Discover the cutting-edge web design trends that will shape small business websites in 2026, from AI integration to sustainable design practices.
2026
2025
Exciting News: Media Mechanic is Now Offering AI Consulting and Development Services!
We’re thrilled to announce that Media Mechanic is expanding our services to include AI consulting and development! As technology continues to evolve, AI is becoming a game-changer for businesses across all industries. We’re excited to help our clients tap into the power of AI to improve operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth.
2024
Top 5 Ways Adopting AI Can Help Your Small Business Stay Competitive
As a small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) can dramatically level the playing field and give smaller companies a competitive edge. AI is often associated with large corporations, but the truth is, small businesses can benefit from its power just as much. If you’re considering integrating AI into your business, here are five ways it can help you stay competitive and drive growth.
Top Web, App, and Design Trends for Small Businesses in 2024
2024 is here, and with it comes a wave of new trends in web application development, mobile app development, and web design. As a small or mid-sized business owner in Portland, Oregon (and beyond), it’s important to stay updated. These trends can help you improve your online presence and grow your business.
2023
Why WordPress Might Not Be Enough for Your Web Application Needs
WordPress is an amazing tool for building websites—it’s user-friendly, has tons of themes, and offers many plugins to help create everything from blogs to e-commerce stores. However, when it comes to building a web application, relying on WordPress might not always be the best choice. Let’s break down why that is and when you should consider a more custom solution. You may just find that WordPress might not be enough for your web application needs.
The Danger of Not Monitoring Your WordPress Site for Hackers
If you have a WordPress site, website, or web application, it’s important to keep it safe. Cybersecurity threats are real, and hackers are always looking for gaps to exploit. If you’re not monitoring your site regularly, you could be leaving it open to attacks.
2022
Choosing the Right Mobile App Development Vendor: Key Things to Consider
When it comes to choosing the right mobile app development vendor in Portland, Oregon, it’s important to think carefully. The right vendor can help you build an app that helps your business grow. The wrong vendor, however, might waste your time and money. Here are some things to keep in mind as you look for the perfect partner in 2022.
Is Building a Mobile App Still a Good Idea for Your Business?
As a small or medium-sized business in Portland, Oregon, you might be thinking about building a mobile app. But you might be wondering—Is Building a Mobile App Still a Good Idea for Your Business? In this post, we’ll look at the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
2021
Website vs. Web Application: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
At Media Mechanic, we often get asked about the difference between a website and a web application. It’s an important question because it helps define the best approach for your online presence, whether you’re using something like WordPress or building a custom solution using tools like Laravel. So let’s get started: Website vs Web Application, what’s the difference and which do you need?
Why Small Businesses Should Choose Cross-Platform App Development
For small businesses in Portland and beyond looking to develop a mobile app, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between native development (building separate apps for iOS and Android) or using cross-platform app development frameworks like Flutter, React Native, or Xamarin. While native development offers deep platform integration, cross-platform development has become the smarter choice for most businesses. Advancements in technology have made it a cost-effective, efficient, and scalable solution that delivers high-quality results.
2020
How Small Businesses Are Adapting and Thriving During COVID-19
Hey howdy to our extended Media Mechanic family!
2020 has certainly been a challenging year, but there are some incredible examples of small businesses not only surviving but thriving despite the odds. One such story that we saw in the news worth sharing was that of Gotham Greens, a New York-based urban farming company.
How to Adapt to Working From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Hey there,
We know times are tough right now. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work, the way we interact, and the way we do business. If you’re a small or medium-sized business owner, you’ve probably had to adjust quickly to remote work—and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Here at Media Mechanic, we’re no strangers to change, and we’ve been learning along with you.
As we all navigate this new reality, we wanted to share some practical advice on how to stay productive, engaged, and even hopeful as you adapt to working from home.
2019
Web Development Trends in 2019: A Look Back
As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that the web development landscape experienced significant shifts. Let’s take a look at some of the key Web Development Trends in 2019 we think you should be aware of that defined the last twelve months.
2018
Why Your Small Business Needs PPC
Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a powerful way for small businesses in Portland to attract more customers online. Unlike traditional advertising, where you pay a flat fee, PPC lets you pay only when someone clicks on your ad. This makes it a cost-effective way to drive traffic to your website and increase sales. Let’s get into why your small business needs PPC.
Why Every Small Business Needs a Modern Website
In today’s digital world, having a strong online presence is essential. Why every small business needs a modern website comes down to three key factors: building trust, attracting customers, and driving growth. For small businesses in the Portland metro area, a well-designed site serves as the foundation of success. Whether you own a retail shop, restaurant, or service business, your website is the core of your online presence and a powerful tool to connect with potential customers.
2017
When to Custom Build a Bespoke Website
Do You Need To Build A Custom Website?
A bespoke website is a custom built website or web application tailor-made to the specific demands of your business. They are custom designed & built by experienced professionals such as GUI/UX designers and programmers. These professionals will spend time analyzing requirements, developing concepts, architecting data, designing interfaces, coding functionality and testing. It can be time consuming and costly.
Until a few years ago, there was no need to differentiate between bespoke and non-bespoke websites. Nearly all websites were built bespoke. However with the explosive growth of website systems like WordPress or online DIY tools, the percentage of custom built websites has been steadily declining. The average small business no longer needs to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a bespoke site from an agency. If all that is needed is a small marketing website, many hire a local graphic designer to build something on the cheap. We strongly counsel against this. Even if you want a WordPress site you should hire an experienced web developer who knows the web inside & out.
So when do you need a bespoke website? How much should you expect to spend on a bespoke website? What are the pros & cons?
Should you use WordPress or build a custom website?
So you are in the market for a new website.
The question is, should you build it from scratch or use something like WordPress to create it? Let’s outline a fairly generic scenario:
- You need a new website
- You are on a budget, so cost is an issue
- Functionality beyond just an “online brochure” is needed
- You want control of your website
- An eye catching design that looks professional is very important to you
- You don’t want to wait 6 months to launch it
Sound familiar? You are not alone.
2016
iPhone or Android? Which is good for you?
iPhone or Android?
A common question I get asked (occupational hazard): “You’re a smart-phone guy… which do you think is better? iPhone or Android phones? Which should I get?”.
Here is my honest answer: “it depends”.
This is really a two part question I will discuss over the next two articles. The first part is which phone is right for you to USE. The second part is directed at clients: which platform should you BUILD for.
Bossman back from Japan vacation
Hello!
Well that was fun. My wife and I just got back from our 10 day vacation to Japan as part of my Aikido federation‘s training trip (outside of Media Mechanic, I am an Aikido martial arts instructor). This was our first long term vacation in nearly 10 years. This was our way of celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary.
We spent four days at Ki Society World Headquarters while I participated in Aikido training with the world’s top Ki Aikido Master. Afterwards we traveled for six days of site seeing around Japan. It was fantastic and refreshing. We were able to visit Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo in addition to the prefect that our Aikido Federation’s World Headquarter’s is located in. Japan is a truly beautiful country with wonderfully polite people. We highly recommend visiting when you can.
Media Mechanic hiring!! PHP Developers
So we are looking to hire a new PHP developer to join our in-house team. This position starts immediately. To learn more, visit our ad.
2015
7 years and counting…
Wow – did that year fly by. Media Mechanic doubled in business, adding such high profile names as AWI, Western Family Foods and Indow Windows. We look forward to continuing to grow. We also have several changes to the business we will be rolling out over the next few months, so stay tuned!
2013
Media Mechanic is hiring!
What a huge start to 2013! We have an immediate opening for a salaried PHP guru. Does this sound like you? Do you code in your sleep? Does the sound of terms like “responsive design” give you goose bumps? Then we have a home for you. To learn about the position – please visit our ad on Craigslist for additional details
2012
FHR 5 Tier: app hits iTune’s Top 3!
Our latest iPhone/Android mobile app, FHR 5-Tier: FETAL HEART MONITOR, created for OB Apps has been featured in the top 3 for Medical Apps on iTunes!!
2011
Media Mechanic launches KIDS MAPS
Media Mechanic is proud to announce KIDS MAPS. The Kids Maps App for iPad and Android Honeycomb tablets is intended to help kids as young as 2 years of age learn geography through a fun, interactive, puzzle game which uses colorful artwork, voice, sound and animation to teach.
2010
New Services: Mobile Apps and SEO
We are proud to announce the expansion of our service offerings!
The Media Mechanic team now offers three brand new services by popular demand:
Paul Ward in BusinessWeek Magazine!
Media Mechanic founder Paul Ward was featured in this week’s BusinessWeek Magazine (a Bloomberg News mag). Paul was interviewed for his perspective as a small business owner on the new healthcare bill.
2009
Paul Ward at business roundtable on healthcare
Media Mechanic founder Paul Ward was invited to participate this morning in a business round table with congressional staffers to discuss healthcare reform measures currently being considered in Congress. The event was covered by 2 local TV news stations: View the coverage
Paul Ward interviewed by The Times newspaper
Media Mechanic founder Paul Ward was interviewed featured in todays edition of The Times newspaper (serving the cities of Tigard, Tualatin Sherwood Oregon).
Paul Ward interviewed by U.S. Energy & Commerce Committee
Media Mechanic founder Paul Ward was asked by The U.S. House of Representative’s Energy & Commerce Committee (one of 3 currently writing healthcare legislation) to discuss (via conference call) his views on the current healthcare debate from a small business owner’s perspective.
Website Designer & MM Founder Paul Ward writes Op-Ed for The Oregonian
We are excited to announce that MM founder, Website Designer Paul Ward was recently asked by The Oregonian (Oregon’s largest newspaper – nearly 1 million readers statewide) to write an Op-Ed article about small business healthcare reform.
