Journal
Practical notes on small-business websites, SEO, and content, written by Jake Riff.
WebsitesWhat a Small Business Website Should Cost in 2026Real price ranges, what drives them, and the costs nobody puts on the quote.WebsitesSquarespace, Shopify or a Custom Site: Which One Fits?A plain comparison of the three options most small businesses choose between.SEOGoogle Business Profile: The Free SEO Most Owners SkipThe listing that shows up before your website does, and how to keep it working for you.SEOA Local SEO Checklist You Can Finish in an AfternoonTwelve checks that help nearby customers find you. Tick them off as you go.ContentHow to Write a Homepage Headline That WorksThe first line on your site has one job. Here is how to make it do that job.WebsitesHow Fast Should Your Website Load?What counts as fast, how to check, and the usual fixes for slow small business sites.ContentWrite Service Pages That Rank and Bring in InquiriesA simple structure for the pages that do most of the selling.ContentHow to Ask Customers for Reviews (Without Feeling Awkward)Timing, wording and a short message you can copy.NonprofitsBuilding a Nonprofit Donation Page That People FinishSmall changes that help more visitors complete a gift.WebsitesWhat to Do When Your Web Designer DisappearsHow to get back control of your domain, hosting and site, step by step.Websites6 Small Business Website TipsWebsite decisions that fit how a small business actually runs.SEOSEO the Darwin WayMoving past old backlink tactics toward the tools that work now.Websites5 Tips to Improve Your WebsiteTreating your site as the business card people check first.Websites14 Essential Tips for Improving Your Web DesignA self-check on clarity, navigation, pricing, and bounce rate.Content4 Content Marketing Tips to Take Your Website From Good to GreatContent tactics for more readers and more sales.NonprofitsTips for Designing (or Redesigning) a Nonprofit WebsiteThe key steps, and when to hire help instead of building in-house.