Web Design and UX Essentials
Launching a start-up or side-hustle is exciting, but without a website you’re practically invisible. More than 4.5 billion people head online every day for product research and local services; your site is the first conversation they’ll have with your brand. Done well, it becomes your hardest-working salesperson, converting curious browsers while you get on with running the business.
TL;DR
- WordPress + Elementor Pro lets you build a professional site without code.
- A clear home-page story guides visitors from problem → solution → action.
- Use our 10-point checklist before you hit “publish”.
1. Why Your Website Matters
Even if your customers live round the corner, they still reach for Google to check opening times, reviews or booking options.
- Build brand awareness beyond walk-in traffic.
- Engage prospects 24/7 with chatbots, FAQs and downloadables.
- Track what works through free analytics — refine and repeat.
- Scale at your own pace: add e-commerce, courses or bookings later.
Digital meets traditional: pair print flyers or local radio with QR codes that drive people to a special landing page.
2. Demystifying the Jargon — A Mini Glossary
- CMS ( Content Management System ) – tool for editing pages without code.
- Theme – your site’s visual framework (layout, colours, fonts).
- Plugin – add-on that gives WordPress extra powers (SEO, security, forms).
- Responsive design – layout adapts to mobiles, tablets and desktops.
- CTA ( Call to Action ) – button or link that asks visitors to do something.
- Conversion – when a visitor completes your goal (buys, books, signs up).
Quick win: keep this list open while you work so tech terms never slow you down.
3. Getting Started with WordPress & Elementor Pro
- Choose reliable UK-based hosting & a memorable domain. Slow servers cost far more in lost leads later.
- Install WordPress — most hosts offer one-click set-up.
- Activate the Hello Elementor theme. Lightweight and purpose-built.
- Add three must-have plugins:
- Rank Math (SEO)
- Site Kit (analytics)
- Wordfence (security)
- Licence & activate Elementor Pro to unlock the theme builder.
Pro tip: Feeling stuck? Book a free 60-minute set-up call and I’ll have you online within a day.
4. Branding Basics in Elementor
- Global colours & fonts — set once, change everywhere.
- Site Identity — upload your logo, favicon and adjust header/footer.
- Drag-and-drop builder — rows, columns and widgets for any layout.
- Reusable templates — save hero sections, testimonials and CTAs.
- Mobile preview — tweak padding and font sizes per device.
5. Building a High-Converting Home Page
5.1 Above the Fold
- Headline: We help [audience] solve [problem] with [unique solution].
- Primary CTA: e.g. Book a Free Consultation button.
- Visual: Hero image or 10-second video showing the outcome.
5.2 Navigation
- Keep to seven links or fewer.
- Add a contrasting CTA button top-right.
5.3 Story Flow
- Problem your visitor faces.
- Solution you provide.
- Proof — reviews, data, awards.
- Action — bold CTA.
5.4 Lead-Gen Essentials
- Short enquiry form (name + email/phone).
- Repeat CTA mid-page & footer.
- Testimonials or logo strip for social proof.
GDPR note with link to your privacy policy.
6. Crafting Your Brand Story
Ask yourself:
- What pain does my customer wake up with?
- How does my offer solve it better than anyone else?
- What evidence makes this credible? (case studies, stats)
- What single action should the visitor take next?
Weave these answers through every heading, paragraph and button.
7. Pre-Launch Checklist
✅ Mobile test on three real devices
✅ Google PageSpeed score 85 +
✅ Google Analytics & Search Console connected
✅ Wordfence & daily backups enabled
✅ Spell-check + Rank Math green lights
✅ Forms send to the correct inbox
8. Next Steps & Free Resources
- Download the one-page worksheet (PDF).
- Book a complimentary website review — 60-minute Zoom.
- Join the email list for fortnightly tips and invites to events.
Need tailored advice? Email or connect on LinkedIn.
Remember:
You don’t need to master every digital marketing strategy at once. Pick one or two that fit your strengths and audience, do them well, and expand gradually. Over time, consistent effort and local focus will build your visibility online and grow your business!
Need Further Help?
- Local Business Network https://ealingbusinessnetwork.co.uk/
- Free Online Resources: https://theoruby.com/marketing-guides/
- One-on-One Support: I offer a complimentary 60 minute zoom to go through your specific business needs and you can book directly with me here https://tidycal.com/theo-ruby/hammersmith-and-fulham-121
If you have any questions or are not sure where to start feel free to reach out via email [email protected] or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/theoruby/
