This was one of the very first articles or blogs that I wrote after officially launching my business. I am pleased to say that more than three years later, these are still undeniably the five most important benefits of working with May Web Design, LLC.

In today’s market, there are numerous web designers and website design companies to choose from, and I am always truly honored when a client decides to choose me and my business for their web design needs. I strive to comprehensively understand what my client wants and needs in order to make their website as successful as possible. May Web Design, LLC offers a range of affordable options to create professional websites, which can vary from simple brochure websites to more complex commerce and online shopping websites. I proudly work with small businesses and nonprofit organizations, helping them build their online presence effectively.

Before the very first client meeting, I send a comprehensive Project Form to the client for review. This form contains a variety of important questions regarding the client’s specific wishes for their website. It provides them with ample time to carefully reflect on what exactly they envision for their online presence, encompassing everything from the type of content they want included to the colors they prefer in their website palette. By sending this form ahead of time, the client is afforded the opportunity to thoughtfully consider their wishes, and this preparation significantly contributes to making the first meeting a highly productive and efficient experience.

May Web Design, LLC was created to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations. After working many years with nonprofits, I found that websites are either non-existent because it is overwhelming to create, hard to maintain, and/or expensive to update. When someone wants to find out more about a business or organization the first thing, they do is search the company online and what they see or do not see online really matters. 

5 Reasons to choose May Web Design, LLC:

1. Teaching

Once the website has been designed and thoroughly reviewed by the client, I take the next step by scheduling a focused one-hour session dedicated to teaching my client how to effectively navigate and utilize their new website. During this informative session, I carefully demonstrate how to use all the various features and functionalities that I have incorporated into their website. This comprehensive overview consists of:

• updating content 

• adding pictures, videos, inventory, and content blocks 

• creating a blog 

• making any changes that are necessary to keep the website updated

Anything that I have added to their website will be thoroughly taught to ensure they fully understand how to manage and make the most of their online presence effectively. I send teaching materials ahead of time for review and so later when the client is ready to make any changes that they have something to look back to for help specifically designed for their website. Squarespace Knowledge Base help support is available online to help the client out at anytime.

2. Easy to Use

I’ve chosen Squarespace as a website platform because it is very user friendly. There is a learning curve but once you learn how to make changes and add information each layout is similar. I do not work for Squarespace but have chosen them as my “go to” website platform. A few reasons why I like Squarespace websites:  

• easy to maintain, update, and monitor 

• websites are self-contained platforms that never need to be updated 

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization) built right in. SEO maximizes the number of visitors to your website. 

• Looks good on all devices. In the edit mode of the website, you can click a button to see what the mobile view will look like and even edit that view.  

• Finally, a little plug for my home state. Squarespace was launched in 2003 by Anthony Casalena. He was a student at the University of Maryland College Park.  

3. Squarespace Customer Support

Along the lines of the Squarespace websites being easy to use I must add that their customer support is amazing. In the Squarespace website there is a Knowledge Base. This is a wonderful place to start your search. There are so many help guides there and most of the time you can figure out, quickly, how to solve your issue. If the guides don’t help you, there is online support. During the weekdays (please check for specific times) they have a chat function where you chat with a support person. You give them your email address and website so they can see exactly what you view. Even if the website is not yet published the support staff can go in and view. When the chat function is unavailable or when you don’t have time to chat but can write out a question you can use the email support. I normally receive an email back within a couple of hours. The support person always starts out by saying, “Hello from…" Most recently emails have come for Dublin, Ireland.  

4. NO Coding 

This is an important one for me. There are many codes that may be used to customize websites BUT once coding is added to a Squarespace website there is no support to that area as the website has been altered. I want my clients to be able to learn and use their website without having to go to school for website coding. That’s not user friendly. I want my clients to be able to look for information in the Knowledge Base help section of Squarespace and be able to chat or email with Squarespace support. Once coding is added there is no support to the area it was added.

5. I am available for Maintenance Packages and Special Projects.

Once I teach my clients how to use their website, I am still available for ongoing maintenance and any special projects/help that is needed. But they don’t need to pay me monthly/yearly fees. The client only pays me for the specific work I do. I feel that it is especially important for small business to maximize their profits and for nonprofit to use their proceeds for their cause. I hope I can teach my clients all that they will need to update the website I create for them. I make sure I tell them that Squarespace support is amazing.  

Small business and nonprofits don’t need to spend thousands of dollars a year for a professional website. I am happy to talk with my clients about their website needs and match their need to the right Squarespace pricing plan and my website design package. Small businesses rely on their profits and nonprofit organizations use their proceeds to further their cause, so I am very cognizant about giving them a professional website that they don’t need to spend too much time and effort to keep updated.  

Websites provide a constant and welcoming presence, available around the clock, for both prospective members or clients and existing members or clients. It is crucial that the information presented on the website is kept up-to-date and relevant to create a compelling experience. Additionally, current pictures and engaging videos should be prominently displayed to effectively showcase to visitors that your business or organization is vibrant, dynamic, and fresh. Furthermore, the overall design of the website needs to be intuitive and well-organized, allowing visitors to smoothly navigate and quickly find the information they are seeking without extensive searching. For more details on how we can help, please contact May Web Design, LLC for further information.