5 Common Website Design Mistakes That Will Make Your Small Business Look Like a Hot Mess

January 21, 2023 by Saint John Web Design Agency Saint John in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

As a small business owner, you want your website to make a great first impression. After all, your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. But let’s be real, creating a website can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not a web design pro. And let’s face it, even if you are a web design pro, you can still make mistakes.

But don’t worry, we’ve all been there. And to save you from the embarrassment of having a website that looks like it was designed by a 5-year-old, we’ve compiled a list of 5 common website design mistakes that you should avoid at all costs:

1. Using too many fonts: Just like too many cooks spoil the broth, too many fonts spoil the website. Stick to 2-3 fonts max and your website will look sleek and professional.

2. Having too many colors: Unless you’re designing a website for a rainbow factory, keep the color scheme simple. Stick to 2-3 colors max and your website will look cohesive and put together.

3. Using too many graphics: Just like too much makeup can make a person look like a clown, too many graphics can make a website look cluttered and unprofessional. Use graphics sparingly and make sure they’re high-quality.

4. Not optimizing for mobile: With more and more people accessing the internet from their mobile devices, it’s important to make sure your website is mobile-friendly. Not doing so is like inviting guests to a dinner party and not having enough chairs for everyone.

5. Not having a clear call-to-action: Your website should have a clear purpose, whether it’s to make a sale, generate leads, or provide information. Not having a clear call-to-action is like having a store with no check-out counter.

Now, you might be thinking, “But I’m not a web design pro, how can I avoid these mistakes?” Well, that’s where professional help comes in. By working with a web design agency that has a diverse team of designers and developers, you can ensure that your website is designed and developed by professionals who know what they’re doing.

And don’t just take my word for it. Here are a few real-life examples of how a diverse team can benefit your small business:

A web designer with a background in graphic design can bring a fresh perspective to your website’s design and make it look visually stunning. A web developer with a background in SEO can ensure that your website is optimized for search engines, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

A web designer with a background in user experience can ensure that your website is user-friendly, making it easy for potential customers to navigate and find what they’re looking for.

In conclusion, creating a website can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By avoiding the 5 common website design mistakes that we’ve outlined above and working with a web design agency that has a diverse team of designers and developers, you can ensure that your small business website looks professional and makes a great first impression. And trust me, you don’t want to be the small business that looks like a hot mess.

Why You Shouldn’t Skimp on Website Security: Guide to Keeping Your Online Business Safe

January 21, 2023 by Saint John Web Design Agency Saint John in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

As a small business owner, you probably have a lot on your plate. From managing inventory to paying bills, it can be easy to overlook the importance of website security. But let me tell you, ignoring website security is like leaving your front door wide open and inviting every Tom, Dick and Hacker to come on in and rummage through your stuff. And trust me, they will.

You might be thinking, “But my website is small, who would want to hack it?” Well, let me tell you a little secret: hackers don’t discriminate. They’ll hack a website the size of a peanut just as easily as they’ll hack a website the size of a watermelon.

But don’t worry, securing your website doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be as easy as locking your front door (okay, maybe not that easy, but you get the point). And just like you wouldn’t trust a handyman to install your front door lock, you shouldn’t trust just anyone to secure your website.

That’s where professional help comes in. A professional web designer or developer will know how to secure your website from top to bottom, leaving no stone unturned and no hacker unscathed. They’ll make sure your website is protected from common security threats like SQL injection and cross-site scripting. And just like a good handyman, they’ll also be able to fix any problems that may arise.

But why spend the money on professional help when you can just install a free plugin or two? Well, let’s just say that relying on free plugins is like relying on a 2 dollar lock from the dollar store to keep your front door secure. Sure, it might keep the honest people out, but the not-so-honest people will find a way in.

Professional help is also important because they’ll know how to ensure your website is PCI compliant. This is especially important if you’re running an e-commerce website, as not being PCI compliant can result in hefty fines. Can you imagine getting hit with a fine just because you wanted to save a few bucks on website security? Talk about a costly mistake!

But don’t just take my word for it. Here are a few real-life examples of what can happen if you neglect website security:

In 2017, the credit reporting agency Equifax experienced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million people. The cause? A vulnerability in their website software. Ouch.
In 2018, the online fashion retailer Nasty Gal had to pay a $40,000 fine for failing to protect customer data. Double ouch.

So, don’t be like Equifax and Nasty Gal. Don’t let your website become the next victim of a cyber attack. Invest in professional help to secure your website and sleep easy knowing that your online business is safe from harm.

In conclusion, website security is no laughing matter, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be approached with a sense of humor. By investing in professional help, you can ensure that your website is secure from top to bottom, leaving no stone unturned and no hacker unscathed. And just like a good handyman, they’ll also be able to fix any problems that may arise. Don’t be a victim of a cyber attack, invest in website security today!

What is proper Website Design process

January 2, 2023 by Saint John Web Design Agency Saint John in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

A proper website design process typically involves the following steps:

1. Define the project

The first step in the website design process is to define the project and determine the goals and objectives of the website. This might involve defining the target audience, identifying the key features and functionality that the website should have, and establishing a budget and timeline for the project.

2. Conduct a user experience (UX) audit

A UX audit involves analyzing the current state of the website and identifying any problems or issues that need to be addressed. This might involve analyzing user behavior, evaluating the user flow, and identifying any areas where the user
experience could be improved.

3. Plan the website structure and content

The next step is to plan the overall structure and content of the website. This might involve creating wireframes or mockups to visualize the layout and navigation of the website, and creating a content strategy to determine what content will be included on the website.

4. Design the website

The design phase involves creating the visual elements of the website, including the layout, color scheme, and typography. This might involve working with a designer to create a unique and visually appealing design for the website.

5. Develop the website

During the development phase, the website is built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (or other programming languages as needed). This might involve working with a developer to create custom functionality or integrate with other systems.

6. Test and launch the website

Before the website is launched, it’s important to thoroughly test it to ensure that it is functioning properly and meets the needs of the user. This might involve conducting user testing, running automated tests, and fixing any bugs or issues that are identified.

7. Maintain and update the website

After the website is launched, it’s important to regularly maintain and update it to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. This might involve adding new content, fixing any issues that arise, and updating the website to keep it current with changing technologies.

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