Small Business Website Design Blog

Small Business Website Design Blog

Nuggets of info that help you make an informed decision for your website design strategy.

Google LOVES a good blog so we’ll own it: This slog…er…I mean BLOG is mostly about executing effective SEO. Let’s call it like it is. If you’re reading this page, it must be working, eh?

Local SEO Services for Small Businesses in Colorado

Why Colorado Companies Can't Afford to Stay Invisible Nearly 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information. If you run a business in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, or anywhere across Colorado, that statistic should get your attention. When potential customers search for services you provide, your competitors are showing up—and you're not. This isn't about your business being "not good enough." You're probably exceptional at what you do. The problem is a disconnect between you and the local customers actively searching for your services right now. Nee a hand? Call us at The Affordable Web Guy Why Can't Local Customers Find My Business Online? You've mastered your trade. Whether you're a plumber in Pueblo or a contractor in Grand Junction, you know your stuff inside and out. But being great at your craft doesn't automatically translate to showing up when someone googles "plumber near me." This invisibility is frustrating. You know there are customers just down the [...]

Your Complete E-E-A-T Guide For Online Visibility

How Can Small Businesses Can Outrank Large Corporations with Local Experience Google now rewards businesses that share real, hands-on experience over generic advice copied from other sources. Furthermore, if you've actually helped customers solve problems, you have a major advantage over larger websites that simply rehash information without practical knowledge. This is pretty heady and nerdy stuff. None is this is as easy as it used to be (as if it was easy before!)  Got your hands full? The Affordable Web Guy can help take care of it for you. We specialize in keeping small business websites running smoothly so you can focus on what you do best. What Changed and Why Small Businesses Should Care Picture this scenario: you need a reliable plumber. Would you rather read advice from someone who's fixed thousands of pipes, or from a content writer who researched plumbing online but never held a wrench? Google made the same choice in December 2022, adding [...]

What Happens When AI Automation Platforms Don’t Deliver?

Summary: I tested Lindy’s AI automation platform to handle calls and generate leads, investing $100 in subscriptions and integrations. The AI phone agent never worked despite multiple rebuilds, lead generation failed due to configuration errors, and my agent even vanished from the dashboard. Support was slow to respond and credits were consumed during troubleshooting. Key lessons: test platforms thoroughly during free trials, confirm support coverage, understand credit policies, and start with one feature before scaling. Reliable automation must save time, not create new problems. Stability and support are more valuable than flashy features for business-critical workflows. My $100 Lindy Experience I wanted to see if Lindy’s AI automation platform could solve two pain points: answering calls when I’m busy and generating new business leads on autopilot. By the end of the weekend, I’d learned more about testing automation tools than I ever expected—and spent $100 proving what doesn’t work. What Did Lindy’s Automation Really Cost? [...]

Small Business Website Cost: Budgeting Your Online Presence

Summary: Website costs vary based on your business needs, but every site requires three essentials: domain name ($10-15/year), hosting ($5-50/month), and design/development ($500-15,000+). While 27% of small businesses still lack websites, those with professional sites earn 50% more revenue. DIY builders seem cheaper but often cost more in lost time and opportunities—75% of customers judge credibility by design alone. Ongoing maintenance ($50-200/month) protects against the 43% of cyberattacks targeting small businesses. Smart budgeting starts with identifying what problem your website should solve, then investing in features that convert visitors into customers. Here's something that might surprise you: 27% of small businesses still don't have a website. If you're trying to figure out what a website costs, you're probably getting wildly different numbers from every source you check.Ready to Build Something That Actually Works?The Affordable Web Guy helps small businesses create websites that don't just look good—they work hard to bring in customers. Let's talk about your [...]

How Denver Small Businesses Can Stay Visible Online in 2025

Summary: Getting found online is getting harder for Denver small businesses as AI summaries and Reddit discussions dominate search results. Research shows 18% of Google searches now trigger AI overviews, and when they appear, website clicks drop by half. The solution isn't traditional SEO—it's becoming the definitive local expert in your specific niche. Focus on creating content that answers real customer questions using your unique Denver experience, participate authentically in local online communities, and build authority through genuine expertise rather than keyword targeting. Your local knowledge and authentic community presence are now more valuable than ever in this evolving search landscape. A Practical Guide to the Changing Search Landscape If you're running a small business in Denver, you've probably noticed something frustrating lately: getting found online keeps getting harder. The way customers search for businesses has shifted dramatically, and what worked even two years ago isn't cutting it anymore. Need help implementing these strategies? The [...]

Why Reddit’s SEO Dominance Is Killing Service Businesses (And What to Do About It)

AKA: Why Is My Business Not Getting More Clicks? If you own a plumbing company, roofing business, HVAC service, or any local service company, you've probably noticed something troubling: your website traffic has declined over the past year, even though you haven't changed anything about your marketing approach. Understanding the Problem Think of Google's search results like prime retail real estate. For years, your carefully written blog posts about "roof repair costs" or "HVAC maintenance tips" could earn valuable spots on the first page. Today, something dramatic has shifted. The Reddit Revolution: Numbers You Need to Know Reddit jumped from being the 78th most visible website to the 3rd most visible website in Google's U.S. search results after Google's August 2024 core update. This represents a staggering 1,328% increase in SEO visibility in less than one year. Previously, when a homeowner searched for "water heater replacement cost," they might find your comprehensive blog post explaining local pricing, permit requirements, and [...]