Resources
How to craft a compelling homepage: the movie trailer of the website world
One of the single most important pages of your website is the homepage. It is the most visited page of a website and can make or break a client’s first impression of your business. According to a recent study, you only have 50ms to make an impression at all! So yes - the homepage’s contents are worth some careful consideration!
We want to suggest that your homepage is a little bit like the movie trailer for your website. A trailer is not the entire film. Your homepage should be an overview, not your entire business. The purpose of a trailer is to lure cinema goers into buying a ticket. A homepage then should persuade visitors to click and check out more of your website. Let’s dive in behind the scenes and discuss the 5 Cs of crafting a compelling homepage.
7 Key Things You Need to Know about Squarespace - the no-code Website Design platform
No-code. Back in the spring of 2003, this term caused quite a stir within the world of website design. Wordpress, the first no-code web development tool was launched. Previously, websites had been created on platforms such as Dreamweaver, ColdFusion and Flash. All of these programmes heavily relied on code; think tech wizards in their garages…why is it always the garage? However, Wordpress came along and - in the words of the King - got the website design scene ‘all shook up!’
The Art of Delegation in Website Design
The other day, our Founder Dave was on a mission: Operation Retrieve Christmas Present. This festive assignment took him down many a winding country road and past the prehistoric Stonehenge. His road trip was underscored by the very popular podcast The Diary of a CEO hosted by Entrepreneur, Investor and Dragon Steven Bartlett. In the hot seat in this episode was British magnate Richard Branson. Dave, along with many others - according to the ‘most replayed’ feature on the YouTube vlog version - was struck by a particular anecdote that Branson shared.
4 Steps to Become a Pro Squarespace Designer
If you're passionate about web design and want to become a Squarespace Designer, this blog post is for you!
In a world which is becoming increasingly digitised, it is all the more crucial for businesses and individuals to have a strong online presence. One of, if not, the most popular platform for building professional websites is Squarespace. Globally renowned for its user-friendly interface and sleek, contemporary design templates, it revolutionised the world of website design. A big player dominating a field of high and unrelenting digital demand, we think - in our very unbiased opinions - that becoming a Squarespace Designer is a wise career choice.
Made by Dave wins Digital Business of the Year 2023
In an era defined by technological advancements and digital innovation, being recognised as the Digital Business of the Year is no small feat. We are thrilled to announce that Made by Dave has emerged as the shining star in the SME Business Awards 2023, a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence in the digital realm.
Should I DIY it or Hire a Squarespace Web Designer?
Maybe you are in the process of setting up your own business? Next up on the to do list is: get a website. You have a bit of a creative background and you have heard of this website platform called Squarespace. You think ‘I could have a go at this myself.’ Proceeding to look further down your long list of things to do, you begin to feel overwhelmed by the prospect.
Perhaps hiring a web designer would be the best way forward? But you are reticent; there are a lot of other upfront costs to factor in. Back and forth you go, neither solution having the edge. You remain comfortably - as they put it - on the fence.
The essential guide to Squarespace Courses & Digital Products
Creating an online course has now become even easier with the new Digital Products from Squarespace. You now have the ability to create a Course, Video on Demand or Member Site within your Squarespace website.
The Unofficial Squarespace Entrepreneur Podcast with Omari Harebin
Dave enjoyed connecting with Omari Harebin on The Unofficial Squarespace Entrepreneur Podcast. It was a great chat about how Made by Dave came about, and so much more.
7 Web Design fails you need to fix
Your website is the face of your business. Many consumers will conduct their due diligence online - seeking out testimonials and gauging online presence - before committing to a purchase or using a service.
Previously, we have discussed the importance of first impressions and how when it comes to websites, you only have 50ms to make an impression at all! However, credibility is not built on aesthetic appeal alone. The technical performance of your website can have a massive impact - for better or worse - on your website's bounce rate, engagement and overall success.
In this blog, we bring you the 7 deadly sins of website design and how to fix them.
Does my Squarespace website need professional photography?
If you are in the process of building a Squarespace website or employing the expertise of Squarespace Designers to do so - like yours truly - you may be wondering whether you need professional photography? We’ll cut to the case: YES!
You might be thinking, well hang on a minute, phones have such great camera capabilities these days. Isn’t it easier than ever to do it yourself and take good photos?
Why Squarespace is the Best Website Builder for Churches
At Made By Dave we have designed countless websites for churches and Christian charities. Our clients span various denominations across the globe and include the likes of HTB, Alpha UK, Soul Survivor, Church Revitalisation Trust and the Diocese of St Albans. We well and truly believe that Squarespace is the best platform to support your church’s work, goals and ministry.
Breaking away from the trusty 3 point sermon format, we discuss 7 reasons why Squarespace is the best website builder for churches.
5 reasons why Canva is a great marketing tool for Small Businesses
There is that age old saying ‘never judge a book by its cover.’ A moral told in many stories, teaching us not to judge someone or something based only on what you see on the outside. Although an admirable and lovely sentiment to live by, in this fast-paced digital age, this is just not the reality of business. People have jam-packed, busy lives and don’t want to spend hours on end ciphering through loads of options.
What is SEO and Why is it important for Squarespace?
Every website designer desires to create stunning and functional sites that just work. And by working, we mean a website that serves both users and the client.
And what better way to serve a client than to build their site for SEO?
Now, what is SEO, and why is it important?
5 Benefits of Hiring A Squarespace Web Designer
The universal question that Squarespace designers get thrown is - why? ‘Isn’t the whole point of Squarespace that the average Jane/Joe can build their own website?’ If I had a dime for every time I have been asked that question, I would be on the Forbes Rich List! Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration… but you get the drift.
Why I became a Squarespace Designer
Rewind. It was the winter of 2014: the year of the incredibly moving art installation of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London; the year the cult sitcom Friends turned 20; and the year that many of us poured buckets of ice over our heads in aid of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.