Does Your Business Need a New Website?

Why Your Business Likely Needs a New Website

Your website isn’t just a digital business card—it’s your most powerful marketing tool and often the first impression potential customers have of your business. At Engine Web Development, our award-winning design team is revolutionizing how businesses connect with their audiences online.

A Partnership Built on Trust

Many of you reading this have been with Engine Web Development for years—some for over a decade—and you know firsthand our unwavering commitment to personal service. In a world where automated responses and chatbots are becoming the norm, we steadfastly maintain our dedication to genuine human connection. When you work with us on a new website, you’re not just getting a service; you’re partnering with real people who take the time to understand your vision and bring it to life.

Our success is built on the relationships we’ve cultivated and the trust we’ve earned through years of delivering personalized, attentive service. We rely on our skills and experience, not automated solutions, because we believe your business deserves nothing less than our full expertise and attention.

Exceptional Design

The design team we work with aren’t just creators—they’re digital storytellers who understand the delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality. We bring a unique perspective and specialized expertise to your project, whether it’s crafting intuitive user interfaces or developing stunning visual experiences. With backgrounds in both traditional design and cutting-edge digital media, your website remains timeless and impactful with a fresh look.

The Power of Mobile-First Design

The way people access the internet has fundamentally changed, and your website needs to keep pace. Our mobile-first approach ensures your site doesn’t just work on smartphones—it thrives on them. We craft experiences that feel natural and engaging whether your customers are browsing on their phone during their morning commute or making purchases from their tablet at home. Every element, from navigation menus to contact forms, is thoughtfully designed to work flawlessly across all devices.

Transform Your Brand with a Fresh New Look

First impressions happen in milliseconds, and an outdated website can send potential customers running to your competitors. A fresh, modern design signals to your audience that your business is current, professional, and ready to serve their needs. Our team excels at capturing your brand’s essence and translating it into a compelling visual story that resonates with your target audience. We combine bold, contemporary design elements with intuitive navigation to create websites that not only look stunning but drive real business results.

Even if you are part of a business that does not rely on your website for the bulk of your business, an updated, professional, mobile-responsive and user friendly website is important.

Why Update Your Web Presence Every 3-5 Years?

Technology Evolves Rapidly

The digital landscape changes at breakneck speed. What was cutting-edge five years ago might be holding you back today. Modern websites leverage new technologies that enhance security, provide better analytics, and integrate seamlessly with the latest business tools and platforms. By staying current, you ensure your business remains competitive and capable of meeting evolving customer needs.

Speed is More Critical Than Ever

In an age where every second counts, website speed can make or break your online success. Research shows that nearly half of users expect pages to load in 2 seconds or less, and a significant portion will abandon a site that takes more than 3 seconds to load. Modern development techniques allow us to create websites that not only look stunning but perform at peak efficiency, keeping your visitors engaged and your search rankings strong.

SEO Standards Keep Changing

Search engines have become increasingly sophisticated, and older websites often struggle to meet current SEO requirements. A new website built with modern best practices can dramatically improve your search visibility. We implement the latest SEO strategies, including mobile-first indexing and Core Web Vitals optimization, ensuring your business gets found by the right people at the right time.

User Experience Takes Center Stage

Today’s users demand intuitive, seamless experiences, and their expectations are higher than ever. A modern website needs to guide visitors effortlessly to the information they seek while providing an engaging, memorable experience. Our designs focus on clear navigation, streamlined processes, and accessible design that works for all users, helping turn visitors into customers.

Let’s Transform Your Online Presence

At Engine Web Development, we’ve spent the last 20 years crafting exceptional web experiences for businesses across West Michigan and beyond.

We don’t just build websites—we create digital experiences that drive conversions, enhance your brand, and generate measurable results for your business.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Let’s explore what a new website could look like for your business. Our team will take the time to understand your unique needs, goals, and vision. We’ll show you how we can transform your online presence into a powerful tool that drives growth and success for your organization.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Whether you’re looking to refresh an outdated site or build something entirely new, we’re here to help you create a web presence that truly represents your business and connects with your audience.

Engine Web Development: Crafting powerful web experiences in West Michigan and beyond since 2005.

Navigating the Ever-Changing World of SEO Tools

A common question we get these days is, “What can I do for SEO to help my website get noticed?”

While Engine Web Development offers some great SEO services, we don’t cover everything – and even if we did, the “everything” is constantly changing! As search engines tweak their algorithms, the tools and strategies for SEO are always evolving. So, what does that mean for your website, and what does it mean for us at Engine Web Development? In this blog, we’ll break down what we know, what we do, and what we don’t – as of right now.

The SEO Toolkit: From Basic to Advanced

There are tons of SEO tools out there, and they vary widely in features and price. At the basic level, you’ve got free or low-cost tools for simple keyword research and site audits. These are usually perfect for small businesses or those just getting started with SEO.

As you move up, mid-tier tools offer more features like in-depth analytics, competitor analysis, and content optimization tips. Growing businesses or agencies tend to use these.

At the top level, enterprise-grade platforms integrate with other marketing tools and offer advanced features like AI insights and predictive analytics. These are used by larger companies with dedicated SEO teams to manage more complex digital strategies.

At Engine, we can help with the basic and mid-tier tools.

Building a Strong SEO Foundation

At Engine Web Development, we understand that the key to long-term SEO success lies in having a solid foundation. That’s why we approach every website project with SEO best practices in mind from the ground up. Our team leverages the latest technologies and industry standards to ensure that your website is optimized for search engines right out of the gate.

In other words, we’re a team of developers who create websites that are not only functional but optimized for SEO from the get-go. Here’s what we focus on:

Clean, semantic HTML structure
Fast loading times
Mobile responsiveness
Proper use of meta tags and structured data
Optimized URL structures
User-friendly navigation

These elements set you up with a strong platform that can grow as your SEO strategy evolves.

What We Do and Don’t Do

At Engine Web Development, we play to our strengths. We’re experts at building SEO-friendly websites and producing high-quality content. However, we don’t offer the full range of SEO services that specialized SEO agencies might. Here’s what we focus on:

What we do:

Build SEO-optimized websites from the ground up
Create engaging, SEO-friendly content (like blog posts and case studies)
Ensure proper technical SEO implementation
Provide comprehensive SEO analysis and site evaluations
Offer social media services like creating posts for Meta and designing newsletters with MailChimp

What we don’t do:

Link building campaigns
Google Ads management
Extensive off-page SEO strategies
Ongoing rank tracking and reporting

Our approach is centered on giving you a solid foundation for your online presence. We believe that a well-structured, fast-loading, and content-rich website is the bedrock of any successful SEO strategy. While we don’t handle all aspects of SEO, we set you up for success and can work alongside specialized SEO agencies if you choose to engage one for more comprehensive services.

SEO Analysis and Website Evaluation services

At Engine Web Development, we offer two key services to help you understand and improve your website’s SEO performance:

1. SEO “Deep Dive”

12 hours

Our full SEO analysis is a deep dive into your website’s performance from an SEO perspective. This comprehensive service includes:

A thorough examination of your website’s current SEO status
Competitor analysis, including direct evaluation of their analytics
In-depth keyword research tailored to your industry and target audience
Evaluation of on-page and off-page SEO factors
Analysis of your site’s technical SEO elements

What sets our analysis apart is our commitment to a personalized, non-automated approach. We don’t rely on automated reports. Our experts manually review the data and provide custom, actionable insights tailored to your website.
This manual approach allows us to consider nuances that automated tools might miss, ensuring you receive recommendations that are truly relevant and impactful for your business.

Once we are done analyzing your data, we give you a report including our findings and steps you can take to improve your site traffic.

2. Site Evaluation for SEO Basics

2-4 hours (estimate) for evaluation After evaluation, we will provide you with information on what is needed to optimize the site and an estimate to do that work.

We offer a comprehensive website evaluation that ensures your site is up to speed with the latest SEO essentials. In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for online success.

Here’s the thing: even if we’ve built your site in the past, it’s important to remember that technology and search engine algorithms are always evolving. What was considered cutting-edge just a short while ago might not quite hit the mark today. Plus, new techniques that weren’t even on the radar before are now key players in boosting your site’s performance.

Our thorough evaluation focuses on the fundamental SEO elements that modern search engines like Google prioritize when ranking websites. We’ll take a close look at:

Review of meta tags (title tags, meta descriptions, header tags)
Analysis of image optimization, including file names and alt text
Examination of URL structures
Assessment of site navigation and internal linking
Evaluation of content quality and keyword usage
Check for proper implementation of schema markup
Review of mobile responsiveness and page load speeds
Analysis of Core Web Vitals and user experience metrics
Evaluation of voice search optimization
Assessment of video content optimization
Review of featured snippet optimization potential

We’ll follow up with recommendations and, if desired, implement the changes to bring your site up to date.

At Engine Web Development, we’re all about getting the basics right. Our services are designed to give you a clear picture of your website’s SEO foundation and how to strengthen it. We don’t just chase the latest trends – we focus on building a solid, lasting online presence for your business. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve, our team is here to ensure your site has the strong, search-engine-friendly base it needs to thrive in today’s digital landscape. We’ll help you understand where you stand, what needs work, and how to set your site up for long-term success.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

As a company deeply rooted in programming, coding, and functionality, we’re always at the forefront of technological advancements. This allows us to implement cutting-edge SEO techniques that align with the latest search engine guidelines and best practices.

While we focus on building SEO-friendly websites, we know that SEO is an ongoing process. That’s why we offer select SEO services like content creation and optimization, social media integration, and SEO evaluations.

At Engine Web Development, we’re committed to building websites that are not only visually appealing and functional but also primed for SEO success from the ground. By combining our technical expertise with targeted SEO services, we help businesses establish a strong online presence that’s ready for further optimization.

While tools and tactics may shift, the core principles of quality content, user experience, and technical excellence remain the same. Start with a solid foundation, and you’ll be set up for success in the ever-evolving SEO landscape.

If you’d like to learn more about our SEO Deep Dive, Site Evaluation service, or want to schedule a meeting to discuss our content services, feel free to reach out! Fill out our contact form at the bottom of the page or email me directly at michelle@runengine.com.

We’re ready to help you strengthen your online presence and elevate your website.

The Engine Approach for Building a Strong Digital Foundation

For 20 years, Engine Web Development has been at the forefront of creating websites that not only look great but are built on a rock-solid foundation. Our philosophy is simple: do things right from the ground up, no gimmicks, no shortcuts. Let’s explore how we ensure your website is primed for success.

The Cornerstone of Proper Website Structure

When we build a website, we focus on the critical details that search engines prioritize:

These elements form the backbone of a well-optimized website, setting the stage for long-term success.

Attention Existing Customers: Is It Time for an Update?

If we’ve built your website in the past, it might be time for a refresh. Technology moves fast, and your site should keep pace. Consider:

Template Updates: Ensure your site looks modern and functions smoothly on all devices.
Security Enhancements: Protect your site and your customers with the latest security measures.
Plugin Updates: Take advantage of new features and maintain compatibility.

Don’t let your website fall behind. Reach out to us for a site audit and recommendations.

Our expertise extends beyond just creating websites:

Blog Writing: Fresh, engaging content tailored to your industry is crucial for many websites. Regular, high-quality content can boost your SEO, engage your audience, and establish your authority in your field.
SEO Deep Dive: We do a thorough audit of your site and provide you a report with actionable recommendations.
Social Media Management: We create and schedule engaging posts for Instagram and Facebook, ensuring your brand maintains a consistent and active presence across these key social media platforms.
Email Newsletters: We can craft compelling monthly newsletters tailored to your brand and audience. These well-designed, content-rich campaigns keep your email contacts engaged, informed about your latest offerings, and connected to your brand. Our newsletters blend informative content, promotional offers, and industry insights to maximize open rates and drive customer action, ensuring your message reaches and resonates with your audience consistently.
Maintenance Updates: We run updates to improve site performance and security.

Existing customers, we understand that your needs may have evolved since we last worked together. You might benefit from some of these services, or you may already have them well covered. Every business is unique, with its own goals and challenges. We encourage you to reach out to us for a conversation about your current objectives and needs. Based on your specific situation, we can provide tailored recommendations on which services could help strengthen your online presence and support your business goals. Let’s have a no-pressure discussion to ensure your digital strategy is aligned with where you want your business to go.

Our Focus: Quality Over Quantity

At Engine Web Development, we stick to what we do best. We don’t offer paid Google ads or link building. Instead, we concentrate on creating a strong foundation through quality website development and content creation.

A Call to Action

Whether you’re a new client looking to establish your online presence or an existing customer considering an update, we’re here to help. Our approach may not be the fastest or the cheapest, but it’s designed for lasting results.
Reach out to us today to discuss:

A website update or refresh
An SEO deep dive
Additional services to boost your online presence

In today’s digital landscape, a well-built website is crucial. Let Engine Web Development’s 20 years of experience work for you, ensuring your site is not just visually appealing, but also structurally sound and optimized for search engines.

Remember, a strong digital presence starts with a solid foundation. Contact us today to build or reinforce that foundation, giving you the platform you need to achieve your business goals.

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To Blog or Not to Blog…

Hey there! So in case you didn’t notice or place the reference in my headline… Jesper is from Denmark, as was Hamlet who coined, “To be or not to be, that is the question.” And I, Michelle, was an English major and spent many an hour in Shakespeare, hence my blog title. Whatever I can do to bring a little Shakespeare reference, no matter how weak, to a blog about websites, is a win in my book.

But now on with it!

We’re not your typical corporate behemoth. We know you are likely not either if you are reading this. Most of our clients are awesome small to medium-sized businesses, run by passionate folks who absolutely love what they do. They get it – having a great website is key to showcasing their business online.

But hey, ever thought about adding a blog to your site? Did you know our content creators write blogs for all types of businesses from manufacturing companies and online retailers to small local stores and veterinarians….and many more. It’s one of those things we like to toss out there because, well, it’s pretty cool. And guess what? It’s not as scary as you might think. Let’s chat about it: Should you add a blog to your website?

So, here’s the scoop: Everybody talks about starting a blog, but… it’s trickier than it seems.

Let’s add another scoop: Content is king for search engines, and blogging is the best way to keep your site fresh, no matter what your business does.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a business owner or a have a leadership role in your company. You’re a leader, with ambitions to match. You probably know that fresh content is crucial for your website, and you’re aware that Google’s always on the hunt for great stuff to ping when people search.

“How hard can it be,” you might wonder, “to write about what my company does? I can do that every couple weeks!”

Engine Web Development is all about websites. We build ’em, host ’em, and make sure they’re tip-top. When clients ask for a blog, we sometimes get requests like this:

“Let’s add a page so I can put in blogs!”

“Sure thing! Got a plan for what you’ll write about and how often?”

“I’ll just write when I feel like it. Easy peasy!”

So, we set it up, feeling hopeful. But then, I check in later and… crickets. Maybe an intro post about how they’ll start blogging, but that’s it. Nothing for months, or even years…possibly 2016…

Writing blogs isn’t a walk in the park. Sure, there’s AI that can churn out content like there’s no tomorrow. But crafting informative, keyword-rich content that resonates with your audience? That’s a whole different ballgame.

It’s tough to find time for something you’re not comfortable doing, especially when you’re juggling a million other things.
When you do decide to blog, keep these goals in mind:

Boost Search Engine Visibility: Get noticed in those Google searches by having content that matches what folks are looking for.
Establish Authority and Expertise: Share your wisdom and position yourself as the go-to expert in your field.
Drive Traffic and Generate Leads: Engage your audience and guide them through your site with killer content and calls-to-action.
Enhance Social Media Presence: Spread the word on social media and grow your following with shareable, engaging content.
Build Long-Term Relationships: Keep the conversation going with your audience and turn them into loyal fans.

If you decide to work with Engine for your blogs, here’s what we’ll do:

Meet with you to brainstorm topics and create a content calendar.
Share the calendar for your input and approval.
Set up a plan for posting your blogs and sharing them on social media.
Get your final say before publishing, and make any tweaks you need.
Reach out to any folks you want us to interview for your blog, like clients, case studies, or experts.

And hey, guess what? You can write your own blogs AND have a pro blogger do it for you if you like. Extra content is always a win. Whether you want to post a couple times a year or collaborate to make your voice heard, we’re here to share your story with the world.

Adding a blog to your website is a game-changer. It boosts your visibility, establishes your authority, drives traffic, and builds relationships with your audience.

So why wait? As Hamlet also said, “Suit The Action To The Word, The Word To The Action.” Start blogging today and unlock the full potential of your website!

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Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget to Dust Off your Website

Think of your website like your home – it needs a little TLC to stay inviting and functional. Just as you maintain your yard, appliances, and car, your website deserves some attention too. That’s where we come in to lend a hand.

Your website isn’t just a pretty face; it’s often the first impression potential customers get of your business. However, simply having a website isn’t enough. Regular updates and maintenance are essential to ensure that your online presence remains effective and engaging. Here’s why keeping it updated should be on your to-do list:

Reflecting Your Brand Identity:

Your website is a reflection of your brand identity and values. An outdated website can give the impression that your business is no longer active or trustworthy. By keeping it updated with the latest design trends and branding elements, you can ensure that it accurately represents your business and resonates with your target audience.

At Engine, we recommend updating the look and feel of your site every 3-4 years. To do this, we have several options, depending on the platform of your website and it’s overall “health” concerning functionality-focused needs such as updates to plugins and platform.

Our design team is well-equipped to provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs, offering a variety of creative concepts and budget alternatives to enhance your website’s appearance. We recognize the significance of preserving the integrity of your brand identity throughout the redesign process, ensuring that every aspect of the new design seamlessly aligns with your values and objectives. Allow us to collaborate with you to rejuvenate your online presence while upholding the essence of your brand.

Making Life Easy for Visitors:

Nobody likes a clunky website. Outdated design elements, slow loading times, and broken links can frustrate visitors and drive them away. Regular updates keep things running smoothly, ensuring a hassle-free experience for your visitors. Let us take a peek under the hood and suggest improvements to make your site a breeze to navigate.

Reach out to us today and we will look at your site and give you feedback on the overall health of the site and what is needed to make sure your site is healthy and user friendly. We offer several maintenance options that more and more of our clients are requesting, or we can give a proposal for any larger updates that may be needed.

Climbing the Google Ladder:

Google loves fresh content. Regular updates with the right keywords can bump up your site’s ranking and attract more eyeballs. Updating your website with fresh content, relevant keywords, and SEO best practices can help improve your visibility and attract more organic traffic.

At Engine, we believe in prioritizing the core structure of your website because it significantly impacts its performance. Using our technical SEO tools, we specialize in building or renovating websites to enhance their SEO-friendliness. Our services extend beyond technical aspects to encompass content creation such as blogging, case studies, and social media management. We conduct thorough SEO analysis using various tools, including G4 analytics and ensure that all website elements, from content to meta tags and images, are optimized for SEO.

Read more about our services on our services pages here on our site. Or better yet? Contact us! You can email michelle@runengine.com with any questions and she will be happy to assist or get you to the person you need to talk to based on what you are looking for. You can also give us a call at 616.457.0300 and we are happy to take some details from you and then send you suggestions based on your needs.

Staying Competitive:

In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of the competition is crucial. A well-maintained and up-to-date website can give you a competitive edge by showcasing your products, services, and unique selling points in the best possible light.

Engagement is key to building meaningful relationships with your audience. Regularly updating your website with fresh content, blog posts, and multimedia ensures that visitors have a reason to keep coming back, increasing engagement and fostering brand loyalty.

Let’s make a “cleaning” list of what needs to be done around your website together to tidy it up! It’s not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s essential for maintaining relevance, driving traffic, and achieving your business objectives. By investing time and resources into regular updates and maintenance, you can ensure that your website continues to serve as a valuable asset and a powerful tool for attracting and retaining customers.

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What is Website Hosting and Why does it Matter who Hosts My Site?

In the fast-paced digital landscape, the choice of website hosting can make a significant impact on your website’s success. At Engine, we understand the crucial factors that matter to our clients — security, speed, and the assurance of a real person to address any issues that may arise. Let’s delve into why hosting your website with us is a game-changer.

1. Robust Security Measures:

Our top priority is the security of your website and the sensitive data it holds. When you choose Engine, you can be sure that we are committed to always having the most recent security measures in place on our servers. We keep up with all updates and constantly monitor sites to make sure they are up and running.

At Engine Web Development, we prioritize the security and integrity of your digital assets. One of the key features that sets us apart is our commitment to automatic rolling off-site backups. We understand the critical importance of safeguarding your data against unforeseen events such as hardware failures, cyber threats, or accidental deletions. With our robust backup system, we ensure that your website’s information is regularly and automatically duplicated to secure off-site servers. This proactive approach not only provides peace of mind but also allows for seamless restoration in the event of data loss. Our dedication to automatic rolling off-site backups reflects our commitment to delivering a reliable and resilient hosting environment for our clients, allowing them to focus on their online presence with confidence.

2. Lightning-Fast Speed:

Website speed is critical for user satisfaction and search engine rankings. We take pride in offering unparalleled speed and performance. We have large dedicated servers and we only place your website on a server with enough room to offer you the best site load speed. The large and popular low-cost companies overcrowd their servers, resulting in slow websites. If your site does not load quickly, the customers and potential customers will move to another site that will get them the information they need quickly.

3. Personalized Support from Real People:

We believe in the power of human connection, especially when it comes to addressing your concerns. When you host your website with us, you enjoy 24/7 Customer Support. This is HUGE in today’s world. If your site goes down, we will get notified and we monitor that all hours of every day. And, you can always call or text us at 616-378-0480 when you notice your site is down. Chances are, we are already working on it, but having a human to connect to right away will give you the peace of mind you need, knowing someone is there for you.

4. Tailored Solutions for Your Business:

At Engine, we recognize that every business is unique. We offer whatever hosting solution you need and as your business grows, we provide scalable hosting solutions that can accommodate increased traffic and demand. Choose from various hosting packages tailored to your specific requirements.

Thank you for considering hosting your website with us. With up to date technology, 24/7 support (with a real person you can call!), and a proven track record of high performance, we offer a reliable and secure online presence. Choose Engine for a seamless hosting experience that puts your needs first. Ready to get started or have questions? Feel free to reach out anytime.

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