Investing in Monthly Web Design: A Smart Strategy for Small Businesses

In a world where your next customer is searching your services on Google, monthly web design offers many advantages. However, many small business owners struggle to find value in web design, as most designers tend to prioritise aspects that add minimal value to a business, such as the look and feel of the website.

While aesthetics can contribute to a successful website when balanced with functionality, they alone do not convert visitors into customers or attract new visitors to increase lead generation opportunities. In this article, we aim to explore the value provided by a pay-per-month web design service, assuming you find a web design company that focuses on getting you customers not just on designing a beautiful website.

Why should you invest in a monthly web design service for your small business?

It’s common for many small businesses to make the same mistake of investing in a website design solely to appear professional. While having a website does enhance your credibility and professionalism, what’s the use if only you are aware of its existence? It’s understandable because a large majority of web designers claim to understand search engine optimisation, but they lack the necessary expertise.

Thus, when they offer their services, they rely on technical jargon to sell you nothing more than a basic website design that fails to generate even a single lead. Nowadays, if you search for monthly website design packages on Google and compare different websites, you will see that the main difference in these packages is the number of pages.

But does anyone really explain the value you would get from a 10-page website package? Not really. Why? Because the number of pages does not mean anything if the website doesn’t effectively meet the customer’s needs and business objectives.

Investing in a monthly web design service can really benefit your business. Here are some examples:

• Spread the Cost: With a monthly service, you don’t have to pay a large upfront fee. You can spread the cost of your website design over time, making it more affordable for your small business.
• Focus on Growth: Your website should be constantly evolving to keep up with search engine algorithms and customer needs. A monthly service ensures your website is continuously updated and optimised for lead generation.
• Guaranteed Results: Look for a service that offers ongoing SEO optimisation. This means your website will steadily climb search engine rankings, leading to more website traffic and potential customers.
• Peace of Mind: Monthly website design services typically include maintenance and support. You won’t have to worry about technical issues or keeping your website software updated.
• Scalability: As your business grows, your website needs may change. A monthly service allows you to easily add new features or pages to your website as needed, ensuring it continues to meet your evolving needs.

Here are other perks included with a monthly website design service

Domain Registration and Website Hosting

• Free co.za Domain: A monthly web design service often includes a free domain name with the .co.za extension, which signifies your South African presence. This establishes your local credibility and can boost search engine ranking for local searches. Keep in mind that there might be fees associated with other domain extensions like .com.
• Website Hosting: Your website needs a home to live on the internet, and that’s where website hosting comes in. A monthly service typically includes hosting, which provides the storage space and bandwidth for your website to function. The amount of hosting space and the number of email accounts you receive will likely depend on the specific package you choose.

Content Creation

• Website Copywriting: Professional website copywriting is essential for crafting clear, compelling messaging that resonates with your target audience. Some monthly design services include website copywriting for key pages on your site, such as your homepage, about us, and services pages. This ensures your website effectively communicates your brand story and value proposition.
• Monthly Blog Posts: Fresh, informative blog content is crucial for attracting organic traffic and establishing your expertise. Certain monthly website design packages may include the creation of new blog posts on a regular basis. This can significantly boost your SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) efforts and keep your audience engaged. However, the availability of this service may vary depending on the plan you choose.

Getting the most out of your monthly web design package

To maximise the value of your monthly web design service, here are some key questions to ask your web design company:

• Monthly Maintenance Breakdown: Don’t be shy! Ask your web designer for a detailed explanation of the work they’ll be performing on your website each month. This could include tasks like SEO optimisation, security updates, plugin maintenance, and content revisions.
• Communication and Reporting: Ensure clear communication with your designer. Will they be providing regular reports outlining the work completed or planned for the upcoming month? This transparency allows you to stay informed and track progress towards your website goals.
• Content Strategy: If your plan includes blog posts, enquire about the content strategy in place. Is there a plan for what topics will be covered and how often? Understanding the content strategy helps ensure the blog posts are aligned with your overall marketing goals and target the right audience.
• Measuring Success: It’s important to be able to measure the success of your website efforts. Ask your web designer how they will track key metrics such as website traffic, lead generation, and search engine ranking. This data will help you assess the effectiveness of your website and make data-driven decisions for future improvements.