Marzipan

Tag: Web Design

  • What Is Sustainable Web Design?

    What Is Sustainable Web Design?

    Table of Contents

    1. What Is Sustainable Web Design?
    2. Why Sustainable Web Design Matters in 2025
    3. The 5 Key Ingredients of Sustainable Web Design
    4. How to Measure Your Website’s Carbon Footprint
    5. Business Benefits of Sustainable Web Design
    6. Real-World Case Studies
    7. Your Action Plan: Getting Started
    8. Frequently Asked Questions

    TL;DR – What Is Sustainable Web Design?

    Sustainable web design is about building websites that are lighter, faster, more efficient, and more ethical. It goes beyond green hosting to consider everything from page weight and performance to accessibility and digital carbon footprint. Done right, it’s better for your users, your business, and the planet.

    Key Stats: The average website produces 0.5g of CO₂ per page view. With 4.1 billion people online, sustainable design isn’t optional—it’s essential.

    What Is Sustainable Web Design?

    What Is Sustainable Web Design?

    Sustainable web design is the practice of creating websites that minimise environmental impact whilst maximising performance and accessibility. It goes beyond choosing green hosting to encompass every aspect of web development—from code efficiency to content strategy.

    Core Principles of Sustainable Web Design:

    • Reduce data transfer through optimised images, compressed files, and efficient code
    • Prioritise performance with faster loading times that consume less server energy
    • Choose renewable infrastructure via green hosting and efficient content delivery networks
    • Design for longevity with accessible, maintainable code that doesn’t need frequent rebuilds
    • Focus on user needs by eliminating unnecessary features and content

    Why Sustainable Web Design Matters More Than Ever in 2025

    The digital sector now accounts for 3.7% of global carbon emissions—more than the aviation industry. As AI tools proliferate and internet usage grows, this impact is accelerating rapidly.

    The Growing Digital Carbon Crisis

    With over 4.1 billion people online, individual web page requests create a massive cumulative environmental impact. Each “small raindrop” of data transfer builds into a gigantic sea of energy consumption.

    The AI Factor: AI-powered features like chatbots and recommendation engines consume up to 10 times more energy than standard web interactions, according to Bloomberg research. Every AI search query can use as much energy as 10 traditional searches.

    What Makes Websites Unsustainable?

    Faster internet speeds and accessible content creation tools have led to bloated websites. Businesses now load pages with large graphics, videos, and animations to capture shrinking attention spans, whilst adding multiple tracking scripts to monitor visitor behaviour. This bulk dramatically increases page-load times and the energy required to load websites, driving up their carbon footprint.

    Common Website Sustainability Issues:

    • Bloated pages packed with unnecessary scripts, animations, and massive images
    • Auto-playing videos that burn data and slow everything down
    • Overly complex designs that look pretty but frustrate users (and use more power)
    • Cheap hosting that runs on fossil-fuel-powered data centres
    • Content for content’s sake—adding pages because “that’s what SEO needs”

    The 5 Key Ingredients of Sustainable Web Design

    Website carbon emissions directly correlate with page load speed. Slower-loading pages force servers to work harder, consume more energy, and generate more carbon. Faster pages produce fewer emissions.

    1. Lightweight Code That Works Smarter, Not Harder

    Bloated code slows things down and burns more energy. Focus on:

    • Minimising scripts and plugins
    • Cleaning up CSS and JavaScript
    • Using modern frameworks like Astro or Vite for speed-first performance
    • Eliminating unused code and dependencies

    2. Green Hosting With Real Impact

    If your site lives on fossil-fuelled infrastructure, it’s leaving a carbon footprint. Choose green hosts powered by renewables, preferably with local data centres to reduce transmission distance.

    What to Look For:

    • Renewable energy certificates
    • Carbon-neutral or carbon-negative commitments
    • Energy-efficient hardware and cooling systems
    • Transparent sustainability reporting

    3. Performance That Puts People First

    Sustainable equals fast. Optimise for:

    • Image compression (WebP format, lazy loading)
    • Clean UX with no unnecessary detours
    • Core Web Vitals optimisation from day one
    • Efficient caching strategies

    4. Accessibility as Standard

    When you design inclusively, you naturally:

    • Use less flashy, heavy content
    • Follow semantic HTML structure
    • Work better across all devices and connection speeds
    • Create more efficient, maintainable code

    5. Content That Respects Time (and the Planet)

    Sustainable content is:

    • Clear, valuable, and purposeful
    • Structured for both humans and search engines
    • Designed to guide action, not fill space
    • Regularly audited to remove outdated material

    How to Measure Your Website’s Digital Carbon Footprint

    Free Tools to Get Started:

    • Website Carbon Calculator – Quick CO₂ assessment per page view
    • Ecograder – Comprehensive sustainability audit
    • GTmetrix – Performance metrics that correlate with energy use
    • Google PageSpeed Insights – Core Web Vitals analysis

    Key Metrics to Monitor:

    • CO₂ per pageview (aim for under 0.5g)
    • Page weight (under 1MB is ideal)
    • Green hosting status (renewable energy usage)
    • Load speed and performance (under 3 seconds)
    • Largest Contentful Paint (under 2.5 seconds)

    What to Do With the Data:

    • Reduce page size — compress images, trim plugins, eliminate unused code
    • Improve load times — implement lazy loading, use modern image formats
    • Switch to green hosting — migrate to renewable-powered servers
    • Track changes monthly — progress measurement drives improvement

    The Business Case for Sustainable Web Design

    Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s profitable for business.

    Faster Load Times = Better Conversions

    • Sites loading in 1 second convert 3x better than slow ones
    • 100ms delay can reduce conversions by 7%
    • Users abandon sites that take longer than 3 seconds to load

    Better SEO Rankings

    • Google rewards clean, accessible, mobile-friendly websites
    • Sustainability improvements boost Core Web Vitals scores
    • Faster sites have lower bounce rates and higher engagement

    Increased Trust and Brand Loyalty

    • 81% of consumers prefer sustainable brands
    • 64% say they’d switch providers for better environmental values
    • Younger demographics particularly value corporate responsibility

    Lower Operational Costs

    • Reduced hosting requirements and bandwidth usage
    • Fewer bugs and maintenance issues with cleaner code
    • More efficient development processes
    • Lower long-term technical debt

    A Competitive Edge You Can Talk About

    It’s more than a website. It’s a story of doing better—and people notice.

    We’re proud of our impact and sustainability score for the Marzipan Media website:

    marzipan sustainable web design agency australia

    Real-World Results from Sustainable Web Design

    Wellizen Health Platform

    Results: +310% new users, 134/100 site health score, 40% higher engagement Approach: Optimised images, streamlined code, green hosting migration View Case Study

    Popology Experience Centre

    Results: Fast-loading experiential site with full accessibility and reduced emissions Approach: Modern build tools, efficient animations, sustainable infrastructure View Case Study

    Common Results Across Projects:

    • Page sizes reduced by up to 70%
    • Load times improved by 40-60%
    • Emissions dropped below 0.2g CO₂ per view
    • Users stayed longer and converted more often
    • Maintenance costs reduced by 30%

    Your Action Plan: Getting Started

    Step 1: Audit Your Current Site

    Run your website through these tools:

    Step 2: Identify Quick Wins

    Immediate Actions:

    • Compress and optimise all images
    • Remove unused plugins and scripts
    • Enable browser caching
    • Audit and clean up old content

    Step 3: Plan Your Green Hosting Migration

    Research sustainable hosting providers:

    • Check renewable energy commitments
    • Compare performance and pricing
    • Plan migration timeline
    • Set up monitoring for the transition

    Step 4: Implement Performance Optimisations

    Technical Improvements:

    • Implement lazy loading for images
    • Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML
    • Use modern image formats (WebP, AVIF)
    • Optimise database queries

    Step 5: Monitor and Iterate

    • Set up monthly sustainability audits
    • Track performance metrics over time
    • Document improvements and learnings
    • Share results with your team

    Let’s Build a Better Web, Together 🌱

    Sustainable web design isn’t about stripping everything back or sacrificing great design. It’s about making conscious, efficient choices that create high-performing websites without unnecessary waste.

    Whether you’re a startup, non-profit, or enterprise brand, you can lead the way by choosing a digital presence that reflects your values and respects both users and the environment.

    Your website should:

    • Load fast and work brilliantly
    • Be accessible to everyone
    • Run on clean, ethical infrastructure
    • Align with your goals and values
    • Make every interaction count

    The internet isn’t going anywhere—but the way we build it can change for the better. Every sustainable choice you make contributes to a more efficient, accessible, and environmentally responsible web.

    Ready to make your website part of the solution? The more sustainable your site becomes, the more powerful your message grows.

    Ready to let your website shine a little brighter online? 

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • AI Is Brilliant. But Is It Burning the Planet?

    AI Is Brilliant. But Is It Burning the Planet?

    The Unseen Impact of AI

    Right, let’s talk about AI for a minute. It’s absolutely everywhere at the moment, isn’t it? I’ll be honest — I’m as guilty as anyone of getting a bit giddy about it all. Need a proposal written? Boom, done in seconds. Twenty social media posts for next week? Easy peasy. Got a random question at 2am about why cats purr? AI’s got your back faster than you can say “Google it.”

    But here’s what’s been keeping me up at night lately (apart from those 2am cat questions) — what’s the actual environmental impact of all this AI led digital wizardry we’re having so much fun with?

    The Bit We Don’t See

    Here’s the thing that’s easy to forget: AI might feel like magic floating about in the cloud, but behind every “Can you write this email for me?” is a proper power-hungry data centre somewhere, probably humming away like a small city. These servers aren’t just having a little think — they’re properly grafting, crunching through complex algorithms and burning through electricity like there’s no tomorrow.

    Get this — studies reckon that a single AI prompt can gobble up 10 to 100 times more energy than your average Google search. That’s a lot! So every time I’m chatting away to ChatGPT or getting it to knock up a clever headline (guilty as charged), I’m basically using the energy equivalent of doing 50-odd Google searches.

    The real impact of AI suddenly feels a bit less sparkly and sustainable, doesn’t it?

    Why This Matters (To Me, Anyway)

    Here at Marzipan, we bang on about sustainable web design quite a lot. We’re passionate about it – It’s what we do, after all.
    We help brands build websites that are lighter, nippier, and generally less wasteful — because we know the internet isn’t some weightless wonderland. Every megabyte that gets shuffled about, every pointless bit of code, every website that takes an age to load… it all adds up to proper, real-world emissions. Heavy websites weigh heavy on our minds (and your Google ranking), so it’s a win for you and the planet.

    There I was, feeling proud of our green efforts. We were starting a campaign to help more businesses learn about Sustainable Web Design. But at the same time, I was asking AI to help me superimpose pictures of whales into my holiday snaps (long story). Talk about mixed messages. One minute I’m signing up for 1% for the planet, while simultaneously setting it on fire, creating images of my cat dressed as a spaceman… (Different story)

    But I promise there can be another side to all this. There’s a positive impact of AI too. It can genuinely save buckets of time and brainpower. It helps us work smarter, cuts through the boring repetitive stuff, and often gets us better results faster. That’s got to count for something in the grand scheme of things, hasn’t it? There’s a reason we’re all using after all.

    The trick, we belive, is using it like you mean it. Not just because you can, but because you should. We want to start applying our mindfulness practice to ChatGTP so we can ensure the impact of AI is a purposeful one.

    The Light at the End of the Tunnel

    Before we all spiral into eco-anxiety, here’s some good news. The tech bods, and wider society, are actually taking this seriously now. Some people suggest millennials are steering clear so concerned are they for the negative impact of AI not just on the planet but their own mental health. In certain, more aware pockets of the internet, we’re starting to see:

    Smaller, smarter AI models that don’t need to flex quite so hard for everyday tasks. Think of them as the energy-efficient lightbulbs of the AI world.

    On-device AI that runs on your phone or laptop without phoning home to some massive server farm. Clever stuff.

    Data centres powered by renewable energy — which is brilliant, assuming they’re not just slapping solar panels on for show.

    Proper regulatory disccussions to stop companies from making vague claims about being “carbon neutral” whilst their servers are burning through coal-powered electricity.

    AI isn’t going anywhere (nor should it, really), but we absolutely need to hold it to the same standards as everything else. It should work smarter, not harder.

    What We’re Actually Going to Do About It

    Here’s what I’m committing Marzipan to – in writing, in public, so we can be held accountable:

    Using AI with purpose, not just because I’m feeling lazy. Do I really need it to write a two-line email? Probably not.

    Picking the most efficient tools when I can be bothered to do the research (which, let’s be honest, isn’t always).

    Offsetting my digital footprint where possible. I’m literally planting a tree tomorrow — partly for the planet, partly because I quite fancy getting my hands dirty.

    Helping businesses like yours build better digital content so you can shine brighter online without needing half the internet to load it properly. That’s something we can actually control. We believe Doing Good Deserves to Be Seen. So we’re on a mission to help purpose-driven brands rise above the noise—without costing the earth. Our affordable AI Services use AI to bring about efficiencies and learnings that would otherwise take months to gain.

    Over to You, Then

    Have you given any thought to what your digital life is actually costing the planet? I’m not trying to guilt-trip anyone here — we’re all just figuring this out as we go along. But I’d love to know what you think?

    Drop me a line if you fancy a chat about it. Because the first step to doing better is admitting we might need to do better in the first place, isn’t it?

  • How Sustainable Web Design Can Boost Your Brand AND Your Bottom Line

    How Sustainable Web Design Can Boost Your Brand AND Your Bottom Line

    We have long known that a website is more than just a marketing tool—it’s a reflection of your brand’s values and commitment to the future. We’ve been proudly offering a sustainable web design service for over 5yrs now so businesses can reduce their environmental impact and still shine online. For us, it’s a no-brainer, for purpose-driven companies like yours, sustainable web design offers a unique opportunity to reduce environmental impact, enhance user experience, and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

    In this post, we’ll show you how choosing a sustainable web design service, can boost your brand and bottom line.

    Why Sustainable Web Design Matters for Your Business

    The internet accounts for approximately 4% of global carbon emissions, and this figure is only set to grow. Every website visit, image, or video requires energy, and energy consumption leaves a carbon footprint. By adopting sustainable web design practices, businesses can reduce their environmental impact while showcasing their commitment to responsible practices—a value increasingly important to today’s consumers. We take a deep dive into the topic, so you can understand what is sustainable web design on the blog. 

    Enhancing Your Brand Image and Reputation

    Today’s consumers prefer brands that align with their values. According to research, 88% of consumers want brands to help them live more sustainably. By adopting sustainable web design, your business demonstrates its dedication to the environment, resonating with eco-conscious audiences.

    Example: Consider a small Sydney-based eco-friendly retailer that switched to a green hosting provider and optimised their website’s performance. By highlighting their sustainable efforts online, they built trust with their target audience, increasing both engagement and sales.

    Takeaway: Sustainable web design is not just good for the planet—it’s good for your brand.

    Cost Savings Through Energy Efficiency

    Sustainable websites are designed to use fewer resources, which can translate to significant cost savings over time. By optimising images, streamlining code, and reducing unnecessary server requests, businesses can lower hosting and operational expenses.

    Practical Cost-Saving Tips:

    • Switch to Green Hosting Providers: Choose servers powered by renewable energy. We use Crazy Domains to keep it Eco Friendly.
    • Optimise Website Speed: Faster websites consume less energy and improve user satisfaction.
    • Embrace Minimalist Design: Simple, efficient designs reduce data usage.
     “Save money while saving the planet: Sustainable web design can lower hosting costs by reducing energy consumption through optimised performance and minimalist designs.”

    Improving User Experience (UX) and SEO

    A sustainable website is inherently user-friendly. By focusing on speed, simplicity, and accessibility, businesses can improve user experience and SEO performance. Faster-loading pages not only consume less energy but also lead to higher search rankings—a key driver of organic traffic.

    Benefits of Sustainable UX/UI Design:

    • Faster page load times improve user retention.
    • Clean, efficient designs enhance usability.
    • Accessibility features make websites inclusive to all users.

    SEO Benefits: Search engines reward fast, user-friendly websites. Incorporating sustainable practices into your web design can improve your site’s visibility for key terms like “web design services Sydney” or “sustainable website design.”

    Meeting Regulatory Requirements and Staying Ahead

    Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a growing expectation. Governments and industries are introducing stricter regulations on energy consumption and digital sustainability. By adopting sustainable practices now, your business can stay ahead of these changes and future-proof its digital presence.

      Competitive Advantage in the Sydney Market

      The web design landscape in Sydney is competitive, but sustainability offers a way to stand out. Purpose-driven businesses are increasingly seeking web design partners who share their values. By positioning your brand as a leader in sustainable web design, you can attract clients who prioritise environmental responsibility.

      Case Study Spotlight: Willow, A Sydney-based non-profit partnered with our sustainable web design agency to build an eco-friendly website. The result? Increased online donations and a stronger connection with environmentally conscious donors.  See how we helped Willow Shine Brighter Online.

      Conclusion: Aligning Profit with Purpose

      Sustainable web design is more than a trend—it’s a business imperative. It offers tangible benefits, from cost savings and improved SEO to a stronger brand image and a competitive edge. For businesses in Sydney, adopting sustainable practices in web design is an opportunity to align profit with purpose.

      Are You Ready To Join the Revolution?

      Ready to create a website that reflects your values and resonates with your audience? Our Sustainable web design services in Sydney specialise in crafting sustainable, high-performing websites tailored to your goals. Let’s work together to build a greener digital presence for your brand. Contact us today for a consultation!

    • The Complete Guide to Web Design in Sydney:

      The Complete Guide to Web Design in Sydney:

      What You Need to Know

      At the risk of stating the obvious, having a well-designed website is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Sydney businesses, large and small, are recognising the importance of a website that not only looks good but also functions flawlessly. But with so many options available, how do you navigate the web design landscape in a city as dynamic as Sydney? In this local guide we’ll take you through everything you need to know about web design in Sydney – from emerging trends to choosing the right designer for your needs.

      Why Web Design Matters for Sydney Businesses

      Sydney is home to a diverse range of industries, from finance and real estate to hospitality and retail. Each sector has its own unique needs when it comes to web design, but one thing remains constant: your website is often the first point of contact for potential clients or customers. It’s not just about aesthetics. A well-designed site should communicate your brand’s values, provide seamless user experiences, and encourage visitors to take action, whether that’s making a purchase, booking a service, or signing up for more information.

      In a city as competitive as Sydney, standing out from the crowd is crucial. Your website is a tool to communicate directly with your audience, reflect your brand’s personality, and build credibility. But it’s also more than just a digital brochure – it needs to be fast, responsive, and optimised for search engines to ensure that your customers find you easily. You may be a local business but the right web site can help place you on a global stage.

      Current Trends in Sydney’s Web Design Scene

      Web design trends are constantly evolving, and Sydney’s digital landscape is no exception. One of the most significant shifts in recent years is the focus on mobile-first design. With more than half of web traffic now coming from mobile devices, businesses must ensure their sites look and function beautifully on smaller screens. Responsive design is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s essential.

      Another trend gaining traction is sustainability in web design. As more businesses, particularly in Sydney, become aware of their environmental footprint, there’s growing interest in creating energy-efficient websites. This can involve using lighter code, optimising images, or hosting with carbon-neutral providers. Not only is sustainable web design good for the planet, but it can also lead to faster loading times and improved user experience, both of which are favoured by search engines like Google.

      Minimalist design is also on the rise, particularly among Sydney’s tech startups and creative agencies. The idea is simple: less clutter means a more straightforward user journey, where the focus is placed on what truly matters – your core message or product. Clean, open layouts with plenty of space help users navigate with ease, while typography and colour choices take centre stage to convey a brand’s identity.

      Choosing the Right Web Designer in Sydney

      Selecting a web designer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. In Sydney, you’re spoiled for choice, but not all web designers are created equal. It’s essential to look beyond the surface and dig deeper into a designer’s portfolio, approach, and technical expertise.

      Start by considering your business’s specific needs. Do you require a custom design that sets you apart from competitors, or are you looking for a more budget-friendly template solution? For small businesses or start-ups, budget may be a driving factor, but it’s crucial not to cut corners when it comes to functionality and user experience. A great web designer will strike the right balance between aesthetics and practicality, ensuring your site looks professional without sacrificing usability.

      Next, think about whether the designer or agency has local expertise. A Sydney-based web designer will be familiar with the local market, trends, and user preferences. They’ll have insights into how Sydney audiences interact online, allowing them to create designs that resonate. Local designers also understand the importance of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) for Sydney-based businesses, ensuring that your website is optimised to rank well for relevant local searches.

      Another key factor is the designer’s technical skillset. If your site is built on WordPress – as many Sydney sites are – ensure the designer has a deep understanding of the platform. They should be able to customise themes, optimise performance, and integrate essential plugins without relying on heavy coding that could slow your site down. Moreover, they should stay up-to-date with the latest web standards and security practices to ensure your site remains functional and safe.

      The Role of Local Knowledge in Web Design

      Sydney is a city of diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character. The way a restaurant in Surry Hills presents itself online will differ from how a finance firm in the CBD does. Local knowledge is invaluable in tailoring your web design to suit your target audience. A designer with experience working in Sydney will understand the subtleties of communicating with your specific demographic – whether it’s young professionals, families, or retirees.

      …and yes, we may be based in the Bondi Bubble but we’ve traveled extensively, sometimes even heading OTB! ; )

      Local web designers are also better equipped to handle SEO for Sydney businesses. Search engine optimisation is an ongoing process, and having someone who understands the intricacies of Sydney’s business landscape will give you a competitive edge. By targeting local keywords like “web design Sydney” or “Sydney digital agency,” you increase the likelihood of ranking higher in local search results, bringing more traffic – and potential customers – to your site.

      Why Marzipan is Your Ideal Partner for Web Design in Sydney

       

      At Marzipan, we understand the unique needs of Sydney businesses. With over a decade of experience in WordPress and sustainable web design, we’ve worked with a range of clients across various industries, helping them craft beautiful, functional websites that reflect their brand identity. We pride ourselves on being more than just web designers – we’re your partners in building an online presence that works for you.

      Our approach is simple: we listen, we collaborate, and we create. Whether you’re a local café in Newtown or an ASX-listed financial firm in the City, we take the time to understand your goals and your audience. From the initial concept to the final launch, we’ll be there every step of the way to ensure your website not only looks good but performs brilliantly too.

      And because we’re committed to sustainability, we take great care in building websites that are environmentally friendly. By focusing on efficient design and carbon-neutral hosting, we help our clients reduce their digital footprint while still delivering an exceptional user experience. Helping you shine even brighter online.

      Web design in Sydney is more than just a visual exercise – it’s about creating an online experience that captures your brand and engages your audience. By staying ahead of trends, choosing the right designer, and focusing on local expertise, you can ensure your website stands out in a crowded marketplace. At Marzipan, we’re here to help you every step of the way, crafting bespoke websites that not only look stunning but deliver real results for your business.

       If you’re thinking about your own website and wondering where it can improve, get in touch today for a free consultation and together let’s make the web a brighter place to be.

      affordable web deign sydney - digital content creators
    • Sustainable Web Design

      Sustainable Web Design

      The internet’s dirty secret

      Why is Sustainable Web Design even a thing? …Have you ever throught about much electricity the internet uses?

      Many of us think about our carbon footprint concerning food, travel and clothing… but have you ever thought about the environmental impact of your digital content behaviour?

      So how much electricity does the internet actually consume and is it really down to my website or just the crazy data servers that AI is using these days?

      Quite a lot, actually, and yes, your website is a massive part of that.

      The internet is estimated to use 416.2TWh of electricity annually, surpassing the total electricity consumption of the United Kingdom in a year. In fact, the IT sector already consumes an estimated 7% of global electricity

      And where there’s electricity use, carbon emissions often follow.

      Websites have become increasingly complex, incorporating more videos, animations, and advertisements. Each new feature demands additional data storage, processing, transfer, and display. Additionally, internet usage has surged in recent years.

      The COVID-19 pandemic, with its lockdowns and necessity for remote interaction, accelerated our shift to digital communication. While some people have returned to their pre-pandemic routines, many have continued with the digital habits they adopted, such as online shopping and collaborative working.

      The internet now accounts for almost 4% of global carbon emissions, similar to the aviation industry, and it’s expected to double in the next four years.

      “The internet is essentially the largest coal-fired machine on the entire planet,” says Jack Amend, co-founder of the Web Neutral Project.

      Addressing the Internet’s Carbon Problem with Sustainable Web Design Despite the daunting scale of the problem, practical changes can make websites more sustainable.

      6 Steps to Sustainable Web design

      Sustainable web design often requires rethinking traditional approaches to digital marketing and design. The Sustainable Web Manifesto outlines six core principles for building sustainable websites, which include:

      • Clean: powered by renewable energy
      • Efficient: using minimal energy
      • Honest: avoiding user deception (refer to our blog on deceptive design)

      In practical terms, as legendary German designer Dieter Rams puts it, “Good design is as little design as possible.” For instance, reducing the number of images and animations, and using a darker colour palette (since lighter colours require more energy) can lower a website’s carbon footprint.

      Another way to make a website more sustainable is by optimising its search engine performance. A well-structured website with curated content and clear navigation can help users complete tasks quickly, saving energy by reducing unnecessary data transfers.

      Sustainable web design not only lowers carbon footprints but also enhances user satisfaction and trust, which are critical for customer loyalty. Businesses can differentiate themselves as principled brands that value “people, planet, and profit — in that order,” as Mary Portas puts it.

      Additionally, sustainable websites can be more cost-effective. Lean websites with small file sizes and minimal processing power requirements reduce the need for expensive, high-powered hosting.

      Creating sustainable websites involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and efficiency. Low-carbon web design requires technical expertise and careful consideration of which features provide genuine value to users.

      Ultimately, small changes can have a significant impact, especially as more of our lives move online. Whether you’re concerned about the climate or your business’s bottom line, sustainability is a critical consideration for your online presence.

      Contact us to learn how we can assist you with your sustainable web design project.

    • How to Create Powerful  Landing Pages that Convert

      How to Create Powerful  Landing Pages that Convert

      Landing pages stand as formidable tools crafted with a singular aim – to drive conversions. These dedicated pages are engineered to direct viewers’ attention towards a specific objective, urging them to take action by presenting a tangible solution, all before they navigate away. Typically, the end goal is to convert casual visitors into bona fide, paying customers or clients, thereby fulfilling various business objectives. Whether you’re promoting a digital or physical product, a webinar, a free demo, or any other offering, leveraging a landing page can be instrumental in achieving your marketing goals, especially for digital content creators.

      In the realm of digital content creation, the cornerstone of a high-converting landing page lies in its persuasive and well-crafted copy. If the copy fails to compel users to take the desired action, it could severely impact your conversion rate. However, while the design of your landing page holds significant weight, incorporating appropriate imagery, colors, logos, and highlighting key elements like headlines and calls-to-action (CTAs), it’s the synergy between design and copy that truly elevates conversion rates.

      Today, let’s delve into the art of crafting compelling landing page copy. Here are some invaluable writing tips to help you fashion a persuasive and actionable narrative for your landing page, geared towards digital content creators:

      1. Avoid Reliance on AI: While AI tools have proliferated, aiding in various aspects of content creation, relying on them for crafting landing page copy isn’t advisable. Landing pages serve as critical assets for conversion, brand identity, and user experience. Entrusting this task to AI risks producing generic content that fails to resonate with visitors. Instead, invest effort into crafting authentic, human-written copy to make a lasting impression.
      2. Craft an Attention-Grabbing Headline: The headline serves as the focal point of your landing page, capable of captivating or repelling visitors in an instant. Ensure your headline communicates a clear value proposition, succinctly highlighting the key benefits of your offer. Keep it concise yet compelling, enticing visitors to delve deeper into your offering.
      3. Emphasize Benefits: Rather than solely focusing on the solution your product or service provides, prioritize highlighting its tangible benefits. Clearly articulate how your offering adds value to your customers’ lives, addressing their pain points and aspirations. Incorporate customer testimonials or quotes to substantiate these benefits, fostering trust and credibility.
      4. Be Concise: In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, brevity is key. Craft concise, easily digestible copy that conveys your message effectively. Utilize bulleted lists or succinct descriptions to streamline information delivery, catering to the preferences of online readers who engage in speed reading or content scanning.

      Remember, the success of your landing page hinges not only on its design but also on the quality of its copy. By implementing these writing tips, you can optimise your landing page to resonate with your audience, driving higher conversions and bolstering your digital content creation endeavors.

    • Enhance Your Small Business Website with These Top WordPress Plugins

      Enhance Your Small Business Website with These Top WordPress Plugins

      As a small business owner in Sydney, establishing a strong online presence is crucial in today’s digital content driven landscape. With WordPress, you have access to a wide range of plugins – a piece of software that “plugs into” your WordPress site. These plugins can add new functionality or extend existing functionality on your site, allowing you to create virtually any kind of website, from ecommerce stores to portfolios to directory sites. But with so many options, where should you begin? In this blog post, we explore three of the best WordPress plugins that can empower your small business website and set it apart from the competition. Whether you want to improve your site’s design, boost its performance, or streamline your business processes, these plugins are sure to deliver outstanding results.

      1. Elementor: Customisation Made Easy

      When it comes to web design, customisation is key. Elementor, one of the most popular WordPress plugins, provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows you to create stunning and professional websites without any coding knowledge. With its extensive library of pre-designed templates and elements, you can easily customise your site’s layout, typography, colors, and more. Elementor and by extension, it’s ultra fast Hello Theme also offer advanced features like responsive design, animation effects, and integrations with popular marketing tools. By harnessing the power of Elementor, your small business website will be visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimised for conversions.

      2. Yoast SEO: Boost Your Search Engine Visibility

      In today’s competitive online landscape, appearing at the top of search engine results is vital for driving organic traffic to your small business website. Yoast SEO is a powerful WordPress plugin that helps you optimize your website’s content for search engines. With Yoast SEO, you can easily optimize your pages and blog posts by providing keyword suggestions, analyzing content readability, and generating XML sitemaps. The plugin also offers social media integration, allowing you to optimize your website’s presence on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. By leveraging Yoast SEO, you can enhance your small business website’s visibility and improve its chances of reaching your target audience.

      3. WooCommerce: Transform Your Website into an Online Store

      For small businesses looking to sell products or services online, WooCommerce is the go-to WordPress plugin. With over 5 million active installations, WooCommerce provides a robust and flexible platform to create and manage your online store. The plugin offers a range of features such as inventory management, secure payment gateways, shipping options, and customizable product pages. You can easily add products, set pricing, and customize your store’s appearance to align with your brand. With WooCommerce, your small business can effortlessly tap into the world of e-commerce, expand its customer base, and boost revenue.

      In today’s era of rapid digital content creation, having a well-designed and functional website is essential for small businesses, in Australia. With WordPress and its vast plugin ecosystem, you can take your website to the next level. By leveraging the power of plugins like Elementor, Yoast SEO, and WooCommerce, you can enhance your website’s design, improve its search engine visibility, and even transform it into an online store. So, don’t miss out on these top WordPress plugins—give your small business website the competitive edge it deserves. Check out our web design services. We can get started today and watch your brand shine online!

      elementor web design
    • The Secrets of Affordable Web Design

      The Secrets of Affordable Web Design

      ​​In today’s digital content rich era, having a captivating online presence is crucial for businesses regardless of size. Yet affordable web design can seem out of this world.  Even before the current cost of living crisis kicked in, we noticed many entrepreneurs and small business owners find themselves facing a common challenge: budget.

      The good news is that affordable website design in Sydney is not an elusive dream. It needn’t impact your smashed avo brunches, and will help you shine online : )

      In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective strategies and valuable tips to help you achieve an attractive and functional website that won’t break the bank.

      Get ready to unlock the secrets of affordable website design and boost your online visibility!

      The Importance of Affordable Website Design

      1. Enhancing your online presence on a limited budget
      2. How a well-designed website impacts user experience and conversion rates
      3. Attracting and retaining customers with an affordable website

      Planning Your Website Design on a Budget

      1. Setting clear goals and objectives for your website: Why do you need a website, is it for brand awareness, leads, sales, data collection
      2. Identifying your target audience and tailoring your design accordingly
      3. Prioritising essential features and functionalities. Think eCommerce, lead capture, membership areas?
      4. Choosing the right website builder or CMS (Content Management System). We use WordPress predominantly because we love using Elementor and find our clients can easily handle the updates but we are seeing an increasing number of WebFlow sites being requested too.

      Budget-Friendly Design Tips and Strategies

      1. Streamlined and minimalist designs: Helping with web speed, SEO and promotes sustainable web design
        Utilising pre-designed templates and themes saves time and money
      2. Optimising images and multimedia elements for fast loading times
      3. Incorporating responsive design for mobile compatibility
      4. DIY vs. hiring a professional web designer: Weighing the pros and cons

      Selecting Affordable Hosting and Domain Services

      1. Evaluating different hosting options and their pricing plans. Be careful as cheaper isn’t always the best. Ensure your web host can offer 99.9% uptime to avoid losing eyeballs. We always recommend Crazy Domains for this and all our new websites come with 12 months of local web hosting included in the price. Always.
      2. Registering a cost-effective domain name even after the first year is up. Those domain name services can look cheap at first but after the first year expires costs can soar. 
      3. Considering bundled services for a better value. We often look at bundles for our clients including new website, SEO and SEM inclusions to help you save time and money. 

      Digital Content Creation on a Budget

      1. Creating engaging and SEO-friendly content for your website
      2. Leveraging free or low-cost stock photos and graphics from sites such as Unsplash
        Utilising user-generated content to increase authenticity and extend reach. Be sure to get permission first and always tag the image creators. We may be affordable but we’re not jerks  : )

      Maximizing SEO for Affordable Website Design

      1. Keyword research: Identifying relevant and high-value keywords
        Optimising on-page elements such as titles, meta descriptions, and headings
      2. Building quality backlinks through guest posting and content marketing
      3. Harnessing the power of local SEO for targeted traffic, or a local SEO provider like us to help get you ranking.

      DIY Website Maintenance and Updates

      1. Don’t be afraid to learn basic website maintenance tasks
      2. Regularly updating and optimising your website for peak performance
      3. Understanding the importance of website security

      Seeking Professional Help on a Budget

      1. Freelancers and specialised agencies exist to find affordable solutions, with a lot of due diligence you can find an affordable web designer like us
      2. Conducting thorough research when vetting potential partners
        Negotiating prices and services to fit your budget
      3. Web design students may also want to get involved at a discounted rate to help hone their skills
      Social Media services Advertising on Facebook and meta and instagram. PPC

      So there you have it, affordable website design is not a mythical creature; it’s a tangible goal within your reach if you’re willing to get creative and ask the right questions.

      By implementing just a few of the strategies and tips outlined here, you can create a visually stunning and functional website without emptying your pockets.

      Remember, the key is thoughtful planning, informed decision-making, and making the most of available resources.

      So, don’t let budget constraints hold you back from creating a powerful online presence. Start your journey towards affordable website design today and unlock your business’s true potential!

      For affordable website design services, feel free to reach out to the team at Marzipan.

      We specialise in helping businesses shine online and are experts at create stunning websites on a budget for all wallet sizes. Check out our affordable yet Sustainable Web Design Services.

      Remember, affordable website design is just the first step. Consistently updating and optimising your website, along with implementing effective digital marketing strategies, will further propel your online success.

      Good Luck!

    • How To Create A Website For Your Business

      How To Create A Website For Your Business

      Websites are the main hub of your business in an increasingly digital world. No matter what size of business, it’s definitely worth considering if you want an online presence. A website expands your brand, informs potential customers, and drives sales upwards when done correctly.

      Today, we will be discussing how to build a website from scratch. The process has definitely gotten easier than before. Coding isn’t something you need to know to have one. By following a core set of principles, your website will definitely find success in the competitive market.

      Set Your Primary Goal

      Whether it’s a small business website or a large one, you have to set your mind on what the website’s purpose is. Generally speaking, business websites act as a digital store as well as a place to gather general information about your business. 

      Tell your team exactly what you want to achieve with your website. Is it to expand your brand? Streamline the buying process for customers?  These goals need to be set early because adding new things to an existing website can be a massive undertaking. 

      Find a local Web Host

      Now that you have a goal, it’s time to find where your website will reside. For small businesses, it’s best to stick with shared web hosting services such as Wix and Squarespace. They are way less expensive and are capable of all the essentials a small business needs. Not to mention, they are much easier to work with due to templates.

      For larger businesses, especially ones that undergo a lot of traffic, having a dedicated web host such as GoDaddy or Crucial is the best option. Dedicated hosting means full control over your servers as well as full customization on the front-end and back-end. We offer carbon neutral, Australian web hosting through Crucial for all new websites we build. We find that WordPress and Elementor’s front page editor are the perfect comb for small businesses looking to build their own website

      Settle on a Website Domain Name

      A domain name is the address of your website. This is how people will reach your page. It’s also what you’ll be plastering on ads to grow your business. Your URL should be concise, descriptive, and easy to recall. There are some nontraditional suffixes for the domain names nowadays such as “.ninja” or “.agency”. 

      However, you should stick with the “.com” for simplicity’s sake. People will have a much easier time remembering your website if you keep things simple. Another thing to consider is the copyright of your website domain name. It’s a big world out there, so your domain name might be taken.

      Create Your Homepage

      The core principles of your web design will be decided on the homepage. Before you start working on the other parts of your website, the homepage needs to be a home run. The homepage should immediately inform the customer of what your business is about and see the services/products you want them to see.

      Homepages should also have all the important menus such as “contact us” and “about us” in easy-to-see locations. Your homepage’s design also decides what the entire site’s look will be. Keep the design simple and aesthetically pleasing. Overcrowded websites can be a turn-off for potential leads.

      Create The Other Pages

      From here, it’s time to create the other essential pages of your website. Different businesses will have different sections. Still, some pages are universally beneficial for your site.

      Catalogue of Services/Products

      Your website needs to provide a detailed list of the services/products that your business provides. There should also be an easy way for them to purchase said services and products from your website.  There are e-commerce websites such as Paypal that assist with this.

      Contact Us

      The “Contact Us” page should include the following details:

      • E-mail Addresses (main business email, specific departments, etc)
      • Phone numbers (same as above)
      • Full Address of company (for mail and walk-in visits)
      • Newsletter Sign-Up

      The “Contact Us” page should have minimal fluff. It’s purely informative and all the contact information should be front and centre.

      About Us

      This section gives a brief rundown of your business’ history as well as its overall goals. This section could also be where key employees are named and given contact information. The “About Us” page is also a chance to add good SEO to your website.

      Company Blog

      While social media sites have taken this spot in recent years, having a company blog is still a nifty addition to your website. It provides customers with the latest updates on your company. In addition, it’s also compatible with social media. Company blog posts can easily be shared on social media. 

      Start Testing Your New Site

      Before your site goes public, start rigorously testing your site. The first impression is the most important. If a potential lead discovers a bug or performance issues while browsing your site, they may not come back from too negative of an experience. Make sure that testing is done on all major browsers (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera GX) and that the mobile layout is decent.

      Go Live! 

      Websites are easier than ever to set up, but getting the word out about them gets surprisingly difficult. If you want to learn more about the ins and outs of web design, check out our sustainable web design services for Sydney and beyond.

      SEO - eBook startups marzipan
    • 4 tips to speed up WordPress websites

      4 tips to speed up WordPress websites

      Studies show that from 2000 to 2016, the average human attention span has dropped from 12 seconds to 7 seconds.

      What does this mean for you as a website owner?

      You have an ever-decreasing time span to show users you’re trustable, your content is relevant and to convince them to stay on your website.

      As a digital content agency, we make a lot of websites. We work on multiple platforms but for many reasons, WordPress seems to be the most popular. 

      More and more frequently we’re opting to use a front end editor so that our clients can easily go in and manage their own changes. There’s a bunch of solid editors but one stands out for users with little no web design experience: Elementor. 

      Elementor is one of the most advanced page builders on the market. With regular updates, reliable drag & drop features, with a bunch of handy content creation shortcuts built in right out of the box, both the free and paid products are fantastic.

      However it can have one drawback, its templates are so visually rich and dynamic they can sometimes be dangerously slow. 

      Fast loading pages improve user experience, increase your page views, and help with your SEO. A poor site load will push you down the ranks in Google and risk losing customers before they’ve even reached your website.  According to a case study from Strangeloop that involved Amazon, Google, and other larger sites, a 1 second delay in page load time can lead to 7% loss in conversions, 11% fewer page views, and 16% decrease in customer satisfaction. 

      Test your website’s speed using Google’s Page Speed indexer.

      How to improve your website’s speed?

      First things first. Choosing the best host for your website is crucial.  There are as many strong options as there are weak. Doing your research here is super important. We recommend Crucial. They provide 99.9% uptime, 24×7 Support and even offset carbon emissions through The Nature Conservancy. That’s why we trust Crucial with our web hosting. 

       

      digital content writing - Marzipan Media seo copywriting

      Choose a lightweight theme

      WordPress themes with a lot of dynamic elements, sliders, widgets, social icons and many more shiny elements are immensely appealing to the eye. But remember this: if they have too many elements and higher page sizes, then they will definitely cause your web server to take a thumping. A good theme shouldn’t slow down a site, but unfortunately a lot of themes do. A well-coded theme uses scripts and methods to reduce its file sizes. Switching between themes and seeing the effect might give you a good indicator if the theme is the culprit. Luckily Elementor have produced a theme that’s fast and versatile, called Hello Elementor. It’s one of the fasted around and provides a solid base on which to build.   

      Don’t just take our word for it. Kinsta has done the hard research for you on their blog here: 11 Fastest WordPress Themes

      Optimise your imagery

      Images are the major contributors to size increment of a given webpage. The trick is to reduce the size of the images without compromising on the quality.

      Before you upload a photo directly from your phone or camera, we recommend that you use photo editing software to optimise your images for the web.

      In their original formats, these photos can have huge file sizes. But based on the image file format and the compression you choose in your editing software, you can decrease your image size by up to 5x. Luckily, if you don’t have access to these tools, WordPress provides multiple optimisers for imagery and speed: 

      Host videos & Podcasts elsewhere

      WordPress is pretty flexible. You can directly upload huge audio and video files to your WordPress site, and it will automatically display them in an HTML5 player…

      But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. In fact, we strongly recommend you DON’T do that!

      Ever. 

      Firstly, hosting these types of audio and videos files cost you bandwidth. You could be charged overage fees by your web hosting company, or they may even shut down your site altogether, even if your plan includes “unlimited” bandwidth.

      More importantly, the drag on server calls will dramatically slow your website down as it churns through the weight of your files in order to play it. Dramatically slowing your website down. 

      Lastly, these large media files will also increase your backup sizes tremendously, and make it difficult for you to restore WordPress from backup.

      There are so many fantastic audio and video hosting services like YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud. Let these guys take care of the weight off. 

      WordPress has a built-in video embed feature, so you can copy and paste your video’s URL directly into your post and it will embed automatically.

      If you are making a podcast website with WordPress, then your podcast manager will have a share function so can drop it right in. Like this completely unrelated podcast from Guy Raz below.

      On most good podcasts, you’ll see an embed option nearly everywhere you’re able to play audio. The option will say “embed” or show a “<>” icon (the Web’s universal embed symbol).

      Easy peasy.

      Clean up your database

      Deleting unwanted data from your database will keep its size to a minimum and also helps in reducing the size of your backups. To this end a regular clean up of your spam comments, fake users, old drafts of your content and maybe even unwanted plugins as well as themes will help speed up your website. Every little extra thing can cause drag, so keeping a clean site will reduce the size of your databases and web files, and thus speed up your WordPress site. 

      Chose an epic web design agency like us : ) 

      There are so many tools, websites and resources designed to help you improve your website’s speed but if it all feels a little overwhelming, we’re here for you. 

      With over 10yrs experience creating websites for our clients large and small, we can get you running in no time. Shine online with a brand new website from Marzipan Media today.

      Contact us today to find out more. 

      Let’s talk