Web Design Blog
Common sense web and marketing notes - things I've learned the hard way.
Why I'm Moving Dirt River Design Beyond WordPress: Evolving With AI, Faster Builds, and Better Sites for Local Businesses
After years of building WordPress sites, I've evolved my approach. AI tools let me build faster, cleaner semi-static sites that outperform WordPress for most small businesses in the Red River Valley. Here's why, and what it means for you.
WordPress Hardening in 2026: No Longer Optional
Modern attackers use automated bots and AI to harvest usernames across sites and launch credential reuse attacks. Even brand-new, low-traffic WordPress sites need basic hardening from day one.
Free Test Sites: How Dirt River Design Proves Value Before You Pay a Dime
Most designers won't build you a free test site. Here's how AI makes it possible, what you get, and why there's zero risk to trying.
Why Local Businesses Should Think Twice Before Blocking AI Bots From Their Website
Blocking AI bots might seem protective, but for local businesses it usually does more harm than good. Learn why AI visibility matters and when blocking actually makes sense.
If AI Is Going to Recommend Local Businesses, Your Job Is to Give It Something Worth Recommending
AI is now the first impression layer for local businesses. Learn how to give AI systems the clear, concrete information they need to confidently recommend your business to customers.
How to Write for AI in 2026 (Without Sounding Like a Robot)
Learn how to write website content that AI can understand and recommend without losing your natural voice. Practical tips for small business owners in the age of AI.
Your Website Still Matters in the Age of AI, Even If Your Traffic Drops
AI is changing how customers find businesses, but your website matters more than ever. Learn why declining traffic doesn't mean declining influence in the age of AI recommendations.
Let's Encrypt Keeps Failing Behind Cloudflare? Fix This First.
If Let's Encrypt certificates randomly fail behind Cloudflare, it's usually a security rule blocking ACME validation. Here's the actual fix, not the workarounds.
What a Towing Company Website Should Actually Do
Most people visit a towing company website during an emergency. Here's what your site needs to do to actually help stressed customers and bring in business.
What an HVAC Emergency Service Company Website Should Actually Do
People searching for emergency HVAC service are uncomfortable or panicking. Here's what your emergency HVAC company website needs to do to help them reach you quickly and understand what to expect.
What a Welding and Fabrication Shop Website Should Actually Do
People looking for a welding or fabrication shop need to know if you can handle the work and how to reach you. Here's what your welding shop website should do to help them decide.
What a Septic Company Website Should Actually Do
Most people visit a septic service website when something went wrong. Here's what your septic company website needs to do to help customers solve problems calmly and clearly.
Electrician Websites That Actually Get You Called: What Works in North Dakota and Rural Markets
Most electrician websites are either nonexistent or terrible. Here's what actually gets you service calls in Grand Forks, Devils Lake, and rural North Dakota.
What a Property Maintenance Company Website Should Actually Do
People looking for a property maintenance company are juggling too many problems at once. Here's what your property maintenance services website should do to help them decide quickly and move forward.
Why Rural Businesses Need Fast, Simple Websites (and Why Most Designers Get This Wrong)
Rural businesses have different web needs than urban companies. Here's why speed, simplicity, and local focus matter more-and why most designers miss the mark.
Rebuilding Hopelessly Outdated Websites: How AI Makes 70-Page Site Refactors Actually Affordable
Have a train wreck of an old site? AI tools now make it possible to rebuild and modernize massive outdated sites without the traditional $20k+ price tag.
What an Excavation or Dirt Work Company Website Should Actually Do
Most people looking for an excavation contractor need to know one thing: can you do their job, in their area? Here's what your excavation company website should do to answer that clearly.
Semi-Static Sites vs WordPress: What's Right for Your North Dakota or Minnesota Business?
A practical guide to choosing between semi-static sites and WordPress for your small business. Performance comparison, cost analysis, and decision framework.
What a Trenching and Boring Contractor Website Should Actually Do
People searching for trenching or boring services need to know if you can do the work, in their area. Here's what your utility contractor website should do to answer those questions clearly.
What an Agricultural Service Contractor Website Should Actually Do
Most ag service contractors rely on word of mouth until it stops working. Here's what your agricultural services website should do to help new customers find you and understand what you actually do.
Fishing Guide Websites That Actually Book Trips: What Works for Devils Lake and Red River Valley Guides
Most fishing guide websites are either overbuilt or embarrassingly outdated. Here's what actually works for guides around Devils Lake, the Red River, and rural ND/MN.