Website Analytics That Actually Matter
Most website analytics reports are full of numbers that look impressive but don't inform decisions. Here's how to focus on the metrics that actually matter…
Read more →Web Strategy
Practical advice for businesses on website planning, ROI measurement, vendor selection, and making smart technology decisions.
23 articles
Web Design for Small Businesses in Roanoke and the Blue Ridge
Roanoke and the Blue Ridge run on small businesses: breweries, professional practices, retail, hospitality, nonprofits. A look at what a useful website actually needs to…
Read more →
Mobile-First Design: Beyond Responsive
Responsive design was the first step. True mobile-first design goes further—starting with mobile constraints, optimizing for touch, and recognizing that mobile isn't a smaller desktop.…
Read more →
Web Design vs. Web Development: What to Actually Hire For
Most people shopping for a website search for either a "web designer" or a "web developer" and assume they need one or the other. The…
Read more →
What "Web Design" Means in 2026
Web design used to mean making a website that looked good. In 2026 the word still applies, but the work it points to has expanded…
Read more →
Website Launch Checklist: What Most People Miss
Launching a website is exciting, but rushing to go live leads to embarrassing mistakes. Here's a comprehensive pre-launch checklist covering the items most commonly overlooked—plus…
Read more →
When to Fire Your Web Developer
Ending a web developer relationship is never easy, but sometimes it's necessary. Here's how to recognize when the relationship isn't working, how to end it…
Read more →
Website Contracts: What to Look For
Website development contracts can protect you or leave you exposed. Before signing with a web developer or agency, here's what to look for, what to…
Read more →
2025 Web Development Trends That Actually Mattered
Now that 2025 is behind us, which web development trends actually delivered? A practical review of what mattered for businesses, what was overhyped, and what…
Read more →
Website Budget Planning for 2026
Planning your website budget for 2026? Learn how to allocate resources wisely across development, maintenance, content, and marketing—with realistic numbers based on actual project costs.
Read more →
How to Evaluate Your Website's ROI
Is your website a business asset or an expensive brochure? Learn how to measure your website's real return on investment with metrics that matter, not…
Read more →
The Real Cost of a Cheap Website
That budget website deal might seem smart, but hidden costs add up fast. Learn what cheap websites actually cost in lost revenue, security risks, and…
Read more →
What to Ask Before Hiring a Web Developer
Hiring a web developer is a significant investment. Ask the wrong questions and you get polished sales pitches. Ask the right questions and you learn…
Read more →
How to Write a Website RFP That Gets Great Proposals
A vague RFP gets vague proposals. Learn how to write a website request for proposal that attracts quality developers, enables accurate pricing, and sets your…
Read more →
The Website Redesign Trap: When to Refresh vs. Rebuild
Not every website problem requires a full redesign. Learn to diagnose whether you need a visual refresh, strategic overhaul, or complete rebuild—and avoid the costly…
Read more →
5 Signs Your Small Business Website Is Costing You Customers
Your website might be losing customers without you knowing it. Learn the five most common issues that cause visitors to leave, and practical steps to…
Read more →
Website Project Management for Non-Technical Stakeholders
Managing a website project without technical expertise can feel overwhelming. Here's a practical guide for marketing directors, business owners, and project managers navigating their first…
Read more →
Website Migration: Planning and Execution
Website migrations are high-stakes projects where small mistakes have big consequences. Here's a comprehensive guide to planning and executing a migration that protects your traffic…
Read more →
The Case for Continuous Website Improvement
The "redesign every 3-5 years" approach to websites is outdated and wasteful. Here's why continuous improvement delivers better results and how to implement it effectively.
Read more →
Website ROI: How to Measure Success
Website success isn't about page views—it's about business results. Here's a practical framework for measuring website ROI that connects web performance to actual business outcomes.
Read more →
The Website Discovery Process: What to Expect
Discovery is where successful web projects are made or broken. Here's what happens during discovery, why it matters, and how to get the most value…
Read more →
Creating Effective CTAs: A Data-Driven Approach
The right call-to-action can dramatically improve conversion rates. Here's how to create effective CTAs based on research, best practices, and systematic testing.
Read more →
Setting Web Goals for the New Year
A new year is the perfect time to evaluate your website's performance and set meaningful goals. Here's a practical framework for web goal-setting that connects…
Read more →Have a question about web strategy?
I might turn it into an article. Let me know what you'd like to learn about.