A Helpful Guide For Your New Website Design in Stoke
Launching a new site is exciting, but is it built to convert? If you’re investing in a website design in Stoke, it needs to do more than look good. It should bring you leads, sales, and real results. That means thinking beyond colours and layouts. From the copy you write to the images you upload, every decision plays a part in how well your website performs.
Here’s a practical, friendly checklist to help you get the most from your next website build.
Start With Copy That Actually Sounds Like You
Far too often, new websites go live with generic, keyword-stuffed copy that could belong to any business in your sector. Instead, make your messaging original and true to your company.
When writing your website copy:
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Speak about your specific services, not just the industry at large
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Reference your team, location or clients where possible
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Share real use cases, projects, or even testimonials in your wording
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Avoid filler phrases, every sentence should earn its place
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Make sure CTAs sound like you, not like a chatbot
If you’re struggling to get your words right, we’re happy to help. At ClayCoded, we work with businesses across Stoke to shape copy that’s persuasive, clear, and entirely theirs.
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Use Quality Imagery That Reflects Your Brand
Just as your words need to be original, so does your photography. While stock images may seem convenient, they often strip your website of personality.
Instead, try to:
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Take branded photos with your phone or camera
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Use AI imagery that actually aligns with your style
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Avoid free image sites that everyone else is using
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Choose images that match your brand colours and values
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Compress and resize them before uploading to keep loading times low
Additionally, not every section of your site needs an image. In fact, too many high-res images can slow things down. Mix in icons, processes, or text-only sections to create balance.
Get Your Loading Speed Working For You
Speed sells. According to Google PageSpeed Insights, even a one-second delay in loading time can lead to fewer conversions. That’s why it’s important to optimise how your site loads from day one.
To boost your load time:
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Compress all images before uploading
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Use caching tools or plugins
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Minimise large video files on the homepage
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Stick with fast hosting (we’ll touch on that shortly)
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Don’t overdesign, simple can be effective
ClayCoded websites are designed with balance in mind, we help you mix visuals, text, and functionality to keep your site speedy and appealing.
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Own Your Website Design in Stoke, Don’t Rent It
If you’re using a setup where you pay monthly but don’t own your site, you’re missing out on control, flexibility, and long-term value. That’s why ownership matters.
With full ownership:
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You can update your copy whenever you like
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You can create new pages for new services
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You can install SEO plugins and tracking tools
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You can move hosting providers easily
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You have full control over performance improvements
As opposed to having a website you pay per month to rent and don’t actually own, choosing a platform like WordPress allows you to grow your site as your business evolves.
Invest In Proper Hosting (And Know What That Means)
Hosting isn’t just a technical detail, it’s a performance foundation. A good host can dramatically improve your website’s speed and uptime. This affects sales directly.
Look for a host that offers:
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UK-based servers for local visitors
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CDN support to speed up content delivery globally
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Scheduled backups and malware protection
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Support for caching and speed enhancements
At ClayCoded, our hosting plans start from £22/month and include weekly backups, malware scans, plugin maintenance, and a free SSL certificate.
Don’t Forget To Design For SEO From The Start
Even the best websites won’t perform if no one can find them. That’s why it’s important to plan your SEO strategy during the design phase.
To optimise your SEO:
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Write page titles and meta descriptions with key terms
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Add internal links across pages and blog content
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Use headings to structure your message clearly
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Install an SEO plugin like Rank Math or Yoast
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Create blog content that builds trust over time
SEO isn’t just about ranking, it’s about visibility. A strategic approach will bring more visitors to your new website design in Stoke and help convert them into customers.
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Balance Design With Performance
It’s easy to get carried away with animations, video headers, and fancy carousels. But every extra feature can affect how fast your site loads, and whether people stick around.
Instead:
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Keep the homepage lightweight and clean
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Use animations sparingly and purposefully
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Avoid placing videos above the fold unless essential
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Make sure mobile performance isn’t an afterthought
By thinking of design and performance together, you’ll build something beautiful and effective.
Need Help Building A Better Website Design In Stoke?
If you’re planning a new site and want help with any of the above, copywriting, layout, SEO, imagery, or hosting, we’d love to support you.
We offer:
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Friendly advice tailored to your business
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Real-world examples and honest feedback
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Full website design services in Stoke
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Hosting, plugin management, and SEO support
Get in touch with our team today and let’s make your next website your most effective one yet.
Explore Website Design Services →
Use Helpful Tools To Test Your Website
After launch, keep improving. Tools like PageSpeed Insights will help you see where your site might be slowing down. Likewise, if you want to improve your homepage content, check out the Nielsen Norman Group’s homepage writing tips. Both resources are free and can help you maintain high standards over time.
Let’s Build Something You’re Proud Of
If you’re planning a website design in Stoke, don’t just settle for something that looks good. Make sure it’s built to perform. From writing powerful copy to setting up secure hosting, ClayCoded can help with every step.
Let’s build something you’ll be proud of, and something your customers will love to use.
