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Affordable Web Design + SEO Packages for Ohio Small Businesses

For many small businesses in Ohio, a professional online presence is no longer optional. Customers expect well-designed websites that load quickly, function seamlessly on mobile devices, and appear in local search results. The challenge is that smaller companies often operate on limited budgets, making it difficult to balance the cost of web development with effective digital marketing.

The good news is that affordable, bundled solutions are available. Choosing a budget web design & SEO bundle Ohio small business owners can rely on ensures that even startups and local companies can compete online without overspending.

Why Bundled Web Design and SEO Matters

Many businesses treat web design and search engine optimization (SEO) as separate projects. They build a website first, then try to optimize it later. This often leads to higher costs and missed opportunities.

Bundled web design + search engine optimized marketing Ohio package solutions offer several advantages:

  • Cost savings: Packages combine services into one streamlined investment.

  • Integrated strategy: SEO is built into the site from the ground up.

  • Simplified management: Businesses work with one partner instead of juggling multiple vendors.

  • Faster results: Well-optimized sites begin gaining traction on search engines sooner.

What Is a Good Price for Web Design and SEO in Ohio?

Pricing depends on scope, features, and level of customization. According to Clutch’s 2024 survey of small business digital spending, the average small business website in the U.S. costs between $2,000 and $9,000, while ongoing SEO can range from $500 to $2,000 per month depending on competitiveness and goals.

For Ohio specifically, costs are often more competitive than national averages because of lower operating expenses. Many small businesses can secure a cost-effective SEO & web dev for startup Ohio package starting at a few thousand dollars for design and several hundred dollars monthly for SEO.

The key is value: the best package is not the cheapest but the one that aligns with growth goals and generates measurable ROI.

Can a Small Business in Ohio Get Quality Web and SEO Without Huge Budget?

Yes. The perception that only large companies can afford high-quality websites and digital marketing is outdated. Affordable options exist when businesses focus on essentials:

  • Professional templates customized for branding: Reduces design hours while maintaining a polished look.

  • Local SEO focus: Instead of targeting broad, national keywords, optimize for Ohio-specific searches like “bakery in Dayton” or “IT support Cleveland.”

  • Scalable solutions: Start with a foundational package and add advanced features as the business grows.

  • Data-driven decisions: Track analytics and invest more only when results prove the value.

According to a 2023 HubSpot report, 64% of small businesses said SEO delivered better returns than traditional advertising, underscoring that even modest investments in optimization can pay off.

How to Choose a Package That Includes Web Design and SEO That Fits Your Budget

When evaluating providers, small businesses should look for:

  1. Transparent Pricing
    Packages should clearly outline what is included—design hours, number of pages, SEO services, and ongoing support—so there are no hidden costs.

  2. Local Market Understanding
    An Ohio-based provider knows the competitive landscape, customer behaviors, and local search nuances.

  3. Comprehensive Services
    A strong package should include responsive web design, keyword research, on-page SEO, technical optimization, and local business listings.

  4. Proven Results
    Look for case studies, reviews, or testimonials from other Ohio businesses.

  5. Scalability
    The right partner offers flexibility to expand services as your business grows, such as adding e-commerce functionality or advanced content marketing.

Trends Impacting Small Business Web Design and SEO

Recent data highlights why investing in a combined approach is so important:

  • Mobile traffic now accounts for over 60% of global web traffic, making responsive design essential (Statista, 2024).

  • Google’s local search algorithm increasingly favors businesses with optimized Google Business Profiles and consistent local citations (Search Engine Journal, 2024).

  • Websites that load within 3 seconds are 32% less likely to see users bounce, highlighting the importance of technical optimization (Google, 2023).

These trends confirm that small businesses cannot afford to neglect SEO when building or redesigning a site.

The Ohio Advantage

Ohio small businesses enjoy a unique position. With lower costs of living and a strong entrepreneurial culture, local companies can invest in digital growth without the overhead that firms on the coasts face. Partnering with a regional provider ensures tailored solutions that align with both budget and business goals.

Conclusion

Affordable web design + search engine optimized marketing Ohio package options allow small businesses to create a professional online presence and compete effectively in their markets. By choosing the right partner and focusing on value-driven solutions, even companies with limited resources can achieve meaningful digital growth.

Atomic Interactive specializes in delivering budget web design & SEO bundle Ohio small business solutions, with a focus on scalability, transparency, and measurable results.

Contact us to get started on building a cost-effective digital strategy that fits your budget and fuels your growth.

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Local SEO in Ohio: Practical Tips to Rank Higher in 2025

For small businesses across Ohio, showing up online is no longer optional. Customers use Google every day to find nearby restaurants, contractors, healthcare providers, and retailers. According to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey (2024), 98% of consumers used the internet to research local businesses in the past year, and nearly half rely on Google Maps for directions and recommendations.

The question many business owners ask is: “How can my Ohio business rank higher on Google Maps?” The answer lies in investing in the right Ohio local SEO strategies for small business—practical, data-driven steps that improve visibility and attract more customers in 2025.

Why Local SEO Is More Important Than National SEO for Ohio Companies

For most Ohio companies, competing for national search terms is neither realistic nor profitable. What matters is winning visibility in your community. A boutique in Dayton does not need to outrank national retailers; it needs to appear when someone searches “women’s clothing Dayton Ohio.”

Local SEO connects businesses with high-intent customers. According to Google, 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a related business within 24 hours. That is why local SEO is more important than national SEO for Ohio companies—it drives traffic that converts.

How to Rank Higher on Google Maps in Akron Ohio

Google Maps is now a central hub for local discovery. To optimize your Akron business listing, focus on:

  1. Google Business Profile Optimization
    Complete every field: name, address, phone, hours, categories, services, and photos. Profiles that are 100% complete are more likely to rank in the top three local pack results.

  2. Customer Reviews
    A Moz report (2023) confirmed reviews are among the top factors for local rankings. Encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback, and respond to reviews quickly.

  3. Consistency Across Platforms
    Your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) must be consistent across directories, websites, and social media.

  4. Localized Content
    Add city-specific pages and blog posts that include terms like how to rank higher on Google Maps Akron Ohio.

  5. Photos and Updates
    Businesses that post regular photos and updates see higher engagement rates and stronger visibility.

Local SEO Checklist for Ohio Service Providers

To simplify the process, here is an SEO checklist for Ohio service providers to follow in 2025:

  • Claim and fully optimize your Google Business Profile

  • Standardize NAP across all directories and citations

  • Build local citations on sites like Yelp, Angi, and BBB

  • Publish content targeting Ohio-specific keywords and questions

  • Add schema markup for local business information

  • Prioritize mobile-friendly, fast-loading websites

  • Encourage customer reviews and respond promptly

  • Track performance using Google Analytics 4 and Search Console

On-Page and Technical SEO with a Local Twist

Even traditional SEO needs local adaptation:

  • Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Include city and service names (“Plumbing Repair in Columbus Ohio”).

  • Header Tags: Use questions like “What local SEO techniques work best in Ohio right now?” to capture voice search.

  • Alt Text: Describe images with geographic relevance.

  • Internal Linking: Connect local landing pages for better crawlability.

Speed also matters. Google reports that websites loading within three seconds have 32% lower bounce rates than slower ones, directly influencing rankings.

Why Reviews and Reputation Are Key

Customer trust is both a ranking factor and a conversion driver. BrightLocal found that 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2024, and most will not engage with companies rated below 3 stars.

Practical steps include:

  • Asking customers for reviews after purchases or services

  • Creating QR codes that link directly to your Google review page

  • Responding to every review to demonstrate engagement and professionalism

Content Marketing for Local SEO

Publishing Ohio-focused content is an underused but powerful tactic. Examples include:

  • Blog posts on “Top 5 Marketing Tips for Small Businesses in Columbus”

  • Guides like “How to Choose a Contractor in Akron Ohio”

  • FAQs answering common local search queries

This content not only targets specific keywords but also positions your business as an authority in the community.

What Local SEO Techniques Work Best in Ohio Right Now?

Based on 2024 data and current trends, the most effective local SEO practices are:

  • Fully optimized Google Business Profiles

  • City-specific landing pages and blog content

  • Consistent citation building

  • Fast, mobile-friendly websites

  • Active review management

  • Schema markup for local businesses

When combined, these techniques provide Ohio businesses with sustainable visibility in local search results.

Conclusion

Local SEO is not just about search rankings—it is about being found by the right customers at the right time. By following Ohio local SEO strategies for small business, optimizing for Google Maps, and applying the SEO checklist for Ohio service providers, companies across the state can build stronger connections with their communities.

Atomic Interactive helps Ohio businesses create practical local SEO plans tailored to their industry, goals, and geography.

Contact us to get started on ranking higher in 2025 and reaching more of the customers who matter most.

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What Makes a Website ‘Modern’ in 2025?

Let’s face it—“modern” is a moving target when it comes to web design. What felt cutting-edge just a few years ago might already be outdated in 2025. So, what actually makes a website feel current, relevant, and high-converting this year?

We’re breaking down the design trends, user experience (UX) principles, and expectations that define a truly modern website today.

1. Speed Is Still King 

Users expect instant access. If your site takes longer than 3 seconds to load, you risk losing over half your visitors before they even see your homepage. A modern website is lightweight, fast, and optimized for performance across all devices.

2. Mobile-First, Not Mobile-Friendly

With mobile devices dominating web traffic, it’s no longer enough to simply make your site work on a phone—it needs to be designed for it. Think thumb-friendly buttons, responsive layouts, and lightning-fast loading on 4G or less.

3. Authentic, Accessible Design

Design in 2025 is all about clarity and inclusion. Modern websites feature:

  • Clean, readable fonts

  • High color contrast

  • Alt-text on all images

  • Keyboard-friendly navigation
     This doesn’t just serve accessibility—it improves overall usability for everyone.

4. Personalized Experiences

People want to feel like your website is speaking directly to them. Smart sites in 2025 use data to personalize content, suggest relevant products/services, and guide users through custom funnels based on their needs or industry.

5. Microinteractions & Subtle Animation

Motion is no longer just flair—it’s functional. Hover effects, progress indicators, loading animations, and smooth transitions add life to your site and help guide users intuitively from one section to the next.

6. Content That Talks Like a Human

Formal, stuffy copy is out. Brands are now using a conversational, approachable tone across their website. Modern web content is clear, helpful, and aligned with how real people speak and search.

7. SEO-Friendly by Default

Design and SEO are no longer separate. A modern website is structured to rank: proper headings, fast load time, clean URLs, optimized images, and schema markup are all baked into the foundation.

Ready for a Website That’s Actually Built for 2025?

At Atomic Interactive, we create websites that don’t just look good—they work hard. From UX strategy to SEO and mobile optimization, we build modern digital experiences that convert.

 

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How Faster Websites Create Happier Customers

Imagine walking into a store, ready to buy, only to find the entrance blocked by an employee who takes a full minute to slowly slide open the door. Frustrating, right? That’s exactly how people feel when they visit a slow website. In the digital world, speed isn’t just a luxury—it’s an expectation. And if your website is lagging, your customers aren’t just waiting; they’re leaving.

We live in an era where people expect everything instantly. Instant streaming. Instant delivery. Instant answers to every random question they Google at 2 AM. And websites? They’re no exception. Studies show that if a page takes longer than three seconds to load, over half of users will abandon it. Yes, three seconds. That’s less time than it takes to sneeze twice.

But it’s not just about patience (or lack thereof). A fast website directly impacts engagement, conversions, and customer satisfaction. A sluggish site creates frustration, while a lightning-fast one creates trust. And in a world where attention spans are shrinking, trust is everything.

Think about the last time you had to wait forever for a website to load. You probably started questioning the legitimacy of the site, right?

  • “Is this site even working?”
  • “Is my Wi-Fi broken?”
  • “Should I just find another site that loads?”

Slow load times create doubt. Doubt is the enemy of conversions. When customers hesitate, they second-guess whether they should even do business with you. A fast-loading website, on the other hand, signals professionalism and reliability. It tells visitors, “Hey, we’ve got our act together. You can trust us.”

A faster website isn’t just about keeping visitors from bouncing—it’s about getting them to do something while they’re there. Whether it’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a contact form, speed is directly tied to conversion rates.

Amazon famously reported that every 100-millisecond delay in load time cost them 1% in sales. Now, you might not be Amazon, but the principle still applies. The faster your website, the more likely visitors are to stay, engage, and ultimately, convert.

Speed doesn’t just make customers happy; it makes Google happy too. Google prioritizes fast-loading websites in search rankings because, at the end of the day, they want to provide users with the best possible experience. If your website is slow, it’s more likely to get buried under competitors who have optimized their speed.

Translation? A slow website isn’t just costing you visitors—it’s making it harder for potential customers to even find you in the first place.

Here’s something else to consider: More than half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. And mobile users are even less patient than desktop users. If your site takes too long to load on a phone, they’re out. No second chances.

Google’s mobile-first indexing means your website’s mobile performance is now more important than ever. A site that loads quickly on all devices is a site that keeps customers engaged and coming back for more.

A slow website is like a slow cashier at a busy store. People don’t wait around—they find a faster option. And in the world of business, every lost visitor is a lost opportunity.

So how can you ensure your site is lightning-fast? That’s where Atomic Interactive comes in. We specialize in building and optimizing websites for peak performance. From streamlined coding and optimized images to server enhancements and caching solutions, we make sure your site loads at warp speed. Our team understands that every second counts, and we use the latest tools and best practices to keep your customers engaged and your business thriving.

If your website isn’t as fast as it could be, it’s time to fix that. Because in the battle for customer attention, speed isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Let Atomic Interactive help you create a site that not only looks amazing but loads fast enough to keep your customers happy and coming back for more.

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The Top 5 Website Features That Keep Visitors Coming Back

If your website were a party, would people stick around for the good vibes, or would they awkwardly sneak out the back door before dessert? A great website doesn’t just get visitors through the door—it makes them want to stay, explore, and keep coming back for more. So, what are the secret ingredients to turning your website into the ultimate hotspot? Let’s dive into the top five website features that have visitors clicking “bookmark” instead of “back.”

  1. Lightning-Fast Load Times

Nobody’s got time for a slow website. In the age of instant everything, if your site takes more than three seconds to load, most visitors are already gone—probably off Googling your competitor. Speedy sites keep users happy and engaged, reducing bounce rates and increasing conversions. Plus, search engines reward faster sites with higher rankings, so it’s a win-win. Think of it as being the friend who’s always on time, ready with snacks, and never leaves anyone waiting.

Want a quick test? Run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights to see where you can improve load times. Optimize images, enable caching, and minimize excess code—your visitors (and Google) will thank you.

  1. User-Friendly Navigation

Imagine walking into a store where nothing is labeled, the aisles are a maze, and you can’t find the checkout counter. Frustrating, right? That’s exactly how visitors feel when they land on a website with clunky, confusing navigation. Your site should feel like a well-organized map, not a scavenger hunt where the only prize is frustration.

Clear menus, intuitive design, and easy-to-find links encourage people to explore instead of escape. The goal? Make every click feel effortless, guiding users exactly where they need to go without a second thought. The fewer roadblocks, the better the experience.

  1. Engaging Visuals

Looks aren’t everything—but let’s be honest, they’re pretty important. First impressions happen in milliseconds, and if your site is a wall of text with outdated graphics, visitors might bounce before they even read a single word. Eye-catching images, videos, and graphics not only grab attention but also make your site memorable.

High-quality visuals help reinforce your brand’s personality and story, making content more digestible and engaging. Bonus points if your visuals evoke emotion, guide users through content, or highlight key points in a fun and interactive way.

  1. Compelling Content

Visitors come for the content, stay for the value, and return for more. Whether it’s insightful blog posts, informative videos, or helpful guides, high-quality content keeps your audience hooked. More than just words on a page, your content should address customer pain points, offer solutions, and establish your expertise.

Engaging content not only builds trust but also improves SEO. Search engines love fresh, valuable content—so the more relevant and well-crafted your material is, the better chance you have of ranking higher. Pro tip: Keep your content scannable with headers, bullet points, and concise paragraphs to cater to those quick-scrolling visitors.

  1. Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs)

Ever visit a site and think, “Cool… but now what?” Don’t leave your visitors guessing. A great website gently guides users toward the next step—whether that’s signing up for your newsletter, booking a service, or adding that must-have item to their cart.

Your CTAs should be clear, compelling, and strategically placed throughout your site. Make them stand out with contrasting colors, strong action words, and a little urgency (because who doesn’t love a good “limited-time offer”?).

Bonus Tip: Mobile-Friendliness

With more than half of web traffic coming from mobile devices, your site has to look and function flawlessly on every screen size. Otherwise? Say goodbye to a massive chunk of potential customers.

Ensure that buttons are easily tappable, text is legible without zooming, and images resize properly. Responsive design isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s an absolute must in today’s mobile-first world.

The Atomic Advantage

At Atomic Interactive, we know that a great website isn’t just about looking good—it’s about performing well, engaging users, and converting visitors into loyal customers. Our team specializes in creating fast, user-friendly, and visually stunning websites that keep people coming back for more. Whether you need a sleek redesign, better content, or a seamless mobile experience, we’ve got the expertise to turn your site into a high-performing digital powerhouse.

The Takeaway

Creating a website that visitors love isn’t rocket science—it’s about nailing the fundamentals. A website that’s fast, easy to use, visually appealing, and packed with value is one that keeps people coming back for more.

So, is your website ready to keep the party going? If not, it might be time for a refresh. Because in the digital world, a great website isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience worth repeating.

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Outdated website design: First impressions matter!

Your website is one of your most important marketing tools. It’s often the first impression potential customers will have of your business, so it’s important to make sure it’s designed well. An outdated website can make your business look out-of-touch and unprofessional, which can lead to lost business.

 

If your website is more than a few years old, it’s probably time for a redesign. Here are a few signs that your website may be outdated:

 

-It’s not mobile-friendly: In today’s world, more people are using their phones and tablets to surf the web than ever before. If your website is not designed to be responsive, it will be difficult for mobile users to view and navigate. This will lead to a poor user experience and could cause potential customers to leave your site.

 

-It’s not search engine optimized: Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for getting your website found by potential customers. If your website is not optimized, it will be buried in search results and will be difficult for people to find.

 

-It’s not user-friendly: A good website is easy to navigate and easy to use. If your website is difficult to navigate, potential customers will likely get frustrated and leave.

 

 

-It’s not visually appealing: A website that is outdated or not well-designed will turn potential customers away. If your website looks like it was created a decade ago, it’s time for a new website.

If you are interested in a new website design and wanting to learn more about our process contact Atomic Interactive at (937) 232-1155

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Top SEO Mistakes

3 Common SEO Mistakes

Ranking your web pages on search engines are usually the foundation to any digital marketing strategy. Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to properly execute a solid SEO plan. This article is meant to provide you a quick and easy list that addresses the top 3 SEO mistakes and how to fix them.

SEO Mistake #1: Duplicate Content

Duplicate content is one of the most seen problems with a website’s SEO. Webpages are considered duplicate if they contain identical or nearly identical content. Excessive duplicate content may confuse search engines as to which page to index and which one to prioritize in search results. Using duplicated content across multiple pages may lead to traffic loss and poor placement in search results, and it may even provoke search engines to ban your page. Keep in mind, duplicate content can obviously be due to writing the same content on various pages, but it can also result from duplicate pages or internal issues.

How to fix duplicate content:

  1. Provide unique content on the webpage.
  2. Remove duplicate content.
  3. Add a rel=”canonical” link to one of your duplicate pages to inform search engines which page to show in search results.

SEO Mistake #2: Duplicate and missing meta-descriptions

A meta-description tag is a short summary of a webpage’s content that helps search engines understand what the page is about and can be shown to users in search results. Duplicate meta descriptions on different pages mean a lost opportunity to use more relevant keywords. Also, duplicate meta descriptions make it difficult for search engines and users to differentiate between different web pages. It is better to have no meta description at all than to have a duplicate one.

How to fix duplicate and missing meta-descriptions:

  1. Remove duplicate meta-descriptions and provide a unique description of the page
  2. Provide a unique, relevant meta description for each of your webpages.

SEO Mistake #3: Low text-HTML ratio

Your text to HTML ratio indicates the amount of actual text you have on your webpage compared to the amount of code. This warning is triggered when your text to HTML is 10% or less. Search engines have begun focusing on pages that contain more content. That’s why a higher text to HTML ratio means your page has a better chance of getting a good position in search results. Less code increases your page’s load speed and also helps your rankings. It also helps search engine robots crawl your website faster.

How to fix low text-html ratio:

Split your web page’s text content and code into separate files and compare their size. If the size of your code file exceeds the size of the text file, review your page’s HTML code and consider optimizing its structure and removing embedded scripts and styles.

In Conclusion

There are a significant number of other issues that can arise when optimizing your site for search engines, but begin addressing the one’s mentioned above and you’ll notice a difference. Just remember to take your SEO fixes one step at a time. Patience will go a long way when it comes to SEO.

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How to know if you need a new website

If you don’t have these 4 things, you need a new website.

Online shopping has become one of the easiest and efficient ways to shop. That’s why more and more people are going online to look for products and services rather than going to a physical location. That means your company’s website is crucial to keep up with the times and capture your consumer’s business.

First impressions are everything

I’m sure you’ve heard that expression before. The same goes for your website. Consumers need good experiences so if someone goes to your website and it looks outdated or they can’t find anything, they will more than likely go somewhere else. You may not be hearing complaints about your website, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a problem. If you had an updated website, you could be getting even more traffic, leads, and sales. What we tell customers is to redesign your site every 2-3 years with periodic updates to ensure you’re giving your customers exactly what they want: content, user-experience, and appealing design.

Is your website optimized for mobile?

If not, you need a new website. Something to keep in mind is the importance of mobile. Whether you’re a manufacturing company or a retail company, your customers have phones. There are a vast number of searches every day on mobile devices so that means your site must be designed as such. Responsive design for mobile devices will ensure your consumers have a good experience wherever they look at your website and services.

Is your site SEO capable?

If not, you need a new website. Search engine optimization, or more commonly referred to as SEO, is where your site will appear on search engines. Consider this, you have a solid website, enticing brand messaging and a cool logo, but your website isn’t optimized so no one will ever find you to even see that. That makes all your previous efforts meaningless. Having a site that is ready for SEO is huge so if you don’t have a site that gives you that ability, you are already way behind the game.

Does your website take forever to load?

If so, you need a new website. If your site is slow, your rank on Google will be drastically lowered. Not to mention, people want things exactly when they want them. If your page takes forever to load, people will bounce off your site and onto your competitor’s.

Can you link social media on your website?

If not, you need a new website. We mentioned people go to your website to look at your services and may look up your website on their mobile device, but we haven’t talked about the power of social. A large number of people also want to know what other people have to say about you and whether they want to do business with your company. That means they may go to social platforms to make their decision. It’s important to be on social to funnel your potential customers back to your website. If you aren’t on social, that’s an opportunity to gain even more business, but if you are on social and don’t have a website that links with them, that’s just as bad!

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of reasons to update or get a new website, but if you don’t believe us, just look at your competitor’s website. Technology is always changing and so is the way people do business. If you want to ensure your business is future-proof and continues to do solid business, you may want to consider updating your website.

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6 Design Trends to Watch for in 2014

It’s almost the end of the year, and you know what that means. It’s time for 2014 countdown lists! These are Atomic’s predictions for the upcoming year’s major trends in web design. These trends entered the stage in 2013, and we think they’ll stay big in the year ahead.

1. Responsive design. We’ve highlighted responsive design before. But we believe it’s much more than a passing fad. As we enter the era of phablets and smart watches, smaller laptops and longer iPhones, we think responsive design (and, specifically, a move toward unification) is here to stay. It’s become clear that designers can’t possibly keep up with all of the screen sizes available. Instead, we need to be designing websites that scale to fit.

2. Flat design. Call it the Jony Ive effect. Flat design means getting rid of 3D-like effects like bevels and drop shadows, and opting instead for crisp, textureless swaths of color. It’s right in line with responsive design trends (flat colors load quicker), and with the release of iOS7 this fall, is sure to become a sign of the times.

3. Minimalist design. Remember when we all needed to show off our web design chops with animated buttons, pop-up windows, tons of photos, and type so bright you had to squint? If the number of minimalist sites we’ve seen lately is any indication, it’s time to give that up. Minimalism is flat design taken a step further, removing not just color effects but all unnecessary features and content. In 2014, think lots of black and white, simple menus, quiet animations, and definitely, definitely no WordArt.

4. Full-width background images. Not quite ready to face the look of a stark-white site? One way to make your site pop—but still stick with the times—is with a high-quality background image that fills the entire screen. This only works if it’s executed right, though—take some time to learn the CSS tricks you should know to make images look beautiful on responsive sites.

5. Print-inspired typography. Proof that print will never truly die? Nostalgia for a simpler, pre-Snapchat era? Whatever the reason, typography and layouts resembling print publications have being springing up all over the Web. Fortunately for designers, staying hip doesn’t have to be a design headache. Typography options are growing and using web fonts is easier than ever.

6. Parallax scrolling. Parallax effects go hand-in-hand with the scrolling website mega-trend. It means that different elements on a web page scroll at different speeds, giving a sense of 3D movement. To avoid giving your site’s visitors motion sickness, use parallax scrolling in moderation. Check out a few great examples here.

2014 is sure to bring its own crop of brand-new design trends (who knows what we’ll be reviewing this time next year?). In the meantime, if you want to be on the cutting edge in web design, these are the trends to follow. At Atomic, we’ll be keeping our eye on what’s next as we continue to deliver great design to our clients.

Is your site looking a little, well, “last year”? Contact Atomic to get your website with the times.

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Web Design Matters—But So Does What’s Inside It

Clients often come to us for a fresh, new look. Maybe their current website is out of date. Or maybe they’re launching a web presence for the first time. Either way, they’ve come to the right place.

But I’m going to let you in on a secret. A well-designed website alone won’t change anyone’s impression of you.

Here’s the truth about selling yourself on the web (or anywhere else, for that matter): image matters. You wouldn’t show up for a job interview in a stained t-shirt and cutoffs. Or greet your interviewer with a “sup, bro?”—right? The same goes for your presence online. The way you speak—and look—matters.

That’s why all the modern web design in the world is worthless if your content—everything that goes inside the design—is crap. I’m talking about things like:

• Super-dense, jargon-filled, corporate-speak. Nobody talks about “best-in-breed enterprise turnkey process workflow management solutions” when they speak. So why write that way? Explain what you’re selling in plain English, and readers will respond.

• Text wtih speling and grammer erorrs. If you’re looking to build credibility, this is a big one to watch out for. Writing blunders reflect majorly on your business. If you can’t be bothered to spell-check, what else will you overlook?

• COPY THAT’S WAY TOO SALESY!!! Visitors know you have something to offer. So you don’t need to beat them over the head with it. If your writing reeks like a sleazy used-car salesman, readers will bolt before you can say “BUY NOW!!!!”

• Low-res, grainy, out-of-focus images. Know that saying about what a picture’s worth? The same goes for your website. Photos that look like they were taken with a cellphone say “shoddy” and “unprofessional.” And if you’re trying to sell, compelling images are worth more than just words—they can make or break sales.

Looking and sounding your best online isn’t easy. And there’s no perfect way to do it—the style you choose should reflect your business’ values and culture.

Up to the challenge? Many companies (especially those with dedicated marketing/communications teams) take the task of producing high-quality images and content upon themselves—and they excel.

Others prefer to enlist the services of a professional copywriter. They may invest in stock photos, or hire a photographer to capture the ins and outs of office life. (Oftentimes, an outsider’s perspective is exactly what you need.)

Whatever you choose, Atomic can help. We can connect you with Web writers and photographers that will take your site from good to great.

You’re investing time and money in your image, so we know you want to look your best. Think of us as the friend you can always count on to tell you when you have spinach in your teeth. We won’t steer you wrong.

Want to be sure every piece of your image is on point? Call Atomic, and we’ll make sure you’re ready to impress.