Website development
Website development that ranks, converts, and doesn't need a ticket for every typo.
We build on Webflow and on modern custom stacks like Next.js. Every site ships SEO and AEO ready: schema, speed, accessibility and structure built in, not bolted on later.
Rebrands, startup launches and platform migrations for small and mid-sized businesses.
What does a website development agency do for a small business?
A good one maps how your customers search and decide, designs each page around one job, and builds on a platform your team can update. At Gadsly that means Webflow or a modern custom stack, with schema, speed, accessibility and clean structure in place at launch so the site ranks in Google and gets cited by AI search.
The usual problem
Why most small business websites underperform
When we audit small business sites, we keep finding the same three problems. Any one of them makes every other marketing channel more expensive.
- It looks like 2018: stock photos, generic copy, no clear path from visit to inquiry.
- It runs on a platform nobody on your team can update, so every text change needs a developer.
- It looks great and ranks nowhere, because nobody built SEO into the foundation.
Your website is the only marketing asset that works every hour of every day. It should act like it.
How we build
Designed backwards from your customer
We don't start with a mood board. We start with what someone searches for, where they land, and what they need to see before they act.
Discovery and architecture
Customer journey mapping, page architecture, and a keyword target for every page.
Design
Custom design across every page, no templates. Brand refresh if you need one. Rounds of revision built in.
Build
Mobile-first, responsive, on the platform that fits. Schema, semantic HTML and performance work happen here, not after launch.
Content and tracking
Copy written or migrated, analytics and conversion goals set up and validated.
Launch and training
The site goes live and your team learns to update it. Post-launch fixes are included while things settle.
Platforms
Webflow or custom stack? Pick the tool for the job.
Designer-quality sites your team can edit
- Our default for marketing sites, service businesses and content-led brands
- No plugin treadmill or WordPress-style maintenance burden
- Visual editor and CMS your team can use after a short training
- Hosting, SSL and security handled by the platform
When the site needs to be software
- Complex integrations, logged-in experiences or app-like features
- Very large content sets or programmatic pages
- Full control over performance and rendering
- Content still editable through a headless CMS
SEO and AEO ready
What every Gadsly site ships with
AI search engines and Google read the same signals. We build those signals in from the first page.
Schema markup
Organization, Service, FAQ and Breadcrumb structured data so search engines and AI models know exactly what each page is about.
Speed
Core Web Vitals work during the build: optimized images, lean code, no bloated page builders.
Accessibility
Semantic HTML, keyboard navigation, readable contrast and alt text, built toward WCAG 2.2 AA.
Structure
One job and one primary keyword per page, question-led headings, direct answers, and clean internal linking.
Tracking that works
Analytics, conversion goals and ad pixels set up and tested before launch, so you can see what the site produces.
You own it
The project, the domain settings, the content. Everything. No hostage situations.
Work
Sites we've built and rebuilt
- Downers Grove Dog TrainingRebrand and redesign: 30% more website traffic and a 40% lower bounce rate.
- SunState BrokerageLaunched from zero online presence with a new site, lead capture forms, SEO and Google Ads.
- SysseroMigrated from WordPress to Webflow alongside SEO work that grew organic traffic 330%.
Services
Website services
Start where the problem is.
- Redesign
Website redesign
Rebuild an underperforming site without losing the rankings you already have.
- Webflow
Webflow development
Custom Webflow builds, migrations and CMS setups your team can run.
- ADA / WCAG
Accessibility compliance
Practical ADA and WCAG 2.2 audits and fixes so more people can use your site.
- Ongoing care
Website management
Ongoing updates, monitoring, backups and SEO upkeep after launch.
After launch
A website is not a one-time project
Launch day is the start. We hand over with training so you can make most changes yourself, and we stick around for the rest if you want us.
Training at handoff
Your team learns to edit pages, publish posts and swap images without calling anyone.
Post-launch fixes
Bugs and refinements are covered while the new site settles in.
Optional ongoing care
Content updates, security monitoring, backups, performance checks and SEO upkeep through our website management service.
Your call
Four ways to work with us on your website
DIY with guidance
You build, we review the architecture, SEO setup and launch checklist.
Consulting
We plan the sitemap, page strategy and platform choice. Your team or developer builds.
Collaborative
We design and build, your team writes or supplies content. Shared workload.
Done for you
Strategy, design, copy, build, launch and training. You review and approve.
Website development FAQ
Do you only build on Webflow?
No. Webflow is our default for most marketing sites because your team can update it and it avoids plugin maintenance. When a site needs complex integrations, logged-in features or very large content sets, we build on a modern custom stack such as Next.js. We also work in WordPress or Shopify when there is a real reason to.
How much does a small business website cost?
It depends on the number of pages, custom functionality, whether you need a brand refresh, and who writes the content. We scope it on a free call and quote in real numbers. Our post on what a marketing agency costs explains the factors that drive price.
Will a redesign hurt my Google rankings?
It can if URLs, content and internal links change without a plan. We map every existing URL, set up redirects, carry over content that ranks, and monitor Search Console after launch so you keep what you have earned.
What makes a website AEO ready?
The same things that make it SEO ready: clear structure, question-led headings with direct answers, schema markup, fast load times, crawlable pages and accessible HTML. AI search uses the same signals as Google search, so we build them in from day one.
Can my team update the site after launch?
Yes. We hand over with training so you can edit text, images and blog posts without filing a ticket. If you would rather not, our website management service handles updates for you.
Who owns the website?
You do. The project, the domain settings and the content all belong to you. If you ever leave, you take everything with you.
Next step
Ready for a website that earns its keep?
Tell us about your business and what the site needs to do. If we are not the right fit, we will say so on the first call.