Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us how you got into this line of work?
Hi, I’m Louisa. I’m the enthusiastic ginger ninja behind Redhead Digital. I’m based in New Zealand and support small businesses, both locally and globally, from my sunny office in rural Auckland. With over 15 years in the digital space, I combine the latest in web design and UX, with the science of website performance to make sustainable ecommerce brands and mission-driven service providers more findable, loveable, and profitable online. I started out in digital marketing by building and running an award-winning e-commerce business that went from a closet in my spare room, to a 24-hour fulfillment warehouse in 2 years. That rollercoaster journey taught me the ins and outs of website conversion first-hand and I was hooked. So after years of wielding my entrepreneurial brain (the tech and marketing bits) for my own ecommerce business, I ventured into offering web solutions for others. Through trial and error, it became abundantly clear that my passion lay in supporting purpose-led, sustainable brands and service providers. When I started I offered every type of digital marketing you can think of. It was quickly unsustainable and I decided to focus on building and redesigning websites.What is your approach to designing Shopify websites and what makes them, and the whole process, unique compared to other websites?
A Shopify website project can be an ominous undertaking for small business clients, regardless of whether it’s a new site or a redesign. Over my years in the digital trenches, I’ve built a streamlined web design project process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free, even fun experience. I prioritise clear communication and set realistic expectations from the outset, keeping my clients informed and involved at every stage without overwhelming them with technical jargon. This personalised approach demystifies the process, turning what could be a daunting project into something exciting. I focus on the specific buyer’s journey of my client and use strategic design that guides visitors to buy. Along with integrated conversion-catapulting apps and automation behind the scenes to both grow sales, and free up the business owner from repetitive tasks. A significant number of my clients come to me with a certain level of discomfort when it comes to technology – they’re not exactly tech enthusiasts and sometimes may even feel overwhelmed by it. These clients typically have a backlog of digital tasks that they’ve been pushing aside, either because they find the tech aspect daunting or they simply haven’t found the time to tackle them – sometimes both! When I undertake a web design project for these clients, it’s not just about delivering a visually appealing and high-performing site. I also ensure that the project encompasses a comprehensive on-page Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy and tech-headache elimination service. I manage and execute all the challenging technical aspects of their website, enabling them to maintain their focus on the bigger picture without adding to their workload or tech stress.You are also a fully accredited Mailchimp PRO Partner. What can you tell me about that part of your work?
Being a Mailchimp PRO Partner means I get to unlock the full sales potential of a client’s customer database as part of the website project, further amplifying the new website’s results. With targeted campaigns and buyer journey automation—like welcome sequences, nurture emails, and win-back series—and through customized segmentation and personalized content, I ensure that each campaign resonates as much as possible with its intended audience. Whether using standard features or delving into advanced analytics, I can use the data within Mailchimp to continuously refine strategies. This enables me to leverage Mailchimp’s tools to drive profits and build genuine customer relationships for my clients.What other services do you offer?
My speciality is breathing new life (and revenue) into outdated or underperforming websites. This means as well as Shopify sites, I’m obsessed with creating WordPress websites for my purpose-led service provider clients, that not only set them apart online but become their biggest lead generator. Many of these clients are leading experts in their respective fields, yet when it comes to translating their services into a digital format that resonates with and captures their target audience, not so much. This is where my expertise becomes invaluable. Skills in both design and conversion strategy allow me to translate their expertise, provide credentials, and ways to book with them, into a website that generates genuine leads. However, one of the most transformative aspects for clients in undertaking a website project with me is the strategic process of exploring and defining their brand’s core values and objectives. This in-depth exploration is not just about creating a stunning online presence; it’s a comprehensive exercise that aligns the website’s design and functionality with the deeper essence and ambitions of their business. Through this process, clients gain a clearer understanding of what they stand for and what they aim to achieve – clarity that often transcends the specific scope of the web design project. I prompt and guide them to articulate their mission, define their value proposition, and consider the impact they want to have on their customers and the wider community. As a result, clients can focus more sharply on their areas of expertise and the unique benefits they offer. The website becomes an extension of their business strategy. As they see their brand’s essence come to life online, they gain a renewed understanding of their business goals and a stronger foundation to project their expertise and maximize their impact at every customer touchpoint. It’s a rewarding experience for both the client and myself!What would be your main advice to people who want to start a career in web design and email marketing?
My main advice for those beginning a career in web design and email marketing is to identify a specific customer niche that inspires you and get a thorough understanding of their needs and challenges. Consider strategically narrowing down the platforms you specialize in. Choose a manageable set that you can master thoroughly, rather than stretching yourself too thin across too many. This balance allows you to become an expert in your chosen tools while still being flexible enough to adapt as things change and the tech landscape evolves Whilst it’s important to keep updated with new technologies and trends, keep maintaining a strategic focus on your area of expertise to avoid being sidetracked by new gadget or gimmick that emerges – and there’s a lot of them!To learn more about Redhead Digital, you can visit redheaddigital.co.nz
