dining experience, your website should make it easy for tourists to take the next step.
Multilingual Options: Rotorua attracts tourists from around the world. If you cater to international visitors, consider incorporating multilingual features into your website to provide a better experience for non-English speaking tourists.
By optimising your website for tourists, you can expand your reach and increase bookings or sales from visitors to Rotorua.
Improving Local SEO to Drive Traffic and Sales
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is a critical factor in how well your website performs in search engines like Google. Local SEO in particular helps small businesses target potential customers in Rotorua who are searching for products or services nearby. Professional website design includes SEO best practices, helping your business rank higher in local search results and attract more traffic.
Local SEO Tactics for Rotorua Businesses:
Targeting Local Keywords: A well-designed website will incorporate locally relevant keywords, such as “Rotorua plumber” or “Rotorua hair salon,” to help you appear in searches conducted by people looking for services in the area.
Location-Specific Landing Pages: If your business serves multiple areas, creating location-specific landing pages with unique content for each area can improve your local SEO rankings.
Local Listings: A professional website design team will ensure that your business is listed on local directories and review sites, further boosting your visibility in local searches.
With strong local SEO, your website will become a powerful tool for driving more traffic, increasing sales, and connecting with customers in Rotorua.
Google Analytics Dashboard
Enhancing Customer Experience with User-Friendly Design
One of the key benefits of investing in professional website design is the focus on user experience (UX). A well-designed website is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and provides users with the information they need quickly and efficiently. For Rotorua businesses, this translates into happier customers and better conversion rates.
Why User-Friendly Design Matters:
Simple Navigation: Visitors to your website should be able to find what they’re looking for within a few clicks. A clean, intuitive navigation structure helps users easily locate important pages, such as services, pricing, and contact information.
Fast Loading Speeds: A slow website can frustrate visitors and drive them away. Professional website design ensures that your site is optimised for speed, offering a fast and seamless browsing experience for all users.
Optimised for Conversions: Whether your goal is to increase bookings, generate inquiries, or sell products online, a well-designed website will feature clear CTAs, easy-to-use forms, and a logical layout to drive conversions.
By enhancing the user experience, your website will engage more visitors, keep them on your site longer, and increase the likelihood that they will convert into paying customers.
Competing with Larger Businesses and Franchises
Small businesses in Rotorua often face competition from larger, well-established companies or franchises. While larger businesses may have bigger marketing budgets, a professional website can level the playing field by showcasing the unique value your small business offers.
How Website Design Helps You Compete:
Differentiation: A custom-designed website allows you to highlight what makes your business special. Whether it’s personalised customer service, unique products, or deep local knowledge, your website can showcase what sets you apart from larger competitors.
Professional Appearance: A professional website gives small businesses the appearance of a larger, more established company. This can boost your credibility and help you compete with bigger brands.
Local Focus: By emphasising your local roots and commitment to the Rotorua community, you can attract customers who prefer to support local businesses over large corporations.
With the right design strategy, your small business can effectively compete with larger companies and establish a strong foothold in the Rotorua market.
Brick & Mortar store vs E-commerce
Future-Proofing Your Business
In today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, businesses that invest in professional website design are better equipped to adapt to future trends and challenges. A well-designed website can grow with your business, allowing you to easily add new features, content, or functionality as your needs evolve.
Why Future-Proofing Matters:
Scalability: As your business expands, your website should be able to accommodate new services, products, or locations. A professionally designed website offers the flexibility and scalability to grow alongside your business.
Adaptability: With new web technologies and customer expectations emerging constantly, having a website that can easily be updated and adapted is essential for staying relevant in the long term.
Regular Updates and Maintenance: A professional website design company can provide ongoing support and maintenance to keep your site secure, up-to-date, and optimised for performance as your business evolves.
By investing in a future-proof website, your small business will be well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital world for years to come.
Conclusion
For small businesses in Rotorua, investing in professional website design is more than just a marketing tactic — it’s a strategic decision that can drive long-term growth and success. From increasing local visibility to improving user experience and boosting conversions, a well-designed website offers countless benefits that can help your business thrive in a competitive market.
Whether your goal is to attract more tourists, build credibility with local customers, or compete with larger businesses, a professional website is an investment that will continue to deliver returns. Don’t let your small business get left behind — invest in a website that showcases your brand, engages your audience, and supports your growth in Rotorua.
Taking that first step to digitise your business can be a hard one. You have to navigate through millions of websites offering you a product that will (probably not) increase revenue, efficiency or some metric related to size.. Don’t do it, it’s a trap! It’s tough avoiding those cheap parlor offers when taking your first steps online, especially if you don’t know what’s out there in the community. Regardless of these ‘snake oil’ sales websites – we believe the benefits
So to do our part, we at Builtflat have compiled a list of online tools or methods to help you simplify and take full advantage of your digital journey. These tools range from free to paid options and are perfect for any type of website from e-commerce to entertainment, no matter the category or industry.
Let’s start with the free tools!
Social Media.
Connect better with your customers.
Thousands of people around the world have started and successfully run their business solely on social media, thousands more use it to supplement their business structure and growth.
Social media is an interesting one that a lot of businesses neglect, usually saying it’s not worth the time or that their audience isn’t targetable. You only have to look at the growth of social media channels over the past decade to know that there is nowhere else in the world where you can reach so many people in one space. And targetability.. Think about websites like Facebook and the details they gather from you when you sign up, plus all the page Likes and Follows, the groups you’re in, the location data, your friends and even their interests. All that can be used at your disposal.
Starting off you’ll need to get an idea of your ideal target customer and keep that image of the person in your mind, or better yet – write it down. Then it’s time to pick your platforms and there’s a few to choose from. Use your identified target customer for reference when picking and have a look through the stats of each. For instance, Instagram is very popular with those ages 18 to 24 whereas Facebook with 2 billion monthly active users is more popular with those aged between 25 to 34.
Once you’ve picked out the appropriate channels you’ll need to start planning your approach. Think about how you can connect to your target audience through your profile and build around that. Are they after professionalism? Would a good laugh help convert them? Would making the brand seem more humane create a great connection with your customer base? Build that into your profile and your approach to your customers on these channels.
Next, think about the content you would create and how often it could be created. I always think of Social Media as a content beast, constantly hungry for content. This doesn’t mean you need to overfeed the beast – It means you need to be active and keep him on the appropriate diet. Tie this in with Social Media analytics and you’ll be able to spot the perfect recipe to feed him with down to the type, time, quantity, and more. Protip: Having a content calendar helps!
A big benefit for businesses on social media is the advertising capabilities. The targetability is insane! Not only that, it’ll give you a rough idea of your ROI and estimate the reach size of your campaign. Do it! Start off small, play around with the types of content you’re advertising, the time you’re posting, and the groups you’re targeting. Track your results and build out the roadmap for making successful advertising campaigns.
The final step is well, just taking the first step and doing it. Apart from the advertising it’s all free to set up and can be done from the comfort of your desk chair, sofa, porcelain throne, or movie theatre – Although, goodluck with that last one.
Google Analytics.
A must for any website, especially an e-commerce website.
In short – Google analytics is like a marketers wet dream.
Personally I spend hours.. I mean not hours, I do actually have a life.. Anyways – I spend an ‘amount’ of time gathering information from our own Google Analytics dashboard to better serve our customers to grow our business. This free tool is made by Google and piggybacks off your businesses website to give you accurate and insightful data to use how you see fit. It might not help you take over the world, but it’ll help you increase conversions.
Well, it doesn’t directly increase conversions.. but Google Analytics creates a space for testing and feedback so you can make those conversion increasing changes to your website. For example,
Google Analytics can show you a potential target customer base you haven’t noticed before. You could be targeting customers locally and not even realise 90% of your traffic is coming from overseas, how could you take advantage of that?
Leading on from point 1 – Google Analytics can show you the demographics of users landing on your website. This information is invaluable to any marketing strategy.
You might not even know that particular website pages are broken or turning your customers away – Google Analytics breaks down your Bounce Rate to identify where problems are so you can fix them.
You can find out how users are getting to your website – Is there a potential opportunity to capitalise on there?
Do you want your user base returning frequently to your website? You can track your user retention through Google Analytics.
Google My Business
Not literally Google my business – it’s called Google My Business.
The second free tool from Google I’m going to recommend is Google My Business (GMB). An essential for any business, GMB gives you a dedicated information feed for customers to use when they’ve organically searched for you. Imagine GMB as a basic storefront that shows your contact details, your location, your opening hours, and images related to your business.
It can even be used for finding directions to your business locations, for customers to post reviews about their experiences, or so they can colab and upload their photos of your products or store. Google’s constantly expanding on GMB and now offers an updates feed, a direct messaging option, and a space to post frequently asked questions. Offer your services, show off your menu, let customers know how they can shop with you. Google My Business is an essential free online tool.
Google Trends.
Google really likes giving out free tools!
Bit of out of the loop nowadays? You’re not alone. Trends change as often as you change your underwear.. That’s every day for those who didn’t know. Thankfully, you don’t have to be hooked into every social orifice of the wide web to keep up to date and can opt for another free tool by Google called Google Trends that lets you know what people are Googling. It’s perfect for content creation and for keeping your brand up to date with trending trendy trends.
It’s super simple to use, just search different terms and topics related to your business or marketing campaign ideas. This will give you common search phrases, related topics, and queries which can be compared against other keywords. Google Trends also lets you search geographically by area or worldview so you can see what’s trending in different locations. They even have data on previous years search trends. Pair this with a Social Media and content creation strategy and you’re good to go!
Google Drive.
Google’s all-in-one tool to help you get online.
When I first started using Google Drive as a student I was pretty reluctant to do so. After using Microsoft applications for years I was unwilling to step away from the norm but quickly I realised how behind on the times I was. Google Drive is one of the best online tools you can get nowadays and a majority of it is completely free. You can craft sharable essays, documents, presentations, spreadsheets, questionnaires or forms, and PDF’s. Not only that, you can store files and images, use Google’s Calendar, its Gmail email service, host video calls or chatrooms, manage Google advertisements, or take advantage of Google Workspace for teams.
It can be pretty overwhelming when you look at all these online tools Google offers but Google’s built all these tools to be as user friendly as possible. Not only that, they follow the same conventions as all the other tools out there, making switching easier than ever. To this day I continue to use their services daily. By integrating it into Builtflat we operate smoother, get work done faster, and in the beginning it saved us a lot of money we didn’t have to spend on expensive programs or annual subscriptions. If you’re not already a Google user or haven’t taken a full drive in, this is one online tool to check out and take advantage of.
Email Marketing
One of the earliest forms of digital marketing.
Since its conception in 1971 by a computer engineer named Ray Tomlinson, email has grown as a useful tool. So useful that it’s estimated that in 2022 333.2 billion emails [https://www.statista.com/statistics/456500/daily-number-of-e-mails-worldwide/] are sent every day. Marketers everywhere understand the power of email marketing and its ability to grow communities, relationships, and businesses. But if you’d rather see a dollar value of email marketing, check out this study which found every £1 spent on email marketing had an average return of £38 on their investment.
So, where do you get started? Getting your email list, and no I don’t mean buying one. Unless you earn those email addresses, whatever addresses you have are from people who haven’t opted in and 9/10 of them would not be happy receiving your emails. This is a two way street here, you give and you get. Experiment with different techniques for getting people to sign on to your emailing list. For instance, using competitions sign ups, trading them for discounts or free shipping, or even just asking your customers are all ways of getting emails.
If it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense – Well Xero makes sense of the dollars!
Xero makes an often unpleasant task of dealing with the bookkeeping easier for everyone, which is why it’s made our list of digital tools to help your business. This paid cloud-based accounting software covers purchasing, managing invoicing, bookkeeping, expenses, inventory, bank reconciliation, and more from any device with an internet connection. Not only that, it’s recognised by and integrates flawlessly with hundreds of third-party applications such as Stripe, PayPal, and Capsule. This only makes Xero perform better. For instance, if you integrate Xero with Stripe your customers can then pay their bills directly with a debit or credit card.
I’m not going to overload you with Xero’s features so I’ll keep this short and sweet. From a digital developer standpoint, what I love about Xero is how easy it is to use. The UX and UI design throughout their website and application dashboard means even a dummy like me can do my GST return in 3 clicks. I never see Xero as a task to do. To me, it’s a helpful employee who takes the stress out of often-times complicated jobs, keeps me updated and informed about our books, and helps our business run smoothly.
Cloud storage
Is your head in the cloud? No? It should be!
The evolution of data based storage has transformed in leaps in bounds. From fridge-size devices to usb drives with x100 better storage and performance. Then came the Cloud which revolutionised how we accessed our stored data. Cloud based storage means your data gets stored away on servers located around the world which you can access anytime and anywhere you have an internet connection. There’s now no need for you to lug around your fridge-sized harddrives anymore! This is why Cloud storage is one of the most important digital tools to get your business online and to improve your day to day operation.
Ever lose a usb drive? Or arrive at a meeting and realise you’ve forgotten to get your presentation? How about going into the office to get some data files so you can work from home? These are some annoying situations that Cloud storage fixes, but there’s something even greater it can do, protect your data. Nowadays you always hear about businesses suffering from ransomware, an attack on your computer systems that locks you out of your files unless you pay a ransom. Well, if your files are backed up to the Cloud then you’ve still got access to them. I think that’s Hackers – 0 and Cloud storage – 1.
There’s now a lot of different options out there to get access to this great digital tool with free and paid packages ranging from 2GB to, well.. the skys the limit really. Dropbox has gained popularity in the Cloud space and offers great team packages for you to take advantage of. Even Google and Microsoft have their own in the form of Google Drive and OneDrive, each with their own features. Have a look at these three and the many others out there and get your head in the Cloud!
Website development.
What’s the point of getting online if your customers can’t find you online?
Conflict of interest here – At Builtflat we build and develop websites. But I’m not here to tell you why you should pick us to do so, I’m here to tell you why websites are the best online tool you need as a business. We’re in this line of work to help people out, not push sales.
Expectation
A while ago, if you wanted to find a business you would check the Yellow or White pages. Now, you do an internet search. There now is an expectation amongst a majority of the population that your brand will have a website they can find for information or purchasing. If they can’t, you’re really going to suffer with points 2 and 3.
Credibility
Why can’t I find your website? Are you hiding something? Do you even exist? How do I see the quality of your business? A good website answers all those questions that potential customers might ask themselves if you don’t have one. Here’s a fun fact, 74% of users admit to judging a businesses credibility just off the website design alone. How would they judge a business who doesn’t have one at all? A website is an opportunity for your business to show your customers that you’re the best, that you’re around, and that you’re ready and waiting for them whenever they want.
Sales
Think of a website as a silent salesperson who’s working 24/7 and costs less wages than any employee you could ever find. They’re just sitting there and waiting for a potential customer to land on them so they can use their integrated sales techniques to help convert them to a sale or generate a lead. With minimal effort, that’s an opportunity for you or money straight in the bank.
Market expansion and growth
If you run brick and mortar retail stores, market expansion might be opening another store in a different town or suburb. It’s definitely more reach than what you had previously but how does it stack up against having a website that can be accessed by anyone nationally or around the globe? A website offers unparalleled market expansion and growth for any brand and business. So if more opportunity and money is what you’re after, then you’re after a website.
Consumer insights
What good would all that expansion and growth be if you couldn’t grow it further! Like we covered with Google Analytics, having a website means you can access those juicy consumer insights which gives you a literal roadmap to success. Identifying potential markets, tracking promotions, finding customer issues, track retention, test changes and their outcomes, and more, and more, and more.. You get the idea.
Advertising
Having a well-built website means you have a platform to advertise that’s purpose is to convert potential customers into sales or leads, and increase brand awareness. Without one it becomes very hard to take advantage of Google’s own Google AdWords or the many other online advertising outlets available. Trust me, you want to take advantage of one of the most targetable, accurate, and cost effective marketing solutions available.
Customer service
One great ability websites offer businesses is their customer service. Not only can you reduce your customer services costs and save time, you’ve got that 24/7 sales person sitting there. They’re answering all those pricing enquiries, frequently asked questions, providing credibility and reviews, giving brand insights, showing your products and services, your office hours, your locations, and more.
Competition
It’s pretty likely that your competition has their own website, trying to take as much from the market as they can. Ramp up the competition a bit. Make it harder for them to get those easy online sales or run them out with a perfectly built website, digital marketing strategy, and some willpower.
What else..
Well, there’s heaps of reasons. Websites can make you industry leaders, an authoritative source of information, it can help build relationships with your customers, give out brand updates or promotions, help you compete with larger brands, teach consumers about your brand and offerings, show your professionalism, and your brand identity. The possibilities are kind of endless..
I really hope you’re taking advantage of these digital tools to help get your business online. If you’re not, I hope this article has given you a slight push to give them a go. Look at the offerings Google has and how it can help your marketing and online presence. At how Social Media can build a closer connection with your customers. Think about how email marketing or Stripe could grow your business, or how Xero could streamline your operations. Check out the offerings for Cloud storage because your data is an important piece of your business. Keep in mind the benefits you can reap from having a website for your brand.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, we hope it’s helped and giving some clarity to the vast amount of digital tools available. Besides this list, there’s hundreds more tools out there just waiting for you to take advantage of. If you ever need some help or guidance in this sometimes daunting digital space, contact Builtflat anytime. We’d love to help out any way we can!
