Archive for the ‘Web Design’ Category:
Working with clients to design a website that compliments and accurately represents their business online is a rewarding process that I have always enjoyed. I am often asked about online marketing, or to put it the way others have, how can their websites rise to the top of search engine results?
I’ve made a previous article concerning the Top 5 Myths about Search Engine Optimization, giving light to the misconceptions about SEO work that I have encountered but I never really went into the details of how important web marketing is and how vital it is to the success of your business on the internet.
Consider your website a storefront on a busy street. Even though there are many people passing by, if your store had no sign and no advertising to make your presence known, how would you appeal to the interests of potential clients who are seeking the services and products that you can provide?
Your website is a representation of your business and while it may help direct clients to your products and services, by itself, it cannot bring in people from all over the web.
Discover web marketing.
One of the greatest things about websites and marketing online is the wide variety of promotional mediums. From blog posts to link building (links other places on the web that lead back to your site) social networking integration and promotion, keyword implementation, and more… It’s all there and all proven to be extremely effective in improving the visibility of websites that correctly implement each tool.
However, harnessing all the methods of marketing can be a time consuming challenge. So how do you juggle it all while still performing the most important mission: running your business? The answer relies heavily on the budget planning for your website.
It’s about a solution and it’s about you.
Every website created and managed by Aspire Technology Solutions is tailored to make room for online marketing services, both in aspects of design and in price. More goes into a successful website than the initial design, and we understand this. That’s why we are determined to provide services beyond the completion of websites by keeping budgets in mind and staying below the line, giving our clients the open door to invest in online marketing with the money they’ve saved on both hosting and design.
When and how to get started
Whether you’re starting a website for the first time or you’re interested in shaping your current website into a powerful advertising medium, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the numerous ways you can make your presence on the web be noticed, bringing you business and success.
Give us a call at (716) 200-4479 Option 4 to learn more about advertising and networking on the web and how you can utilize it to grow your business, all while staying within budget.
Struggling to think of great content for your website?
Don’t stress, this happens to pretty much everyone. It’s amazing how we can know so much about our business but when it comes to filling website pages with content, we draw a blank. As a website designer, one of my biggest goals is to create web pages that accurately and attractively represent a business online and such a large part of that is getting the right content in the right places.
One of the most common and thoughtful questions I am asked is: What are people looking for?
The details of the answer to this question can change depending on the type of business a website is for, but the basics always remain the same.
Location: Where are you located? From a simple address to embedding a MapQuest directions finder, making your location easily accessible online is a vital staple in website content.
Hours of Operation: When can people stop by? Are you available on weekends? By appointment only? Knowing when your services are available is essential for a potential consumer to commit to approaching your business. Even if they have more questions and would like to call, easily knowing when they may be able to reach someone is important.
Methods of contact: The option to contact you should always be made available whether by telephone, email, or even an online contact form.
These three fundamentals are easy enough to put together as it involves taking basic business information and making it available on various, if not all of your web pages, but what about filling out the space of your website even further?
These next few highlights will point you in the right direction.
Your home page: It’s all about the first impression here. It is most likely that people will reach the home page of your website first before viewing any others. The goal of your home page is to outline all (or close to all) that your business does. The content here does not need to go deep into detail about your business, but it should at least state who you are, what you do, and where people can go for more information about what you do.
Services/Products: You don’t have to sell online to get people interested in what you have to offer. Much like your home page, extensive details may not be necessary. Many believe that any content on a website should encourage people to pick up the phone or send an email to get more information, providing that more personal contact that often leads to good business relationships and sales.
About Us: This is as close to an online resume as any business will usually get. Here is where you may, for lack of a better term, legitimize your business. You may want to include your years of operation, business qualifications, and your mission statement.
A website can really be a call to re-examine your business, what it does, and what attracts people to your products or services, so while you’re working on it, have fun with it!
Still feeling a little stuck with it? Try writing down a list of questions you think you might be asked and answer them each, keeping it friendly and informative (avoid your answers coming off as one big sales pitch!) and you’ll be well on your way towards creating great website content that is enjoyable to read and speaks well of your company.
A word of advice for today: if you receive an unsolicited offer from a company you don’t know discussing the renewal of your web site domain, put it in the shredder.
We receive at least two or three offers a month from companies such as, “Domain Registry of America,” sadly, based right here in Buffalo, attempting to scare our customers into renewing their domain registration immediately because it’s going to expire in about six months.
The rates they demand are usually about 60 to 70% higher than what we would bill our customers for a similar service. If their instructions are followed, they will end up with registrar control of your domain and your domain will no longer be in the hands of the hosting company you are working with.
If you work with a trusted hosting provider, stick with them and direct questions about these and similar solicitations to them. If you don’t have a hosting provider or are having trouble getting the answers you need, please call our Web Services help desk at 716-200-4479 Option 4 and we’ll be glad to answer your questions about hosting, domain registration or web site design services.
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