Author: Ysabel Mano

Hey there, lovely website owners and digital dreamers! It’s Websites Made With Love, popping in with some exciting news about how we’re keeping our skills razor-sharp to help your business shine online. We recently wrapped up an awesome 6-week Growth Marketing Certification from Growclass, and we’re pumped to share what we learned and why it matters for you, our amazing clients.

At Websites Made With Love, we’re all about staying ahead of the curve. The digital world moves fast (like, Usain Bolt fast), and we’re committed to constant learning to deliver the best for your websites.

That’s why we are happy to announce that two (yes, two!) of our lovely team members are now Growclass certified!

The Growclass certification isn’t our first rodeo—our team has a stack of credentials—but it’s a shiny new addition that’s already sparking ideas for your projects.

What’s Growclass, and Why Did We Jump In?

Growclass is an online, part-time program designed for growth marketing pros who want to level up their game. Over six weeks, we dug into the nitty-gritty of modern marketing strategies, guided by industry experts who’ve worked with big names like Google, Shopify, and Airbnb. The course covered a ton of ground, including:

• Growth and Experimentation Mindset: Learning how to think like a data-driven marketer, testing ideas to find what works best for growth.
• SEO: Unlocking the secrets to getting your website to rank higher on search engines (hello, Google front page!).
• Facebook and Google Ads: Crafting ads that grab attention, convert clicks, and make every dollar count.
• Conversion Copywriting: Writing words that don’t just sound pretty but actually persuade visitors to take action.
• Google Analytics: Decoding data to understand what your audience loves and how to give them more of it.
• Email Marketing: Building emails that land in inboxes (not spam folders) and turn readers into loyal customers.

The program was hands-on, with bite-sized video lessons, live office hours, and a super-supportive Slack community of marketers and founders. It’s not just about learning theory—it’s about applying practical skills right away, which is totally our vibe at Websites Made With Love.

Why This Matters for You

So, why should you care that we’ve added another certification to our toolbox? Because everything we learned at Growclass is already helping us make your website work harder and smarter. Here’s how:

• Smarter Strategies for Growth
  The experimentation mindset we honed means we’re not just guessing what’ll work for your site. We’re testing, tweaking, and optimizing based on real data. Whether it’s a new landing page or an ad campaign, we’re using proven frameworks to drive traffic, leads, and sales. For example, the course gave us tools like the Growth Experimentation Template, which we’re now using to prioritize high-impact opportunities for your business.
• SEO That Packs a Punch
  Search engine optimization isn’t just about keywords anymore—it’s about understanding user intent and technical know-how. Growclass taught us advanced SEO tactics to boost your site’s visibility, from on-site tweaks to content strategies that attract organic traffic. If you want your website to be the one customers find first, we’ve got the skills to make it happen.
• Ads That Convert Like Crazy
  Running ads can feel like throwing money into a black hole if you’re not careful. The Growclass modules on Google and Facebook ads showed us how to structure campaigns, target the right audience, and write ad copy that clicks (pun intended). This means your ad budget goes further, bringing in more qualified leads without breaking the bank.
• Copy That Closes the Deal
  Words matter. Whether it’s a homepage headline or an email subject line, the conversion copywriting skills we picked up help us craft messages that resonate with your audience. We’re already using our new tips to make your website’s pages more persuasive and action-oriented.
• Emails That Actually Get Opened
  Email marketing is still a powerhouse for connecting with customers, and Growclass showed us how to write emails that don’t just sit in inboxes—they inspire clicks and conversions. From SaaS onboarding funnels to sales emails, we’re equipped to help you build stronger relationships with your audience.
• Data-Driven Decisions
  Google Analytics can be overwhelming, but we now have a clearer handle on tracking metrics that matter. This means we can dig into your website’s data to see what’s working, what’s not, and how to double down on success. It’s like having a crystal ball for your online strategy.

The Community Vibe

One of the coolest parts of Growclass? The community. We weren’t just learning from instructors; we were swapping ideas with a diverse group of marketers and founders in a private Slack channel. It’s been called “the kindest corner of the internet,” and we totally get why. This network gave us fresh perspectives and real-time feedback, which we’re channeling into creative solutions for your projects. Plus, the ongoing access to workshops and resources means we’re constantly updating our playbook to keep your website ahead of the game.

Our Commitment to You

We don’t just build websites—we build partnerships. The Growclass certification is one more way we’re investing in your success. It’s not about collecting badges (though we’re pretty proud of this one); it’s about bringing you the latest, most effective strategies to grow your online presence. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or a founder scaling up, we’re here to make sure your website isn’t just beautiful—it’s a growth machine.

This certification is just one piece of our ongoing learning journey. Our team is always diving into new courses, experimenting with new tools, and staying on top of digital trends (like Google’s AI Overview , which we broke down in a previous blog). Why? Because we love what we do, and we’re obsessed with helping you succeed.

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you’re curious about how our new Growclass skills can supercharge your website, let’s chat! Whether you need a killer SEO strategy, high-converting ads, or emails that turn leads into fans, we’ve got the tools and the passion to make it happen. Drop us a line at Websites Made With Love, and let’s talk about your next big win.

Until then, keep shining online.

Websites Made With Love is thrilled to announce its partnership with accessiBe, a leading provider of AI-powered web accessibility solutions! This collaboration aims to make the Internet more inclusive and accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Why Accessibility Matters

Since most of today’s world revolves around the Internet, especially businesses and corporations, web design is a significant technology area that can be improved to create a more engaging online presence. However, some people with accessibility impairments will have a hard time navigating some websites. Study after study has demonstrated the inaccessibility of websites and other elements of the Internet since the advent of the World Wide Web.

At Websites Made With Love, we ensure that individuals of all abilities can navigate, understand, and interact with online content. With over 1 billion people worldwide living with disabilities, providing an accessible digital experience is not just a necessity. It’s an opportunity to reach a wider audience. It stands as a powerful tool to bridge digital divides and make the internet a more equitable space for all.

How accessiBe Enhances Website Accessibility

accessiBe uses cutting-edge AI technology to scan, analyze, and adjust websites in real-time, ensuring compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and other legal standards. Some key features include:

• AI-powered automatic adjustments for screen readers and keyboard navigation
• Alt text generation for images, making content accessible to visually impaired users
• Color and contrast modifications for better readability
• Customizable accessibility widget, allowing users to adjust settings based on their needs

The SEO and Traffic Advantage

By implementing accessiBe’s solutions, businesses can increase their online visibility and attract more organic traffic. The SEMRUSH study found that 73.4% of websites using accessibility tools saw growth in their organic traffic, proving that accessibility isn’t just good for users, but also it’s great for business!

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Web

At Websites Made With Love, we believe that the internet should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. This partnership with accessiBe reinforces our mission to create inclusive, user-friendly, and SEO-optimized websites for all businesses and individuals.

If you’re ready to make your website more accessible, improve your SEO, and enhance user experience, let’s talk! Contact us today and let’s build a website that truly welcomes everyone.

Picture this: you’re searching for a cozy coffee shop or a reliable plumber nearby, and right at the top of Google’s results, you see a neat summary with all the info you need—hours, reviews, even a quick description. That’s Google AI Overviews in action, and they’re shaking up how local businesses like yours get found online.

Let’s face it, AI is everywhere. While it is teased for its clumsy nature, it will eventually get good. It’s only a matter of time before AI-generated images with too many fingers or awkwardly placed objects get replaced with much more sophisticated versions.

So, to AI or not to AI, that is the question. The answer? Get on board or you’ll be left behind.

What is Google’s AI Overview feature?

Google AI Overviews are like the CliffsNotes of search results. They’re AI-generated summaries that pop up at the top of Google’s search page, pulling together key details from across the web to answer your query fast.

For local searches—like “best pizza near me” or “emergency locksmith”—these overviews might highlight a few businesses, their services, and even customer feedback, all without you scrolling down the page. Think of them as Google’s way of making life easier for searchers by serving up quick, relevant info. For local businesses, this is a big deal because it’s changing how customers find you online.

This overview pulls information from around the web in a convenient summary at the top of the page. Getting your local business in this AI overview is a goldmine for visibility. Currently, it appears above sponsored ads, the map pack, and organic search results. Technically, it’s free because the AI is using already existing information.

How do I get on Google’s AI overview summary?

The AI is ever changing as it pulls and learns more information. However, we identified some tricks that may help.

Keywords Matter

If your domain name or slug is an exact match, it seems more likely to appear on the AI Overview. For example, searching “Nanaimo plumber” may pick up direct matches like nanaimoplumber.com or plumbingcompany.com/nanaimo-plumbers
Public directories like Yelp can be accessed by any AI platform. While Microsoft’s AI cannot access Google reviews (but Gemini can), it is a good idea to get your information out there so that all AI bots can find it.

Does my location matter?

Here’s where it gets interesting: once your business makes it into an AI Overview, where it ranks in that summary isn’t tied to how close it is to the searcher. Instead, Google’s AI prioritizes things like content quality, relevance, and authority.

So, a well-optimized website with clear, detailed information about your services can outshine a competitor who’s just down the street. This shift levels the playing field, letting businesses with strong digital strategies shine regardless of exact location. AI prioritizes content that is robust and unique. If your webpage has something more to offer than a competitor’s, there is a better chance that your content will be selected for the overview.

That said, Google’s still fine-tuning how AI Overviews handle location. Early tests show that AI Overviews are starting to pick up on geographic patterns, especially when searches are tested across a grid of locations. This suggests that while proximity isn’t the main driver, it’s still a factor, and Google might lean more into location as the technology evolves. For now, businesses need to focus on both local relevance and high-quality content to maximize visibility.

What about the Local Map Pack?

Unlike the traditional “local pack” (those three business listings that show up with a map), AI Overviews don’t rely as heavily on how close your business is to the searcher. A recent study found that businesses within a 4-mile radius of the searcher appear in AI Overviews 72% of the time, compared to 68.5% for those slightly farther away. That’s a small gap, meaning your business has a shot at being seen even if it’s not the closest option. This opens up new opportunities to compete in a wider area, but it also means your online presence needs to be top-notch to stand out.

While the local map pack doesn’t look to be going anywhere anytime soon, the AI Overview feature does sit above it. Many businesses wanted in the pack because of its placement so far up the SERP, but now AI Overviews are taking over. Our advice? Optimize for both the map pack and AI Overviews. Hey, it doesn’t hurt to show up in a few places, right?

Why should I care about AI stuff? Isn’t a website enough?

AI Overviews are pushing traditional website links further down the search results page, which means your website needs to work harder to grab attention.

If your business shows up in an AI Overview, you’re front and center for potential customers, but getting there requires a website that’s optimized for how AI interprets and prioritizes information. Detailed, accurate, and engaging content is key, as is making sure your business info (like hours, services, and contact details) is spot-on. Without a strong online presence, you risk being overshadowed by competitors who’ve adapted to this new reality.

But don’t worry, you’re in good hands with our crew.

Not every search is the same

Searching for a phrase on Google will result in an AI overview that may differ from another person’s search or even yours if you place it minutes apart. Why? The AI is still learning and organizing.

Another thing to note is that while some results are linked, others are not. No one knows for sure why some results get linked while others are not, but this is likely a feature that will also get refined over time.

Can Google detect AI-generated content on my website?

Yes, it can.

The issue with AI content is that it pulls from what it already knows. This means that a lot of AI content can seem generic, because it is. It’s rehashed information from around the web.

The best practice? Expand on what the AI offers. Provide more information that is unique to your business. Examples are a great way to add unique content that is relevant to the topic.

A website that thrives in the age of AI.

At Websites Made With Love, we’re not just a web design company—we’re your partner in navigating the ever-changing world of search technology. Our team stays up to date on AI-driven changes like Google AI Overviews, ensuring your website is built to compete.

Your website will contain fresh, high-quality, relevant content that speaks directly to what AI Overviews value, from detailed service descriptions to user-focused information. You’ll also have an optimized site for local SEO, ensuring your business details—like hours, location, and services—are accurate and easy for Google to find.

Using data-driven insights, we adapt to evolving algorithms and updates. With our commitment to trust and reliability, you can count on us to keep your business visible in this AI-powered era.

We offer a free, 30-minute clarity call. No obligation, just straight-up information.

At Websites Made With Love, we’re always on the lookout for ways to help you grow your business online without adding more to your already full plate. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with ActiveCampaign, a platform that makes email marketing and automation a breeze.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of setting up email campaigns or automating customer follow-ups, you’re not alone. Many small business owners feel the same way. But with ActiveCampaign, these tasks become manageable, even enjoyable.

Why ActiveCampaign?

ActiveCampaign is an all-in-one platform that combines email marketing, automation, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and machine learning to help businesses of all sizes deliver truly personalized customer experiences. From welcome emails to full-scale customer journeys, ActiveCampaign empowers you to connect with your audience at the right time, in the right way.

So, What Exactly Is ActiveCampaign?

Think of ActiveCampaign as your behind-the-scenes marketing assistant. It helps you:

• Send targeted emails to the right people at the right time.
  • Send professional, personalized emails to your audience using ready-made templates or create your own.
• Automate follow-ups, so no lead falls through the cracks.
  • Set up automatic emails and messages based on customer actions.
• Manage your contacts with an easy-to-use CRM.
  • Keep track of your contacts, leads, and sales in one simple dashboard.
• Gain insights into what’s working and what needs tweaking.
  • Get clear reports on key metrics like email open rates, clicks, and sales.
• Use tools you are familiar with!
  • Works seamlessly with tools you already use, like Shopify, WordPress, Stripe, Calendly, and hundreds more.

And the best part? It’s designed with small businesses in mind, with no complex setups or third-party headaches.

The Power of Connection

At Websites Made With Love, we specialize in crafting custom, accessible websites and comprehensive digital marketing strategies tailored to your business goals.

By integrating ActiveCampaign into our services, Websites Made With Love empowers your website with powerful marketing automation tools. You can track visitor behaviour, engage across multiple channels like SMS and social media, and access in-depth reporting to fine-tune your marketing strategy.

The result? A smarter website that not only looks great but actively works to grow your business.

Let’s Build Smarter Together

Whether you’re running a small business or scaling up, this partnership gives you everything you need to market with confidence and ease.

If you’re curious about how ActiveCampaign can work for your business, we’re here to help. Let’s chat about how we can integrate it into your website and start building stronger relationships with your customers.

Websites Made With Love Honoured in the 15th Web Excellence Awards

PARKSVILLE, MAY 20, 2025 – Websites Made With Love Inc. is thrilled to announce its recognition as a winner in the 15th Web Excellence Awards. Our latest project, New Website for Brussels Agromart, has been celebrated for its excellence in the Website Design – Agriculture category, underscoring our unwavering commitment to innovation and superior performance in the digital realm.

“Receiving this prestigious award once again is a testament to our team’s dedication to creating websites in the agriculture sector that are easy to find on Google and user-friendly,” said Founder Mark Beuerman. “We’re passionate about crafting beautiful, affordable websites that help position our clients as the local authority on ag production.”

The Web Excellence Awards, a pioneering platform that acknowledges and promotes excellence in web development and digital innovation, celebrated an impressive array of talent and innovation from around the globe, reinforcing its mission to recognize and celebrate extraordinary achievements by creative teams and individuals worldwide.

“Being recognized at the 15th Web Excellence Awards motivates us to continue working hard to deliver websites that meet and exceed our customers’ expectations,” concluded Beuerman.

This accolade highlights our team’s hard work and solidifies Websites Made With Love’s position as a leader and trendsetter in the industry.

About Websites Made With Love

Founded in 2018, Websites Made With Love has grown from a solo venture into a dynamic team of six dedicated professionals. With a portfolio boasting over 100 websites, we specialize in website design, search engine optimization (SEO), website maintenance, and graphic design . Our mission is to empower local small businesses and non-profit organizations by creating professional, brand-reflective websites that drive success.

Media Inquiries:

Mark Beuerman
hello@websitesmadewithlove.com

About the Web Excellence Awards

The Web Excellence Awards are a leading international competition celebrating the best in web development and digital innovation. Established to recognize and promote excellence across the digital industry, the Web Excellence Awards provide a platform for innovation and creativity to be acknowledged globally.

Contact: Daniel Martin
Email: info@we-awards.com
Website: https://we-awards.com

Websites Made With Love is proud to announce its official Green Certification from BC Green Business (BCGB), recognizing its commitment to environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and social responsibility.

From day one, Websites Made With Love has believed that digital success should go hand in hand with environmental care. That belief has guided the team in creating efficient, beautiful websites while also keeping their business operations low-waste, low-impact, and community-focused.

What is BCC Green Business (BCGB)

BC Green Business is a certification program that helps businesses across British Columbia become more environmentally friendly. It’s run by the non-profit Synergy Foundation and is designed to support companies that want to reduce their impact on the planet and give back to their communities.

Businesses are evaluated on things like energy use, waste reduction, water conservation, and community involvement. Based on how many sustainable actions they complete, they can earn a Silver, Gold, or Green certification.

To learn more about BC Green Business or how to get certified, visit bcgreenbusiness.ca

How did we qualify?

Website Made With Love completed 27 verified sustainable actions to earn its Green certification. These include energy-efficient building upgrades such as double-paned, draft-sealed windows, LED lighting throughout, and setting thermostats to 16°C when unoccupied.

In daily operations, Websites Made With Love goes well beyond the basics. The team has implemented six paperless systems (including invoices, payroll, and client documentation), composts all food waste and soiled paper, and recycles a wide range of materials from electronics and soft plastics to foil-lined bags and Styrofoam.

The business also practices low-emission commuting and travel, utilizing virtual meetings to reduce transportation emissions and making sustainable delivery and purchasing choices.

And with its Ocean Friendly Business designation, Websites Made With Love demonstrates additional care for BC’s marine ecosystems by following Surfrider-approved actions that prevent pollution and support clean waterways.

Read the full checklist on what Websites Made With Love achieved for this certification.

What does it mean for our clients?

Our certification as a BC Green Business shows that we care, not just about great websites, but about how we run our business behind the scenes.

When you work with Websites Made With Love, you’re choosing a company that:

• Operates with sustainability in mind
• Uses energy-efficient equipment and low-impact materials
• Minimizes waste and recycles responsibly
• Supports community and environmental initiatives
• It’s our way of making sure that the work we do for you is not only high quality but also aligned with values that matter.

By choosing us, you’re supporting a more sustainable, community-driven future. And that’s something we’re proud to build, together.

Looking Ahead

“Being a certified BC Green Business helps us stay accountable and intentional. We’re proud to be part of a movement that proves businesses of all sizes can do good while doing great work.”

This certification is just one more way Websites Made With Love delivers on its promise: helping clients succeed online, while building a more sustainable, inclusive future offline.

Contact us to build a beautiful, sustainable website that works for you.

What is a Google Partner?

Since Google made its way through the internet a couple of decades ago, its success and achievements have been countless. They have launched a wide range of products and services that not only helped users but also revolutionized the search engine game. It has reached the point where we can hardly imagine what our day would be like without Google.

The Google Partners program is designed for advertising agencies that manage Google Ads accounts on behalf of other businesses. Being a Google Partner means gaining strategic benefits in education and insights, access to support, and recognition through awards. This partnership helps empower businesses to run more effective Google Ads campaigns.

What it takes to be a Google Partner

Interested to becoming one? Earning a Google Partner status signifies that your company excels in maximizing successful ad campaigns for clients. Sounds amazing, right? But, what about requirements?

There are 3 requirements categories :

• Performance: The registered manager account needs to have a minimum optimization score of 70%.
• Spend: Ads manager account needs to maintain a 90-day ad spend of $10,000 USD across managed accounts.
• Certification: Needs to have a minimum of 50% of your account strategists certified in Google Ads, with at least one certification in each product area with campaign spend of $500 USD or more in 90 days.

These thresholds must be met and are checked on a daily basis.

Websites Made With Love–Google Partner

Websites Made With Love (WMWL) is excited to share that we’ve achieved our Google Partner Certification—a milestone that truly reflects our dedication to supporting our clients’ growth. This recognition is more than just a badge; it’s a testament to our expertise in Google Ads and our commitment to helping clients reach their goals.

We’ve maintained an optimization score of at least 70%, which demonstrates our ability to set up high-performing accounts for our clients. We’ve also managed a minimum of $10,000 USD in ad spend over the past 90 days, highlighting our capability to drive sustained growth and identify new opportunities for success. Finally, we have a skilled team with at least three account strategists, and over 50% of them have earned Google Ads certifications, proving their proficiency in Google Ads.

We’re incredibly proud of this accomplishment, and we look forward to using this knowledge to make a meaningful impact for each of our clients. We’re excited to continue making a positive impact on your success!

In today’s digital-first world, online reviews and consistent branding on 3rd-party platforms are more important than ever for small businesses.

As experts in search engine optimization (SEO) on Vancouver Island, Websites Made With Love (WMWL) continuously monitors emerging trends to help our clients succeed online. One of the most significant changes we’re observing is how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how search engines determine which businesses appear in search results. AI now actively consolidates data from multiple platforms, meaning your presence across 3rd-party sites – such as Yelp, Google, Facebook, and others – can strongly impact your ranking potential.

Here’s why small businesses should care about this shift and how consistent branding and reviews play a crucial role.

1. How AI Consolidation Impacts SEO

Search engines increasingly rely on AI algorithms that evaluate information from various sources, providing users with the most relevant results. This consolidation approach is effective for building a trustworthy online profile for your business, but it also means that inconsistent information or poor reviews on one platform can impact your entire digital presence.

When a search engine assesses your business, it’s looking for consistency. The more accurate, high-quality data it finds across 3rd-party sites, the more likely it is to view your business as a credible and reliable option. The reviews and branding elements – including your name, logo, tagline, and tone of voice – need to align across all platforms for AI to recognize your brand as a consistent and dependable choice.

2. The Role of Reviews in Building Trust and Authority

The correlation between high-quality reviews and higher rankings is not new, but the integration of AI is making reviews even more central to SEO success. AI-powered search engines analyze the quantity, quality, and recency of reviews across platforms. Consistent, positive reviews enhance your authority, positioning you as a top choice when users search for products or services you offer.

For small businesses, this means that every positive review is an opportunity to build trust. Conversely, gaps in review quality across platforms can signal inconsistency and reduce your credibility. Encouraging happy customers to leave reviews on multiple sites can not only boost your SEO but also assure AI-driven algorithms that you’re a trustworthy business.

For the biggest impact, encourage your customers to leave an image with their review.

3. Consistent Branding Drives Recognition and Reputation

Maintaining cohesive branding across third-party sites not only strengthens SEO but also significantly impacts customer perception. Users expect consistency in every interaction with your brand, from Google listings to Yelp profiles. A seamless brand image—in terms of logos, colour schemes, and even the voice used in responses—can help reinforce trust, making it easier for AI to understand and rank your business accurately.

If your branding varies, it can confuse potential customers and dilute your SEO efforts. A business with clear, unified branding across platforms is easier for AI to categorize and display to users, boosting its ranking potential.

4. How Small Businesses Can Optimize Reviews and Branding Across 3rd-Party Platforms

To take full advantage of AI-driven SEO and boost your online presence, consider these tips:

• Encourage Review Frequency and Variety: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on multiple platforms. A steady stream of recent, positive reviews will reinforce your credibility and positively influence AI analysis.
• Standardize Your Brand Presentation: Ensure your business name, logo, tagline, and colour scheme are consistent across all 3rd-party profiles. Even the tone and language you use in responses to reviews should be aligned to create a cohesive brand image.
• Monitor and Respond Promptly to Reviews: Quickly address customer feedback – both positive and negative. Prompt, professional responses showcase reliability and show AI that your business cares about user satisfaction.
• Regularly Audit Your Listings for Consistency: Periodically check all 3rd-party sites to ensure your information, from phone numbers to store hours, remains accurate. Inconsistencies can detract from your SEO score and confuse AI-driven algorithms.

Moving Forward with AI-Optimized SEO

The digital landscape is shifting rapidly, with AI at the forefront of search algorithms. For small businesses, consistent branding and reviews across 3rd-party platforms aren’t just optional steps – they’re essential to building a strong online presence that resonates with AI. Websites Made With Love is here to help Vancouver Island businesses stay on top of these trends and optimize their digital footprint.

If you’re interested in improving your online presence, feel free to reach out to our team for expert guidance. Let’s make sure your business is ready to succeed in the AI-driven world of SEO!