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Four Often-Overlooked Considerations for Crafting a Cohesive Brand Identity

Author: Eleanor Hecks

When people think of brand identity, most jump straight to logos, fonts and maybe a killer color scheme. However, a lot more goes into building a brand that sticks. Some of the most important components are the ones that often fly under the radar. Yet, by pointing out the most overlooked details of forming a company’s essence, you can make significant improvements and ensure it is unforgettable.

1. Brand Voice Consistency

A brand voice is how you come across to a target audience — and if it changes from one platform to another, it can throw people off. For instance, suppose your social media posts are casual and playful, but your emails read like a legal document. Your audience may feel confused about what to expect, creating a disconnect that chips away at trust and recognition.

Consistency is vital in all aspects of communicating and interacting with customers. While the tone of voice is important, it should also consider the clarity and the connection you intend to create. Maintaining how your brand speaks across channels pays off in the long run, as businesses often see a 33% increase in revenue.

The best way to keep the voice consistent is to develop a guide that outlines your tone, style and key phrases. Once you have done this step, challenge yourself by crafting an elevator pitch for it. Can you describe how it sounds in a few sentences? If not, you may need more time to clarify your messaging and tone.

2. Customer Experience

A brand identity lives in every interaction a person has with your business. From the moment a customer lands on your site, their experience tells a story about who you are. With every touch point a consumer has with your company, its personality and values should shine each time.

That includes things like support emails, return process and even product packaging.

Research shows 72% of people say packaging design influences their purchase decisions. Yet, this has more than to do with looks — the entire unboxing experience and everything included within it are doing more branding work than you think. That is why it is important to create a seamless experience, as customer perspectives can shape your brand’s identity and reputation.

3. Internal Alignment

Many business owners believe a brand’s identity should consider what it looks like from the outside. However, your team must also understand and believe in its mission, voice and values. Otherwise, it can be impossible to maintain consistency externally. Your employees are the ambassadors, whether designing campaigns or answering customer support tickets.

The problem is that many companies assume their organization’s alignment is stronger than it is. One report found that while 27% of executives believe their staff is fully aligned with business goals, only 9% of workers agree. This disconnect can quietly undermine even the most polished brand strategies.

The best way to ensure everyone on the inside is on the same page is to conduct regular internal brand audits. Ask employees the following:

  • How would they describe the brand?
  • What are its goals?
  • How does their role contribute?

An internal brand audit can uncover inconsistencies and misunderstandings that are easy to correct.

4. Accessibility

Accessibility is more than a web requirement — it is a reflection of your brand’s values. When your website, products and communications leave a certain part of the population out, it can turn away a large portion of an audience. According to the CDC, approximately 28% of Americans have some form of disability, with cognition being the most common at 13.9%.

Many brands treat accessibility as a box to check. However, the most cohesive, forward-thinking companies weave it into the core of who they are. Accessibility should be more than a legal requirement — it should be fundamental to ensuring everyone can experience your brand easily and with dignity.

Treat accessibility by making it part of your design process, content strategy and guidelines. A truly cohesive brand works for everyone.

Crafting a Perfectly Cohesive Brand Identity

When building a brand identity, it is easy to focus on the visuals and overlook voice, consistency, customer experience and other aspects. The good news is that these gaps are fixable. By paying attention to the often-missed details, you can build a brand people connect with and trust.

What Type of E-Commerce Business Model Should You Choose for Your Company?

Author: Eleanor Hecks

E-commerce has transformed how businesses operate, offering countless ways to reach customers without ever opening a physical storefront. With so many choices, deciding on the right business model can feel like picking a favorite child. Each offers different advantages — and challenges — depending on your goals.

The 4 Major Types of E-Commerce Models

Choosing the right model depends on who you sell to and how you want to run your operations.

  1. Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

This is the model most people recognize. You sell directly to consumers — think of Amazon, Walmart or your favorite online boutique.

  • Best for: Brands offering finished products to individual customers
  • Pros: Broad customer base, faster buying cycles, simpler marketing strategies
  • Cons: High competition, expensive customer acquisition

If you’re aiming for volume and brand visibility, B2C could be your golden ticket. Just be ready to outshine competitors in a very crowded marketplace.

  1. Business-to-Business (B2B)

Instead of targeting individual shoppers, B2B companies sell to other businesses and organizations. Giants like Alibaba and Shopify’s wholesale network thrive here.

  • Best for: Manufacturers, wholesalers and service providers
  • Pros: Larger order sizes, longer customer relationships, higher potential lifetime value
  • Cons: Longer sales cycles and complex purchasing decisions

Selling to businesses differs from consumers. B2B buyers focus on cost efficiency, with an average of six to 10 decision-makers involved, resulting in longer sales cycles. If you’re ready for bigger deals, B2B may be your best fit.

  1. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)

In a C2C model, customers sell directly to other customers through a third-party platform. Think eBay, Etsy or Facebook Marketplace.

  • Best for: Entrepreneurs, hobbyists and resellers
  • Pros: Low overhead, simple entry into e-commerce, community-driven growth
  • Cons: Payment disputes, quality control issues, reliance on platform rules

C2C can be a smart choice if you want to turn your side hustle into a business, but you’ll need solid trust-building strategies.

  1. Consumer-to-Business (C2B)

Here, individuals offer goods or services to businesses. Platforms like Upwork and Shutterstock are prime examples.

  • Best for: Freelancers, consultants and creatives
  • Pros: Flexible pricing, multiple income streams, strong personal branding opportunities
  • Cons: High competition, variable income, dependency on platform algorithms

C2B is ideal if you’re ready to flip the script and let businesses come to you.

E-Commerce Is Booming — and Getting Bigger

No matter which model you choose, the potential rewards are staggering. E-commerce sales now exceed $5.7 trillion worldwide annually, and this explosive growth highlights the opportunity and the competition facing new businesses. With online spending becoming the norm across all demographics and industries, aligning your model with consumer behavior trends can give you a crucial edge.

For instance, B2C businesses are seeing massive expansion in mobile shopping, while B2B buyers increasingly expect Amazon-like experiences from vendors. Knowing these trends can help you fine-tune your strategy — and ensure you’re not left behind as digital buying continues its meteoric rise.

How to Choose the Right E-Commerce Model

Selecting the right model isn’t just about what looks good on paper. It requires a sharp understanding of your goals, resources and market. Here are some key factors to weigh:

  • Your product or service type: Are you selling handmade jewelry or enterprise software? The answer points directly to B2C or B2B.
  • Target audience: Individual consumers prefer fast, seamless purchases. Businesses value detailed information, relationships and customized solutions.
  • Sales process complexity: Short sales cycles favor B2C, while longer negotiations are typical in B2B.
  • Budget and resources: C2B and C2C models usually have lower startup costs but may involve higher risk and unpredictability.
  • Growth goals: Do you want to scale fast or build a tight, sustainable business? Your growth ambitions should match your model.

Choosing isn’t a forever decision, either. Many successful companies, like Amazon, evolved from one B2C model to embrace others over time. Start with the best fit — and adjust as your business grows.

Find Your Perfect Fit

E-commerce isn’t slowing down, and neither should you. Understanding the core business models — and matching one to your strengths and market opportunities — can set you up for long-term success. Whether you’re selling to consumers or businesses or even flipping the buyer-seller dynamic altogether, picking the right model ensures you’re not just part of the e-commerce boom — you’re thriving in it.

How Should B2B Site Design Differ From B2C?

Author: Eleanor Hecks

B2B and B2C companies often get lumped into the same conversation regarding website design. After all, a good user experience is universal, right? While both types of sites should be functional, fast and intuitive, the audiences they serve and the goals they aim to achieve are fundamentally different. Therefore, the design approach should be, too.

1. Audience and User Intent

One of the most critical distinctions between B2B and B2C website design is understanding who you are designing for — and why they are there in the first place.

B2C audiences involve individual consumers making quick, emotionally driven decisions. They may be browsing during a break or scrolling late at night, looking for instant answers and frictionless checkouts. 

Meanwhile, B2B buyers are researching on behalf of a company. The decisions involve multiple stakeholders and a longer sales cycle. They need credible and clear information that supports a logical, informed decision-making process.

That is why understanding user intent is everything. For example, 75% of B2B buyers now say they prefer a digital self-service over a sales rep experience. Yet, those who made a self-guided purchase were 1.65 times more likely to regret it. 

However, with over half of B2B transactions projected to shift online, your site must do more than push people down the funnel — it has to support thoughtful, research-based decisions. As such, you must build a website with your buyer’s journey in mind, acting less like a flashy storefront and more like a trusted guide.

2. Website Goals and KPIs

While B2C and B2B sites both aim to drive action, the type of action — and how it is measured — can look very different.

B2C sites typically focus on driving immediate conversions. Success often comes down to metrics like sales volume, average order value and cart abandonment rates. However, B2B companies build their websites around lead generation and relationship-building. 

Instead of going for a quick win, the goal is to capture interest, build trust and move users toward a specific action. The key performance indicators (KPIs) for this may look like lead quality, form submissions and time spent on-site. Because of this, B2B sites need to guide users through a slower, multi-touch journey using clear calls to action at every stage.

3. Mobile Optimization

The mobile experience can be a dealbreaker. While B2C brands have largely implemented mobile-first design, many B2B websites are still catching up. 

B2C users frequently shop or browse on their phones, so these sites are often fast, responsive and easy to navigate with a thumb. From product discovery to checkout, B2C businesses ensure they optimize every interaction on smaller screens.

Mobile optimization applies to B2B companies as well, as more users are expecting the same level of usability. Whether they are doing research between meetings or reviewing product specs on the go, mobile functionality matters. On top of that, a survey found that 66% of B2B buyers wished companies would offer a better mobile experience, so there is a big opportunity to stand out by getting the basics right.

Beyond the aesthetics, mobile optimization is about ensuring that critical actions are just as smooth on a phone as they are on a desktop. For instance, if your website offers downloadable content, users must be able to grab that information without pinching or zooming to adjust the screen.

4. Content Strategy and Messaging

With content, context is everything. B2C websites lean into this by offering short, engaging messaging that focuses on benefits, emotion and value. Think punchy product descriptions and lifestyle values that speak directly to a buyer’s wants and needs.

B2B content is much more informative. It needs to be educational to build trust and credibility with potential customers.

Before making a purchase, clients want to ensure they are making the right choice. That is why prioritizing case studies, white papers and industry reports is crucial. These resources answer questions and support internal buy-in across multiple stakeholders.

Tone plays a major role here, too. B2C messaging is often playful or emotionally driven. However, B2B messaging needs to be authoritative and focused on solving specific business problems. The overall goal is to be intentional with every piece of copy to guide the buyer toward trust so that you can turn them into a lead.

5. Navigation and Information Architecture

Content can be great, but you can also miss out on opportunities if users have trouble finding it. Therefore, intuitive navigation and strong information architectures are essential. 

B2C businesses often gear their navigation toward speed and convenience. When their users browse, they want to find products and check out with as few clicks as possible. As a result, these sites incorporate usable features to guide visitors quickly, which includes filters, search bars and product recommendations.

In contrast, B2B navigation needs to accommodate a larger group of buyer personas and longer sales cycles. A procurement manager may want technical specs while an executive is scanning for ROI. Your site’s structure must serve all of them by offering multi-level menus, segmented product pages, resource hubs and role-specific navigation paths.

This may sound like a lot of work, but 60% of consumers will abandon purchases due to poor website user experience. This statistic applies to all B2C and B2B buyers, so good navigation is key to improving usability. Moreover, it must remain organized to ensure users stay engaged and that it converts interest into action.

Designing B2B Sites With Purpose

B2B and B2C sites may share some foundational principles, but how you apply them should look different for your site. B2B site design requires an understanding of the sophistication of the buyer’s journey and how to support decision-making and build trust. Therefore, you must make every design choice based on your audience’s needs and behavior. Because when you create it with purpose, you are far more likely to convert in the long run.

The Top 5 AI Tools for Website Creators in 2025

Author: Eleanor Hecks

Artificial intelligence is rewriting the web design playbook. It can automate things that once took hours and make technically complex tasks achievable even for those without much expertise. Website creators in 2025 can’t afford to overlook that potential.

These advantages have led to a massive AI software market. While that means you have more choices than ever, finding the best fit for your needs can be challenging. You can narrow it down by starting with these top five AI tools for web creation.

1. Wix

One of the best overall AI web design tools is Wix. Wix is a popular web-building platform that now features built-in assistance from ChatGPT, the fastest-growing consumer app of all time and arguably the most recognizable generative AI platform.

Beyond ChatGPT plugins, Wix offers a proprietary AI design assistant that can generate images, produce text, suggest pages and even create entire websites from prompts. Some of the most advanced features have a waitlist, and Wix’s AI tools require a subscription, but it’s one of the most capable suites available.

2. Shopify

Shopify is another long-established web builder that now features AI functionality. The platform powers 27% of all e-commerce websites, making it a natural choice for web designers creating an online storefront.

AI features include automated copywriting, image editing, product description generation and a semantic search function to give you insight into potential buyers. While it automates less of the design side of things, it’s an excellent platform for optimizing your store. Wix may be a better choice for non-retail users, but Shopify is the go-to for e-commerce.

3. GitHub Copilot

Some of the best AI web design solutions aren’t all-in-one site builders. GitHub Copilot stands out because it can automate coding tasks. Not everyone has programming skills, and Copilot can generate, edit and improve code based on natural language inputs to lower the bar for entry.

Considering how repetitive coding can be, Copilot can be a massive time-saver. It’s the kind of automation that’s driving the AI market to grow to nearly $2 trillion by 2030, but it is admittedly narrow. You may not need it if you have coding experience or use a no-code web builder.

4. Uibot

Another more focused AI web design tool is Uibot, a user interface analysis tool. Uibot scans your designs to identify potential usability or accessibility issues and tells you how to fix them.

The top million web pages today have a shocking 56 million accessibility errors — and that trend has grown since 2023. Use an automated auditing tool like Uibot to identify UI barriers and correct them before they turn visitors away. It may not be the most advanced or highly functional AI solution available, but it is valuable.

5. Canva

Your website design should incorporate engaging images, and Canva can help you make them. Canva can generate images, enhance their resolution, animate illustrations or assist you in various parts of the creative process.

The basic version of Canva is free, and the paid version is relatively affordable, making this platform an excellent alternative to higher-end AI-powered image editors. However, it doesn’t have all the functionality of a more expensive software package.

Tips for Selecting an AI Tool

You should remember a few things when searching for AI web design tools. With so many options available, you’ll find multiple options for the same niche, but you can narrow your choices by comparing several characteristics.

Considering that most businesses spend between $1,001 and $10,000 annually on web development, cost should be a deciding factor. Many niche AI tools are free, while complex, multifunctional ones typically require a subscription. Set a specific budget before comparing alternatives to help you stick to what you can afford.

You should also read user reviews to determine an AI solution’s reliability. Similarly, look up the company to see if they’ve ever had security issues. Anything that produces inconsistent results or is vague about how it protects user data may be too much of a risk.

Finally, select AI services that integrate with your existing software suite and web hosting provider. A lack of interoperability may counteract time-saving and cost benefits.

Web Designers Should Capitalize on AI in 2025

AI is too powerful for web designers to ignore. Any business or individual user hoping to take their website to new heights in 2025 must use this technology to their advantage to stand out in the current market.

Maximizing AI starts with recognizing what’s available. Begin your search here to find an AI tool that works for you today.

Linkedin public profile badge builder not working?

Author: Sean H.

In today’s interconnected professional world, having a LinkedIn profile badge on your website serves as a powerful networking tool. It’s like having a digital business card seamlessly integrated into your online presence, allowing visitors to quickly connect with you on the world’s largest professional network.

Here’s a Solution for a broken profile badge builder

See and Copy Our Code For This Badge
Code it for me!

Recent issues with LinkedIn’s official badge builder have created frustration for many users. Sometimes the badge appears broken, displays incorrectly, or fails to load entirely. This inconsistency can actually harm your website’s professional appearance rather than enhance it. Imagine a potential client visiting your site only to find a broken LinkedIn badge – it’s like having a business card with smudged ink or missing information.

Many professionals value these badges because they add credibility and accessibility to their websites. Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or business owner, a LinkedIn badge can help potential clients or employers verify your credentials and experience with just one click. It’s particularly valuable for portfolio websites, professional blogs, and business pages where establishing trust is crucial.

Fortunately, there are alternative solutions to maintain a professional LinkedIn presence on your website without relying on the official badge builder. Here is one such solution which we have coded up for you. You can add it to any website that allows you to drop in custom code. For example, if you use WordPress, you can use the Gutenberg HTML block and just drop the code in wherever it is needed. The example below includes inline styles to ensure no matter what style you have on your website, this badge remains consistent.

Remember, while having a LinkedIn badge on your website can enhance your professional presence, it’s more important that it works consistently and looks professional rather than implementing a solution that might detract from your site’s overall impression.

Help! I am not a coder. Can you do it for me?

Getting your LinkedIn badge up and running doesn’t have to be complicated. We offer two simple solutions:

Option 1: Let Us Do It For You

We can add the badge directly to your website for you. Our service includes a quick professional installation of the badge on your site at our regular hourly rate, which is usually only about $50.

Option 2: Use Our Simple Form

Don’t want to wait? Just fill out our form below, and we’ll automatically email you your custom code right away:







    Both options save you from dealing with technical details while ensuring you get a professional, working LinkedIn badge on your site. No coding knowledge required!

    Want to get started? Choose either option above, and you’ll have your badge up and running in no time.

    Thank you for reading! We hope this information helps you overcome the challenges of adding a LinkedIn badge to your website. Remember that maintaining a professional online presence is crucial in today’s digital world, and a properly functioning LinkedIn badge can make a significant difference in how potential clients or employers connect with you.

    Disclaimer: All websites are different in their structure, hosting environment, and technical requirements. While we strive to provide reliable solutions, if you choose to implement this code on your website (whether in its original form or modified), you do so at your own risk. We cannot assume responsibility for any issues or liability that may arise from its use. For peace of mind and professional implementation, we’re always happy to help by installing the badge for you – ensuring it works perfectly with your specific website setup.

    Need help getting your LinkedIn badge set up? Just reach out! We’re here to make your online presence work for you.

    The Profile Badge Code:

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                    Badge Maker
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            </a>
        </div>
    </div>

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    Essential Messaging for E-Commerce Success

    Author: Eleanor Hecks

    7 Most Important Pieces of Information Every Online Store Should Share

    Millions of e-commerce websites — many of which are small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) — are competing against each other. While maintaining a hold in this market seems impossible, the secret to success is straightforward. Decision-makers should simply tell their customers what they want to know.

    Capitalizing on the Success of the E-Commerce Market

    The global e-commerce market is booming. Analysts expect it will achieve an estimated 9.49% compound annual growth rate from 2024 to 2029, generating trillions of dollars annually. SMBs may not get the largest slice of the cake, but there is still reason to celebrate. If they appeal to consumers, they may significantly increase their revenue.

    Even small enterprises can take advantage of this growth with the right strategy. The key is their messaging. What they share with customers affects their bottom line.

    Since analysts expect the e-commerce market to experience immense growth, the number of online stores will soon balloon. Transparency will be key for firms trying to maintain their hold within their niche. The more information they share on their pricing techniques and policies, the more browsers will trust them, granting them a competitive edge.

    Key Pieces of Information You Should Share at Checkout

    Sharing these four key pieces of information during checkout can help you convert, increasing your revenue.

    Checkout Security 

    How do you secure the checkout process? Many consumers will only trust your website if they know what security technique or tool you use, so make it clear on the page where they enter their card details. The payment card industry data security standard has been the global standard for securing cardholder data since its release in 2004, so it is ideal.

    Shipping and Delivery

    Besides price, the delivery estimate is one of the most important considerations for online shoppers. They want to know precisely when their order will arrive. Real-time updates and global positioning system tracking are great features to have.

    A delivery estimate guarantee can inspire confidence. It is not even a risky business move if you have reliable carriers. A minimum 95% on-time performance is already required by many big-box retailers, and this expectation will likely become the standard within five years.

    Stock and Backorders

    Imagine getting to the final confirmation page during checkout just to realize the item you are trying to purchase is out of stock. Not only would that frustrate you, but it would discourage you from buying from that brand again. 

    A stock counter provides key information. It may even cause a fear of missing out, driving sales. 

    Display the backorder date for out-of-stock items. At the very least, share that you are working on getting that product listing back on hand. If people know you will replenish your stock soon, they will likely return and convert.

    Other Pieces of Information to Share With Your Customers

    While building trust through transparency during checkout can drive conversions, several other opportunities exist to display essential messaging throughout your online store.

    Customer Reviews

    Shoppers value existing customers ‘ opinions since there is no way to try on, feel or even see an e-commerce product in person before buying it. Ninety-seven percent read online reviews before doing business with a new company, so do not give them a reason to leave before converting. Display reviews, case studies and testimonials on your site.

    The Return Policy 

    Returns are common in the e-commerce sector. Sometimes, items appear different online than they do in person. Other times, the individual does not need the item anymore thanks to late delivery. Whatever the reason, they are almost inevitable.

    Outline your return policy. How long is the return window? Are there any exceptions? Be transparent. In addition to building trust in your brand, you save yourself trouble later on by pointing to your clearly outlined policy when angry customers demand special treatment.

    Pricing and Promotions

    While sharing pricing history seems counterproductive, it promotes customer retention by building trust. While it may delay conversions — people may want to wait for a better deal — a price drop can encourage a surge in conversions. It may also inspire a fear of missing out. 

    Another way to share essential pricing information is to display shipping and payment processing fees. Fifty-five percent of online shoppers abandon their carts at checkout due to unexpected costs, so be honest about them upfront to avoid losing sales.

    Contact Information

    How do people get ahold of you if they have a question, concern or complaint? Clearly display your contact information throughout your website. Ideally, you should offer multiple channels of communication. Website visitors shouldn’t have to hunt through your site to find your customer service department’s email address.

    Achieving E-Commerce Success With Key Messages

    The e-commerce market is growing daily, and SMBs do not have to settle for the smallest slice of the cake. They build trust by appealing to individuals’ wants through messaging transparency. Once they increase their customer retention, they may even be able to compete with successful big-box retailers.

    5 Proven Strategies to Effectively Market Your New Website

    Author: Eleanor Hecks

    You just finished the most beautiful site imaginable — it ticks off all the boxes for excellent user experience and engagement. You know you must drive traffic to it to maximize your efforts. However, you also must attract your target audience if you want your conversion rates to be impressive.

    1. Create a Targeted Ad Campaign

    Approximately 193,890,945 websites are active, with 252,000 new ones created daily — that’s about 10,500 new websites per hour. Figuring out how to stand out from all the noise of new digital data is challenging. To cut through, you could buy ads and drive traffic to your page by offering an incentive.

    However, if people land on your site and immediately bounce away, you won’t gain any traction. Instead, create buyer personas for your intended users. Once you understand their biggest concerns and pain points, think of how to solve them.

    Your ads should address the issue head-on and explain that you have the solution. Give people only enough information to get them to click through to your site. You want to drive traffic to your page, so entice them to go there for more.

    When you advertise in newsletters, related websites, Google Ads and social media, you’ll reach a highly targeted audience. You can narrow your reach by age, location, gender and interests. The more you know about your typical customer, the easier it is to choose the right parameters.

    2. Engage People on Social Media

    Building relationships is a crucial part of increasing website traffic over time. More than 75% of consumers are loyal to brands they feel connected to. By creating a relationship with your target audience, you start an ongoing relationship you can cultivate.

    How can you engage people on social media? Ask for user-generated content, which offers you free marketing material. Run a contest where they share a post or invite someone to like your page who might be interested in what you offer.

    Respond to all comments and like replies. Look for ways to connect in groups without spamming the other participants. Many groups allow business pages to join, like and comment. Where can you add your expertise, help others and build your authority in your niche?

    3. Partner With Other Businesses

    Develop relationships with other businesses related to yours. One example might be a wedding planner working alongside a bakery and a dress shop to get the word out to potential clients. Ideally, you will send traffic to them and they back to you.

    With this partnership, you can run cross-promotions. For instance, one theater in Indianapolis used to offer a discount on movie tickets for those who brought in a receipt from a pizza place. The pizza place also offered a discount to those who brought in movie stubs. The two would also occasionally run movie and dinner nights, offering a discount package to enjoy both. Since their clientele was similar, the cross-promotions worked perfectly.

    4. Try Content Syndication

    You spend a lot of time crafting expert content that drives results. Why not expand your reach even more by syndicating it and allowing other publications to share it? You can increase traffic dramatically if you select a topic your potential audience is interested in and wants to know more about when they finish the article.

    You can also offer content on sites such as Taboola and niche markets in your industry. Pay attention to which platforms convert into leads and how many become buyers. Repeat your efforts with the most successful ones.

    5. Offer Free Webinars

    When your target audience realizes they need what you offer, they’re likely to turn to the internet for advice. Many are seeking expert advice that resonates with them. You can offer webinars on topics of interest to your users to drive them to your website and show them you can solve whatever issue they’re facing.

    For example, if a heating and air conditioning company wants to attract new customers, they might narrow the topic to their community. What issue are people currently facing? Perhaps they worry their air conditioning will go out before they can replace the unit. You can take their concern and turn it into a workshop on how regular maintenance can extend the life of their heating and cooling systems. 

    Tell Everyone About Your New Website

    Tell everyone you meet and ask them to share the info to get the word out about your new website. Carry cards with your website address and leave them in places where your buyers spend time. If you sell real estate, scatter a few cards in the local laundry mat and doctors’ offices. If you offer web development, send flyers to local business owners.

    The more personal your message, the better users will receive it. With a bit of determination and continued marketing, your website traffic will grow rapidly, and you’ll find success.

    4 Unique Ways to Showcase Reviews and Testimonials on Your Website

    Author: Eleanor Hecks

    Potential customers who find your business online may have dozens of competing companies to consider. Plus, working with a business for the first time brings uncertainties. However, learning from other customers’ perspectives can give people the confidence to choose a specific company over others. The ability to see themselves in others’ experiences may inspire someone to work with you. 

    Testimonials and reviews can persuade people to choose your products and services. Collecting feedback to display publicly is an excellent start, but you should also think of creative ways to show the content and catch people’s interest. 

    The following are four creative ways to showcase customer reviews on your site, as well as some examples of businesses whose sites exemplify these strategies.

    1. Display the Content in Multiple Formats

    Some people prefer seeing testimonials and reviews in text format to quickly scroll through the material. However, embedding videos is another option. Hearing someone’s firsthand story about their experience while noticing changes in their emotions and tone of voice goes a long way toward convincing others they are making a wise choice by doing business with this company. 

    If you have a service-based business, sharing customer perspectives in a video format also allows you to show the extent of change, such as by including before-and-after footage. 

    Example: Water damage restoration company Rainbow Restoration takes a video testimonial approach alongside written comments. The video includes the customer sitting inside the building where work recently occurred, and it takes the viewer through the person’s response to several questions about the service they received. 

    2. Show Satisfied Customers From Numerous Platforms

    Another impactful possibility is to use your reviews and testimonials section to show that people from multiple websites have taken the time to review the business. That adds more credibility to the content and indicates customers were so satisfied with the overall experience that they wanted to share their feedback across widely used sites. 

    Example: The arrangement used by About Ireland Taxi Tours features star ratings and a single phrase reflecting customers’ sentiments. However, it also shows the platform they used and their profile name there. Many customers leave highly personal comments, including the names of the drivers who assisted them and their respective positive characteristics. The specificity shows the staff made a lasting impression that shaped travelers’ vacation time. 

    3. Pull the Reviews Directly From Google

    You can save time by using a tool that automatically populates your website with the latest customer reviews rather than requiring you to manually gather the material. Besides keeping the information fresh and current, this strategy benefits from Google’s global name recognition. 

    Google for Small Business research also shows these reviews are especially valuable for encouraging purchases. It indicates positive reviews cause two out of three people to buy from companies. 

    Example: The website of office solutions company Doceo pulls reviews onto the homepage directly from Google, and it also integrates a Google review button directly into the feedback carousel. Other customers can provide their thoughts with a few clicks, keeping the feedback area continually populated.

    4. Highlight a Pattern of Repeat Business

    Getting your first sale from a new customer is an excellent achievement, and your next goal is to earn their loyalty. By showing that other similar customers are coming back to your business again and again, you can encourage others to do the same. This method demonstrates customer satisfaction through ongoing business relationships. 

    Example: India-based design company Everything Design emphasizes customers’ trust with a header on its reviews page that declares “8 out of 10 clients who worked with us, go on to do multiple projects with us.” 

    Scrolling down on the page lets visitors access a video library of customers explaining how this business helped them. However, if people don’t have the time to watch a video, the header design is a thoughtful alternative. Though the header text indicates most clients become repeat customers, the breakdown below shows the client name and number of completed projects, adding further authenticity to the claims. 

    Get Inspired to Grab Attention With Customer Input

    Customer opinions are arguably among the most valuable parts of your website because they give people genuine perspectives. Potential customers appreciate hearing about others’ experiences because those details can convince them to contact your business and learn more about what you do. 

    Regardless of your business type or how long it has operated, these real-world examples can spark your creativity when deciding how to display reviews and testimonials that will catch your website visitors’ attention.

    Breaking Down the Average Costs of Each Stage in a Web Project

    Author: Eleanor Hecks

    Understanding web design and development costs upfront is crucial to staying on budget and avoiding surprises. Whether you’re a small business owner or freelancer, knowing what to expect helps you allocate your funds wisely and make informed decisions about your needed features.

    When you’re clear on costs, you can prioritize the elements that deliver the most value — like responsive design or optimized user experience — without overspending on unnecessary extras. This clarity saves you money, ensures your website aligns with your goals and supports your business’s growth.

    Discovery and Planning

    In the discovery phase, you define your goals, target audience and overall project scope. During this stage, you’ll engage in consultations and competitor analysis and create a detailed project brief to guide the process.

    With costs ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, keeping a close eye on your budget is essential to overspending. Investing in this phase ensures your website is strategically aligned with your business needs and built to engage your audience effectively. Starting strong here saves you time, money and headaches later.

    Design Phase

    During this stage, you’ll develop the site’s visual concept, starting with wireframes and mockups to map out the layout. Consulting on website design typically costs between $250 and $1,000 for basic projects, primarily if you use minimal customization with pre-made templates.

    This phase involves heavily collaborating with peers, crafting designs using UX/UI software and gathering client feedback to fine-tune the look and feel. Prioritizing a clear, user-friendly layout and open communication ensures the final product aligns with your vision and delivers a seamless experience for your audience.

    Development Phase

    Building a website is where all the coding, database integration and functionality come to life. You’ll need to tackle front-end development — what users see and interact with — and back-end development, which handles everything behind the scenes, like databases and server operations.

    Back-end development can range widely from $4,000 to $12,500 depending on your needs. So, working closely with your developer to ensure your project remains on budget is essential. Most people — 65%, according to one study — don’t adequately track their spending, which can lead to accruing unforeseen expenses, particularly during this phase in which the cost of service varies so greatly. Instead, conduct thorough research and work with your developer to decide what you want from this phase of your project.

    Custom development gives you tailored solutions at a higher price, while template-based options are more budget-friendly but less flexible. Understanding your priorities and watching costs can build a functional and user-friendly site without breaking the bank.

    Testing and Quality Assurance

    The final step involves testing and refining your website to ensure it’s bug-free, responsive and user-friendly. Usability testing is crucial here, and for $12,000 to $18,000, you can perform a full usability study, including research design, interview sessions and a comprehensive written report.

    This investment ensures your site delivers a seamless experience for your audience. You’ll also need to test browser compatibility and responsiveness across different devices. Tackling these critical elements helps you launch a polished, professional website that looks great and works flawlessly for every visitor.

    Deployment and Launch

    The final phase involves critical activities like domain registration, setting up web hosting and migrating your site to its live environment. Small business owners typically spend between $5 and $150 monthly on web hosting, depending on the provider and hosting plan.

    This stage often requires coordination with your hosting provider to ensure a smooth transition but be prepared for potential hiccups, like DNS delays or unexpected errors during launch. Double-checking all configurations and addressing issues quickly ensures your site goes live seamlessly and is ready to serve your audience.

    Post-Launch and Maintenance

    Once your website is live, the work doesn’t stop — ongoing maintenance is crucial to keep it secure and functional. You’ll need to handle updates, security patches, backups and SEO tweaks to ensure everything runs smoothly and ranks well on search engines.

    Skipping maintenance can lead to costly problems, like downtime, security breaches or expensive repairs later. Depending on your website’s type and needs, maintenance costs can range from $5 to over $5,000 a month. Staying proactive saves you headaches, protects your investment and ensures your site continues to deliver value to your audience.

    Quality Investments and Expert Guidance Matter

    Investing in quality at every stage of your website project ensures better results and saves you money by avoiding costly fixes later. To maximize your budget, consult a professional for an accurate cost estimate tailored to your needs and goals.

    5 Elements of Industry-Specific Logo Design, With Examples

    Author: Eleanor Hecks

    A brand’s logo sets the tone for its public image. How well customers remember it can depend on how well the emblem fits the sector and sends a clear message about what the business has to offer. Industry-specific logo design includes elements that stand out from more generic creations.

    One key way to learn about tapping into the power of targeted design is by studying logos from a few industries. Here is how to tap into specific categories while still showcasing what makes a particular company unique, along with some examples of small businesses doing it right.

    1. Choose the Right Color Palette

    Selecting colors that send a message to users can elevate your logo design to the next level. Start with a bit of color psychology. Most people love the color blue and respond well to it. You’ve likely noticed a lot of financial institutions use blue in their color palettes. People tend to see the hue as trustworthy and reliable.

    If the company has a youthful personality, bold colors such as electric blue or fuschia can set the tone for the brand image. Consider what shades are most likely associated with the industry and select those.

    The orchard school logo

    The Orchard School’s logo uses a tree to signify growth and ambition. The color green reflects the same values. Also, note how the bold word in the middle draws your eye and points you toward the tree stretching up to the sky.

    2. Ramp up Your Typography

    Typography has a major influence on your design. A sans serif font can signify a trendy company, while a serif font is more traditional and could be better suited for a church or a wedding planning business.

    Consider the tone of the typeface when selecting the right one for your logo design. The personality of the font must match the brand’s attitudes and reputation.

    Gods and Monsters logo

    Gods & Monsters is a toys and collectibles store in Orlando, Florida. Its logo typography uses a mix of a script, decorative font and serif ampersand to set the tone. The ligatures on the word “Gods” create the feeling of motion in the logo. You can almost imagine a monster on the move. On the other hand, the font used for the word “Monsters” is reminiscent of late-night horror movies and B-movie reels.

    The serif ampersand flows nicely with the two more complex fonts, tying them together without drawing attention to itself.

    3. Evoke Emotion

    innovative family medicine logo

    Innovative Family Medicine uses a symbol of a family with a baby in the parents’ arms. It tweaked the design to make it more abstract, but it still gives the overall feel of a couple holding their new child. Medical office themes can sometimes all look alike, but this one stands out with the abstract graphic that manages to evoke the emotions that an image of a new parent smiling down at their child can elicit.

    4. Find the Right Symbols

    Choosing the right icons for your logo can showcase exactly what a business does. Nearly every industry has at least a few images associated with it. For example, if you see a steaming cup of coffee, you think of a coffee shop. A graduation cap can indicate education. Consider what symbols people most frequently associate with the business.

    portal warehousing logo

    Portal Warehousing is one such company whose logo is reminiscent of the product or service being offered. The boxy design not only looks vaguely like a portal and makes up the letter P, but the logo is also made up of boxes — the perfect fit for a company who specializes in renting out warehouse space.

    5. Add a Unique Twist

    Although there are some specific elements tied to each industry, don’t be afraid to color outside the lines. One way to help your client stand out from the competition is with strong designs that pull in current trends while still giving a nod to tradition.

    Sunrise Publishing stands out from other book publishers that might use more stoic-looking color palettes and icons. One thing that stands out about this logo is how trendy the sunshine bursting from the pages is. The rays are varied, giving it a fireworks appearance that is more powerful than it otherwise would be.

    sunrise publishing logo

    The teal color palette is bright and grabs user attention from the first minute they land on the website. Placing the wordmark next to the icon hits the traditional notes of a publisher logo. However, the symbol is a bit larger than expected, tapping into current design trends and showcasing a modern design.

    Make Your Logos Stand Out

    Staying within certain design parameters ensures your logo meets the needs and expectations of your target audience. However, knowing the rules means you can sometimes break them. Who knows, you just might come up with the next logo everyone’s talking about and that customers will remember for years to come.