‘Spruce’ up your web presence

Chelsea Yarnell

For the Herald Nov 13, 2024

What started as a homestead blog, evolved into a web designing business for Liz Ward.

“I had created a blog for myself and I really enjoyed working with software,” Ward said. “I thought it was a really good match for my personality to be able to do web design because there’s so many different things to do to be creative.”

While the homesteading blog no longer exists, it was the launching point for Spruce Web Design.

Ward is the owner, sole designer and strategist at Spruce Web Design and offers a variety of services including: web design, social media management, Google business, graphic design, and (a newly added service) photography.

She started the business after working for the Tillamook County Creamery Association for 11 years.

“Portland Community College had web design and development courses,” Ward said. “I’m really glad I took them because they focused on the fundamentals and building a website that is accessible so anyone can use it. It was a lot of technical information that would have taken a lot more time to learn.”

As soon as Ward began Spruce Web Design in 2020, she gained traction right away. She’s designed websites for 25 local entities, working primarily with WordPress. “It’s a platform that has been around since 2003, and powers over 42 percent of all the websites on the web,” Ward said. “WordPress not only enables extensive customization, but also scales well, ensuring you never outgrow your website’s capabilities.”

Ward believes what sets her apart from other web designers is that she doesn’t just want to be someone’s “tech person.”

“I want to be an asset to them,” she said. “I want to talk to them about their business and their passion. I look at their goals, find out what they need, and figure out what the best approach for marketing is for them. ”She also prides herself on staying up-to-date on new tech advances and changes.

“I listen to podcasts, read books, and am constantly learning,” Ward said. “I’m a lifelong learner. I love learning things.”

Ward then passes on her newfound knowledge to her current and past clients.

“I try to be as communicative with people as possible,” Ward said. “I know web stuff is not easy for people. If I learn of something that will benefit my client, I will reach out to them. I try to keep them aware of what’s going on.”

This winter, in partnership with Tillamook Bay Small Business Development Center, Ward will be teaching a three-part class focusing on social media, Google Business profile, and search engine optimization for small businesses.

“I know that there’s a lot of bootstrappers like myself,” she said. “In this area, there’s a lot of people that are very independent. I want to provide people with that information if they don’t want to hire anyone and want to do it themselves.”

Ward has also found advisory support through the Tillamook Bay Small Business Development Center

“I met with Teri [Fladstol, SBDC Adviser],” Ward said. “We talked, and she’s very, very helpful. She gave me resources and answered all of my questions knowledgeably.”

As a small business owner, Ward’s advice to other entrepreneurs is to seek out a supportive network.

“I find it so important to not isolate myself,” she said. “It’s really important for growth to talk to other people that will support and encourage you.”

To view examples of Ward’s work through Spruce Web Design, visit some of her most recent projects for: Mercury Coast, Tillamook Family Counseling Center, Tillamook Early Learning Center, Friends of Rockaway Beach Library, Rotary Club of Tillamook and Crab Rock Pizza.

For more information, pricing, or to contact Spruce Web Design, reach out via sprucewebdesign.com or email at: liz@sprucewebdesign.com