In today’s competitive market, a good product or service alone isn’t enough. Customers want to see that others trust your business before they do. Customers want to see that others trust your business before they do — especially when searching for trusted local services in Des Moines and surrounding areas. That’s where 5-star reviews come in—they’re essential for building your online reputation and setting you apart from the competition. When potential customers see glowing reviews, it boosts their confidence in choosing your business. Reviews aren’t just about building trust; they’re a powerful tool for improving SEO. Positive reviews drive more traffic to your website and improve visibility in search engines, helping you rank higher and reach a broader audience. Businesses with higher ratings often see better search rankings, [...]

A Practical Guide for Small Businesses This is one of the most common questions we hear from local entrepreneurs. A small business owner in West Des Moines recently told us they were quoted $2,000 to $4,000 per month for digital marketing services. Is that excessive? Honestly, there's a clear way to answer that—by understanding your numbers and tracking performance. Let’s break it down. Start with What You Can Measure One of our core principles at RB Web Development in Des Moines is this: never spend money on digital marketing you can’t track. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by offers to advertise in directories, sponsor flyers, or be featured in a local bulletin. But unless you’re tracking the return, it’s not marketing—it’s a donation. And donations [...]

For small businesses, every website visitor counts. But too often, common web design mistakes—like slow load times or confusing layouts—cause visitors to leave before they’ve had a chance to learn about your services. These mistakes don’t just hurt user experience; they damage your search rankings and cost you potential customers. In today’s digital-first world, avoiding these common design pitfalls is crucial to keeping your business competitive and growing. Let’s dive into the web design mistakes to avoid—and how fixing them can set your business on the path to success. Top Web Design Mistakes That Hurt Small Businesses Here are some of the website design mistakes that can cost small businesses valuable traffic and conversions: 1. Slow Loading Speeds In [...]

Website maintenance is like the routine check-up your site needs to stay healthy and effective. By regularly updating content, monitoring performance, and securing your site, you ensure it runs smoothly and avoids common pitfalls like slow load times or security breaches. Skipping these essential tasks can snowball into significant issues that not only disrupt your business but also drive away potential customers. For small business owners, treating website maintenance as a top priority isn't just a recommendation—it's crucial for staying competitive and growing your online presence. In the next sections, we'll explore more in-depth why this is so important. Key Reasons Why Website Maintenance is Important 1. Security Updates Prioritizing security is essential in any website maintenance plan. As cyber threats evolve, regular [...]

Welcome to the world of SEO, where the only certainty is change. In this guide, we’ll uncover the real story of SEO expectations. Forget quick wins; true success in SEO is like nurturing a garden – it takes time, care, and the right strategies to flourish. With everyone vying for the top spot and search engines constantly evolving, we'll show you what it really takes to grow your online presence. Let’s embark on this journey together, setting the stage for sustainable growth and debunking myths along the way. SEO: No Guarantees Think of SEO as a garden. You plant the seeds (apply SEO strategies), water the plants (produce quality content), and care for the soil (optimize your site). However, you can't control the weather [...]

Embarking on the SEO journey, much like starting a garden, requires understanding why SEO takes time. Imagine you’ve just planted your seeds. Naturally, you wouldn’t expect flowers to bloom instantly. Similarly, boosting your website’s SEO rank is a gradual endeavor, not a magic trick. The climb up Google's ranks is complex, with no one-size-fits-all timeline. This ambiguity often leaves many wondering, "How long will it really take?" Truth is, the timeline varies widely from one site to another. The world of SEO is vast and competitive, with countless others planting their seeds in the hopes of harvest. Success doesn't solely hinge on the keywords you choose or the type of website you run; it’s influenced by a myriad of factors, each playing its part in the growth [...]

In today's digital age, the decision between opting for a custom website or a template-based solution is a common dilemma faced by business owners and marketing professionals nationwide. This choice often sparks debates in boardrooms and marketing meetings, as it's not just about aesthetics but the impact on your brand's online presence. While some may view website templates as a convenient and cost-effective solution, others argue that custom websites offer unparalleled uniqueness and functionality tailored to specific business needs. Understanding the difference and making the right choice can significantly influence your business's digital footprint. Here, we'll explore the essential considerations that should guide your decision, ensuring your website aligns perfectly with your business objectives and audience expectations. Website Templates vs. Custom Design Navigating the [...]

Delving into the SEO vs. PPC debate, did you know that for every dollar spent on Google Ads, businesses could see double that in revenue? It's an eye-opening figure that shows just how impactful Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising can be, particularly for local businesses stepping into the competitive digital arena. But PPC is only part of the story. There's also Search Engine Optimization (SEO), which has a knack for boosting web traffic significantly, often outperforming traditional organic social media channels. For local businesses, the online world is full of marketing choices. It's like standing at a crossroads, deciding the best path for your investment to make sure your business gets noticed by the right people. This guide is here to simplify that decision. We're going to break down [...]

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising has revolutionized the way businesses reach their target audiences. But when it comes to local businesses, the strategy takes on a whole new dimension. PPC for local businesses is not just about getting clicks; it's about driving foot traffic, fostering community relationships, and achieving tangible sales results. In today's digital landscape, local PPC has become even more crucial. Searches for local places with "near me" have grown by 150%, faster than comparable searches that do not include "near me" Source: The Media Captain. Moreover, 28% of these "near me" searches result in a purchase. This highlights the immense potential and immediate impact that PPC can have for local businesses. The significance of PPC for local businesses can't be overstated. It offers a level of [...]

What’s the relationship between website design and sales? A well-crafted website design impacts sales figures by facilitating a pleasant user journey, establishing brand credibility, and presenting products in an engaging manner. In stark contrast, a poorly designed website can lead to missed opportunities and a tarnished brand perception. The Importance of Quality Web Design in Boosting Sales In the evolving digital landscape, where consumers have myriad choices at their fingertips, the design of your website is more than just aesthetics—it's a silent ambassador for your brand. The difference between a well-designed website and a mediocre one can be likened to the difference between a persuasive salesperson and one who can barely hold attention. The virtual "shelf" your products or services sit on, the website, either [...]