Revamp 2024: Your Website’s Resolution

Revamp Your Website in 2024

Happy New Year!

Now, the question we all get… Any Resolutions? Many of us have resolutions to organize and prioritize various things in our lives. Being a web development company, this is us saying your website is one area that fits into this category!

Don’t click out just yet. Reading a long article and thinking about technology upgrades is not your favorite thing to do, but we invite and encourage you to take a few minutes to read below to make sure you are where you need to be when it comes to your online abode. We’re pretty cool people…well, not cool, cool…but honest, professional, laidback, and always have your best interest at heart, kind of people. Take a few minutes to see if any of these categories speak to you…then speak to us!

Just like your favorite space at home, your website deserves a spruce-up now and then. In this guide, we’re delving into the art of refreshing your website’s look, content, maintenance, and even the platform it stands on.

Revitalize the Look: Keeping it Visually Fresh
Your website’s appearance is like the curb appeal of your digital dwelling. So, how often should you give it a facelift? Well, think of it like redecorating your living room. A complete overhaul might be every couple of years, but minor touch-ups, like changing banners, modernizing a font, or tweaking colors, can be done more frequently. Keep it visually appealing to make that lasting first impression.

Content Overhaul: Spice Things Up Regularly
Content is king, they say, and they’re right on many levels. For blogs, a weekly or monthly piece could be the sweet spot to get people to your site and offer them information of value. Content is also key for SEO. Adding regular content to your site, while implementing SEO tools like meta tags and keywords are important to bring people to your site. At Engine we write content from blogs and case studies to web pages and social media posts. All content articles are written with SEO-focused strategy and readability.

Maintenance: Tackling the Nitty-Gritty
Just like you’d do some spring cleaning at home, your website needs regular maintenance. How often? Well, a monthly check-up should suffice. Hunt down broken links, update plugins, and ensure everything is running smoothly. It’s the digital equivalent of changing the oil in your car – preventive maintenance saves you from bigger issues down the road. At Engine, we have several clients who have a monthly maintenance plan where we go in every month to make sure everything is updated and we send you a report of what was done each time. Reach out if you are interested in a maintenance package.

Platform Shuffle: When and Why to Switch Things Up
The technology world evolves faster than a Netflix series plot, so it’s natural to wonder when it’s time to upgrade your website’s platform. Major changes, like switching from WordPress to a custom CMS, might happen every few years. But if your current platform isn’t meeting your needs, don’t hesitate to make the jump. At Engine we can let you know if you need to update your platform. Reasons for this need are most often that you are on a platform no longer supported by updates. When updates cannot be done you run the risk of lower speed, broken pages, and security holes. Reach out if you would like more information on what platform you are on and what advice we would have on staying where you are or available updates.

Still with me? It’s wordy but there are important things here.

Hang in there!

Listening to the Digital Symphony: User Feedback and Analytics
The digital world provides a symphony of user feedback and analytics. Listen to it! If your visitors are craving a change, consider it. Analytics are your backstage pass – understand what’s working, what’s not, and adjust your strategy accordingly. At Engine, Michelle has immersed herself in the world of analytics and improving a website’s ability to be seen in a search. Analytics can be overwhelming! At Engine we can do a baseline SEO review to dive deep into your site and let you know where and what improvements are needed on your site and create a plan to get your site more visible to Google. Reach out if you would like to learn more about SEO and the work we can do on your site.

Balancing Act: Consistency and Innovation
While change is good, find the right balance. Consistency breeds familiarity, and innovation keeps things exciting. Sometimes a large overhaul is needed, but more often updating your site for user-friendliness through platform updates to increase speed and security and adding SEO and content, mixing in some mild tweaks to make the site more modern if needed are what we recommend.

In conclusion, your website is your digital home. Refresh the look, stir up the content (and make it good on all levels), tackle maintenance regularly, and upgrade the platform when needed. What numbers above do you think you need to get assistance with?

It’s not just about staying current – it’s about creating a digital space that’s inviting, dynamic, and uniquely yours.

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Crafting Your Digital Foundation: Web Developers

Crafting a Digital Foundation: Web Developers

In the vast landscape of the internet, where websites and applications weave the fabric of our digital experiences, there exists a group of tech-savvy artisans known as web programmers. There are many do-it-yourself web applications. There are also many digital agencies that can build a quick website for you. At Engine, we bring experience and a deeper knowledge of the digital world with experienced software engineers trained in programming languages.

But what exactly do these digital maestros do, and more importantly, why might you need one? Let’s embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of web programming.

The Web Programmer’s Tapestry

1. Code Craftsmanship: At the heart of web programming lies the art of coding. Web programmers are fluent in languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the building blocks of the internet. They use these languages to craft the interactive and visually appealing elements you encounter on websites and applications. What this means for you is that if you need something customized, our developers can do that. If it’s a small feature or several hundreds of hours of coding a new tool from scratch to fit your business, we have the educated team with several decades of experience to get that done for you.

2. Architecting Digital Spaces: Ever wondered how your favorite online store knows your preferences or how a social media platform seamlessly connects you with friends? Web programmers are the architects behind the scenes, designing the systems and databases that make these interactions possible. They create the logic that powers everything from user authentication to complex data processing.

3. Responsive Design Wizards: Web programmers are the magicians who ensure that your favorite website looks just as stunning on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. They implement responsive design, making sure that the user experience remains seamless across various devices and screen sizes. We can even tailor each device response to the device a visitor is viewing your site on!

4. Functionality Conjurers: Whether it’s a dynamic form that collects user data or a real-time chat feature, web programmers make the magic happen. They develop the functionality that transforms static web pages into interactive and dynamic experiences, enhancing user engagement. An ou-of-the box tool cannot do this!

5. Bug Zappers and Troubleshooters: This is where the experienced developer is essential. In the world of web development, bugs are the gremlins that can disrupt the smooth flow of your digital experience. Features, plug-ins, updates…they are always changing and those small tweaks outside of your control need to be addressed for your site to function. Web programmers are adept at debugging and troubleshooting, ensuring that the code runs smoothly and that any glitches are swiftly addressed.

Why Might You Need a Programmer?

1. Crafting Your Digital Presence: If you’re looking to establish an online presence, whether it’s a personal blog, a business website, or an e-commerce platform, a web programmer is your go-to artisan. They can bring your vision to life, creating a website tailored to your needs and goals.

2. Enhancing User Experience: If your existing website feels outdated or lacks the interactive elements that engage users, a web programmer can revamp it. They can introduce new features, improve navigation, and implement the latest design trends to enhance the overall user experience.

3. Solving Technical Challenges: Encountering technical hurdles in your digital journey? A skilled web programmer can analyze the challenges you face, propose effective solutions, and implement the necessary changes to overcome obstacles and ensure smooth functionality.

4. Keeping Up with Trends: The digital landscape evolves rapidly, with new technologies and design trends emerging regularly. A web programmer stays abreast of these changes, ensuring that your website remains current, secure, and compatible with the latest technologies.

5. Customizing Your Digital Oasis: Off-the-shelf solutions may not always meet your unique requirements. A web programmer can tailor a solution specifically for you, developing custom features and functionalities that align with your vision and business objectives. Our experienced developers in West Michigan can work with you, whether you need a website in Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Denmark and beyond! (We happen to have an owner/software developer who speaks Danish!)

In a world where the digital realm is an integral part of our daily lives, web programmers are the architects and builders, shaping the landscapes we navigate online. Whether you’re starting from scratch, looking to enhance an existing site, or addressing technical challenges, a programmer can be the key to unlocking a vibrant and seamless digital experience. So, if you’re considering stepping into the digital spotlight, consider enlisting the expertise of a web programmer, who has the knowledge of the issues you may face, to weave the magic into your online presence.

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The Importance of Making Your Website more Accessible

The Importance of Making
Your Website more Accessible

The Importance of Making

Your Website more Accessible

In our rapidly evolving digital age, where websites serve as gateways to information, products, and services, it’s essential that we don’t leave anyone behind. Ensuring that your website is accessible to those with certain disabilities is about embracing inclusivity and expanding your reach to a broader audience.

Accessibility tools provide the ability to change saturation, fonts, colors, initiate a screen reader, make the text and cursor larger, and many more features that all come in the integration of this important integration.

In addition, the features provide –

Equal Access for All: One of the core principles behind the ADA is to provide equal access to individuals with disabilities. By making your website easier to navigate for those with additional needs, you’re taking a significant step towards ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can access and benefit from your online content.

Legal Compliance: The ADA mandates that public accommodations must be accessible to all individuals. Non-compliance can lead to legal troubles and costly lawsuits. Ensuring your website’s accessibility is not just a proactive step but could result in a legal issue if someone were to bring it up.

An Expanded Audience: When your website is more accessible, you open the doors to a wider audience. Millions of people with disabilities can access your content, products, and services. This can lead to increased traffic, more customers, and potentially higher revenue.

Improved SEO: Accessibility often goes hand in hand with good SEO practices. Search engines favor websites that are accessible to all, and this can lead to better rankings. So, in addition to reaching a broader audience, you’re also boosting your website’s visibility in search engine results.

Enhanced Reputation: These features added to your site showcases your commitment to social responsibility. This can significantly enhance your brand’s reputation. Customers are more likely to trust and support businesses that prioritize inclusivity.

Better User Experience: Increased Accessibility is often more user-friendly for all visitors. When you design with accessibility in mind, you streamline navigation and improve the overall user experience. This can benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities.

Future-Proofing: As technology evolves, so do the expectations of website accessibility. By making your website better today, you’re future-proofing it against changing regulations and standards. This saves you time and resources in the long run.

Reaching Global Standards: The importance of these features is not limited to the United States. Many countries have their own accessibility regulations, and international standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are widely adopted. By adhering to these global standards, you can tap into a global audience.

Making your website more accessible isn’t just about checking off a legal requirement; it’s about embracing inclusivity and serving a diverse audience. It’s a step towards a more accessible and equitable digital world. At Engine Web Development, we can help you take the steps to make your website more welcoming to everyone, regardless of their abilities. This is still a somewhat, “gray” area in legal terms but the ADA does require public platforms to be accessible to all (read more at https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-guidance/). By adding the plugin needed for these features you are possibly protecting your business but also contributing to a more inclusive and accessible digital landscape.

Reach out today by filling out our contact form below, or email us at info@runengine.com for information to take this important step for your site. You can also see these features here by looking in the corner for the accessibility icon.

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Do You Need a Maintenance Update?

Time for a Tune Up: Website Maintenance

A maintenance package for a website is essential to ensure the proper functioning, security, and optimal performance of the website over time. If you have not had maintenance done on your website in a year or more please seriously consider having us update your site and contact us today.

Engine is currently offering all of these updates for a one time fee of $425 through 3/1/2024 (if you are reaching out after that date, please contact us for current pricing). Almost all sites should do maintenance updates once a year while others that have sales online and more interaction should do twice per year or one of our monthly maintenance plans. This agreement will have us go in and do all updates for you one time.

Why you need a Maintenance Package Update

Security Updates: Websites are vulnerable to security breaches and hacking attempts. Regular maintenance includes updating software, plugins, and themes to patch security vulnerabilities and protect against potential threats.

Bug Fixes: Over time, bugs and issues can arise due to updates, changes, or external factors.

Compatibility: As technology evolves, compatibility issues can arise between different components of a website (like plugins, themes, and browsers). We will make sure your site works across all devices – various screen sizes, phones, tablets, etc. Maintenance involves keeping all elements up-to-date and compatible with each other.

User Experience: A well-maintained website provides a positive user experience. Broken links, outdated information, and other issues can frustrate users and deter them from returning to your site.

Preventing Downtime: Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected downtime that can lead to lost sales, missed opportunities, and a negative impact on your online presence.

Professionalism and Reputation: A well-maintained website reflects professionalism and commitment to your audience. An outdated or neglected website can negatively impact your brand’s reputation.

In addition to a regular maintenance update package we also can provide services for:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): We can help implement SEO best practices, such as updating meta tags, optimizing images for SEO, and ensuring mobile responsiveness – all of which contribute to higher search engine rankings.

Analytics and Monitoring: Tracking and monitoring services to keep an eye on website traffic, user behavior, and other key metrics. This data helps in making informed decisions for improvements.

Reputation management: We can do the monitoring, influencing, and maintaining the perception of an individual, business, brand, or organization in the online space. The goal of online reputation management is to shape a positive online image, address negative content, and manage how an entity is perceived by internet users.

Monthly Maintenance Contract: We have several companies that pay a monthly retainer and we go in and perform all updates regularly to keep your site running well all of the time.

Hosting: We offer hosting for your site. If you are paying a fee through a hosting platform you will not get the support should something go wrong. Our hosting clients get our full attention when a website goes down and our contract with hosting partners allows us higher level support representatives that we work with directly so you do not have to.

This list could keep going. Whatever your needs, please reach out to us today and we can assist with all of the things you do not want to think about.

Let us do what we do best so you can do what you do best!

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Let me Tell You a Story…

A Little Something Different: Let me tell you a Story.

The Journey I'm On...

From a young age I was entranced by computers and technology. I grew up in Denmark, and received a dual degree in Computer Science and Business at the Copenhagen Business College. While I was dedicated to my studies and eager to embark on a successful career in programming and development right on the cusp of the digital age (in the 1990’s), life had other plans in store for me.

It was in the early days of the internet that I met this American girl online, and soon after (well, about 18 months after), I found myself on a life-changing journey across the Atlantic, fiancé visa in hand, to the United States. The decision to relocate was not without its challenges, but it was certainly the right one.

Upon immigrating to the United States in 2001, I quickly realized that achieving my career dreams would require hard work, determination, and resilience. Thankfully, my wife and I both had all of those things. In 2005, with unwavering dedication and a desire to create something truly special, I took the leap and founded what would eventually become Engine Web Development.

This venture was born out of a passion for personal relationships and a commitment to delivering quality experiences to people. It was about more than just business; it was about forging connections and leaving a positive impact on the lives of our clients and customers.

Over the years, our company has grown and evolved. Today, I am proud to say that our company continues to thrive, driven by the same values and principles that inspired its creation. It’s a testament to the incredible opportunities that can arise when you’re willing to take risks, work tirelessly, and never lose sight of your dreams.

As I reflect on my journey from Denmark to the United States; my marriage and the struggles we have had with work authorization, challenges with building a family, working multiple jobs, being far away from my family of origin and friends I grew up with, and the unknown challenge of entrepreneurship, I am reminded that anything is possible when you believe in your vision and are willing to put in the effort.

My wife Michelle and I now work together at Engine and have an amazing team around us for our clients. Technology certainly changes all of the time, but the one thing that always remains is why I started my company in the first place: dedication to my clients and quality service. If you ever want to reach me personally, my number is 616-378-0480 and email is jesper@runengine.com.

We’ve all got a story. This is a snippet of mine and I’m putting this here for you to give you a little insight as to who this guy with the different sounding name is (by the way, it is pronounced, “Yes-per”) and what my company is about. Technology changes all the time and I keep up with it as best I can and thankfully have a great team that stays up to date with the latest tech trends.

Technology and figuring out a digital presence can be overwhelming and confusing. At Engine, our goal is to get to know you and your goals and then use our expertise to make the process easy and comfortable. You have a business to run and your own journey. Let us do what we do so you can do what you do best.

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What STOPS People from Exploring Your Website?

What STOPS People from Exploring Your Website?

THE BIG FOUR

Difficult Navigation: Can people find what they came to the website to find? Do they need to search for what you do, who you are, where to find you, how to utilize your business? Make sure the menu bars are clear and the tools on the site (maps, order forms, product and service information, etc) are easy to use and are still functional. Tools change all of the time – make sure your site is up to date and working well.
Lack of Responsiveness on all Devices: Responsiveness in a website is demonstrated through its ability to adapt and optimize content across various devices and screen sizes. A responsive website dynamically adjusts elements like text, images, and layouts, ensuring they remain visually appealing and user-friendly on everything from desktop computers to smartphones and tablets. This adaptability is achieved through coding techniques like media queries and flexible design frameworks. A responsive website seamlessly reorganizes its components, maintaining a consistent and engaging user experience regardless of the device being used to access it.
Slow Load Time: Load time is critical for websites as it directly impacts user experience. A fast-loading site keeps visitors engaged, reduces bounce rates, and enhances overall satisfaction. Moreover, search engines prioritize fast-loading sites, leading to better search rankings and increased online visibility.
Lack of Professional and Responsive Design: A visually appealing design captures visitors’ attention and establishes a positive first impression, reflecting the brand’s identity and values. The feel and features can optimize the user journey, enhancing engagement and conversions through intuitive layouts and aesthetic elements. And, it’s all got to work together.

Contact Us to Make Sure you are Good to GO!