In early 2024, I officially launched my professional web development business. Like many new entrepreneurs, I was eager to land my first real world project. Around that time, I had recently seen that a friend, Andrew, had started a handyman business and was promoting his DIY website on social media.
His website had all the basics, but it lacked the professional touch that converts unknown visitors into interested leads. I saw an opportunity to help, and thankfully, Andrew was open to collaborating on a fresh website.
The Original Website: Functional But Lacking
The original site for DeFalco Home Improvement had all the basics that a good website needs.
- Clear About Section: Introduced visitors to Andrew and his business, helping build trust and familiarity.
- Services & Project Gallery: Highlighted the range of his handyman services and included a collection of completed job photos to show credibility.
- Easy Contact Options: Provided full business contact info and a form so visitors could quickly reach out with inquiries.
However, the site was lacking in a few key areas that ultimately hurt the user experience which is essential to converting leads.
Goals of the Redesign
The main goals for the redesign were:
- Make the mobile experience better: The old gallery was too small, especially for Andrew’s older, less tech-savvy audience. We needed large, clear images that required no zooming.
- Modernize the design: Instead of basic text on a plain background, we wanted a more engaging, professional look that would hold a visitor’s attention and build trust.
- Create a Secure Site: Andrew’s website was showing as “Not Secure” on multiple browsers. Some web browsers would even block the site from popping up immediately because his web domain was missing the proper security certificates.
The Process
Andrew wasn’t very tech-savvy and didn’t want to get into design details—which is common for small business owners. He just wanted a site that looked professional and helped potential customers get in touch. That’s where we were able to step in and make the design process a breeze.
We chose WordPress + Elementor to build Andrew’s website with for long-term flexibility and future growth. The WordPress platform is scalable for all business models. Combining WordPress with Elementor’s drag-and-drop web building system also gives Andrew the option to make basic edits himself down the line, without needing to learn coding.
Key Features of the New Website
Some standout features of the new site:
- Mobile-Friendly Image Galleries: We used large images divided into before/after sections so that visitors can clearly see Andrew’s work—especially on phones.
- Professional, Engaging Layout: A visually modern design builds credibility and keeps users on the site longer.
- Easy Navigation: Clear sections for services, testimonials, and a prominently displayed contact form.
Ongoing Support & Maintenance
Every site needs maintenance to stay secure and functional. For Andrew, we handle all updates and technical support through one of our affordable monthly maintenance plans. That means no downtime, no plugin headaches—just a smooth, working site he can count on.
Lessons for Other Small Business Owners
Some key takeaways from Andrew’s Story:
- A clean, simple site works best—especially for service-based businesses.
- DIY websites are a great start, but a professional touch can help you stand out and convert more leads.
- Investing in your online presence saves time and pays off in the long run.
Need help improving your website? I offer free consultations to small business owners ready to level up their online presence.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready for a redesign, I’ll help you build a site that’s modern, mobile-friendly, and made to convert.
👉 Contact me today — let’s talk about your goals.