I Redesigned 3 Small Business Websites to Get More Clients (Before and Afters!)

On a scale of 1-10, how good a job do you think your website does when it comes to connecting with your potential clients?
I ask this because I recently put out a call on my KZread channel asking my viewers to submit their websites for me to make over. The submissions I got were pretty varied as I would expect, but almost all of them had one thing in common…
They were missing a lot of the elements that make a website seem like it belongs to a real human-centered business.
For some it was phony looking photos... for others it was vague or confusing wording - for many it was a combo platter.
So in this week’s KZread video, I chose 3 of these viewer submitted websites to diagnose and fix these connection problems. I made over each of their homepages from top to bottom, and I’m gonna share the before-and-afters with you!
Because when you see where these sites started and what they look like now, you’re gonna get some ideas of your own that will help YOU connect more meaningfully with your casual site visitors - turning more of them into warm leads and paying clients than you might be getting today.
So watch the video for possibly my most meaningful makeover video to date.
Have fun, and be sure to write down any improvements you see that you’d like to “borrow” for your own site!
🎬 Register for the FREE On-demand video masterclass training, "The Automated Clients-on-Demand Website Blueprint for Service Businesses" Just go to: wesmcdowell.com/training
🤑 Need website hosting? Grab my exclusive affiliate discount and save up to 80% off normal hosting price: wesmcdowell.com/hosting

Пікірлер: 123

  • @SillyWeb
    @SillyWeb6 ай бұрын

    Watching your video is like getting a crash course in website psychology. It's incredible how you diagnose and fix those connection issues. I'm eager to see the before-and-afters and steal some of those genius ideas for my own site. Thanks for sharing your expertise and making the digital world a better place!

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    6 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for watching! 😀 👏

  • @yaboytl
    @yaboytl2 жыл бұрын

    I could binge watch these...I love the content and before and after..much more useful than the average "how to improve your website" KZread videos.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you like them! I actually made it easy to binge them with this playlist! kzread.info/head/PL2MA6QzfYgVrrDYO5VB3s_Dzg2gLOAzUD

  • @yaboytl

    @yaboytl

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@WesMcDowellInc Awesome, thanks!

  • @ArtFunLife

    @ArtFunLife

    2 жыл бұрын

    true

  • @rafeeqwarfield9690
    @rafeeqwarfield96902 жыл бұрын

    So happy I found your channel. Basically the only person I’ve come across that is giving gold bricks of value in EACH video

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Welcome aboard! 👌 Trying my best for you guys! 😊

  • @camillabrandao_ads
    @camillabrandao_ads2 жыл бұрын

    Love those videos of websites make overs. They are my favorite!

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Camilla, they're fun to make too :) I've got a bunch of em if you want more on this playlist: kzread.info/head/PL2MA6QzfYgVrrDYO5VB3s_Dzg2gLOAzUD

  • @dansolo360
    @dansolo3602 жыл бұрын

    Thank you sir! I’m a new UX Lead working for a small startup. I am taking on the job of redesigning the site and this has been very helpful to see how you think and redesign with intention and clarity.

  • @GreyStreet14
    @GreyStreet142 жыл бұрын

    Certified 👑. I demand ads on this channel!

  • @leeremarkablepixel7630
    @leeremarkablepixel76302 жыл бұрын

    I love your before and afters - so helpful and inspiring. Thank you Wes - Brilliant as ever!

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much Lee! I think I need to start doing more of these :)

  • @BenjaminFeier
    @BenjaminFeier9 ай бұрын

    The video is really mega good, so much value in it! You can see that you are a true professional, the redesign is so good, not only from the visual but much more from the user experience. Great!

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    9 ай бұрын

    wow, thanks so much Benjamin 🙌😊

  • @chelseastudios
    @chelseastudios6 ай бұрын

    I'm currently re-making the website of the small business I work for, and these videos of yours are GOD SENDS - thank you! ❤

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    6 ай бұрын

    That's wonderful! good luck with the site 👏😎

  • @TalalAlMughrubi
    @TalalAlMughrubi2 жыл бұрын

    Every time I watch a new video of you, it added benefits and gives a lot

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much Talal!

  • @mollysmiles
    @mollysmiles Жыл бұрын

    This is great. Thank you for providing clear useful information.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful Molly! 😀 🙌

  • @robertlwheeler5377
    @robertlwheeler5377 Жыл бұрын

    The part about picking a lane makes so much sense and not using image sliders which I have been doing. Thanks for the input.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    Жыл бұрын

    thx for watching Robert! 👏😃

  • @LucasSilva-sz4bv
    @LucasSilva-sz4bv2 ай бұрын

    What a terrific video! I watched writting down every tip.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 ай бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @redefinedcreative
    @redefinedcreative2 жыл бұрын

    Such a well done video Wes! Excellent tips

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it Keegan! Thanks for watching! 😁

  • @libss
    @libss2 жыл бұрын

    what a great video. I loved the design of testimonial section on the first site

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you liked it. Thank you for watching!

  • @lewisticknor
    @lewisticknor2 жыл бұрын

    You are beyond awesome Wes!

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Wow, thank you Lewis! and thanks for watching! 🙂

  • @jacobharris2373
    @jacobharris23739 ай бұрын

    Phenomenal video thanks!

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    9 ай бұрын

    Glad you liked it Jacob!🙌😀

  • @JustKhristene
    @JustKhristene Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the in-depth information! I will be redesigning my website ❤

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    Жыл бұрын

    You're so welcome & good luck Kristene!

  • @bonniehoke-scedrov4906
    @bonniehoke-scedrov490611 ай бұрын

    Great video! Thanks!

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    11 ай бұрын

    Thanks for checking out so many of my videos! Appreciated 👏🙌

  • @schwetang
    @schwetang2 жыл бұрын

    Loved this one, Wes. Your videos are always full of value, but this one is really relevant to me. You taught me how to make a solid pitch proposal that'd win me a client! Thanks, man.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Man! Hope it helped you a lot. Good luck with that proposals and go win those clients! 😊

  • @AssiZak1
    @AssiZak12 жыл бұрын

    I'm learning a lot from your tutorial! Thank you for that. It would really help to get the links to the three websites you've created for this video.

  • @unpluggedfreedom1
    @unpluggedfreedom12 жыл бұрын

    This is exactly what I need right now for my clients. Thank you! P.S. the audio is a tad low and had to grab my headphones.

  • @droll8755
    @droll87552 жыл бұрын

    unbelievable content, even better value, thanks!

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you think so! Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more! 😁

  • @ErinLAnderson
    @ErinLAnderson2 жыл бұрын

    You r incredibly talented and it's obvious you put in the work

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Erin, that means so much to me, thank you for watching!

  • @antarbo5060
    @antarbo50602 жыл бұрын

    Awsome video , thanks a lot .

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

  • @MichaelWilliams-lo3ix
    @MichaelWilliams-lo3ix2 жыл бұрын

    Excellent

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Cheers!

  • @joesdi
    @joesdi Жыл бұрын

    This is GOLD. Come to Rome, Italy, you get a free lunch and dinner 🤩

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    Жыл бұрын

    Deal! 😎😊

  • @tekenieconomicdevnativebus7444
    @tekenieconomicdevnativebus7444 Жыл бұрын

    You are really awesome. We are launching a new website for another company, wish we could afford talent like yours

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks 👏 You can do it!

  • @karenp5630
    @karenp56302 жыл бұрын

    Great info

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you think so, Karen! Thanks for watching! :)

  • @MichaelBrianInc
    @MichaelBrianInc2 жыл бұрын

    These one page sites are a knockout!! So clean and simple. - normally when doing client work, do you write the content or copy from scratch or are you taking the ideas from the client and writing them out to match their tone? How do you come up with the copy of each site?

  • @AbubakrAkinade

    @AbubakrAkinade

    Ай бұрын

    Hello Michael, I'm thrilled you're enjoying the simplicity and effectiveness of one-page websites. When it comes to crafting content for client websites, it's all about collaboration and tailoring the message to fit their unique voice and goals. Typically, I start by gathering insights from the client about their objectives, target audience, and brand personality. This helps me shape the content to resonate with their specific audience while maintaining their desired tone. Sometimes, clients already have existing content they want to incorporate, and I refine and optimize it to ensure it aligns with their goals. Other times, clients prefer to entrust the content creation entirely to me, allowing me to research their industry and audience to craft compelling copy. Ultimately, the aim is to create content that not only informs but also inspires action, whether it's making an appointment, subscribing to a service, or reaching out for more information. If you have any specific ideas or preferences for your website's content, I'd love to hear them and collaborate to bring your vision to life. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss further. I'm here to help!

  • @buyannemekhchimeddorj
    @buyannemekhchimeddorj2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome!

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, man! Appreciate it!

  • @valeriepasserini9416
    @valeriepasserini94163 ай бұрын

    Your videos are excellent. I feature Before & Afters on my site as a copywriter. However, do you use Google Analytics and certain metrics there to show why your remake was so valuable? Or do you stress more people scheduling calls, appointments, tours, etc?

  • @spurgeonappraisals6483
    @spurgeonappraisals64832 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much for taking the time to look over and redesign our site. It looks awesome. Would it be possible to get a copy of what you did? Maybe a pdf or something I could look at to redesign our site? Any help would be great. Thanks again and nice work as always.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sure thing! Had fun doing this one... the live homepage is here: box2141.temp.domains/~wesmcdow/spurgeon/ ... I'd take some screenshots in case it gets taken down at any point. I recommend following along with this complete tutorial while you look at the live example: kzread.info/dash/bejne/m2ea2pScj9Ocl7g.html

  • @grocerymob608
    @grocerymob6082 жыл бұрын

    Hey, Wes ty for making such kind of wonderful videos. I really like your content and especially like your presentation. I have one request for can you please show us how you record your high-quality screen and how you make videos. I also wanted to make videos like yours.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! But I don't really do video production tutorials on this channel, a bit off topic for what I cover here. But there are plenty channels on KZread that can show you the ropes.. cheers!

  • @grocerymob608

    @grocerymob608

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@WesMcDowellInc Ty so much for your reply. If you can suggest any screen recorder tool for windows that you like it will be really helpful for me. Again ty you are doing a really great job ... Cheers!

  • @marcochiasson2298
    @marcochiasson22987 ай бұрын

    This is an « old » video that popped up on my feed. I’m a physical therapist currently building my website with Wix. Your review of the PT/chiro clinic was awesome. Could you recommend Wix font and letter size that are best for medical websites? I also love your recent videos. Keep up the good work. TIA.

  • @AbubakrAkinade

    @AbubakrAkinade

    Ай бұрын

    Hello. When it comes to selecting fonts and letter sizes for medical websites on Wix, clarity and professionalism are key. For body text, I'd recommend using a clean and easily readable font like Arial, Helvetica, or Open Sans. These fonts are widely used and offer excellent legibility across different devices and screen sizes. As for font size, aim for around 16-18 pixels for body text to ensure comfortable reading without having to strain. For headings and titles, you might want to go with a slightly bolder font to make important information stand out. Fonts like Roboto Condensed, Lato, or Montserrat can work well for this purpose. For headings, you can increase the font size to around 24-30 pixels to grab attention effectively. Remember to maintain consistency throughout your website by using the same fonts and font sizes across different pages. This will not only enhance the overall look and feel of your site but also contribute to a more cohesive user experience. If you have any further questions or need assistance with your website development, feel free to reach out. I'd be more than happy to help you create a professional and visually appealing website for your PT/chiro clinic. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

  • @82TBRE
    @82TBRE2 жыл бұрын

    I’d love to see you do an e-commerce store

  • @anythinginvolvingsharks
    @anythinginvolvingsharks Жыл бұрын

    "Go ahead and steal from this video!" *looks up from polishing safe-cracking gear* Oh! Wonderful.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    Жыл бұрын

    😆

  • @ArtFunLife
    @ArtFunLife2 жыл бұрын

    very much improved and really designed user centric website...🇵🇰👍

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jalil!

  • @ActiveDad
    @ActiveDad2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Wes - I know you recommend a call to action button above the fold in the hero section but would you also recommend pinning it to the top right hand side so it's always showing at any point on the website?

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes you can! You can always do what you think is best for your website. Best of luck and have fun! 😊

  • @user-nj5gi5yr6x
    @user-nj5gi5yr6x8 ай бұрын

    Great work man! How did you find these small businesses tho?

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    8 ай бұрын

    Thanks! I just put out a message on KZread asking for willing business to be critiqued. 👍

  • @KarenVaisman1
    @KarenVaisman12 жыл бұрын

    I love the way you explain things, very clear design. I'm curious how these sites do with seo as it is mostly graphics and design. I thought pages needed a lot of words to come up to the top in search and the H1 headline needed your main key word, which I'm not sure you have in these (especially for local SEO). Can you elaborate? These look clear and convert well but will they rank?

  • @christianfynbo639

    @christianfynbo639

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's important to remember that landing pages (especially the home page) should convert first of all - ranking is just a convenient side effect. You have to go out of your way for your home page not to rank for your brand, as an example. You have an entire website to craft ranking pages - each with one, maybe two, core keywords. Just my 2 cents.

  • @unpluggedfreedom1
    @unpluggedfreedom12 жыл бұрын

    On the first heading image 4:35 Did you add that gradient to the image, or was that a setting in your theme?

  • @RaineL-is5cl
    @RaineL-is5cl Жыл бұрын

    Hey I want to look into doing this with some local businesses for some extra cash and was wondering , how do you get into their domain or do you restart a new website how do I approach doing that? im a little confused on how to just get into the editing part

  • @lani964455
    @lani9644552 жыл бұрын

    Amazing! Where do you find your photos?

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Lani, I personally use shutterstock, but its expensive for the average person only making one site. For more a la carte photos, I like Adobe Stock. Pretty much the same selection with more reasonable pricing. Cheers!

  • @stevea1240
    @stevea12402 жыл бұрын

    Love the video. This question however is about GMB. When claiming my listing if there is another business with the same name already in GMB but on the other side of the state and definitely not in competition with me, do I need to change my name and start over?

  • @davilaleslie5633

    @davilaleslie5633

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's a good idea

  • @DEMOLA_404

    @DEMOLA_404

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Steve

  • @harshjha271
    @harshjha2712 жыл бұрын

    I have a question suppose we have redesigned the website and mailed the samples too But if the client has not seen or replied to the message then what to do in this situation

  • @coolestnerdeverllc7488
    @coolestnerdeverllc7488 Жыл бұрын

    This is a great video. As a data analyst, I’m unsure of how to give the “people” connection feel with imaging. Any suggestion on the type of images I should include? I’m not a fan on the latest illustration trend that other technical sites have been using but don’t know how to connect with people and still have images related to data analysis. Any additional help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    Жыл бұрын

    I think it all comes down to remembering that you don't simply offer data analysis. You offer clarity, and the benefit of knowing what decision to make. So sell THAT through your images. Maybe a relieved looking business owner, etc. But then the words would have to speak to that emotion as well so the image connects. Make sense?

  • @coolestnerdeverllc7488

    @coolestnerdeverllc7488

    Жыл бұрын

    @@WesMcDowellInc 🤯 Talk about providing clarity. Thank you so much!

  • @vloogle4924
    @vloogle49242 жыл бұрын

    How does optimization for mobile platforms play into business web page design?

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    It plays a big role especially most of the time, people are using their mobile phones when accessing their socials and most of us (if not all), promotes our business on socials. So you need to make sure that your website is fully optimized and responsive for mobile and pc. Thanks for watching! :)

  • @Xtremeproducts
    @Xtremeproducts2 жыл бұрын

    Wes I’m definitely interested in a website makeover and/or marketing for my website and/or my wife’s website. How can I contact you to get details on pricing? Thank you

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hey, soty but I don't do full service web projects anymore. But if you're interested in a coaching call where I can help you with an overall direct/strategy, you can schedule that here: wesmcdowell.com/private-coaching-consultations/

  • @Xtremeproducts

    @Xtremeproducts

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@WesMcDowellInc thank you

  • @apexvadeor3670
    @apexvadeor36702 жыл бұрын

    Can you recommend someone to build my SMMA website?

  • @stephb7702
    @stephb77022 жыл бұрын

    Can you make a video of the behind-the-scenes aspect of a redesign? Like how do you access the client's site? Do you nuke it and start from scratch?

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hey Steph, I might do something like that in the future, but when I was designing for clients I would always start from scratch on a staging server, then the old would be swapped out for the new when it was approved.

  • @Amaymay1000
    @Amaymay10008 ай бұрын

    Hi! Would you do this without contacting the business? Is there any legal issues with this. Also if you do end up reaching out, do you charge them if they like it?

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    8 ай бұрын

    I wouldn't just do this for a business without asking them first.

  • @kashishbarot8106
    @kashishbarot8106 Жыл бұрын

    Do you know where can we find such sites? I like to practice and revamp old websites but always get into a rabbit hole while actually trying to search websites Awesome video

  • @combeferret

    @combeferret

    9 ай бұрын

    What I like to do is literally just Google local businesses that are on my street, or ones that I've visited before. Often, they have very poor websites.

  • @stephb7702
    @stephb77022 жыл бұрын

    Hey i dont get it... each time i go see one of the websites you rebranded, they're the old style and not using the new redesigned website?

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yep these weren’t actual projects, for KZread purposes only

  • @jawadahmed8956
    @jawadahmed89562 жыл бұрын

    Hi there i really like this video I want ask how to get better at web design when i try to design website i always stuck need suggestion Thanks

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    I can't really answer that in a comment unfortunately, just keep watching more of these videos for inspiration!

  • @KreasionAutoDetailing
    @KreasionAutoDetailing4 ай бұрын

    How do I schedule a kickstart call with you? I tried the link from another video of yours, but it didn’t work.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    4 ай бұрын

    I’m sorry but I no longer offer one on one coaching calls, at least for now.

  • @KreasionAutoDetailing

    @KreasionAutoDetailing

    4 ай бұрын

    @@WesMcDowellInc okay. Thanks for letting me know. Btw, I find your videos very informative.

  • @funnyladkianu2891
    @funnyladkianu28912 жыл бұрын

    How to make sales and marketing strategies for any company size? Can anyone help

  • @PrivateOnly007
    @PrivateOnly0072 ай бұрын

    What software or website do you use to create these websites? thanks in adv.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 ай бұрын

    I use elementor and Wordpress… cheers!

  • @PrivateOnly007

    @PrivateOnly007

    2 ай бұрын

    @@WesMcDowellInc Thats amazing. Same here but my website isn't as great as yours. Do you recommend me buying a pro version of Elementor? Thanks in advance.

  • @PrivateOnly007

    @PrivateOnly007

    2 ай бұрын

    @@WesMcDowellInc Thank you and do you recommend upgrading Elementor to the pro version?

  • @adigunsodiq1391
    @adigunsodiq13912 жыл бұрын

    Hello

  • @cleseeker1399
    @cleseeker13992 жыл бұрын

    What should a hero section contain?

  • @AbubakrAkinade

    @AbubakrAkinade

    Ай бұрын

    Hello

  • @iankatz81
    @iankatz812 жыл бұрын

    Would you review websites written in Spanish? I could give you a Google translated link.

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hey Ian, I'll put out another call for submissions in a few months probably, stay tuned!

  • @Cityj0hn
    @Cityj0hn2 жыл бұрын

    What about the results my man?

  • @WesMcDowellInc

    @WesMcDowellInc

    2 жыл бұрын

    These aren’t live redesigns, just what I’d do differently

  • @MBAinternetmktg
    @MBAinternetmktg2 жыл бұрын

    I see that Spurgeon Appraisals still has that ineffective website up. What is the going rate to re-do that website?