Business – Lautryv https://fr.lautryv.com web design Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:40:28 +0000 fr-FR hourly 1 https://fr.lautryv.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TEXTE-1-150x150.png Business – Lautryv https://fr.lautryv.com 32 32 Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Cheaper: A Cautionary Tale for Website Design Seekers https://fr.lautryv.com/why-cheaper-isnt-always-cheaper/ Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:06:22 +0000 https://fr.lautryv.com/?p=3286

Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Cheaper: A Cautionary Tale for Website Design Seekers

As a web designer who works with high-end clients—villa owners, fashion brand entrepreneurs, and bloggers—I’ve noticed a pattern. Many people are understandably cautious when it comes to spending money on a website, especially if they’ve received a lower quote elsewhere.

But I’ve learned that many clients who opt for the cheapest option often end up returning to me, frustrated, with a depleted budget and a website that’s either incomplete, poorly built, or unusable. By the time they come back, they’ve spent more than they would have if they’d chosen the right partner from the beginning.

So, why is cheaper often more expensive in the long run?

The Temptation of Low-Cost Web Design

When you’re comparing prices for a new website or redesign, it’s natural to gravitate toward the lowest bid. After all, if someone promises a sleek, functional website at half the price, why not? But as the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.”

The Hidden Costs of Going Cheap

Let’s break down some common issues clients face when choosing a cheaper option:

Subpar Quality
Designers offering bargain prices often rely on generic templates that don’t reflect the uniqueness of your brand. While the site may look fine initially, it often falls short when it comes to key elements like functionality, user experience, and search engine optimization (SEO). Over time, these weaknesses can hurt your business.

Unresponsive Communication
Time and time again, I hear from clients who’ve been ghosted by their previous designers or left waiting weeks for updates. With a cheap designer, you may not be their priority, leading to project delays and headaches.

Unexpected Fees
For example, a common trick is to make clients purchase a domain from one provider while promising hosting through their services. What many clients don’t realize is that they end up paying for both right from the first year, while most reliable hosting providers offer a free domain for at least the first year. This leads to unnecessary expenses right from the start. Of course, as a professional, I charge for fixes and updates too, but it’s upfront, clear, and based on the value I provide, without these hidden traps.

 

The True Cost of Switching

By the time clients come to me, they’ve often spent more than they initially intended—and on top of that, they’re starting over with a smaller budget. The frustrating part is that fixing someone else’s mistakes often costs more than building a proper site from the ground up. It’s like buying a bargain car only to find out that it needs thousands in repairs to get it running.

Why a Quality Website is an Investment, Not a Cost

When you choose to invest in a professionally designed website from the beginning, you’re not just paying for the final product—you’re paying for peace of mind, expertise, and long-term support. Here’s what you get with a high-quality, professional web designer:

  • A Custom Solution: Your website will be designed specifically for your brand, audience, and business goals, helping you stand out from the crowd.
  • Reliability and Support: With me, you get more than just a website—you get a partner who’s committed to your success and available when you need help.
  • Future-Proofing: A well-built website can grow with your business. You won’t need to rebuild it from scratch every couple of years.
  • Optimized Performance: A good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making sure your site is fast, functional, and optimized for search engines, which is key to driving traffic and conversions.

When you are building a website, many of you may start with the mindset of « I just want something online to send potential clients as social proof, » thinking it will only serve as a business card. You might even believe that social media alone is enough to bring in leads.

But what often happens is you’re pleasantly surprised when those inquiries start rolling in directly through your website—new clients, real business opportunities, and increased revenue. This should be the main goal of your website: not just to exist online, but to convert visitors into clients.

When designed effectively, your website becomes a powerful tool that helps you earn money and generate returns far beyond your initial investment.

 

What’s Really Involved in Website Pricing?

When you’re looking at website pricing, it’s important to understand that the cost reflects more than just the “look” of the website. A high-quality site involves several components that work together to ensure it not only looks great but also performs well, drives conversions, and supports your business goals. Here’s what goes into the pricing of a professionally designed website:

1. Custom Design & Branding
A quality website is tailored specifically to your brand and business. This means no off-the-shelf templates that dozens of other businesses are using. A custom design takes time, skill, and creativity to build a unique online presence that reflects your brand’s identity and appeals to your target audience.

2. Functionality & Features
Depending on your needs, your website may require custom features such as booking systems, e-commerce platforms, contact forms, or membership areas. Each of these adds to the complexity and requires expertise to implement correctly, ensuring they work smoothly across all devices.

3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Your website isn’t just a visual asset—it needs to be found by your audience. Proper SEO is crucial in getting your website ranked by search engines. This involves strategic content, optimizing site speed, mobile responsiveness, meta descriptions, and more to ensure search engines can easily crawl and index your site.

4. User Experience (UX) & Conversion Optimization
A beautiful website means nothing if it doesn’t convert visitors into customers. Designing for user experience (UX) involves creating an intuitive, seamless flow so users can find what they need quickly and easily. This means structuring content, implementing clear calls-to-action, and ensuring that the design guides users toward key conversion points, like booking a service or making a purchase.

5. Security & Compliance
If you’re collecting personal data or processing payments, your website needs to be secure. SSL certificates, data encryption, GDPR compliance, and general site security measures all add layers of protection to your site and its users. Setting these up requires both time and expertise.

6. Ongoing Maintenance & Support
A website isn’t a one-time project. Over time, you’ll need to make updates, add new content, and keep your website secure and functioning well as new technologies and trends emerge. Having a professional designer to rely on for ongoing support and maintenance is a crucial part of the investment.

7. Content Creation & Copywriting
Good design is only half the battle. Compelling content that engages users and communicates your value proposition is key. This includes writing engaging copy, creating blog posts, and optimizing content for SEO—all of which require time and expertise to craft.

8. Testing & Launch
Before your site goes live, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure everything works smoothly across browsers and devices, and that all forms, links, and interactive features function properly. Once this is done, the launch phase itself is managed to ensure a seamless transition to your new site without any downtime or issues.

The True Value Behind the Price

When you break down everything that goes into creating a professional website, it’s easy to see that you’re not just paying for a « pretty site »—you’re paying for an all-in-one business tool. A website that’s custom-built to convert, secure, easy to use, and future-proofed is a key part of your brand’s long-term success.

Investing in a quality website upfront means fewer headaches, better results, and ultimately, a stronger return on investment as your business grows.

My Approach: Quality and Trust

When clients come to me after being disappointed by cheaper designers, I do my best to work within their budget to salvage their project. However, had they invested in a quality solution from the beginning, they would have saved themselves a lot of frustration—and money—in the long run.

My goal is to provide high-end, personalized service that doesn’t just meet your needs today but supports your growth for years to come. I pride myself on building long-term relationships with clients who value quality and trust.

The next time you’re comparing web design quotes, remember: cheaper isn’t always cheaper. While a low price tag might seem appealing, the hidden costs can far outweigh the initial savings. Investing in a quality website from the start can save you money, time, and stress in the long run.

So, if you’re serious about building a website that’s going to help your business thrive, it’s worth investing in a designer who can deliver results and support you every step of the way.

Ready to set sail with Lautryv? Request a customized quote today and take the first step toward elevating your online presence.

Subscribe to my newsletter and download « Why every business neds a website » >>> DOWNLOAD<<<

Photos: designer’s archive

]]> 3286 Why You Absolutely DON’T Want Your Website Built on WordPress https://fr.lautryv.com/website-built-on-wordpress/ Sun, 05 May 2024 17:29:38 +0000 https://fr.lautryv.com/?p=2604

Why You Absolutely DON'T Want Your Website Built on WordPress

(Unless You Crave Unmatched Freedom and Success)

You wouldn’t want to ditch the struggle and have complete creative control over your online presence, would you? Who needs a thriving community of website warriors to cheer you on and offer a helping hand? Sounds exhausting!

Maybe you dream of websites that blend into the background like a chameleon at a disco party!

Here's why WordPress might be your worst nightmare:

Endless Customization Options? Terror at Your Fingertips! Forget having a website that truly reflects your brand and makes you scream, « Look at me! I’m fabulous! » WordPress bombards you with thousands of themes and plugins, forcing you to stand out from the crowd.

SEO Powerhouse? Yawn Festival! Who wants their website to be discovered by dream clients and explode with organic traffic anyway? Boring! WordPress inherently boosts your SEO, making it harder to stay hidden from potential customers. The horror!

Content Management Made Easy? Sounds Like Hard Work!  Wouldn’t you rather wrestle with confusing interfaces that make adding content feel like navigating a maze blindfolded? WordPress allows you to effortlessly add, edit, and schedule content, freeing up valuable time for…well, anything else besides website maintenance!

Scalability for Growth? Ugh! The Horror!  Why build a website that can grow with your business and dominate your niche?  Sticking with a limited platform sounds much more efficient. WordPress forces you to dream big and adapt your website to your success. How awful!

Massive Community Support? Sounds Overwhelming!  No thanks to a supportive community of developers and online resources readily available to answer your questions! WordPress makes it easy to find help whenever you need it. Talk about a burden!

If these limitations sound like your dream come true, then congratulations!  Sticking with a  restrictive website builder might be the perfect path for you.

People clapping

But for those who crave unparalleled freedom, SEO dominance, and a website that scales with their success,  WordPress remains the unconquerable champion. So, the choice is yours: limited control or limitless potential?

The Affordable, Flexible Solution for Building Your Online Presence

As a business owner, eager to establish a strong online presence you probably  feel overwhelmed by the multitude of website-building options out there. 

You’re tired of feeling like you’re at the mercy of web developers or expensive software just to get your website off the ground. That’s where WordPress comes in. It’s this incredible platform that’s constantly evolving, thanks to a global community of developers who are passionate about making it better every day. And the best part? It won’t break the bank.

With WordPress, you have total control over your website. No more feeling constrained by cookie-cutter templates or limited functionality. Instead, you can customize your site to fit your unique brand and business needs, without needing to be a coding whiz.

WordPress is open source.

That means it’s not owned by any single company—it’s built and maintained by a community of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of collaboration. That translates to regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches, all without you having to lift a finger.

Wordpress

But perhaps the most valuable aspect of WordPress is the sense of community it fosters. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie just dipping your toes into the world of web development, you’ll find a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs, developers, and enthusiasts ready to lend a helping hand.

So if you’re ready to take your online presence to the next level, it’s time to give WordPress a try. Trust me, you won’t look back.

WordPress vs. Webflow: Owning Your Website with Open Source Power

As a business owner torn between two designers—one offering Webflow and the other WordPress—it’s important to understand the key differences and benefits of each platform to make an informed decision.

Let’s start with WordPress. One of its standout features is that it’s open source. What does that mean for you? Well, it means you have ultimate flexibility and control over your website. You’re not tied down to any specific company or platform, which is a huge advantage. With WordPress, you have the freedom to customize your site to your heart’s content, ensuring it reflects your brand perfectly.

Another major perk of WordPress is its portability. You can easily move your WordPress website to any hosting provider you choose. That means you’re not locked into a single hosting service—you have the freedom to shop around for the best deal or switch providers if necessary. This flexibility is invaluable, especially as your business grows and evolves.

Now, let's talk about Webflow

While it’s a powerful tool for building websites, it’s not open source like WordPress. That means you’re somewhat limited in terms of customization and control. With Webflow, you’re essentially locked into their platform, which can be a bit restricting, especially if you want to make significant changes down the line.

Additionally, Webflow websites can’t be easily moved to another hosting provider. Once you’re on Webflow, you’re pretty much stuck there. This lack of portability can be a major drawback, especially if you ever need to switch hosting providers for any reason.

As a business owner considering your options for website design, it’s essential to gather insights from real users’ experiences. When doing research you can’t really find nothing but praise from the designers who opted for Webflow, however, there are are some frustrated users on Trustpilot. Their  reviews offer a window into the successes and challenges faced by individuals like you. Let’s explore some of the key points raised in these reviews to help inform your decision.

Mixed Experiences: Reviews for Webflow present a mixed picture. While some users express satisfaction with the platform’s capabilities, others voice frustration over various aspects of the user experience.

  • Support and Customer Service: Several reviewers express dissatisfaction with Webflow’s support and customer service, citing issues such as delayed responses, impersonal communication, and inadequate resolution of inquiries. This lack of responsive support can be a significant drawback for businesses relying on timely assistance.
  • Challenges with Customization: Some users encounter challenges with Webflow’s interface and functionality, particularly when attempting to implement customized features or automate complex processes. Bugs, glitches, and limitations in customization options can hinder the seamless execution of projects and lead to frustration among users.
  • Price Considerations: Additionally, concerns are raised about Webflow’s pricing structure, with some users finding the cost prohibitive, especially considering the limitations and challenges they encounter while using the platform.

Don’t get me wrong, WordPress is not perfect either, which is why it’s better to hire someone who knows how to build your dream website than do it yourself. Unless you have time to learn yourself.

But, when it comes down to it, WordPress offers unparalleled flexibility, control, and portability—qualities that are essential for any business looking to establish a strong online presence. While Webflow certainly has its strengths, it can’t quite match the freedom and versatility of WordPress. Ultimately, choosing WordPress means you’re investing in a platform that will grow and adapt with your business for years to come.

What about platforms like Squarespace, Showit, Wix...?

While Squarespace, Wix, Showit, and Webflow offer user-friendly website creation, they all have limitations compared to WordPress:

  • Less code access: All these platforms are closed systems with limited code editing capabilities. WordPress allows for deeper customization through code.
  • Scalability: Adding complex functionalities or large amounts of content can be challenging on these platforms. WordPress is more scalable for growing websites.
  • Ownership: Your website data is locked into these platforms. Exporting your site or switching platforms can be difficult. WordPress gives you complete ownership of your website data.
  • Squarespace, Wix, and Showit: These website builders offer similar advantages to Webflow – ease of use and beautiful pre-designed templates – but with even stricter limitations. Their drag-and-drop interfaces provide less design flexibility and customization compared to Webflow’s visual coding approach. Additionally, their built-in functionalities, like SEO and ecommerce, might be more basic compared to both Webflow and WordPress.
  • Scalability: Adding complex functionalities or large amounts of content can be challenging on these platforms. WordPress is more scalable for growing websites.
  • Ownership: Your website data is locked into these platforms. Exporting your site or switching platforms can be difficult. WordPress gives you complete ownership of your website data.
  • This addition clarifies that the limitations we previously discussed apply to Squarespace, Wix, and Showit as well, while highlighting that they offer even less flexibility than Webflow.
  • Scalability: Adding complex functionalities or large amounts of content can be challenging on these platforms. WordPress is more scalable for growing websites.
  • Ownership: Your website data is locked into these platforms. Exporting your site or switching platforms can be difficult. WordPress gives you complete ownership of your website data.

Ten fun facts about WordPress

  1. Global Domination: In 2024, WordPress reigns supreme, powering a whopping 43{0ccdd01f54e99615762bb16dd3a45279e28b555c8784a4d622fa0a141ef85cff} of all websites on the internet! 

  2. Content Creation Machine: The WordPress community is incredibly active. Every month, a staggering 70 million new posts are published on WordPress-powered websites.

  3. A Global Village of Words: WordPress speaks volumes (literally)! The platform has been translated into over 200 languages, making it accessible to a vast and diverse audience.

  4. Power to the People: WordPress is all about user empowerment. With over 60,000 plugins available, you can customize your website to do almost anything imaginable.

  5. Theme Time: Feeling indecisive? No problem! WordPress boasts a mind-boggling selection of themes, both free and paid, allowing you to create a website that perfectly reflects your style.

  6. The Word on the Street: People love WordPress! Every month, over 409 million people visit WordPress sites, racking up a cool 20 billion page views.

  7. Community Strong: The WordPress community is a vibrant and supportive network. WordCamps, local meetups for WordPress enthusiasts, are held in over 65 countries across the globe.

  8. Going Viral: Every second, 27 new posts are published on WordPress. That’s a constant stream of fresh content being added to the web.

  9. The Spam Struggle is Real: Even WordPress isn’t immune to the dark side. Every month, a whopping 132 million spam comments try to infiltrate WordPress-powered websites.

  10. A Long and Winding Road: Believe it or not, WordPress has been around since 2003! That’s over two decades of empowering people to build and share their ideas online.

Ready to set sail with Lautryv? Request a customized quote today and take the first step toward elevating your online presence.

Photos: Canva

]]> 2604 What Websites Can and can’t Solve for Your Business: Exploring the Digital Landscape https://fr.lautryv.com/websites-limitations/ Tue, 24 Oct 2023 22:04:29 +0000 https://fr.lautryv.com/?p=1138

What Websites Can and can't Solve for Your Business

Regardless of your business’s nature, a website can serve as a potent asset in your toolkit. Let’s explore the true capabilities and constraints of a website for your business.

Your website is your digital storefront, open 24/7, welcoming potential clients and customers from around the world. It’s the heartbeat of your online presence, reflecting your brand’s personality and values. But what exactly can a website do for your business? Let’s uncover the magic and unravel the limitations.

What Websites Can and can't Solve for Your Business: Exploring the Digital Landscape

Why Your Business Needs a Website

A website is the virtual business card of the 21st century. It introduces your brand to the digital world, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection. 

Attracting a Global Audience

In today’s interconnected world, your clients could be across the street or on the other side of the globe. A website allows you to reach both. Your online presence breaks down geographical barriers and opens your business to an international audience.

24/7 Accessibility

Unlike a physical store, your website never closes. It’s there to greet visitors, answer their questions, and showcase your products or services around the clock. 

Establishing Credibility

A professional website shows that you’re serious about what you do and that you’re willing to invest in a user-friendly platform for your clients.

How Websites Boost Your Marketing

Marketing is the engine that drives your business forward, and your website is the fuel. Here’s how it supercharges your marketing efforts:

Cost-Effective Advertising

Websites provide a cost-effective means to boost your brand’s visibility. Whether through engaging content, social media outreach, or optimizing your website for search engines, you have the tools to elevate your marketing efforts.

Tailored Marketing

Websites are more than just digital placeholders; they’re like attentive listeners. They gather valuable insights about your visitors, enabling you to customize your marketing strategy. This way, you can ensure that your message reaches the right audience, at the right time, with pinpoint precision.

Content is Your Strong Suit

Your website transforms into a hub of knowledge and connection. Through blogs, articles, videos, and captivating visuals, you’re not just talking to your audience – you’re engaging with them. This engagement establishes your authority in the field, nurturing trust and credibility in the eyes of your visitors.

Website Design: The Visual Face of Your Business

Aesthetics matter. Your website’s design is often the first impression potential clients get of your business.

Here’s how design can work its magic:

User-Friendly Interface

A well-designed website is easy to navigate. It should guide visitors to the information they seek with minimal effort.

Mobile Responsiveness

Your potential customer is on the go, browsing the internet on their smartphone during a commute or a quick break. They stumble upon your website. If your website is not mobile-responsive, their experience is marred by frustration – they may need to pinch, zoom, and scroll endlessly to access your content.

This inconvenience can lead to a swift exit, resulting in a lost opportunity. With mobile responsiveness, your website seamlessly adapts to the screen size and orientation of the device, providing an effortless and enjoyable user experience.

Brand Consistency

Your website’s design should mirror your brand’s colors, fonts, and overall style. Consistency across all platforms helps reinforce your brand’s identity.

The Role of Content in Attracting Clients

seo services French Riviera

Quality content is the magnet that draws clients to your website.

Informative and Engaging

Your content should provide valuable information, captivate your readers, and remain pertinent to your target audience. Solve their problems, answer their questions, and keep them coming back for more.

SEO Optimization

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the key to making your website discoverable. By optimizing your content for search engines, you increase your chances of being found by potential clients.

Storytelling

Every business has a story to tell. Share yours through your website. Engaging narratives can create a powerful emotional connection with your audience.

Websites and Client Engagement

Engaging with your clients is the lifeblood of your business. Your website can foster a sense of community and loyalty:

Customer Feedback

Allow your clients to leave reviews, comments, or feedback. This not only shows that you value their opinions but also helps build trust among potential clients.

Newsletter and Updates

Keep your clients informed about your latest offerings, news, or industry updates. A newsletter can be a great tool for keeping your clients engaged.

Contact Forms

A simple contact form can bridge the gap between inquiry and conversion.

E-Commerce Capabilities: Selling Online

For many businesses, the ability to sell products or services online is a game-changer. Here’s how websites enable e-commerce:

Online Sales: Your Virtual mall

Your website can function as a virtual mall where your clients can browse through your offerings, select what they like, and make purchases – all from the comfort of their homes.

Safe and Easy Payments

 Your website has a safe payment system, much like a digital cash register. It guarantees that your customers can make purchases with confidence, knowing their transactions are secure.

Inventory Management

Websites can help you manage your inventory efficiently, ensuring you never oversell or run out of stock unexpectedly.

The Limitations of Websites

While websites are incredibly versatile, they do have their limitations

They Can't Guarantee Success

Having a website is just the beginning. Success requires ongoing effort in terms of marketing, maintenance, and adaptation to changing trends.

They Can't Replace Human Interaction

No matter how advanced your website is, it can’t replace the personal touch of a face-to-face interaction. Building relationships may still require traditional networking.

They Can't Fix a Broken Business Model

A website can amplify your business, but it won’t fix a fundamentally flawed model. Before investing in a website, ensure your business is built on solid foundations.

A website can attract a global audience, boost your marketing, engage clients, and even facilitate e-commerce. However, it’s not a guaranteed path to success, nor can it replace genuine human interaction. Your website is a powerful asset, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

FAQs - Your Website's FAQs Answered

While a website can expand your reach, physical locations still have their place, especially for businesses with a local presence.

Not necessarily. Many user-friendly website builders and management systems make it accessible to those with limited technical knowledge.

The timeline for a website to gain substantial traffic can vary. It depends on factors like your industry, your marketing efforts, and the quality of your content. Generally, it takes several months of consistent and effective strategies to see significant results. Patience and persistence are key.

Success metrics for a website can vary based on your goals. Common indicators include website traffic, conversion rates, and customer engagement. Tracking these metrics can help you assess the effectiveness of your website in achieving its objectives.

Your website can attract potential clients through various means, including search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and clear calls to action. It serves as a digital magnet, drawing in individuals interested in your products or services.

If you haven’t seen significant results after a year, it’s essential to reassess your website’s performance. You may need to refine your content, marketing strategies, or SEO efforts. Consulting with a digital marketing expert could provide valuable insights to help you achieve better outcomes.

While content plays a crucial role in SEO, you can focus on other aspects to enhance your Google ranking. Optimize your website structure, improve user experience, and ensure that your existing content is high-quality and relevant. Additionally, acquiring backlinks from reputable sources can also boost your ranking. As a shortcut you can use paid Google ads to put your website on the radar for the relevant keywords. 

The ongoing costs of a website can include domain renewal, hosting fees, and potential expenses for regular updates or maintenance. While marketing is essential to attract traffic, it doesn’t always require heavy investment. You can explore various marketing strategies, from organic SEO to social media, to effectively reach your audience without breaking the bank.

The optimal budget for achieving rapid visibility in a competitive market can vary significantly based on your industry, target audience, and specific goals. It’s advisable to consult with a digital marketing expert to determine a budget that aligns with your objectives and provides the best chance of standing out in a highly competitive landscape.

The average cost of SEO can vary widely, but for a small website in a low-competition environment, it might range from €500 to €1,500 per month. For a large website operating in a highly competitive field with a strong online presence, the cost could be significantly higher, typically falling between €2,000 and €5,000 or more per month. It’s essential to tailor your SEO investment to your specific needs and circumstances, as the costs can vary based on your objectives and market conditions.

Ready to set sail with Lautryv? Request a customized quote today and take the first step toward elevating your online presence.

Photos: Getty images

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