Before we talk colors and buttons, we talk business.
What do you sell? Who’s it for? Why should they care? What problem do you solve?
If your message isn’t clear, your website won’t attract customers – and Google won’t rank you over competitors who are clear.
I help Stillwater-area small businesses and non-profits find their real voice and value first. Then we plan the site.
Let’s turn “we need a website” into “we know exactly what to say – and how to say it online.”
This is where the gold is. Using guides I’ve built from years of running my own businesses, we define your core offer, target audience, and brand voice through simple exercises and one-on-one conversations.
I research who else does what you do, so we know where you fit… and whether you’re underpricing. We also spot complementary partners for referrals that help everyone.
With your message clear, I design a site that reflects your brand and set up the essentials – starting with your Google Business Profile – so you look professional and consistent everywhere customers find you.
I set up Google Analytics and Search Console so you can see how your site’s doing and catch problems early. Now you’re not just online, you’re aligned, intentional, and built to grow.
Starting with strategy ensures your website becomes a business asset instead of an online brochure that does not generate traffic or leads. It’s built around what customers actually need to understand before they decide to contact you.
Most website projects fail because businesses and many website designers and agencies jump straight into design and finishing a few pages without clarifying their message, audience, and goals.
Many small business websites look good but don’t generate customers because the strategy behind them is missing.
Common problems include unclear messaging, poor page structure, missing calls to action, weak SEO foundations, or a Google Business Profile that isn’t fully optimized.
My process starts with a discovery and strategy session to identify what’s preventing your website from working as a business tool.
Before you go and spend a lot of money on a new website, let’s figure out why you think your website needs a “refresh”.
Issues may include lack of leads, slow performance, outdated design, missing security or accessibility updates, or poor mobile usability.
Sometimes the existing site only needs better messaging, improved page structure, SEO foundations, or fixes to technical issues that prevent visitors from converting.
Sometimes, you may decide you do need a new website with new capabilities.
During the discovery process, I evaluate your current website and recommend the most practical path forward so you can make an informed decision, therefore saving money and stress.
The discovery process reviews your current website and determines whether it is working effectively.
We review your Google Analytics and Google Search Console information.
We evaluate your business messaging, services, and target audience, competition, complementary businesses, and your current online presence to understand what is working and what is not.
The goal is to identify what is not working so the right solution can be applied, whether that is improving the existing site or building a new one.
You come away with a business solution, knowing price and time requirements.
Some business owners prefer to handle the website work themselves but may not know what to do.
It can be like wanting to build a house. You get all the supplies dropped off on your lawn – It can feel overwhelming, like having all the materials to build a house but not knowing where to start.
I provide a digital guide that walks through what is required for an effective website, including what content to include, how to structure pages, and how to configure key elements. This works well for template-based DIY websites or WordPress builders.
I work primarily with WordPress because it offers flexibility, strong SEO capabilities, and long-term control for business owners. However, strategy, messaging, and site structure recommendations apply to any website platform. If you are using a template-based system, you can also use my guide to improve your website.
SEO is not a single step but a combination of factors including on-page optimization, site structure, speed, schema, local signals, and backlinks. The most important elements should be included from the beginning.
SEO works best when it is part of the website strategy from the beginning.
By defining your services, audience, and local market during the planning phase, we can structure your website so it is easier for customers to find through search.
We've been in the trenches of starting and running small businesses - we understand the challenges you face everyday.
As your web designer, we work with you to develop a strategy and competitive analysis BEFORE building your website.
When you are ready to increase visibility and drive customer sales, we're here to make that happen.
Don’t make the mistake of starting at the end.
A successful online presence begins with communicating your unique sales positions and who you are
…so your business connects with your clients.
Start with a free 20-minute call — no pressure, no rebuild pitch.
Book Your Free Call →