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#1 The Stoplight Media Group Story

It's a simple, funny, cute story...

#2 Does Your Business Need a Website?

Yes! Here are 4 reasons why...


The Stoplight Media Group Story

Welcome to Stoplight Media Group (SMG)!

I know it's a bit hokey to post an origin story as the first blog post, but I don't want to dive straight into the "7 Best SEO Techniques" or "How to Best Use Social Media" articles without a proper introduction.

My name is Kosta Papasideris, founder of Stoplight Media Group, a Houston-based boutique website and graphics design firm. I started SMG in 2013, initially in order to support the design and web presence of another small business I partnered into. Quickly, we onboarded other clients, and business #1 became the “side gig.” We rebranded and relaunched the company in 2019 in order to pivot focus to our growing customer base. The name Stoplight comes from the first and middle name of my daughter, roughly translated to “Stop & Light.” Her programming - mashing on the keyboard - is actually Easter-egged into all of our code!

SMG specializes in custom, turnkey website and graphic design. Our emphasis is on functionality, reliability, simplicity and communication. We operate and design on a wide variety of platforms, including: WordPress, custom HTML, PHP, Java and the Adobe Suite of design products. If you have website or graphic design needs or questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email us.


Does Your Business Need a Website?
You may be asking: “Do I really need a website for my business? Well, folks don't just pull out the Yellow Pages and look for a repairman anymore. They google “plumber” or “AC won’t cool living room,” and they look for someone that has a good rating and a nice-looking website that makes sense for the information they’re trying to find. So for your business in 2019, YES you HAVE to have a website, and it needs to be eye-catching and easy to follow, because the average “googler” that stumbles upon your site will only look for 10 seconds before they move on…or scroll down! SMG’s first non-intro blog post covers this topic. We are going to discuss 4 reasons why your business NEEDS a website.

#1 - 30% of visitors will not consider a business without a website

Americans spend on average 24 hours online per week and are on their mobile devices for up to 5 hours per day. Not all of these hours are spent on social media, so you can guess than some of this time is spent searching and online shopping. If you don’t have a website – because all of your business is local or word of mouth, or whatever other illogical reason (yes, I said it!) – then you’re missing all of those potential customers!

#2 – 75% of people judge a business’s credibility based on their website

75% of people admit to making judgments on a company’s credibility based on website design. People are more likely to do business with a company they trust, and a website is the first place they go to check for credentials, reviews, and awards.

#3 – 70% of consumers research a business online before visiting in person or making a purchase.

That’s right, whether it’s price comparison, digital window shopping or checking reviews, consumers want to see you online before the call or visit. If you don’t have a web presence, you miss out on the vast majority of e-shoppers looking to compare your business online to others. Think of it this way: People go to Yelp to read reviews on the businesses they plan to contact. If you don’t have a website, those potential customers can’t take the next step in the process. You’re starting out behind the curve already.

#4 - Only 50% of small businesses have a website.

WOW. This was a shocking statistic! It’s 2019; don’t be one of the 50% of business owners in the stone age. There’s no 4-inch-thick yellow book on everyone’s doorstep. In 2019, this book is in the palm of their hands for HOURS EVERY DAY. Make sure some of that time is spent looking at your awesome website.