— frequently asked questions
FAQs
Whether you’re looking for insights on web design strategies, content creation tips, branding and graphic design expertise, technical considerations, or simply want to book a free consultation, our FAQs are designed to provide clear and concise information on all these essential aspects of web development. Explore the different sections to gain valuable insights and find the information you need to transform your online presence:
Website Design FAQs
What are the Benefits of a Single-Page Website?
When it comes to website design, one-page websites have become an increasingly popular trend used by solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and larger businesses to showcase services, products, projects, portfolios, events, and much more.
- Establish Your Online Presence
- Simplify Your Message
- Enjoy Easier Mobile Navigation
- Gain Affordability Without Sacrificing Design
- Launch point for future expansion of site
Learn more on our BLOG
How Much is a New Website Going to Cost?
There is no hard and fast rule for website costs. There are so many factors. There are times when a client’s website needs and budget line up perfectly. There are other times when a client can come to us with a budget of $1500 but has a needs/wants list that totals $4000. What we try to do is work with any budget by having a thorough consultation and discern what the immediate needs of the website are for launch and then what the secondary needs and wants are for adding on later. A large part of our job is problem solving and our happy clients are proof that we are successful in that. Book a free zoom consultation with us to learn more.
How do I design my own site?
If you’re thinking of launching a website or you know your website is in need of an overhaul, here are some of our top tips for turning your creative vision into a reality:
- Define the purpose and goals of your site
- Find examples of designs you like and sketch a rough layout (in words or images)
- Choose color schemes and fonts
- Add visual elements
At this point, you may be questioning whether you should hire a professional web designer or whether you should DIY it. In which case, let’s add reason number 5:
5. Leave it to the experts!
Learn more on our BLOG:
Why should I hire a professional web designer?
Here are some( of the many!) reasons why you should definitely invest in a professional to design your company’s website!
- A Professional Can Help You Outpace the Competitor
- Hiring a Professional Saves You Time
- A Professionally Built Website Means Better Quality
- Turnkey Sites Have Limited Options
Learn more on our BLOG
Why do you use DIVI to design your sites?
Divi Builder is a page builder premium plugin, developed by Elegant Themes, and Divi 4.0 allows agencies to build 100% of a website using just Divi Builder. No matter what type of website you’re looking to build and what the goals are for your unique site, it can be used to create single-page sites (which we love to offer!), more expansive multi-page sites, e-commerce sites, and so much more.
Here are a few key reasons:
- Flexibility
- Efficiency
- Manageability
Learn more on our BLOG.
What will a web designer need from me?
There is a lot of information you’re going to need to have prepared to share with your web design team so we can start the design and build of your site. Having this information read ahead of time can make your project move along quicker, expediting the entire design and development process!
Here is a list of the most common things your web designer will need from you.
- Company Information
- List of Services
- Your logo
- Site Content
- Design Taste and Vision
What Features Should I Have in My website?
Your website should be an impactful reflection of your brand, and it should stand out in every aspect. But, before redesigning your site or building a new one, even though your brand is anything BUT basic, there are certain basic features and functionalities every business website should have.
- Contact Information Everywhere
- An “About Us” Section
- Testimonials
- A Blog
- An Easily-Navigated Site Map
Learn more on our BLOG.
Why Should I Redesign My Website?
If you have an existing site, when was the last time it had a fresh redesign? Nothing reflects worse on a company than an archaic, static website. Needless to say, redesigning your website with a fresh perspective could make all the difference in a competitive digital world.
- A Beautiful Design Increases Conversions
- Speed Matters
- Your site should be easy to navigate
- Your website must be mobile-friendly
- A redesign can improve analytics and SEO
- Websites should evolve as your company does
Learn more in our BLOG
How do I create the best experience for visitors to my site?
To many business owners, the customer journey on a website seems simple enough. In reality, the customer journey can be much more complex, and designing a website that drives a potential customer or client to take action requires planning. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- Know Your Audience
- Design with Intent
- Make Navigation Easy
- Create Engaging Content
- Optimize Your Site
Learn more on our BLOG.
What should my web designer be focused on?
A skilled web designer doesn’t merely translate a client’s words into a digital canvas. Instead, they undertake a journey that involves understanding the client’s goals, the psychology of visitors, the essence of the brand, and the art of user interaction.
Here are 5 crucial elements that a professional web designer prioritizes in crafting a successful online presence:
- The Why – Defining the Purpose
- Crafting Visitor Perception and Action
- Identifying the Audience
- Championing the Call-To-Action (CTA)
- Aesthetics, Atmosphere, and Flow
Learn more on our BLOG.
How do I create a successful call-to-action?
A quality CTA (call-to-action) should be well-written, well placed, and well-designed to prompt visitors to take specific action. After devoting time, resources, and effort into creating a website to promote your products and/or services, the last thing you want is for visitors to leave your site without taking any action! So, incorporating effective CTAs into the design of your company’s website is a simple and effective way to generate conversions and boost sales.
- Exceptional Design
- Proper Placement
- Highlights Advantages
- Actionable, Urgent Text
Learn more on our BLOG.
What's the Difference Between a "Domain" and "Hosting"?
Domain: Your Digital Address
Think of a domain as the digital address of your website. It’s what people type into their web browsers to visit your site
Hosting: Where Your Website Lives
Hosting is like the land and infrastructure where your website is built and resides.
Learn more on our BLOG.
Technical FAQs
Why Should I Use WordPress for My Website?
The other Content Management Systems (CMS) have their perks, especially depending on what kind of site your company needs. But overall, WordPress is typically the way to go; allow us to illuminate why:
- The Software is Free and Open-Source
- WordPress Sites Are Completely Customizable
- WordPress Allows You to Create Any Type of Website
- WordPress is SEO Friendly
- WordPress Websites Are Easy to Manage
- WordPress Is Secure
Learn more on our BLOG
Why Should I Use WordPress for My Website?
SEO is a highly technical and very time-consuming practice. And because giant search engines like Google are always changing their algorithms and standards, it’s very challenging for business owners. But there are some free SEO tools available that business owners can use to do some initial SEO work:
- Google Analytics
- Google Search Console
- Ubersuggest
Read more on our BLOG.
WHY DO YOU USE DIVI BUILDER AS A THEME?
Divi Builder is a page builder premium plugin, developed by Elegant Themes, and Divi 4.0 allows agencies to build 100% of a website using just Divi Builder. No matter what type of website you’re looking to build and what the goals are for your unique site, it can be used to create single-page sites (which we love to offer!), more expansive multi-page sites, e-commerce sites, and so much more. Here are some specific reasons:
- Flexibility
- Efficiency
- Affordability
- Manageability
Read more on our BLOG.
What is a "bounce rate" and why should I care?
It’s no secret that websites must create a positive and lasting first impression, so the bounce rate represents the percentage of users who leave your site without interacting with any other pages or taking any further actions. While it is common for some users to leave a website without exploring further, a high bounce rate can indicate underlying issues that need attention. A high bounce rate implies that visitors are not finding what they are looking for or are not motivated to explore further.
Reasons Why Bounce Rate Matters
- Bounce Rate is an Indicator of User Experience
- A High Bounce Rate Can Be a Red Flag for Content-Related Issues
- Bounce Rates Can Signal Poor Overall Website Performance
- Bounce Rates Can Affect Your Search Engine Rankings
- Bounce Rates Go Hand in Hand with Conversion Rates
Read more on our BLOG.
HOW TO FIND THE BEST SEO KEYWORDS
Here are some basics about how to choose the best keywords to offer you a better chance of ranking higher in organic search results.
- Create a List
- Identify Keywords Under Each Topic.
- Study the Competition
- Understand Search Intent
- Research
- Organize Your Keyword List
- Activate List
Learn more on our BLOG:
WHAT WEBSITE STATS SHOULD I TRACK?
By analyzing key metrics, businesses can gain valuable insights into their website’s performance and make data-driven decisions to improve user experience, increase conversions, and drive growth.
Here are website analytic metrics that matter the most:
- Traffic
- Bounce rate
- Conversion
- Page load speed
- User Engagement Metrics
Learn more on our BLOG
How do I use Google My Business?
Here are some key tips to optimizing your Google My Business listing:
- Choose a Category.
- Put Time Into Your “From The Business” Description.
- Add Photos Regularly
- Get Google Reviews.
- Hire a professional
Learn more on our BLOG
content FAQs
Why Should I Have a Blog on my Website?
People have questions. Google has the answers. But… does your company’s website have the answers? If it doesn’t, how will Google recognize it as a credible, authoritative site?
Having quality written content helps search engines (beyond just Google!) recognize your website as a credible, authoritative site and thus, your site will get ranked higher in the SERPs… which is what SEO is all about! Regularly publishing blogs on your website is simply a way to increase the amount of quality written content.
- A Blog Keeps Your Website Fresh and Current
- Blogs Increase Dwell Time
- A Blog Allows for More Internal Linking
- Blogging Will Earn More External Links
- A Blog Helps You Connect with Your Audience
Learn more on our BLOG
Is it okay to use AI or Chat GPT for my site's content?
Sometimes our services and products are so nuanced that we need to write every word ourselves and sometimes, we can leave the heavy lifting to AI with sites like Chat GPT.
Although there’s no right or wrong answer, here are compelling reasons to use each:
- AI -> Automation and Efficiency
- AI -> Cost-Effective Solution
- Content Writer: Creativity and Human Touch
- Content Writer: Tailored 5o Your Brand
Learn more on our BLOG.
What is Content Optimization?
Content optimization is a strategic, proven method to make websites and blog posts more SEO friendly to acquire more traffic, which means more conversions or sales.
And yes, it really is that important!! Content optimization helps improve the relevancy of the content of your website and outshine similar content produced by your competitors, both of which help boost your website’s rankings on the search engine result pages (SERPs).
Learn more on our BLOG.
How do I optimize my site's content?
- Avoid Content Decay
- Do Competitor Research
- Update Old Blogs
- Boost Internal Links
- Hire a Pro!
Learn more on our BLOG
Why Should I focus on my 'about' page?
Someone who clicks to your site takes milliseconds to judge whether you are professional, trustworthy, credible … basically – someone worth doing business with. Now, if that first impression does what it’s supposed to do and keeps your potential customer engaged, where are they going to click next? If they’re not already reaching for their phone to contact you or filling out your Contact Form, then chances are they’re looking to learn more about you, your company, and your company’s values.
Here are some simple tips we compiled to make sure your About Us page is a winner:
- Make it About the Customer – Not You!
- Stick to the Ws
- Inspire Trust
- Connect Visually
- Don’t Forget a CTA
Learn more on our BLOG
What is Keyword Research?
Keyword research is the process of identifying and analyzing search terms that people are likely to enter into search engines and provides valuable insight into the searches a targeted audience is actually searching on Google. When keywords are researched, the search terms can help guide the written content strategy of a company’s website (including their blog), as well as their larger digital marketing strategy. When marketers are looking to optimize on-page website content (which, they should be), keyword research narrows down the topics people care about and how popular those topics are among a company’s target market. SEO content writers then use the topics to guide their optimized content with the keywords that are getting a high volume of searches every month in a particular area or niche.
Learn more on our BLOG
How do I choose the best keywords?
The “how to” of keyword research is constantly evolving, especially as new tools emerge and Google switches up its algorithm. But, let’s highlight some basics about how to choose the best keywords to offer you a better chance of ranking higher in organic search results.
- Create a List
- Identify Keywords Under Each Topic
- Study the Competition
- Understand Search Intent
- Research!
- Organize Your Keyword List
- Activate List
Read more on our BLOG.
Branding and graphic design FAQs
Why is branding important?
At its core, branding is all about creating an emotional connection between your business and your customers. It’s about standing out from the competition by having a unique identity and positioning yourself as an expert in your field. When done well, branding can help you attract more customers, build loyalty among current customers, differentiate yourself from competitors, increase trust in your company and so much more. Ultimately, it can have a major impact on the success of your business.
Here are five reasons you should focus on creating a strong brand identity:
- Establish Credibility
- Create Recognition
- Differentiate Yourself
- Build Loyalty
- Increase Sales
Learn more on our BLOG
How do I build a strong brand identity?
Typically, when people think about “brand identity,” they usually just think about a company’s logo; however brand identity extends way beyond just a cool logo. There are many ways to build a successful brand identity, even for small to medium-sized businesses who are competing against major brands.
Here are a few tips:
- Amazing Logo Design
- Color Unification
- Your Website Should Represent Your Brand
- Integrate Your Brand into Every Aspect of Your Business
Read more on our BLOG.
What do colors mean in branding?
Colors can evoke emotions, cause powerful reactions and actions, and sway thinking, so it’s important to understand the emotional meanings attached to colors.
Red – excitement, power, passion, energy, action, love, and danger.
Yellow – happiness, joy, optimism, cheerful feelings and energy, as well as intellect.
Orange – affordable, creative, youthful, and light-hearted, and may drive the appetite like red and yellow. But too much orange can suggest cheapness.
Pink – femininity, playfulness, calming, compassion, sweetness, and naiveté. Brighter pinks can represent practicality, universal harmony, imagination, confidence, and energy.
Purple – wealth, nobility, extravagance, luxury, and power but also arrogant or frustrating.
Blue – stability, harmony, calm, trust, honesty, and peace. However, blue can also carry some negative color meanings such as depression or coldness
Green – health, healing, growth, generosity, and fertility. Also, it can suggest something new and “fresh but also envy and selfishness
Black – power, elegance, authority, sophistication, and mystery, but also with anger, sadness, intimidation, and unapproachability.
White – innocence, cleanliness, humility, and goodness but too much white can denote coldness, disinterest, and detachment.
Learn more on our BLOG.
Pearl John2023-09-08I am delighted with the website Valerie Tanswell has created for me. The process of building it was painless and Valerie was reliable, supportive and very creative.Tony Rhine2023-08-27Working with Valerie was an incredible experience. She was prompt and worked very hard to get our project done. She had great references for when we needed additional outside work done. The site looks amazing and the experience couldn't have been better.Eddie Lack2023-08-11Working with Valerie on my new website was an absolute pleasure. Her professionalism and easy-going nature made the process a breeze. From our initial discussion to the final result, Valerie's expertise shone through. Valerie's ability to understand and translate my ideas into a stunning website exceeded my expectations. She kept me updated every step of the way, incorporating my feedback seamlessly. The website speaks for itself - it's visually appealing, functional, and perfectly represents my brand. I've received numerous compliments from impressed clients and colleagues. I highly recommend Valerie for her creative talent and professionalism. She's turned my vision into reality and I couldn't be happier. Thank you, Valerie!Tanner Esparza2023-08-08Our company recently had the opportunity to work with Valerie and she exceeded our expectations. From the moment we began our project together, I was impressed with her professionalism and attention to detail. She was able to deliver high-quality work and was always available to answer any questions or concerns I had. Overall, I would highly recommend Tanswell Web Design to anyone looking for exceptional marketing services. She truly goes above and beyond to ensure her clients are satisfied with the results.Shane Alexander2023-08-03Excellent design and very timely!Carlos Suescun MD2023-07-29Valerie came to us like an angel at a time of need when we needed a trustful website designer to completely redo our website and start from scratch. She created a beautiful, elegant, and very easy to navigate website for our hormone replacement center. Communication was very professional and timely and Valerie was very responsive to my company's specific needs. I highly recommend Valerie to anyone in need of an excellent website designer. Thank you ValerieTheresa Paganini2023-07-20What gorgeous websites Valerie creates! She is so diligent about creating your vision and ensuring your needs are met. If you are looking for someone who is easy to work with and very very talented, go with Tanswell Web Design. Check out her portfolio and you'll be sold.Carolyn Cummings2023-05-08I am an author/academic who needed a professional website to showcase my ideas and my work-in-progress. I contacted Valerie at Tanswell Web Design and she got to work straight away. Within 24 hours I had some suggested design ideas for logos and colour schemes. There was so much content to be put into this website and it is in this sense that a designer with an aesthetic sense like Valerie's can make all the difference. Before I knew it, my content was arranged into short, sharp chunks so that those who just want a 'taster' can get a feel for what my work is about and those who want more can click on the links for longer reads and more images. There were times when Valerie's suggestions didn't match my vision for the website. No problem. We discussed it, she made the adjustments to suit me and we agreed on a solution. Valerie pays attention to what her clients want and a challenge is right up her street. I believe mine was the first author/academic website she has designed. I'll not hesitate to recommend her to my colleagues.susan pack2023-02-09So very pleased with the end result of my new website. “Construction” started at ground-zero and Tanswell Web Design was with me every step of the way. Thank you for meeting my goals & exceeding my expectations. Tanswell Web Design listened to every detail and implemented exactly what I wanted. Extremely impressed with their abilities & professionalism! Thank you!!Glenn Ostlund2023-01-11Valerie is an absolute joy to work with. She is incredibly professional, creative, responsive and kept our commuication very organized. The web design she created is gorgeous beyond anything I could have possibly imagined at the start of our project. I highly recommend Tanswell Web Design. No complaints. Thank you Valerie!
