1. 1. Why does my small brick-n-mortar business need a website ?

In today’s digital age, your website

• is basically your business card
• makes your business look established and credible
• makes your business stand out from the competition
• makes it possible for new customers to find your business
• is a revenue generator for your business
• is the fastest return on investment for your business

2. Should I build my small business website by myself using a template ?

First of all, a template is a pre-defined wireframe designed for those that want to launch just a simple static website. It is very difficult to make any structural changes to a template as your small business grows. Once you have decided on a template, you are pretty much stuck with it. Most business owners approached us for help after they have spent many hours fumbling through a cheap template hoping to save a few dollars . Our team strongly feel that your brand is worth a lot more than a template. If you want to just quickly get started with an inexpensive, simple brochureware site that allows for flexibility, we recommend our Business Card Website or Standard Website.

Why do I need to hire a professional design firm ?

If you build your own website, it will most likely look like you built it. We have no doubt that you’re an expert in your small business but launching a website that is unattractive is not a good way to introduce prospective customers to your brand. In today’s digital age, your website is the first touch point and impression of your brand. First impressions are indeed everything. Second, a poorly designed website lacking the key technical elements will be not be found by search engines or respond well to mobile devices. Third, a do-it-yourself business website that is not architected to convert visitors to customers would be a waste of time and money.

3. Why should I choose Mindspheres, Inc ?

Our firm is structured to grow organically and do not have to answer to outside investors like most of the big names in the industry. We have full control over the works we do and prices we offer to small business owners.

Knowing time is precious for each small business owner, we keep things very simple as we work with each of you.

• One-stop shop
• Low pricings
• Personal touch

4. Why do I need to hire a professional design firm ?

If you build your own website, it will most likely look like you built it. We have no doubt that you’re an expert in your small business but launching a website that is unattractive is definitely not a good way to introduce prospective customers to your brand. In today’s digital age, your website is the first touch point and impression of your brand. First impressions are indeed everything. Further, a poorly designed website lacking key technical elements may not at all be accessible, found by search engines or respond well to mobile devices. Finally, a do-it-yourself business website that is not architected to convert visitors to customers would be a waste of time and money.

5. How do I know if I am under or over paying for website design service ?

Small business owners often approach our team after hiring a cheap designer who allows for poorly decided business moves that lead to undeniably lousy end results. On the other hand, it is easy to fall for the expensive, big name design firms that may not be able to help your small business reach the return on investment. You need to make sure that the cost reflects the right value for your business. Don't overpay, you will never see a return on investment. Don't underpay, it will not be effective

6. Should my small business website look flashy ?

You need to really focus on what counts, not on what will turn users away with a headache. Visitors to your website need to find information quickly and easily, especially if they are using mobile devices. It is a proven fact that if a visitor can not find what he/she needs within 3 seconds on a website, he/she will abandon the site. Don't overdo it with graphics. Focus on substance.

7. Do I need to know my target audience ?

Market knowledge is crucial to your small business. If you are not reaching the appropriate target audience, you are wasting time and money. Design revolves around your small business needs which it can not successfully do without a clear understanding of your target audience. The biggest mistake a small business usually makes is that the owner tends to design the website for his/her own taste and liking but unfortunately, he/she is usually not the target audience.

To get a quick price quote, please call us at 408.217.1753 Monday – Friday 9am - 6pm or email consultation@mindspheres.com.

8. Do I need to include clear call to actions ?

Your small business website must not only look clean, beautiful and informational but it also needs to provide very clear call to actions. It would be a waste of time and money if you do not provide explicit instructions for your website visitors to follow. Whether it is to try out a new service/product, sign up for a special offer or to fill out a form, you need to provide your website visitors clear and easy to find call to actions.

9. Why do I need to brand my small brick-n-mortar business ?

Your small business needs to stand out from the local competition. With the proper identity design and positioning, prospective customers looking for product/service that your business offers will think of you instead of your competitors. Your business identity must be unique and memorable.

10. How effective is search engine marketing ?

Given the fact that 97% of local consumers use the Internet to search for information on products and services, marketing your brand via search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing is still the least inexpensive and fastest way to reach new customers.

11. How do you track an Internet marketing campaign ?

We monitor the optimization and Google, Yahoo, Bing search engine results of selected keywords relating to your business name, product and/or service on a daily basis. In addition, we keep a close watch on your Google Plus, Yahoo Local, Yelp, Facebook, YouTube business listing as these significantly affect your rankings on search engines.

12. Does email marketing generate repeat customers ?

The latest consumer research shows that this form of direct marketing via the Inbox is still the number one tool in bringing back new customers. Generally, the opt-in response rate from this type of marketing ranges from 2% - 5%.

13. Is video marketing right for my small business ?

The latest research shows that 90% of local consumers watch video content online and consider them to be trustworthy and useful. Local businesses that have an online video presence simply attract more eye balls, rank higher in search engine results, have a distinct edge over their competitors. Video shows the personal side of your business and allows the prospective customer to virtually experience your business.

14. Why should I choose Mindspheres, Inc ?

Our firm is structured to grow organically and do not have to answer to outside investors like most other big names in the industry. We always have full control over our service offerings, the works we do and the low prices we offer to small business owners. We truly value transparency and honesty. Business owners have chosen to trust our firm mainly for these reasons.

• We are a convenient one-stop promo shop with low cost pricings
• We approach every small business client with a relationship oriented mindset
• We are known for creating works of quality

15. Do you have offices outside of California and Florida ?

At the current time, we have presences in San Jose, CA and Aventura, FL. We are looking to expand our operations and staff to Dallas, Texas in the next year.