When you’re running a small business, sales isn’t a “nice-to-have”. It’s the lifeline of your entire operation. Whether you’re pitching new clients, negotiating deals, or simply trying to stay consistent with outreach, the right guidance can make an immediate difference.
This month’s November Book Look highlights three powerful sales books that deliver practical strategies you can use right away. Each one brings its own flavor: disciplined prospecting, tactical negotiation, and hands-on selling fundamentals.
1. Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount
Blount makes one thing clear: prospecting is the most important activity in sales, yet it's the one professionals avoid the most. The book breaks down the mindset, habits, and systems needed to keep your pipeline full. It covers cold calling, email, social selling, and time management — all designed to help you build consistency and discipline in outreach.
Blount introduces the 30-Day Rule: the prospecting you do today will impact your sales results for the next 30 days. If you stop or slow down, your pipeline dries up fast.
For entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities, it’s easy to neglect outreach until it’s too late. Fanatical Prospecting gives you a structure to prevent revenue droughts and ensures you’re always generating new opportunities.
2. Never Split the Difference by Christopher Voss & Tahl Raz
Written by a former FBI hostage negotiator, this book applies high-stakes negotiation tactics to everyday business. Voss teaches methods like tactical empathy, calibrated questions, mirroring, and labeling: tools that help you understand the other side and guide conversations to better outcomes.
Voss emphasizes “No” as the start of the real negotiation, not the end. When someone says no, they’re protecting their boundaries, not rejecting your offer. That’s when genuine problem-solving begins.
Negotiation shows up everywhere: pricing discussions, vendor agreements, client expectations, contract terms, even team communication. Learning Voss’s techniques helps small business owners secure better deals without damaging relationships.
3. You Can’t Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike at a Seminar by David H. Sandler
This is a foundational text on the Sandler Selling System, a sales methodology known for being consultative, honest, and counterintuitive. Instead of pushing features or chasing prospects, Sandler focuses on qualifying, asking the right questions, and identifying real pain points before moving forward.
One of the strongest principles in the book is the “Up-Front Contract”: a simple, structured agreement at the beginning of any meeting that outlines what will happen, what both sides expect, and the desired outcome. It eliminates confusion and increases trust.
Many entrepreneurs unintentionally waste time on unqualified prospects or feel pressured to “sell hard.” Sandler’s system helps you take control of sales conversations while staying ethical and customer-centric. It’s invaluable for owners who want to sell confidently without feeling sales-y.
Sales can feel intimidating, but the right strategies turn it into a skill you can master. These three books offer practical tools you can use immediately in your small business. Whether you're looking to fill your pipeline, navigate better deals, or improve the way you interact with prospects, this month’s picks provide a strong foundation.
When people search for products or services, they often include phrases like “near me” or “in [city name].” Whether you’re a local restaurant, dental clinic, or home repair service, showing up in those search results can mean the difference between gaining a new customer or losing one to a competitor.
What is local SEO and why does it matter?
Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence so that your business appears in search results for people nearby. It helps search engines like Google understand who you are, what you do, and where you’re located, making it easier for local customers to find you when they’re ready to take action.
Why does it matter?
If your business isn’t optimized for local search, you’re likely missing out on high-intent leads — people who are already in your area and ready to buy.
Key steps to improve your local SEO
1. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
This is the foundation of local SEO. Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) helps you appear in Google Maps and the Local Pack — the top three results shown with a map.
Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate, and add your hours, services, photos, and posts. The more complete your profile, the better your visibility.
2. Use location-based keywords
Include your city, neighborhood, or region in your website’s content, titles, and meta descriptions. For instance, instead of saying “Expert Plumber,” use “Expert Plumber in Austin, TX.”
This signals to Google that your business serves a specific area, increasing your chances of appearing in local searches.
3. Collect and respond to customer reviews
Positive reviews not only build trust with potential customers but also influence your search ranking. Encourage happy customers to leave feedback and always respond — even to negative ones. A thoughtful reply shows that you value customer input and are committed to improvement.
4. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly
Most local searches happen on mobile devices. A slow or clunky website can drive customers away. Test your site’s performance and make sure it loads fast, looks good, and offers a seamless user experience on any screen size.
5. Get listed in local directories
Beyond Google, your business should appear consistently across trusted directories like Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Maps, and niche industry platforms. Search engines rely on these citations to verify your business information. Inconsistent listings (different phone numbers or addresses) can hurt your rankings.
Simplify it all with Hostway’s NearMeNow
NearMeNow automatically syncs your business information across dozens of directories, ensures your details are always accurate, and helps you collect and manage reviews — all from one easy-to-use dashboard.
By keeping your online presence consistent and optimized, you can improve your rankings in local search results and reach more nearby customers without the manual effort.
Start getting found!
Local SEO isn’t just about being online. It’s about being visible where it matters most: in your community. When people search for the services you offer, they should find you first.
With the right strategy and a powerful tool like NearMeNow, you can take control of your local presence, attract more customers, and grow your business faster.
Ready to get started?
Explore how NearMeNow can help your business rise to the top of local search results.
The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and it’s the season for sharpening your marketing game. Just like fall reminds us to clear out what’s no longer working and prepare for what’s ahead, these books help you do the same with your business strategy. This month’s picks are all about marketing: how to connect with your audience, tell a story that sticks, and turn attention into action.
1. This Is Marketing by Seth Godin (2018)
Seth Godin’s This Is Marketing reminds us that marketing isn’t about flashy ads or shouting louder than the competition. It’s about creating real change for the people you want to serve. He shifts the focus from chasing everyone to reaching the right audience with the right message.
2. Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller (2017)
Donald Miller makes a compelling case that people don’t buy the best products. They buy the clearest message. Building a StoryBrand gives you a framework for positioning your customer as the hero and your business as the helpful guide.
3. The Art of the Click by Glenn Fisher (2018)
Glenn Fisher dives into the psychology behind what makes people click, read, and ultimately buy. The Art of the Click is a modern look at copywriting that blends classic direct-response techniques with digital-era insights.
Change is constant. But with the right marketing approach, you can adapt, connect, and grow. These reads will help you clear away the noise, focus on what matters, and craft messages that stick – long after the pumpkins are gone.
Every missed appointment, every unanswered message, and every missed online search result is costing your salon. In today’s digital-first world, beauty professionals who aren’t online - or who rely on fragmented tools - are leaving money on the table.
Salons lose significant revenue each year due to no-shows, scheduling gaps, and missed opportunities - especially when they lack online booking and automated reminders. In fact, missed appointments account for up to 30% of bookings in the beauty industry, costing the average salon around $67,000 annually. These empty chairs represent more than lost income- they disrupt staff schedules, waste resources, and erode client loyalty.
And with over 90% of consumers searching online before choosing a local beauty provider, not having a professional website and showing up in local search results means you’re invisible to the very clients you want to reach.
It’s not enough to have a booking app or a social media page. You need a fully integrated, professionally managed solution that showcases your brand, streamlines your operations, and helps you grow. That’s why we created ReadySalon™ - the first all-in-one online platform built specifically for beauty professionals.
Why Point Solutions Fall Short
Many salons cobble together a mix of tools: one app for booking, another for payments, a do it yourself (DIY) website, maybe a social media scheduler. But these disconnected systems create friction for you and your clients. While cobbled-together systems may seem cost-effective at first, they often lead to frustration, wasted time, and a disjointed client experience that erodes trust. Without a unified platform, beauty professionals spend more time troubleshooting than transforming.
Manual updates across platforms drain valuable hours, and inconsistent branding across tools makes your salon feel less polished. Limited functionality means you miss opportunities to upsell services, follow up with clients, or be discovered in search results. And with no centralized support, every technical hiccup becomes your problem to solve.
Industry research shows that salons relying on multiple disconnected tools often spend several hours each week managing technology - time that could be spent with clients, marketing, or growing the business. The more fragmented your systems, the more time you lose to troubleshooting, duplicated effort, and missed opportunities.
ReadySalon changes that. It’s the first fully integrated solution that puts everything you need – custom website, booking, payments, marketing, client management, and more - right at your fingertips, all supported by one provider and professionally built to showcase your brand.
What Makes ReadySalon Different
Unlike generic platforms, ReadySalon was designed for the unique needs of salons, spas, and independent beauty professionals. It’s not just a booking tool - it’s your digital business hub.
Here’s what sets it apart:
| Feature | ReadySalon | Typical Point Solutions |
| Custom Website | ✅ Included & professionally designed | ❌ Often DIY or not included |
| Online Booking | ✅ Integrated with calendar & Reserve with Google | ✅ Basic functionality |
| SMS and Email Reminders | ✅ Automated & branded | ✅ Often limited or extra cost |
| Payments | ✅ Secure & built-in | ✅ Varies by platform |
| Marketing Tools | ✅ Email, promotions, SEO, social media | ❌ Rarely included |
| Ecommerce | ✅ Optional online store | ❌ Not available or separate |
| Local Search Optimization | ✅ Directories including Google My Business integration | ❌ Not supported |
| Reputation Management | ✅ Review monitoring & response tools | ❌ Manual or unavailable |
| Support | ✅ 24/7 + unlimited changes | ❌ Limited or self-service |
A Closer Look at ReadySalon’s Features
Custom Website with Premium Design
Your salon’s website is more than a digital storefront; it’s the first impression many potential clients will have. ReadySalon creates beautiful, mobile-optimized sites that reflect your brand and services. You’ll collaborate with professional designers to ensure the look and feel match your style, whether you focus on hair, nails, skincare, or all of the above.
Today’s clients expect more than a pretty homepage. Gen Z, now one of the fastest-growing segments in beauty, wants to explore services, pricing, and photos before they book. According to Square, 40% of Gen Z consumers will look elsewhere if a salon doesn’t offer that online visibility. Without a professional site, your salon may also fall off the radar in local search results - meaning potential clients might never even know you exist.
That’s why ReadySalon goes beyond design. Your site will be fast, intuitive, and built to convert. A slow-loading or clunky mobile experience can drive visitors away before they book. We make sure you capture interest the moment someone finds you online, turning browsers into loyal customers.
Features include:
ReadySalon brings your salon’s personality online, with the performance and functionalities you need.
Online Booking & Calendar Integration
Clients can book appointments anytime, from any device. ReadySalon syncs with your calendar and even integrates with Reserve with Google, so you show up when clients search.
The vast majority of salon customers prefer booking online and many will choose another provider if online booking isn’t available. ReadySalon makes sure you’re always bookable, even when you’re busy.
Client Management & CRM Tools
Every lasting transformation starts with understanding and client relationships are no exception. ReadySalon’s client management tools turn simple appointments into deeper connections by giving you a complete view of each customer’s journey.
No more scattered notes, forgotten service details, or missed follow-ups. With everything centralized - appointment history, contact information, service preferences, and more - you’ll be able to personalize every interaction and deliver the kind of experience that keeps clients coming back.
Key capabilities include:
This isn’t just convenient, it’s powerful. By knowing your clients the way you know their favorite shade or cut, you’re better equipped to earn trust, drive repeat visits, and boost revenue. Whether it’s recognizing a regular’s birthday or suggesting the perfect seasonal upgrade, ReadySalon helps turn everyday scheduling into personalized service that makes an impact.
Secure Payments & Invoicing
Supporting digital payments isn’t optional anymore - it’s a must. Clients expect the convenience of paying online, whether they’re booking in advance or purchasing products after a service. ReadySalon makes it seamless with secure, built-in payment tools that work the way your business does.
Whether you’re offering package deals for facials, accepting deposits for bridal styling, or selling professional-grade haircare products, ReadySalon keeps everything integrated and easy to manage. From service payments to retail transactions, there’s no need for third-party plugins or manual workarounds - just a seamless experience for you and your clients.
Marketing & Reputation Management
Get discovered and stay top-of-mind. ReadySalon’s NearMeNow feature connects you to 125+ directories like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Yelp. It also helps you manage reviews and social media.
BrightLocal reports that 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, and 48% won’t consider a business with fewer than four stars. ReadySalon helps you monitor and respond to reviews, boosting your reputation and visibility.
Online Store
Sell products and services directly from your website. Whether it’s haircare, skincare, or gift cards, ReadySalon’s eStore makes it easy.
Salons that offer online retail alongside services often see a noticeable increase in client spending and overall revenue. Bundling services with professional products not only boosts average transaction value but also strengthens client loyalty. ReadySalon’s optional ecommerce store makes it easy to sell directly from your website - no separate platform or vendor required.
Fully Managed, Always Updated
Running a salon is demanding, and mastering technology shouldn’t be part of the job description. That’s why ReadySalon is a fully managed solution, designed to take the pressure off and let you focus on what you do best.
Many beauty professionals feel overwhelmed by the growing number of digital tools needed to stay competitive - booking systems, payment processors, website builders, marketing platforms. ReadySalon replaces that complexity with a concierge-style experience: no DIY, no patchwork, no guesswork.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, ReadySalon grows with you. Choose from four flexible plans- Standard, eStore, Promote, and Complete - each offering levels of functionality and support to match your business goals.
Ready to Get Online?
Your clients are online. Your competitors are online. It’s time your salon was too - with ReadySalon.
PBA members receive 10% off all plans and exclusive support from Hostway. Plus, a portion of every subscription goes to support PBA Charities, helping beauty professionals nationwide.
Visit our website or call us at 866-294-2905 today for more information. PBA members schedule a free consultation to claim your free custom domain and business email.
Don’t wait - your next client is already searching.
Let’s be real: building your website is hard enough. But writing clear, compelling messaging? That’s a whole other challenge. Especially when you’ve got a dozen other things on your plate.
If you're DIY-ing your site or giving feedback to someone who is, here is what to watch for:
1. Trying to say everything at once
Your homepage isn’t your autobiography.
Instead:
Lead with the essentials:
That’s the golden trio. Keep it simple and skimmable.
2. Not telling people what to do next
What’s the action you want visitors to take?
Your CTA (call to action) should be clear, clickable, and hard to miss. Not buried in a sea of text.
3. Overlooking the user journey
Imagine landing on your site with zero context. Would a stranger know where to go next?
Your content and layout need to lead them naturally from one section to the next without making them guess.
Here’s how to do it:
4. Leaving out trust signals
People won’t take action if they’re unsure about you.
Build credibility with:
These help visitors feel more confident in choosing to work with you.
The best messaging doesn’t just sound good. It works.
Clarity builds trust, and trust drives action.
Need a little help getting started? That’s what we’re here for.
Whether you're building your first website or trying to bring in more visitors, understanding Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most important steps you can take. SEO helps your website appear in search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo when people look for products or services you offer. The best part? Many SEO improvements are simple and free.
We have prepared this handy-dandy guide for you to walk you through the SEO basics.
1. What is SEO?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of improving your website so that search engines can understand it and rank it higher in search results. The higher you rank, the more likely people are to click on your site.
SEO includes:
2. Start with the right keywords
Keywords are the words people type into search engines. Think about how your customers actually search. They’re not just typing in one or two words, they’re asking full questions or speaking naturally into their phones:
Tip: Focus on long-tail keywords (e.g. "vegan bakery in Dallas") instead of short, broad ones (e.g. "bakery").
3. Optimize your website’s content
Once you have your keywords, place them naturally in key areas:
Don’t overdo it. Write for humans first, search engines second.
Here’s an example:
"Looking for a vegan bakery in Dallas? Our family-owned shop offers 100% plant-based treats you’ll love."
Google prioritizes websites that:
4. Improve page speed and mobile experience
Here’s what you can do to improve both page speed and mobile experience:
5. Clean URLs
Use simple, readable URLs like:
Instead of:
Clean URLs help both users and search engines understand your content.
6. Create content that provides value
Search engines love new and useful content. Start a blog, write FAQs, or share how-tos related to your industry. Update your site regularly.
Tip: Think about what your customers ask most often—and answer those questions online.
7. Set up Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a free tool that shows how your website appears in search results.
You can:
8. Use backlinks to build trust
A backlink is when another website links to yours. For example, if a blog post on exampleblog.com includes a link to your website yourwebsite.com, that link is a backlink for you. The more trustworthy sites link to you, the better your SEO.
You can:
Why is it important?
9. Use local SEO
If you serve a local area, optimize your site for local SEO:
Hostway can help! Our Local directory & reputation management tool makes it easy to keep your business info consistent across online directories and manage customer reviews—all from one place.
Bonus: Tools & Resources
Final Thoughts
With a bit of effort and the right tools, SEO can turn your website into a powerful business engine. Hostway is here to support you every step of the way—from building your site to making sure it performs at its best with powerful back office tools.
Let’s be honest. Most small business owners wear a dozen hats at once. You’re managing inventory, posting on socials, answering customer emails… and somewhere in there, you’re expected to build a beautiful, high-converting website.
No pressure, right?
A practical guide to the most
1. Using too many fonts or colors
Brand chaos is real. If your site has five different fonts and a rainbow of colors, it can feel overwhelming (and amateurish).
Stick to:
It instantly makes your site look more polished and trustworthy, even if you built it yourself.
Pro tip: A solid go-to font pairing is Playfair Display (for headlines) and Lato (for body text) – modern, elegant, and super versatile.
2. Forgetting mobile users
Over half of your visitors will check you out on their phone. If your site looks great on desktop but clunky on mobile, you’re losing leads fast.
Quick fix:
Test your site on different screen sizes and prioritize a clean, mobile-friendly layout.
3. Hiding your contact info
If someone wants to reach you, don’t make them dig.
Best practice:
Add your contact button, form, or email to your site header or footer so it’s visible on every page.
4. Cramming too much “above the fold”
Above the fold (what people see before they scroll) is prime real estate — treat it like it.
Common mistake: Trying to squeeze in everything at once: text, buttons, images, menus, popups.
Better approach:
Keep it clean. Lead with a strong headline, subhead, and one clear call to action.
5. Using low-quality or oversized Images
Blurry, stretched, or massive file-size images can instantly drag your site down.
What to do:
Use high-quality photos that are optimized for web – they should load fast and look crisp on all screen sizes.
Need good images?
Try these free stock image sites:
You don’t need to be a designer to get the basics right. These simple tweaks can make a huge difference.
Whether you’re DIY-ing your site or thinking about handing it off, just know that nobody gets it perfect on day one. And that’s okay. You’re building something real, and that’s what matters.
Need a little help getting started? That’s what we’re here for.
If you’re just starting out on the path to small business ownership, here are a few key books designed to help you build your strategy and develop sustainable, long-lasting profit.
1. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
An oldie but a goodie, The E-Myth Revisited was first published in 1995. There have been several editions since then, yet some small business owners may believe a book this old can’t possibly be relevant in the digital age and sadly overlook this classic. But it’s an essential piece of any entrepreneur’s toolkit because it teaches would-be entrepreneurs how to work on their business, not just in it.
The author believes people who are exceptionally good in business aren’t so because of what they know but because of their insatiable need to know more. Many small businesses fail because their owners encounter a fundamental imbalance: they excel at the technical side of their offering but have no skills in managing a business.
Example: a hairdresser who is wonderful at colouring hair opens a salon. They don’t promote it (because they don’t know anything about marketing), and they don’t balance their books (because they don’t know anything about accounting). Within six months, the salon closes its doors. Unfortunately, the hairdresser was unable to balance mastering their craft with learning how to run a business.
The E-Myth Revisited is a great read for anyone in the early stages of building a small business. Plenty of food for thought!
2. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
A newer addition to the small business book canon, Profit First was published in 2014. This book offers a counterintuitive approach to managing small business finances. Instead of the usual formula (Sales – Expenses = Profit), Mike Michalowicz flips it to (Sales – Profit = Expenses)—a similar concept to the ‘pay yourself first’ axiom popularized by Robert Kiyosaki of Rich Dad, Poor Dad fame. This small shift in thinking helps entrepreneurs prioritize profitability at the outset.
Many small business owners—particularly those who may be entering entrepreneurship for the first time after years of working for someone else—may benefit from this book for several key reasons:
Definitely worth a read for small business owners looking to free up cash as well as free time!
Built to Sell by John Warrillow
Even if you never plan to sell your business, this book teaches small business owners a wealth of actionable tips designed to create a more valuable, efficient, and scalable company. Many small businesses can’t function without their owner’s personal involvement, making it near impossible for owners to attract investment—let alone ever take a day off! Built to Sell shows owners how to develop good processes and build their enterprise sustainably.
Some key insights include:
A great read for any entrepreneur looking to step up their game.
All of these books provide useful insights for both fledgling and established small business owners. We’ll be adding to this list regularly, so stay tuned and follow us here.
You don’t need to be a professional writer to create copy that works. But you do need to be clear, intentional, and a little bit strategic.
Most small business websites either say too much or too little, and both can cost you potential customers. Great website copy doesn’t just “sound nice.” It answers the right questions at the right time, speaks your customer’s language, and gently nudges them to take action.
Here’s how to improve your website copy without starting from scratch (or pulling your hair out):
1. Start by being super clear about what you offer
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many websites forget this. Don’t bury your offer under vague phrases like “solutions for modern businesses” or “tailored services for your needs.” Be direct.
Try this:
“We design fast, mobile-friendly websites for local businesses, so your customers can find you, trust you, and buy from you.”
If a visitor has to guess what you do, they’ll leave.
2. Write like you talk, but tighten it up
No one wants to read stiff, robotic text. You don’t need to write in perfect grammar or impress anyone with fancy words. Just be real. Sound like you, but the clearest version of you.
Tip: Read your website copy out loud. If it sounds awkward or too formal, rewrite it in a simpler way.
3. Focus on your customer, not just your business
Many small business websites fall into the “we” trap:
“We’ve been in business for 15 years. We pride ourselves on quality. We offer a wide range of services…”
It’s not bad, but it’s not engaging either. Instead, shift the focus to what your customer gets.
Try this:
“You need a website that works as hard as you do. We’re here to make that happen, with design, hosting, and support built for small businesses like yours.”
Make the customer the main character. You’re the helpful guide.
4. Make sure every page has a goal
What do you want your visitors to do? Call you? Book a demo? Buy something? Every page should have one clear goal and one clear CTA (call-to-action).
Don’t say:
“Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!”
Do say:
“Get your free consultation today. No pressure, no jargon, just real advice.”
Clarity builds confidence.
5. Use real words your customers would actually search for
Forget buzzwords and vague terms. Your homepage doesn’t need to say “scalable solutions” if your customer is literally typing “affordable website builder for yoga studio” into Google.
Tip: Think about what your customers type, not what you want to sound like.
Also, make sure your headings include keywords. They help both humans and search engines understand your page.
6. Sprinkle in trust signals without sounding salesy
People are naturally skeptical online. Give them reasons to trust you:
Bonus: If you can name specific results like “helped 50+ small businesses grow online,” that’s even better.
Website copy isn’t just decoration. It’s one of your most important sales tools. And the good news is, even small changes can make a big difference.
At Hostway, we help small businesses not only get online but stand out. If you need a hand fine-tuning your copy, your layout, or your whole website, we’re happy to help.
Web design is evolving quickly, and 2024 is proving to be a year where creativity meets functionality in exciting new ways. Instead of focusing solely on minimalism or heavy visuals, the trends this year strike a balance between immersive storytelling, bold experimentation, and user-centered design.
Typography is no longer static. In 2024, kinetic and dynamic text is becoming one of the most noticeable features on websites. Designers are using subtle animations, scrolling effects, and moving letters to draw attention to key headlines or messages. This trend is not only eye-catching but also helps guide users through content in a more engaging way, making words feel as alive as the visuals that surround them.
Websites are moving beyond simple information delivery and leaning into interactive storytelling. Instead of passively scrolling through static content, users can now experience scroll-triggered animations, clickable journeys, or even game-like elements that immerse them in a brand’s story. This approach makes websites memorable because it allows visitors to play an active role in the narrative.
Nostalgia has found its place in modern web design. Retro and Y2K-inspired visuals, from neon glows to pixelated graphics and early-internet inspired fonts, are resurfacing in 2024. The key is that these effects are being reimagined with a modern polish, giving them both playful energy and professional execution. This aesthetic works especially well for brands targeting younger audiences who find vintage web design quirky and fun.
Color palettes in 2024 are anything but muted. Designers are turning to vibrant gradients, multicolored backgrounds, and bold accent shades to add energy and depth to websites. Gradients are no longer confined to headers or logos but are used across entire layouts to create flow and movement. These strong color choices not only make websites visually striking but also help differentiate brands in increasingly competitive digital spaces.
After years of fluid, borderless designs, there is a shift toward layouts that embrace visible borders and strong structure. This approach improves readability, gives each section clear separation, and creates a cleaner user experience. Clear borders can also add a subtle visual rhythm that guides visitors as they navigate. While this may sound simple, when paired with modern colors and typography, it can make a website look refreshingly organized and professional.
Hand-drawn and custom illustrations are making a comeback as businesses seek to inject more personality into their websites. Whether it is sketch-like icons, painted backgrounds, or doodle-style animations, these elements add authenticity and originality. In a digital world filled with stock photos and AI-generated graphics, hand-drawn visuals stand out because they feel personal and crafted.
The web in 2024 is about interaction, vibrancy, and storytelling, with trends reflecting how design is becoming more experiential. The best results come when these trends are carefully aligned with a brand’s voice and goals, ensuring that creativity enhances functionality rather than overwhelming it.