How to Create Email Newsletters

Ever wonder how some businesses seem to stay top-of-mind? Often, it’s through the power of email newsletters. Really! An uptick is happening in emails lately. Many of us receive so many that we do not want, but the ones that we recognize and enjoy we open quickly. That’s what you want your email to be for your clients, customers and prospects. Newsletters a fantastic way to connect directly with your audience, share valuable information, and drive business. But let’s be real, crafting emails that people actually want to read can feel daunting. That’s where email services come in, and we’re here to help you navigate it!

MailChimp (We Really Like Them!)

There are several email marketing platforms out there, but we’ve found MailChimp to be a real winner. What’s not to love? They have a great story of starting as a fun, quirky side project and growing into a powerful tool. Plus, their support is top-notch, and the platform is incredibly easy to use. It’s a reliable and user-friendly choice for businesses of all sizes.

Think of MailChimp as your email marketing sidekick. It’s a user-friendly platform that makes creating and sending newsletters a breeze. Plus, it helps you stay compliant with the CAN-SPAM Act, which is super important! This law protects people from unwanted emails, and MailChimp provides built-in tools for easy opt-outs, ensuring you’re always sending emails responsibly. Using a proper email marketing platform like MailChimp is way better than sending mass emails from your Gmail or Outlook, which can land you in trouble and get your emails marked as spam.

Getting Started with MailChimp:

Sign Up: Head over to MailChimp’s website and create an account. They have different plans, but the free one is perfect for getting started as long as you have a small list and just want basic features. Be sure to review the plans listed and for a small amount per month, you may find the additional features useful.
Create Your Audience: This is your list of email addresses. You can manually add them, or import a list from a spreadsheet.
Design Your Newsletter: MailChimp offers pre-designed templates and a drag-and-drop editor, making it easy to create beautiful newsletters without any coding knowledge.
Write Engaging Content: Crafting engaging email newsletters is about more than just broadcasting information; it’s about forging genuine connections. Share valuable insights, highlight your expertise, and weave in compelling stories that resonate with your audience. By blending informative content with personal touches, you build trust and foster relationships, transforming your email list from passive recipients into active, engaged members of your community.
Send and Track: Once you’re happy with your newsletter, hit send! MailChimp provides detailed analytics, so you can see how many people opened your email, clicked on links, and more.

Tips for Newsletters That Convert:

Know Your Audience: What are their interests? What problems can you solve for them? Tailor your content to their needs.
Write Compelling Subject Lines: Your subject line is like a headline – make it catchy and intriguing!
Provide Valuable Content: Share helpful tips, industry news, exclusive offers, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business.
Use Visuals: Break up text with images and videos to keep readers engaged.
Include a Clear Call to Action: Tell your readers what you want them to do (e.g., “Visit our website,” “Shop now,” “Learn more”).
Keep it Consistent: Send newsletters regularly to stay top-of-mind.
Mobile Friendly: Make sure your newsletter looks great on phones and tablets.

A Personal Touch: Connecting With Your List

Many businesses find that writing their own newsletters is a fantastic way to build a more personal connection with their audience. Sharing your own voice and insights can make your emails more engaging and meaningful.

Let Engine Web Development Streamline Your Email Marketing

We understand that running a business is demanding, and email marketing can feel like just one more thing on your to-do list. That’s where we come in! At Engine Web Development, we create professional email newsletters for several clients and would love to talk to you about an email campaign if you would like one but don’t have the capacity to fit it in.

Let Engine Web Development take the burden of email marketing off your plate. We specialize in crafting engaging and connecting newsletters that resonate with your audience. By working closely with you, we’ll understand your goals and develop content that reflects your brand’s voice. We’ll handle everything from creating visually appealing designs to importing and managing your audience list, ensuring compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act. You’ll have complete approval over every newsletter before it’s sent, guaranteeing your message is delivered exactly as you envision.

Whether you’re looking for a full-service email marketing solution or just a little assistance getting started, we’re here to help you. Reach out any time for assistance in setting up your MailChimp, creating templates for you, or running your email campaigns. Contact Michelle at 616.457.0300 or michelle@runengine.com for assistance with newsletters.

Navigating AI Overviews Impact on Your Website

AI Overv iews and their Impact on Your Website

Alright, people, let’s talk about Google’s new AI Overviews. It’s like your super-smart friend who always has the answer before you even finish the question. Pretty cool, right? But for us website owners, it’s also a bit like, “Wait, are they stealing my clicks?!”

At Engine Web Development, we’re not hitting the panic button just yet, but we are definitely paying attention as more clients are asking these questions. Think of AI Overviews as Google giving you the “Cliff Notes” version of the internet. They’re pulling info from all over to give you a quick, AI-powered summary right in the search results.

So, What’s the Big Deal?

Basically, if Google can answer a question perfectly right there, why would someone click on your website? It’s a valid concern. We’re potentially looking at:

Click-Through Rate (CTR) “Lite”: Especially for those straightforward questions, expect a little less love on the click-through front.
E-A-T Gets the VIP Treatment: Google’s AI is picky. It wants the best, most trustworthy info. If you’re not proving your Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T), you might get skipped.
Content That’s AI-Friendly: We’re not just writing for humans anymore; we’re writing for robots too!
Long-Tail Keywords: Those super-specific searches? They’re still your golden ticket.
Structured Data: Like Giving Google a Cheat Sheet: Help the AI understand your stuff with schema markup. It’s like giving it a little wink and a nudge.

Instead of panicking about AI Overviews, let’s focus on what truly makes a website thrive. The best approach is to double down on creating exceptional content that resonates with both people and search engines. Craft informative, engaging, and genuinely useful material that establishes your expertise and builds trust. Ensure your website provides a seamless and enjoyable user experience, making it a place visitors want to return to. And, of course, stay vigilant by monitoring your website’s performance and adapting your strategy as needed. Don’t forget the power of niche targeting; those long-tail keywords can still be a goldmine. Diversifying your traffic sources is also key, so explore avenues beyond organic search.

At Engine Web Development, we understand that navigating the shifting sands of search, especially with the rise of AI Overviews, can feel daunting. That’s why we provide the tools and expertise to help you not just survive but thrive. Engine Web Development is first and foremost a development team. We are programmers and developers with several decades of experience in the field. As technology evolves, we continue to learn and grow in the field of what will make a website successful from a user standpoint.

We offer comprehensive content writing services to ensure your message shines, and our back-end technical SEO expertise will keep your website running smoothly. We also provide thorough website reviews to pinpoint areas for improvement, and our SEO deep dive will uncover valuable long-tail keywords and other crucial information to make your site stand out in this evolving digital landscape. For even more information on what we offer and what we don’t offer, check out a blog from last year – Navigating the Ever-Changing World of SEO Tools

We recognize that each business is unique, with distinct needs and goals. However, the common thread is that all websites must be healthy, user-friendly, and discoverable when potential customers search for what you offer. AI Overviews are changing the game, but with the right approach, you can still win. Let’s make sure your website stays relevant, engaging, and click-worthy.

To get tailored recommendations for your specific website and business, contact Engine Web Development today via our form or email info@runengine.com. We’ll help you navigate the AI Overview effect and build a strong online presence.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Google Business Profile

Make the Most of Your Google Business Profile

Whether you’re just getting started with a Google Business Profile or already have one, keeping it updated and optimized is key to connecting with potential customers. Your Google Business Profile is like your digital storefront—an easy way for people to find essential information about your business.

The goal? To optimize your Google Business Profile to share the basics of your business and encourage customers to click through to your website to learn more!

Supercharge Your Business with a Winning Google Business Profile

Imagine someone searching for your business and instantly finding everything they need—your hours, location, photos, and reviews. A well-maintained Google Business Profile makes it easy for potential customers to take that next step toward working with you. Whether you’re setting one up for the first time or refreshing an existing profile, here’s how to make it stand out.

For Newbies: Getting Started with Your Profile

If you don’t have a Google Business Profile yet, it’s time to create one! Go to Google Business Profile Manager to claim your business. After verifying you’re the owner (follow the steps as directed), you can start building your profile.
Fill it out completely with your business name, address, phone number, website, and a description that highlights what makes your business special. Be specific when choosing your business categories—this helps people find you.

For Current Profile Owners: Time to Freshen Up

Already have a profile? Awesome! Now’s the time to review it and ensure everything is up to date. Are your hours, address, and services accurate? Has your business evolved? Regularly updating your profile keeps it relevant and builds customer trust.

If you need help finding your business, support is just a click away!

Photos: Attract More Customers with Visuals

Whether you’re starting fresh or maintaining an existing profile, photos are essential. High-quality images give potential customers a glimpse of your business.

New profiles: Add professional shots of your storefront, interior, products, and team.
Existing profiles: Regularly update your photos to keep things fresh and engaging.

Customer Reviews: Boost Your Credibility

Reviews are a key factor in your online reputation. They influence potential customers and help your profile rank higher in local searches.

For new profiles: Encourage happy customers to leave reviews by sharing a quick link or asking them after a great experience.
For existing profiles: Respond to all reviews—both positive and negative—to show you value customer feedback.

Keep Your Profile Current

Your Google Business Profile isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool—it needs regular attention.

New profiles: Make a habit of checking your profile monthly to ensure all info is accurate.
Existing profiles: Refresh your hours, services, and promotions as needed. Use Google Posts to share updates or special offers.

The Next Step: Your Website Matters

Once your Google Business Profile is up and running, the next step is converting visitors into customers by driving them to your website. Your website should:

Look professional and modern
Be easy to navigate
Provide the information customers need

Studies show that businesses should update or redesign their websites every 3–5 years to stay user-friendly, incorporate new features, and keep up with design trends. If your website hasn’t been updated recently, it might be time to make a change. For more information on reasons to update your site, check out this blog.

We value your business and the incredible work you do. An updated Google Business Profile is more than just information – it’s your digital storefront. Take a few moments to refresh your profile and showcase what makes your business unique. Not only will this help potential customers find you more easily, but it also gives them a glimpse into your professional world.

Need help updating? It’s simple, but we’re here if you want a hand. At Engine Web Development, we specialize in creating websites that look fantastic, function flawlessly, and help your business stand out. Reach out to us today to talk about what a new website could look like for your business. We’d love to send you a proposal and help make your 2025 website amazing!

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

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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