Elliot Olson

Thanks for the kind words, Lauren! I loved building your new website.

The design is modern and elegant, with clean layouts and organic touches (plus behind-the-scenes strategy and SEO sprinkled throughout).

Independent & small business clients are some of my faves, and collaborating with Lauren on her new website has been inspirational. I'm thrilled to be sharing it!

Excited to share my new website! Special thanks to Elliot Olson for her beautiful design work. Feel free to reach out if you have interest in a speaking event after the launch of TREEKEEPERS this fall. www.leoakes.com

✨ I love building new sites for organizations ready to grow.

A local social services organization was overdue for a website redesign. They were ready to scale, but their outdated website wasn't helping them recruit top talent.

The founders approached Studio Anansi for a new website to better serve their clients and attract quality employees.

We were honored to design a strategic new website utilizing our signature Future Planning Web Design process.

Click "resources" at my LINK IN BIO to see the process and strategy of creating their new site, plus some brand new results.

If you haven't updated your website in a while (hello pre-pandemic photos and outdated hours), this is the perfect time to make a few quick changes.

Take a few minutes to check if your website has these two key components:

➜ Does your website work on MOBILE?
50% of web traffic is through smartphones. Make sure your site actually works — or say goodbye to your mobile visitors right off the bat.

➜ Does your website answer customer QUESTIONS?
Is your inbox clogged with the same questions over and over? Skip the endless customer service emails. Answer FAQs on your website.

These two updates are just a few parts of a comprehensive website strategy.

Got 5 minutes? Go click through your pages. Starting with small wins can make a HUGE difference.

A couple of updates will help your website better serve your customers — and YOU.

Want to know a SUPER effective way to structure content on your website?

S T O R Y T E L L I N G

Just like writing a book, your web content starts by engaging people with a hook. Then, you deliver the next part of the plot by answering their questions. Once the plot is explained (aka their questions are answered), you end with a satisfying conclusion.

I love this format for effective storytelling via web design:

01 / An engaging open such as an image or video, plus a headline, at the top of the page.
(Once you grab their interest, readers want to know more about your business and how you can help them.)

02 / Summarize the results of your services or products.
(Hopefully readers can see themselves in your descriptions. They picture themselves enjoying the benefits of working with you.)

03 / Introduce yourself and establish your authority.
(Do you have [x] years of experience? How about [a], [b], and [c] credentials? Give people reasons to anticipate working with you.)

04 / Layout your services or products.
(Show readers the next steps and how they can book a service or purchase a product.)

The core approach of your website always remains the same. You put yourself in your audience's shoes. Anticipate their needs and expectations for this "story." Then structure your website (or landing page, or email) to match their expectations and take them on a journey.

FOLLOW for more website strategy tips and resources.

Continuing the mini-series on Studio Anansi values, today is...

✨ JOY ✨

I honestly love my day-to-day work.

I've worked with small businesses and solopreneurs for years. On small teams, nobody is "phoning it in." Every day is filled with passionate people who are committed to their values.

Their enthusiasm feeds my determination to help them succeed. I start each day genuinely excited to design their websites and tech strategies.

Why?

Because I get to help biz owners do more of what they love.

What else fills me with joy?
✨ Waking up before sunrise (yep, seriously)
✨ New book series
✨ Epic Pacific Northwest hikes

I'd love to hear from you in the comments.

What's one thing that brings YOU joy?