Author: Matt Chase

What Does a “Good Website” Even Mean?

Let’s clear something up before we get into the dollars and cents. A “good” website isn’t just pretty. It’s not just fast. It’s not about having the flashiest animations or the latest design trend.

A good website is one that:

• Loads fast, even on mobile
• Brings in qualified leads
• Feels effortless to navigate
• Reflects your brand without looking templated
• Actually ranks on Google (or has the bones to)

If your current site doesn’t do those things—or if you’re starting with nothing—you’re already asking the right question: how much does it cost to build a site that works?

The Short Answer: $2,500 – $10,000+ (But Here’s Why)

The range is wide because what you need depends on what you do. For a solo contractor or service business, a basic 5-page site could run $2,500–$4,500. But if you want SEO baked in, custom integrations, review widgets, or copywriting help? Now we’re talking $6K–$10K+.

You’re not just paying for pages—you’re paying for:

• Strategy (site architecture, lead funnel planning)
• Copy that converts
• SEO setup (yes, it matters from day one)
• Speed optimization
• Mobile design that isn’t just a squished desktop view

So… Why Are Some Websites $500 and Others $5,000?

Because not all web designers (or offers) are created equal. The $500 site might be a prebuilt theme with some logos swapped in. That’s fine if you just need a digital business card. But if you want actual leads? You need more than a template.

Think of it like this: Sure, you can get a haircut at a walk-in chain for $15. But if you’re headed to your own wedding? You’re booking the stylist who knows exactly what they’re doing, and it costs more—because it’s worth it.

The Hidden Costs No One Talks About

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t show up on a line item: the experience. The real cost isn’t just what shows up on your screen at launch—it’s everything that happens leading up to it.

A good web designer doesn’t just build a site and vanish. They guide you through the process with clarity, consistent communication, and an eye on your business goals. They ask the right questions, give you space to think, and actually listen. You’re not just buying code and pixels—you’re investing in a collaborative process that should leave you feeling heard, understood, and confident.

If your developer ghosts you mid-project or leaves you wondering what’s next, even a cheap site can end up feeling very expensive.

Here’s what you don’t see in the quote:

• Time – Your own, spent managing the project (unless you hire someone who handles it all)
• Fixes – Cheap sites often break or need redoing within a year
• Lost Leads – A slow or confusing site can lose you clients daily

What You Should Pay For (If You’re Serious)

If you actually want your site to work for you—bring in leads, make sales, reflect your brand—here’s what’s worth budgeting for:

• Custom Design ($1,500–$3,000): Tailored to your brand, not a theme.
• Copywriting ($500–$1,500): Strategic words that move people to action.
• SEO Foundation ($500–$1,500): Keywords, metadata, structure that helps you rank.
• Speed & UX Optimization ($300–$800): Faster load = better conversion.
• Integrations (variable): Calendars, contact forms, review feeds, booking tools.

Don’t Forget Hosting, Domains, and Ongoing Support

• Domain: ~$12–$20/year
• Hosting: $100–$400/year depending on performance needs
• Maintenance: Some designers include this—others charge monthly

If you’re hiring someone, ask: What happens after launch?

Final Thoughts: What’s It Worth To You?

Here’s the thing—anyone can make a site. But not everyone can make a site that brings you business. If your website makes you 5 extra leads a month, how long before it pays for itself?

If you’re serious about showing up online, looking credible, and getting real results—don’t cheap out. A “good” website isn’t an expense; it’s the thing that keeps working for you while you sleep.

Want to know what your website would cost based on your exact business needs?

Reach out to Matt Chase Designs—no sales pitch, just straight answers.

Why Most Contractor Websites Don’t Work

Here’s the thing—most websites for contractors aren’t built for the people actually hiring you. They’re loaded with stock photos, generic taglines, and no clear reason to trust the business. That’s a problem.

Your ideal customer isn’t browsing your site for fun—they’re looking to hire someone they can trust. If your site doesn’t make that crystal clear within a few seconds, they’re gone.

Let me guess:

• Your site’s outdated, hard to use, or not mobile-friendly?
• Maybe it looks okay but you’re still not getting leads?
• Or you never built one because the process seemed like a hassle?

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

What Contractors Really Need From a Website

You don’t need bells and whistles—you need a site that books more jobs. Here’s what actually matters:

• Fast load time: If it takes forever to load, they’re clicking out
• Clear call-to-action (CTA): Make it dead simple to get in touch
• Trust elements: Reviews, license numbers, before/after photos
• Service-focused layout: Organize work by what you actually do (Roofing? Kitchens? Retaining walls?)
• Mobile-first design: Most of your clients are checking on their phone from a job site or couch

Tip: I don’t just make contractor sites that look good—I build them to gain trust, load fast, and get calls coming in.

What It’s Like to Work With Me (A Web Designer Who Gets It)

My dad was a millwright for over 30 years. I watched him bust his ass building things with precision—and zero time for fluff. When he asked for help getting his business online, I built him a simple, clean site. Within a few weeks, he had more calls than he could keep up with.

That’s when it clicked: contractors don’t need fancy. They need functional. Fast.

Since then, I’ve worked with remodelers, electricians, painters—you name it. And the common thread? They didn’t have time to babysit a designer. They just wanted someone who understood their trade and could make things easy.

That’s what I do:

• I handle the tech stuff (hosting, domains, SEO, layout)
• You focus on what you’re actually good at
• We keep it clean, fast, and professional

Example: I built a site for a local HVAC contractor who hadn’t gotten a single lead online in over six months. Within weeks of launching their new site, they started getting service calls just from people Googling and landing on their homepage.

Already Have a Website That’s Underperforming?

You don’t always need to start from scratch. But if your current site isn’t getting calls, leads, or even compliments—something’s off. Most contractor sites I review are either built wrong, written for the wrong audience, or just plain outdated.

That’s where my Free 5-Minute Website Audit comes in.

I’ll take a quick look at your existing site and send back a short, no-fluff breakdown of:

• What’s hurting your lead flow
• What’s outdated or broken
• What could be fixed fast

No spam. No pressure. Just clear advice from someone who actually knows what a contractor site should do.

Tip: If you’ve got a site but still rely on referrals or word of mouth—you’re leaving jobs on the table.

Not Sure If It’s Time for a New Website?

Ask yourself:

• Can clients easily find and contact you online?
• Does your website show your best work?
• Is it actually bringing in leads—or just collecting dust?

If the answer’s “no” or “I’m not sure,” then yeah—it’s time.

And hey, this doesn’t have to be some massive overhaul. Even a one-page design with smart layout and clean messaging can outperform a bloated 5 page site full of fluff.

Let’s Build Something That Works

If you’re a contractor who wants more calls, more jobs, and a site that finally pulls its weight, I’ve got you.

Shoot me a message. We’ll map out exactly what you need—and you’ll walk away with a website that makes people say, “Damn, I want to hire this guy.”

Does your website look fine, but somehow still… under perform? You’re not alone. If you’re a small business owner or solo entrepreneur, your website should be pulling its weight — especially on mobile. But here’s the thing: most websites aren’t even designed with you in mind. That’s why investing in responsive website services isn’t just smart — it’s survival.

Let me explain.

Why Mobile-First Design Isn’t Optional Anymore

We’re past the point of debating whether mobile traffic matters. Mobile devices make up more than half of all web traffic — and for many small businesses, that number is even higher. So if your site loads like molasses or forces users to pinch and zoom just to read a sentence… guess what they’ll do? They’ll bounce — fast.

Tip: Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in its rankings. If your site’s not responsive, it’s not just losing customers — it’s probably invisible too.

I’ve worked with local businesses who thought their site was fine — until I pulled it up on my phone during a consult and watched their expression shift. That’s the wake-up call. Responsive design isn’t just resizing content — it’s about reworking how your website thinks on any screen.

What “Responsive Website Services” Actually Include

Let’s bust a myth: responsive design isn’t just shrinking a desktop site down to fit a phone.

True responsive website services (the kind I offer at Matt Chase Designs) include:

• Smart layouts that rearrange content for readability
• Fast load times — even on spotty WiFi
• Tap-friendly buttons, especially for mobile CTAs
• Visual hierarchy that actually guides people toward action

It’s not about stuffing everything above the fold. It’s about flow — the rhythm of information and how easily someone can go from “browsing” to “buying.”

Example: One client’s “Book Now” button was buried on their contact page. We made it sticky on mobile, redesigned it for thumb reach, and their leads doubled within a week.

Let’s fix what your website isn’t doing.

I offer responsive website services designed specifically for small businesses that need results — fast, clean, and mobile-first.
👉 Book a Free 5-Minute Website Audit and find out what’s holding your site back.

Design That Doesn’t Just Look Good — It Works

Let’s be honest: pretty websites that don’t convert are like showroom cars with no engines.

What turns casual visitors into paying clients isn’t the perfect font — it’s clarity and direction. Your homepage should answer three things:

1. Who are you helping?
2. What problem do you solve?
3. What do I do next?

If people can’t figure that out in under 5 seconds, they’re gone. That’s why I design websites with conversion paths baked in — not tacked on later.

You know what’s wild? Some of the most effective changes I’ve made were dead simple — swapping button colors, reducing form fields, adjusting spacing so people didn’t feel overwhelmed.

When Clients Ask Me, “How Fast Can You Build This?”

Short answer: Faster than you think — if we’re clear on what matters.

I’ve built full mobile-ready sites in 7–10 days, but here’s the catch: you need to be ready too. The biggest delays usually come from waiting on copy, unclear goals, or chasing last-minute revisions.

Want a lean, fast, responsive site that launches clean and converts? Here’s my rule of thumb:
Simple sells. Clear beats clever. Fast beats flashy.

Ready for a Site That Works As Hard As You Do?

You’ve made it this far — so here’s the question: is your current website doing its job?

If it’s just “sitting pretty,” you’re probably leaking leads every day. I specialize in responsive website services built for real businesses like yours — ones that need results, not bells and whistles.

📷 Image ideas to include in post:

• A split-screen of mobile vs desktop site previews
• Heatmap screenshot showing conversion drop-offs
• A before-and-after redesign example (visual proof of better mobile UX)

Final Thought

Look — you don’t need a flashy site. You need a smart one. One that works everywhere, speaks clearly, and guides your visitors exactly where you want them to go. That’s what I build.

Let’s make your website finally feel like part of your sales team. Contact me and let’s get to work.

Why Your Website Conversion Rate Might Be Failing You

Most websites don’t have a traffic problem—they have a conversion problem. You might be getting plenty of clicks, but if your design isn’t built to guide visitors, you’re losing leads every single day. Slow load times, poor layout, confusing CTAs… they all quietly kill your website conversion rate.

As a solo web designer, I specialize in identifying these blind spots. I don’t just design for style—I build with results in mind.

Tip: If you’re redesigning your site, prioritize mobile performance and CTA placement before anything else.

The Real Reason Visitors Aren’t Taking Action

Most small business sites fall into the same trap: they assume if the site “looks good,” it’s enough. But here’s the truth—conversion is about clarity, not just aesthetics.

People leave when they can’t find what they need fast. They hesitate when they’re unsure what to do next. They bounce when there’s no trust built on the page.

That’s where design makes or breaks performance. Everything—from your homepage layout to the microcopy on a button—impacts your website conversion rate.

Example: One client had a stunning homepage… with no visible CTA above the fold. We added a sticky call button and contact form preview. Their leads jumped 42% in one month.

Want to understand why visitors bounce before converting? Check out this guide on Conversion Rate Optimization by CXL.

How I Design Websites to Increase Conversion Rates

I combine web design, UX, and marketing psychology to guide visitors from interest to action. My process is based on clarity, simplicity, and strategic design.

Clear Messaging Above the Fold

The first thing a visitor sees needs to answer: What do you do? Who is it for? Why should they care? I design headers that get straight to the point.

Strategic CTA Placement

Calls-to-action aren’t slapped at the bottom of the page. I place them at intentional intervals, often above the fold, after benefit sections, and again near testimonials.

Visual Trust Elements

I design with trust in mind—Google reviews, testimonials, recognizable badges. These add instant credibility without overwhelming the design.

Mobile-First Responsiveness

Over 70% of traffic is mobile. My designs prioritize thumb-friendly layouts, fast load times, and CTA buttons that are easy to tap.

A Real-World Example: From Dead Leads to Daily Bookings

I worked with a solo salon owner whose site looked fine—but she hadn’t had a single online booking in weeks. I rebuilt her homepage to focus on one thing: conversions.

• Clear service headlines
• A single CTA that stood out
• Google Reviews embedded for proof

Within two weeks, she had 9 new bookings from organic traffic alone.

A Real-World Example: From Dead Leads to Daily Bookings

I worked with a solo salon owner whose site looked fine—but she hadn’t had a single online booking in weeks. I rebuilt her homepage to focus on one thing: conversions.

• Clear service headlines
• A single CTA that stood out
• Google Reviews embedded for proof

Within two weeks, she had 9 new bookings from organic traffic alone.

Want a Website That Converts?

If your site isn’t converting, it’s not working. Period.

Want help increasing your website conversion rate with smart design and strategy? Let’s talk.

The Real Cost of Affordable Web Design for Small Business

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably wondered: Can I really get a professional website without spending a fortune? The answer is yes — if you know where to invest.

Affordable web design for small business is no longer about settling for a cookie-cutter site or doing it yourself. It’s about getting smart, conversion-focused design that makes your brand look polished — and helps you actually make money.

The Real Cost of “Affordable” Web Design

A cheap website isn’t affordable if it costs you leads.

Free website builders and budget freelancers often leave business owners with cluttered layouts, slow load times, and branding that screams “DIY.” That might save money upfront, but it costs trust — and trust is what converts visitors into customers.

Example: A bakery switched from a basic DIY site to a professionally designed, responsive website. Within 90 days, their online orders jumped by 40%.

When it comes to affordable web design for small business, you’re not just paying for visuals. You’re paying for results:

• A clear user journey
• SEO-friendly structure
• Mobile optimization
• Fast performance
• A brand image that builds trust

Why “Cheap” Isn’t the Same as “Smart”

There’s a difference between being affordable and being cheap. Cheap websites cut corners. Affordable web design cuts fluff and focuses on impact.

Instead of generic templates, look for custom layouts tailored to your goals. Instead of random plugins, go for clean builds that won’t break after an update.

Curious what other businesses are paying for websites? Clutch’s 2025 Web Design Pricing Guide shows how pricing can range from $2,000 to $100,000 depending on who you hire — which is why many small business owners are ditching bloated agency quotes in favor of expert-led solutions that actually perform.

Tip: Prioritize a call-to-action (CTA) above the fold. It’s one of the fastest ways to turn visitors into inquiries.

You don’t need a $10,000 website to compete — you just need the right layout, clarity, and performance.

What You Should Expect from Affordable Web Design

An affordable small business website should still include:

• Custom design that reflects your brand
• Conversion strategy with lead-gen in mind
• Mobile-first layout that works on every screen
• Optimized loading speeds
• SEO best practices baked in from day one

You shouldn’t have to pay extra for responsiveness or performance — they should be included by default.

How I Build Affordable Sites That Perform

At Matt Chase Designs, I help small business owners launch modern, fast, and SEO-optimized websites — without the bloated agency price tag.

Every project is built from scratch with your business goals in mind. Whether you need leads, online bookings, or sales — your website will be designed to do that.

Final Thoughts: Invest Where It Matters

A solid website is one of the best investments you can make in your small business. And with the right designer, affordable web design for small business doesn’t mean cutting corners — it means cutting through noise to get what actually works.

Try this: Want to see what’s working — and what’s hurting your site right now? Try my free 5-minute website audit — no fluff, just insights you can use immediately.

Ready to Launch a Website That Actually Works?

Your website shouldn’t be a sunk cost — it should be your best salesperson. Whether you’re starting fresh or tired of a site that just sits there, the right design can flip the switch on how people see your business.

Contact me and let’s map out what your website actually needs to grow. No hard sells — just clear advice, honest answers, and a plan that fits your goals.

If you’re serious about growing your business, stop settling for “good enough” web design. Let’s build something that pulls its weight and gets real results.

Bonus Reads: Hire a Web Designer Who Gets You Ranked on Google, Must-Have Website Features for 2025.

Web Design Vancouver WA – Why It Matters

Vancouver WA is home to thousands of small businesses competing for attention—online and off. If your site feels outdated, loads slowly, or doesn’t work on mobile, you’re losing customers before they even call or click.

That’s why finding the right web designer locally matters. You need someone who understands not just clean design, but the business environment here in Vancouver.

Tip: Ask any designer you’re considering if they’ve built websites for local businesses in your industry. Local experience is more valuable than you think.

What Most Business Owners Get Wrong About Web Design

Many business owners think a great website means flashy visuals or cool animations. But what you really need is clarity, speed, and strategy. A beautiful site that confuses your visitors or takes too long to load is costing you business.

The problem? Most designers aren’t trained in conversion or SEO. They build what looks good without thinking about how people will use the site—or how Google will rank it.

Example: One client came to me after working with a “big agency.” Their site had amazing graphics but no leads. After simplifying the layout and optimizing for mobile speed, they saw a 3x increase in calls within 60 days.

My goal with every web design Vancouver WA project is to help your business turn visitors into customers.

How I Help Vancouver Businesses Build Websites That Work

Here’s how I approach web design for local businesses—balancing performance, user experience, and your business goals:

Step-by-step process

1. Discovery call: Understand your goals and what makes your business unique
2. Strategy session: Outline your audience, services, and what you want users to do
3. Design + build: I build mobile-first, conversion-focused layouts that reflect your brand
4. Performance optimization: Images, fonts, and code are all optimized for speed
5. SEO basics included: I handle titles, descriptions, headings, and schema markup

Key features every site includes

• Mobile-first design
• Clean navigation that guides users
• Local SEO optimization (keywords + location tags)
• Easy editing options
• Analytics setup so you can track your growth

What makes my process different

• I work solo, so you always know who’s building your site
• I live in Vancouver WA—I understand your local market
• My sites load fast, are fully responsive, and rank well in search
• No bloated code or templates—you get a tailored experience

Recommended tools I use

• Elementor + Pro Elements
• LiteSpeed Cache (or WP Rocket)
• Google Search Console + RankMath
• Fathom Analytics (privacy-first)

Not sure where to start? I offer a free 5-minute website audit to help you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where your site can improve—no pressure, no strings.

Real Client Story – From Frustration to Results

A local service provider in Vancouver WA came to me after a nightmare with a template-based design agency. Their old site was slow, cluttered, and impossible to update.

After we worked together:

• The site scored 95+ on Google PageSpeed Insights
• Their bounce rate dropped by 30%
• Organic local traffic doubled in 8 weeks

We kept things clean, easy to navigate, and built around real user intent.

Want to check how your current site performs? Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to see your speed score instantly.

FAQs About Web Design Vancouver WA

Q: Do I need a local web designer, or can I hire anyone online?
A: While remote designers can work, a local designer understands your area, market, and audience. It’s easier to collaborate and build something that resonates with real Vancouver customers.

Q: How long does it take to finish a website?
A: Most small business websites take 2–4 weeks, depending on features and revisions. I offer clear timelines and updates so you always know what to expect.

If you’re serious about growing online, investing in professional web design Vancouver WA can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts & How to Get Started

Choosing the right designer is a big decision. You need someone who listens, understands your market, and builds with performance in mind.

👉 Want a website that actually helps grow your business? Let’s talk.

What Makes a Website Effective in 2025?

The must-have website features for 2025 are what separate high-performing business websites from those that just look good. Let’s be real—most business owners think clean design or flashy animations are enough. But if your website isn’t converting leads or ranking on Google, it’s just decoration. Your site needs more than good looks. It needs the features that drive traffic, improve SEO, and convert visitors into real leads.

Tip: Start by asking: What do I want people to *do* on my site? Then build every feature around that answer.

Why Most Small Business Websites Still Miss the Mark

The biggest issue? Most websites are still built with outdated thinking—no clear call-to-action, slow mobile load times, and no tracking in place. Business owners often hire designers who focus on looks but skip function. That leads to low conversions, poor rankings, and money left on the table.

Many business owners unknowingly launch websites that lack the must-have website features for 2025, leaving them slow, hard to navigate, or nearly invisible on search engines.

For a deeper dive into what makes a business website effective, HubSpot outlines several proven website strategies.

Example: A local contractor had a nice-looking site with no service area listed, no phone number above the fold, and no reviews. After adding these three features, call volume tripled in 60 days.

The 10 Must-Have Website Features (and Why They Matter)

These features aren’t just trends—they’re requirements if you want your site to drive traffic, leads, and sales in 2025. Below, I break down the must-have website features for 2025 that every serious business site should prioritize to increase traffic, engagement, and conversions.

Fast Load Speed

Slow sites kill conversions. Aim for under 2 seconds. Use image compression, clean code, and lazy loading for media.

Mobile-First Design

Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile. Your layout, fonts, and buttons need to work flawlessly on small screens.

Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

Tell users what to do next—book a call, fill out a form, view services. Repeat CTAs throughout the page.

SEO-Optimized Structure

Your page titles, headers, image alt text, and internal linking should all support your SEO goals.

Homepage Messaging That Connects

Above the fold, clearly explain who you help and what problem you solve. Skip vague slogans—be specific.

Trust Elements (Reviews, Certifications, Logos)

Showcase testimonials, trust badges, and brand partners. Social proof builds credibility fast.

Conversion-Ready Contact Forms

Keep it simple. Don’t ask for too much. And make sure it works flawlessly on mobile.

Service Area or Location Info

Especially for local businesses—add a clickable map, service area list, or geo-targeted SEO text.

Google Analytics + Tracking Tools

If you’re not tracking user behavior, you’re guessing. Set up Google Analytics and tools like Hotjar or Clarity.

Accessibility and Clean UX

Use proper contrast, readable fonts, keyboard navigation, and alt text. Make your site usable for everyone.

How I Help Business Owners Build Better Sites

At Matt Chase Designs, I work directly with business owners who want more than a pretty website. I help you build a platform that ranks, converts, and reflects your brand with clarity. I don’t hand you off to a team—I’m the one doing the work. You’ll always know who you’re working with, and I’ll always know what your goals are.

Tip: If your current website hasn’t been updated in the last 2 years, you’re already behind—let’s fix that before it costs you leads.

Ready to Upgrade Your Site?

You don’t need to start from scratch. You just need a strategy—and someone who knows how to build it right. If your current site lacks the must-have website features for 2025, you’re definitely missing out on traffic, leads, and conversions.

Bonus: Get a Free 5-Minute Website Audit

Not sure where to start? I’ll review your current site and tell you what’s working, what’s not, and what to fix first — all in under 5 minutes. Click here to get your free audit.

Let’s Build You a Website That Actually Works

Most websites look decent but fall flat when it comes to converting traffic into real leads. If your current site isn’t ranking or generating business, it’s not doing its job. I work one-on-one with business owners to build clean, high-converting websites that aren’t just pretty—they perform.

Want to talk about your goals and see what’s possible?
👉 Contact me here

Tip: A 15-minute conversation can save you months of frustration (and thousands in lost revenue).