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Designing a Website for Your Audience | Prescott, AZ

Web design is a creative art constantly intersecting with the latest trends. The trick it designing a website that captures your audience while being mindful of current trends tends. One should not be without the other if you are invested in the longevity of your business. Why? Trends may offer an interesting pop, but if you need to be taken seriously to succeed, you should evaluate the use of tends within your line of business before taking actionable steps.

Here are some things we think are useful when considering how to design a website for your audience:

Audience. First and foremost, consider your audience. If you are unsure, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

What sector does your business fall under (fashion, knitting, finance etc.)?

Who are you trying to attract to your services (parents, teachers, animal lovers)?

Brand Voice. This refers to the way your online and physical presence (website and marketing materials) represent your brand or services.

What is your brand voice (snarky, serious, mindful)?

How does your brand voice align with the message you want to send?

Will your target audience feel compelled to hire you based on this presence?

Services. How you portray the work you offer says a lot about it. Make sure your services are easily accessible and allow your best work to stand out.

What are you selling or offering to your target audience?

Do the ways you present these services online highlight the best of what you offer?

If you were to look from a third person perspective, would you hire you?

When you understand the answers to most of these questions, you can begin to build a website that speaks to your audience while retaining the unique qualities that make your business stand out.

When you work with the designers at Jelly Websites, we help you decode these and other important considerations to ensure your presence attracts the attention you want.

If you are interested in curating or improving your online presence, contact Jelly Websites at 951-371-9327 or visit www.jellywebsites.com today!

Website Design Mistakes to Avoid | Prescott, AZ

Your website is the first impression most clients will have of your business. It’s important to make the impression positive, and long lasting. If it’s time to take a second look at the messages your online presence shares with new or returning clients, here are some mistakes to avoid.

No Color or Unique Typography. Designers often think that they can get away with colors that “seem to match” or fonts that are “close”. Web design projects are just like any other when it comes to styles and branding, making consistent color and typography palettes extremely critical. Be sure that you have a great set of colors and type choices that contribute to a simple and professional-looking design.

Sub-optimal Navigation. Don’t get to creative or go over the top when creating your navigation. It’s always best to think of your visitors beforehand. Having a simple and modernized navigation is a crucial design element to any website.

Contact Information. This a very big problem, though it is rare, there are several websites that don’t have an email or contact form. Don’t make you visitor have to look somewhere other than you website for contact information. If you do have contact information on your website, make sure that it’s easy to find and access. You can try putting your contact information in the websites footer, header or even both the footer and header.

Not Mobile-Friendly. When you’re designing a website you must think of content in terms of mobile. Think about considering a “mobile-first” approach during the planning, copywriting, design, review, and testing. Do this all the way to the release and revisions to ensure your site is mobile-friendly. If you site isn’t mobile friendly, I assure you that you are going to lose business. Be sure your website adapts to any size screen. It results to a bad first impression when visitors have to pinch and pull to enlarge text and imagery.

Flash Website. I may have mentioned that going back in time is impossible, however it turns out that it is: An all-flash website takes us back to 2006! But on a serious note, there a huge impact on the number of visitors who can access your all-flash website. Flash isn’t compatible with iOS, meaning anyone with an iPhone or iPad will not be able to view your website, which kills your mobile reach.

Your website is the first impression for your business, so be sure to take the time to invest time into its quality.

If you’d like to improve your websites online appearance, contact Jelly Websites in Prescott, AZ at 951-371-9327 or visit us online at www.jellywebsites.com today!

Help Your Business Get Found Online | Prescott, AZ

It’s important your business is identifiable on any search engine, and through applications or other business directories aligned with your product or service.

As the number of things available to search continues to rise, the way your business is found should keep up with the ways people are searching for it. Makes sense, right? Totally! 

There are so many ways potential and existing clients may find and interact with your business; the more ways you can enhance your ability to be found, the better! 

Seeking to understand how you may enhance your website performance? Here are some tips on how to improve your search engine optimization:

  • Keep your business information accurate and consistent across the web
    • 47% of potential clients choose the competition if a website is missing a phone number
  • Maintain updates on special offers and promotions across platforms
    • Make sure everyone can access deals and information
  • Monitor your website’s analytics and improve accordingly
    • Helps you understand what drives people to your site
  • Search your business online to learn relevant keyword associations
    • Learn how people are searching for your services and products

When you work with the team at Jelly Websites, we can actively monitor traffic across over 50 local directories and internet-wide search trends to optimize your search engine compatibility. We utilize industry leading strategies to understand your online business presence, monitor its performance, make updates and retain information accuracy as your business expands.

We are a team of people dedicated to helping small businesses grow.

Visit us online at jellwebsites.com or call Jelly Websites at 951.371.9327 to discuss how optimize your business online today!

Qualities of a Professional Website Designer | Prescott, AZ

A website designer will offer clients a website that is as user friendly as it is beautiful and effective. They understand layout, trends, and often code special elements that set your digital presence apart. Your prospective web designer should have experience and a portfolio to prove it. Website designers may be involved in designing for a variety of industries, or specialize in niche topics such as weddings or construction.

A good designer will inquire about your likes, dislikes, aesthetic, the brand or the services you offer. In order to create your vision, it’s helpful to clue them in on any colors or inspiration you reference when imagining your dream site. Here is a list of things to be aware of when considering adding a designer to your new or revamped website efforts:

  • Does the designer take time to get to know your business, desired aesthetic and ideas?
  • Do you want your designer to specialize in the type of website you want?
  • Have you researched the designer’s portfolio? Do you like their work?
  • How many years of experience does your designer bring to the project?
  • Does he or she provide a detailed estimate for the services you are seeking?
  • How many edits are you allotted per page during the process?

It may seem like a lot of information to inquire about and give to your prospective designer, but it will save a lot of time and frustration later on. If your designer hasn’t taken these steps or your intuition tells you a given designer is not meshing well, take your time to shop around. A professional designer should be inquisitive, honest, and collaborative to make your vision come to life.

Interested in developing a website with the professional designers at Jelly Websites? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

How to Give Useful Feedback to Your Designer | Prescott, AZ

Believe it or not, website designers, like many creatives, need a fair amount of information and direction from their clients to deliver. Designers are considering so many visual and background elements that they are generally unable to produce the best work without their client’s thoughts and desires being understood. When the client feels there is more direction needed to achieve their vision, they should feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate with your designer to achieve the results you want.

Specifics. We hear from clients that they are timid about providing a designer too much information or aesthetic direction. More times than not, an over-explanation of what you are seeking from your digital presence is more welcome than total creative freedom. Designers will take your list of must-haves, dreams and desires and boil them into a cohesive presence.

Inquiries. There are times when elements of a website edit don't suit you, but you are unsure of how to proceed - that’s okay! It is the perfect time to ask your designer his or her thoughts on how to bring a given element to life or rethink your approach. The designer is your ally in making your digital presence enticing, cohesive and user friendly.

Sources of Inspiration. Remember Pinterest? Think of the accumulation of your perfect website inspiration as a pin board. Gather it together; the colors, layouts, fonts, down to the cute accents - everything that makes you think “this is so my brand”. Designers are really good at taking your laundry list of likes, dislikes and “I want to be likes” and boiling them down into a presence your clients or customers will remember. More is more so bring it on!

Design is a collaborative process. It’s going to take time and multiple edits to get it just right so take a deep breath and be a true creative partner - even when you don’t know the answer.

Interested in developing a website with the professional designers at Jelly Websites? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

Why ADA Compliant Websites Matter | Prescott, AZ

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 with the aim of ensuring companies and organizations provide reasonable accommodations to disabled individuals. Many associate this provision with the inclusion of wheelchair access ramps and similar accommodations we now view as commonplace around our communities. Since 1990, the internet has become part and parcel to the operation of commerce and as such, the ADA has evolved to include website provisions.

According to siteimprove.com, “Title 3 of the ADA requires that every owner, lessor, or operator of a ‘place of public accommodation’ provide equal access to users who meet ADA standards for disability.” Unfortunately however, much of this rhetoric lies in a grey area with websites that provide the ability to shop online being the most susceptible to this standard, many are out of reach.

Many lawsuits have come out of the debate about online accessibility for disabled individuals, but while every state has a different standard, it seems like a matter of time before regulations become more defined. It’s a good idea to be on trend with ADA compliance, especially for online stores. If you operate a non-profit or educational website, ADA compliance can expand your reach and show visitors your enterprise cares about the equal access of all people to this information.

A website designer is a great resource and can create or redesign a website for your enterprise that is ADA compliant. There are a host of considerations such as the four areas of compliance that a website designer understands and can incorporate for you. The four areas are perceivable, operable, understandable and robust- and there is a checklist provided by the ADA to ensure these standards have been met. While it’s not impossible to make your website ADA compliant on your own, it is a worthwhile investment to enlist the help of a professional who can ensure compliance.

An ADA complaint website “helps protect your business against lawsuits and fines in addition to providing needed accommodations for your potential customers” according toe businessnewsdaily.com

Interested in learning more about ADA compliance, or want to discuss your options with a designer? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

How Blogs Enhance SEO | Prescott, AZ

It may seem that volgs and social media have diminished the tried-and-true internet blog, but there are a host of benefits to incorporating a bog to your business. Most notably, blogs provide an opportunity to fill web pages with keywords that amplify your business presence on major search engines. Blogs are also a great way to educate, intrigue and maintain relevance for your enterprise with existing and potential clients.

Blogs are 350- 500 word, largely educational, written pieces focused on topics that relate to your enterprise. Whether you are a design firm, dental practice or national shipping service- a good blog writer can publish interesting, SEO-driven content for your business. These blogs can share exciting events or updates, educate people about your business and interest them to take action.

A bog writer sees each sentence as an opportunity to include relevant, highly sought keywords people associate with your business to your website. Over time, one-or-two blogs a month may add hundreds of searchable words to your website that enhance your search-ability online. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is really just that- the inclusion of behind-the-scenes juiciness that does the legwork of getting you on Google’s top pages. It’s all run by algorithms, so the more your blogger is able to associate your website with keywords, the higher your ranking. The higher your ranking, the more clicks you get and boom- it’s a snowball effect that gets you to page one.

You want to make it as easy as possible for potential clients to find your enterprise when they search. If there are five deign firms in your immediate area, and someone types in “Orange County Designer”, hundreds of results are likely to populate. If you can fill your website and blog with the terms that get you in the top five of Google’s “Orange County Design Firms” you have a much better chance of attracting new clients than if you are the twentieth. More notably, if you are based in a smaller area, the inclusion of these keywords on your site might just make the difference between you and your nearest competitor for a bid on a new project.

Interested in including a blog on your website? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

Website Elements that Highlight Your Services | Prescott, AZ

As website developers, we encounter clients whose industries range from dentistry to boating. Each client wants to showcase their products or services in a way that shares their story, captures interest and generates clientele. Here are a few ways we suggest business owners may highlight their enterprise on their website.

Video. This is a great way for businesses to showcase their services. Whether you are an architect showing areal footage of a project or sell jet skis and want to show them in action, many industries can benefit from this visual experience. It makes a compelling introduction to your enterprise to feature a video on your website home page. It’s certainly an investment worth considering.

Podcast. Relatively new to online spaces, podcasts are another compelling way to generate interest in your services. Podcasts are not for every industry, but if you can tap into an interest with consumers about your business it can go a long way to highlight your services. Setting aside an hour every week-or-so to discuss your enterprise can be a time efficient way to generate interest and expand a client’s understanding of what sets you apart.

Social Channels. Integrating an Instagram feed or Youtube channel to your website is another way owners can expand their SEO, getting them found more seamlessly online. While it would’t  necessarily make sense to share your personal feed with potential clients, having a business-oriented social channel can. These mediums serve as a pseudo-resume, exemplifying quality, customer service and an expertise in your craft.

A Seamless Experience. Of course, all of this is lost when a potential client becomes frustrated with their experience on your website. Ideally, a potential client will work through your website, and gain an understanding of your enterprise without a second thought. While it may seem counter-intuitive, or feel like what you would want is acknowledgment for a fantastic website, the more seamless the better. You would rather a potential client not notice the subtleties of a brilliant presentation than be frustrated.

Want to learn more about how you can add exciting elements to your website to highlight your services? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

Tricks for Website Clicks | Prescott, AZ

Frustrated business owners may dive into the analytics of their website and wonder “why am I not getting the kind of traffic I want?” Putting together a compelling website to showcase your brand is the first step towards generating clientele. The next, and arguably more difficult task, is driving traffic there.

Of course, the way a business goes about driving traffic will depend on the business itself. Social channels are a great way to generate interest, but one social network does not fit all. It’s important to evaluate what you have to offer and what platforms will highlight those services.

Let’s say you are an architect who generally gains clientele through referrals, you may not need anything more than an interesting Instagram page to share your favorite projects. If you are selling handmade goods, it makes more sense to take advantage of e-commerce sites like Etsy in addition to multiple social platforms to generate website traffic.

The interplay of social, e-commerce, marketing strategy and your website is referred to as transmediation; allowing one or more platforms to link and flow to the next. When done properly, transmediating your channels will boost your SEO online, increasing your page ranking on major search engines and, ultimately, generating more clicks to your website.

Transmediation is a great way top generate clicks to your website. Another way business owners can boost analytics is by incorporating a QR code onto their business cards and marketing materials. QR codes may seem like a been there, done that fad but to the average person who receives a business card, it’s a unique, convenient way to view your work.

You also want to ensure your website is mobile accessible. Of course, it’s published online, meaning it can be accessed via smartphone. What is important to note however is the presentation of your website in that format. If your website is not currently mobile accessible, discuss options with your website developer to understand how your business can stand out to those on the go.

The trick is in how easily accessible your content and website is to potential clients; the easier it is to find and learn about you, the more interest you will generate in your services. The more SEO-rich content you can get out into the world, the higher your Google rankings. The higher your ranking, the more eyes - and clicks - will come your way, ultimately growing your business.

Interested in learning more about how to optimize your website? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

Website Design Elements for Any Business | Prescott, AZ

It may seem intuitive that every business website, regardless of the enterprise would be composed, in part, of the same website design elements any other would have. However, if you are trying to DIY your website, it is important to keep in mind some of the elements that may work to highlight your unique business.

Flow. How a given client navigates your website goes a long way with how your business is received. Considering how you would like someone to experience your products and what content you want to share will inform the flow. Single-page websites are great if your website is more visual. For websites that serve to outline niche information, multi-page websites may better suit your needs.

Contact Information. Clients need a way to reach you, however, it is entirely up to you what contacts to provide. How you decide to manage communication between you and clients is your decision. An important thing to note is that if major search engines provide misleading contact information, it could cost you a client. It has been shown that inaccurate contact information alone can dissuade someone from using your services.

About Page. When potential clients visit your website, even if they understand the services or products you provide, it’s important to make a connection with them as well. About pages are a great way to inform visitors about yourself, your journey in business, or details about products a description may be too short to share. Adding an image to your about page is also a great way to relate with your clients, as it allows an opportunity to visually present your professionalism or personality.

Meet the Team. Businesses with a dynamic team of creatives or different departments benefit from a page where visitors can understand the people who make the operation work. It serves to inform visitors, and allows an opportunity for inquiries to be answered by the appropriate person or department.

For more ideas about how you can DIY your own website, or view the beautiful website Jelly Websites creates, call the team at Jelly Websites at 951.371.9327, or visit us online at www.jellywebsites.com.