The Hidden Costs of AI Websites in 2025: Why Human Design Still Wins

Let me be honest with you – as someone who’s been designing websites for over 16 years, I’ve seen plenty of trends come and go. But this whole “AI website builder” craze? It’s giving me serious pause, and here’s why. Sure, AI promises the world: quick deployment, lower costs, and “intelligent” design. But as a designer who’s created countless successful websites for professional service firms and growing businesses, I’m seeing some serious hidden costs that nobody’s talking about. The “Uncanny…

Spring Revival: Why 2025 is the Perfect Time for Maine Businesses to Refresh Their Digital Presence

As I look out my window here in Midcoast Maine, watching the last patches of snow melt away and the first signs of spring emerging, I can’t help but feel the surge of energy that comes with this season of renewal. For Maine businesses, this spring represents more than just a change in weather – it’s an opportunity for digital transformation and growth. As someone who splits time between St. Petersburg and Midcoast Maine, I understand the unique challenges and…

How to Fix “Your Connection Is Not Private” Chrome Error: A Complete Guide

As a website designer with over 16 years of experience, I’ve encountered numerous SSL certificate issues and security warnings. One of the most common concerns my clients face is the dreaded “Your connection is not private” error in Chrome. Today, I’ll walk you through why this happens and how to fix it, ensuring your website maintains the trust and security your visitors expect. What Causes “Your Connection Is Not Private” Error? This error typically appears when Chrome can’t verify your…

Monthly vs One-Time Website Investment

Which Website Payment Option is Best for My Business? Monthly vs. One-Time Investment I often hear this question from business owners looking to invest in their digital presence: “Should I pay monthly or make a one-time investment for my website?” As a UX-focused web designer with almost 2 decades of experience, I’ll help you understand both options so you can make the best choice for your business. The One-Time Investment Option Starting at $9,000, this traditional payment model is perfect…

Why UX-Focused Website Design Drives Better ROI: A Designer’s Perspective

After nearly 2 decades of designing websites (and seeing what works and what doesn’t), I’ve learned one unchanging truth: a pretty website means nothing if your visitors can’t figure out what to do on it. Let me share something that happened just last week. A potential client came to me after spending $15,000 on a gorgeous website that wasn’t converting. The design? Beautiful. The functionality? Let’s just say their bounce rate was through the roof. What Does UX-Focused Design Actually…

The Hidden Costs of Delaying Your Website Redesign: A Small Business Guide for 2025

Hey there! Let’s have a real talk about something I see way too often in my website design work – businesses putting off their website redesigns like that gym membership they swear they’ll use “next month.” The Shocking Numbers (That Nobody Wants to Talk About) Here’s a truth bomb: Companies that delay their website redesigns end up spending about 40% more when they finally take the plunge. Yikes, right? As a designer based in St. Petersburg and Midcoast Maine, I’ve…

How Often Should You Redesign Your Website?

Your website is often the first impression your business makes on potential clients. But just like fashion trends, technology and user expectations evolve. If your site looks outdated, loads slowly, or isn’t optimized for mobile, it could be costing you leads, conversions, and valuable SEO rankings. How Often Do Most Companies Redesign Their Website? On average, businesses **redesign their website every 2-3 years**. However, the timeline varies based on industry, audience, and performance goals. Here’s a general breakdown: But rather…

Hiring an LGBTQ+ Web Designer in Tampa Bay

In today’s digital age, having a well-designed website is crucial for any business or individual looking to establish a strong online presence. For members of the LGBTQ+ community in the Tampa Bay area, partnering with a web designer who is also part of the community can offer unique advantages. This collaboration not only ensures a website that resonates with the target audience but also fosters a sense of family and understanding. Understanding the Unique Needs of the LGBTQ+ Community The…

The Importance of Fast Web Hosting: Why Smaller Providers Offer a White Glove Experience

In today\'s digital era, the internet has become the forefront of commerce and communication. At the heart of this revolution lies web hosting – an essential service for anyone looking to make an impact online. While there are countless companies offering web hosting services, the significance of choosing the right provider cannot be overstated, particularly when it comes to speed and personalized service. The Need for Speed in Web Hosting Speed is a critical factor in web hosting for…

Discover the Best Website Design in St. Petersburg, Florida

In the bustling and vibrant city of St. Pete, Florida, where the sun-kissed beaches meet the thriving business landscape, the demand for a reliable and skilled website builder is at an all-time high. As businesses strive to establish a robust online presence, finding the right professional to craft a visually appealing and functional website becomes crucial. Megan Dorien emerges as the go-to web designer, bringing a decade of experience and an intimate understanding of the local scene to the table.…

Elevating Your Online Presence: The Crucial Role of Top-Notch Website Hosting

Hey there, I’m Megan Dorien, and I’ve learned a thing or two about the importance of reliable website hosting on my journey to enhance my online presence. If you’re wondering why good website hosting matters, or how to find ‘web hosting near me’ (you), buckle up as I share insights on security, website load speeds, and why making the switch to my hosting services could be a game-changer for your digital presence. Security – The Bedrock of Trust 1. Protecting…

How to find a web designer near me

Title: Navigating the Digital Landscape: My Journey to Find the Perfect Web Designer in St. Pete, Florida Hey there, I’m Megan Dorien, a proud resident of St. Pete, Florida, and I’ve embarked on the exciting journey of enhancing my online presence. As I began my quest to find the perfect web designer, I couldn’t help but wonder about the significance of working with someone local. In this personal guide, I’ll share my thoughts on why collaborating with a St. Pete-based…

How to improve your amazon listing – 5 ways to optimize your FBA product listing – How to rank better on Amazon

You have a great product - or so you think - and you can\'t figure out why it\'s not dominating the Amazon marketplace. You have some fairly good pictures, created a title that describes your product, and outlined the bullet points detailing what your product is all about. Cool out, verruca salt. There\'s 40 million other people doing exactly what you did. In order to be successful on Amazon FBA you must go above and beyond what everyone else is…

HOW TO EDIT YOUR WORDPRESS WEBSITE

WordPress is great for so many reasons; the built in SEO, the millions of plugins (literally, millions), and the plentiful choices of pre-built, customizable themes. By far though, one of the greatest gifts that WordPress has given to the world is the ease of use of it’s interface. WP has created the perfect process and seamless workflow between fancy web developers like myself and my typically-not-so-computer-savvy clients. Once the project is completed and the client is over the moon happy…

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