To design a web page, decide what it must do, plan the layout, pick colors and fonts, make it easy to use, then test it. We walk through each step here. We also show how to pick a designer who fits your business.
Start with your brand and your business
When you build a website for your brand, you want one you are proud of. Not every website fits every business the same way. Look for a designer who takes time to understand your business and your visitors.
At Websnoogie we build websites for many industries, from local service businesses to online stores. The first thing we ask about is your brand. What products do you offer? If you run a service business, what problems do you fix? We use your answers to build a site that fits your industry.
Five steps to design your web page
Use these steps to decide what to talk about with your designer.
Define your purpose and audience
Decide what your site must do and who it is for. This sets the layout and the content.
Plan your site layout
Decide how many pages you need, in what order, and how visitors move between them. Our $300 package has up to 5 pages plus a contact page.
Choose colors and type
Pick colors that match your brand and appeal to your audience. Choose fonts that are easy to read on every device.
Focus on usability
Use clear menus, fast pages and clear calls to action. Test your site on a phone, because many visitors will use one.
Test and refine
Before you launch, check for broken links. Test load times, and look at the site on different devices and browsers.
Why web design matters
Your website is your digital storefront. It is where people first meet your brand. Good Omaha web design lets visitors find what they need fast.
They stay longer, read your content, and may buy something or book an appointment. Clear photos, useful text and easy menus invite visitors to click buttons or sign up for your newsletter. The goal is to turn visitors into customers.
Plan search engine optimization from the start
Many designers skip search engine optimization. We do not. We plan SEO into the page structure, titles, headings and text from the start.
A site that looks great but that nobody can find does not help you. Most of this work is hidden. You cannot see titles, headings and keywords with the naked eye, but search engines read them.
How to find the right web designer
Do not choose a designer only because the office is close to you. Check these three things.
Portfolio. A portfolio is a designer's resume. It shows past work and design style. Look for examples that match your vision and show range.
Testimonials. Read what past clients say about working with the designer. Look for comments on communication, deadlines and results.
Technical skills. Ask whether the designer builds responsive design. A responsive site fits phones, tablets and desktop computers. Ask which tools the designer uses, and whether they are current.
Communication matters too. A project involves a lot of back-and-forth, so you should feel comfortable sharing your ideas and concerns. Ask the designer how titles and headings are planned for search engines, and ask to see a page built that way.
Keep learning
Web design keeps changing. At Websnoogie we keep up with new tools and good practices by attending workshops, following industry blogs and joining online communities.
We build a new website for $300 in 3 to 5 days. Call us in Omaha at 402-813-4034 every day from 7 am to 10 pm, or use our contact form to talk about your project.
Common questions
How many pages does the $300 website include?
It includes up to 5 pages plus a contact page. Most new sites are ready in 3 to 5 days.
Should my designer plan for search engines?
Yes. Titles, headings and page structure should be planned for search from the start, not added later.
AboutRod and Tami Atwood
Rod and Tami Atwood and other Websnoogie contributors write the Websnoogie blog. Rod has built websites since 2004 and founded Websnoogie, LLC in Omaha in 2012. Tami is co-owner, content editor and billing expert. Call us at 402-813-4034 or write to staff@websnoogie.com.
