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5 Reasons Why You Should Invest In Your Own Website

May 18, 2018/in Blog /by Carmel

Some websites have been neglected for way too long. It has been forever since the last update. The unfortunate circumstance can’t be helped though. The trends now will be out of date in a year or two. Before you know it, your website has not been able to keep up. It looks old and when someone views it, you will feel embarrassed. Do not wait for this moment to happen. Your website speaks for you and your brand. But it does mean you need to get the most expensive design. You just need to look for a suitable design that best represents your brand.

Listed below are FIVE reasons why you need to invest in creating your own website:

BEST FOOT FORWARD.

You should always feature your best work. The world of online business is not far from having an actual store. You need to constantly update the window display to invite new customers. The homepage of your website is your digital window display. This is your chance to show the world your best work and prove to them that you can produce quality products.

Your website will also be able showcase how you approach your business. If potential clients see confusing and cluttered storefront, they will abandon the page and will find another website that fits their standards. Web visitors are very critical on what they see. While you have their attention, dazzle them with your finest work.
INCREASED TRUST AND CONFIDENCE.

You don’t need to hire and train a customer service representative. Your website will do that for you! Without a doubt, you would want to make a good first impression online and when you poorly designed website, it is tantamount to employing a rude customer service representative. A well-dressed website is like having your very own friendly customer service representative who greets everyone with a smile. A well-crafted website can convert viewers to buyers.
THE NEW YOU.

As time passes, your business expands to something bigger and larger. Not only will your products and services change, but there could also be a drastic shift in your target customers. Your website should be able able to reflect the current you. If you do not update your website, you might not be able to invite your new audience. Investing in a new website will assure old and new clients that your business is catching up with the changing times.
SHOWING A VARIETY OF OPTIONS.

How your brand is perceived totally depends on your approach. Whether you decide to update the blog section, add more social media post, or do all of them simultaneously, it really depends on you since you are the boss. Sooner or later, clients will see the level of work that you are putting in. Conversion into sales is easier because your website was able to provide clients a variety of ideas through blog and image posts.
DOING WHAT YOU WANT.

When you share your work to everyone, you redirect your business to a route that suits you. You show the world that this is what you do best and you will attract the right clients without even trying. Doing something you are truly passionate about is priceless. So, stop what you are doing right now and gather all your best work in one functional website.

Six Things to Do Before Launching a Website

June 17, 2017/in Blog /by Carmel

Things to Check on your Website

When you have a website, it looks so easy and simple from the front end view. Behind the professional and stylish appearance, there are a lot things to deal with. One slight mistake can trigger massive consequences. There are several ways to blow things out of proportion. Indeed, it can be very stressful at times. Websites may differ from purpose and design, but generally, there are things you need to double-check before launching your very own website.

Proofread Page Content

Take time to read everything. Read your content over and over. Even if you read it numerous times, read it again. Ask people to read it. They might find some mistakes – misspelled words, grammar, and punctuation errors – that you missed. Make sure to break texts into short paragraphs, and the header and alignment formatting are reviewed. When clicked, the company logo should always redirect to the main website page. Check if the company contact details are complete and precise.

Check Links

Click on all your links to verify if they redirect to the correct item or page. Make sure these links are obvious and site visitors can recognize them as links. Moreover, the link description should not be ambiguous and it should have an accurate description depending on the content. For example, the About Us page should not have a link like this: …/wp10d9.html. A page not found (404) error would definitely discourage site visitors. Make sure there is a designated page that will help website visitors when the error occurs. If not, they would tag your website as unreliable. This link checker might help you if you are unsure of your website links.

Functionality Check

This is the most crucial part. Check all the forms – login, registration, comment , check out – if they are working accordingly and the data submitted are correct. Make sure these forms have an appropriate thank you message confirming the data given. Verify that the social media icons are working correctly so that sharing your content to various social media sites can be done without a hitch. Lastly, inspect your third-party and e-commerce software are functioning without complications especially if you are selling items.

Cross-Browser Check

Your website should be responsive in all browsers and across all devices. It should work not only on desktop browsers, but on smart phones, and tablets too. Text may be readable on desktop, but too small for mobile users. You can check how mobile friendly your website is by using this link.

Test the Visuals

Images, audio files, and videos should be viewable and working properly in all devices. Make sure that the videos are playing properly and its sound is audible. All images should be optimized for the web. Examine if these images have the relevant caption and alt text. Ensure that the file sizes are not too large. More huge images would mean longer time. Thus, it would mean a slower speed for your website.

Website Back Up

Before launching, make sure you have a copy of all your data in case of malware attempts against your website. Back up your data regularly so you do not have to constantly worry if something fails to work properly. All ongoing pages should be saved on a regular basis.

Strategies to Gain More Conversions

June 10, 2017/in Blog /by Carmel

How to gain more customers?

Numerous businesses have adapted the concept of e-commerce over the years. It is evident in the rise of various online stores that are manufactured to sell. However, a good-looking website helps, but it is not everything. You can use these tips to help your business gain more customers and eventually, increase sales.

- Prevent Choice Paralysis.
  What is Choice Paralysis to begin with? It happens when there is just TOO many choices presented. It is great to present customers unlimited options, but too much might confuse them. To avoid Choice Paralysis, you must give suggestions to what to buy, provide buying guides, highlight bestsellers. For example, let us take a look at bookdepository.com. On its homepage, it gave a suggestion to browse new releases. If you do not want to buy those, the bestselling books are indicated just below it. They also compiled a list like: best books ever, best children’s books, best cookbooks, and so on. All the books are not on the homepage. It is important to present less products so that the customers can have more focus.

- Provide a Preview of the Product.
  Like in most physical stores, customers want to see what they are buying. Same is true with online stores. You must show the product. How? Provide pictures and not only that, customers should have the option to zoom in for better viewing. If you are selling books, provide the final book cover, dimensions of the book, and other details that will help the customer. If you are selling shirts, pictures of the shirts in several colors should be available. Sizing charts also come in handy so that the customers can easily compare the different sizes. People buy based on what the a certain product looks like. Of course, they would not buy an overripe tomato, or a dented can of sardines.

- Allow Customers to Try the Product.
  When you go to a grocery store, they would give out a free taste of the different products they have. Even online, it’s also important to let the customers try the product. Software companies nowadays provide a free version of their programs. You do not have to necessarily buy these products to be able to use them. If you like it very much, you can choose to upgrade. This is a great strategy because when customers like your product and it is great, they will depend on it. When they depend on it, they will most likely avail of the premium version of the product. Do not let your customers imagine on what the product will be like. Instead, let them try the product and sooner or later, you will win customers.

- Generate a Desire for the Product.
  It is essential to grab the attention of the potential buyers. Once you have it, gain their interest by how these products are beneficial to them, how these products are different from the rest. If they are already interested, create desire for your products. They will act on that desire because they know by now how beneficial the products are. If they are still having second thoughts, you can develop a sense of urgency like a limited time offer of 15%, or an offer of free shipping on the all orders placed within 24 hours.

Four Things You Should Know Before Building a Website

May 26, 2017/in Blog /by Carmel

What makes a good website?

Websites are not only about codes, images, and latest designs. You are building a place for visitors to know more about the products and services you offer. Everything you put into your website should be essential towards a certain goal. Like in any project that you do, it requires extensive planning. You would not want to waste money on something you would never use.

What is the purpose?

Define your goals. What do YOU want? Do you wish to sell online? Perhaps you want to inform people? Or maybe you just want to share your hobby and entertain your readers? Write everything down. Put your thoughts on paper first. You do not have to make a website right away.

What to put?

Every single element you will include in your website should coincide with your identified goals. It is important to know what information will your website’s visitors find relevant. Of course, you would want to show the world your work! Think also of what your audience needs. Do not exhaust them by letting them read long and boring paragraphs. Give them value. So, if you own a business, do not just put the photos of your products. Provide information on how and where to avail these products. Add other significant information like email and contact number. They can just call you if they have questions or if they wish to make reservations. If you have a physical store, provide a detailed map. Content should always be informative!

What photos to use?

Aside from great content, using the right images also help. Gather photos by utilizing free stock photos or you can even use your own photographs. You want those images to make a mark and you would want it to have a lasting impression. You can always buy photos, but purchase only photos when needed. There are already tons of free photos out there. This list of websites may help you.

What design to use?

You are very happy to have created a visually appealing design, but when you previewed it, it causes eye strain. You have allocated days to create that perfect design, but then, I am sure it will be outdated in months. Learn the fundamentals of design and typography. Remember, you do not have to need to fill every corner of your website. Design is more than the visual aspect.

Consistency is key. Do not use all the colors of the rainbow. When in doubt, use white space. Highlight the important details. Make text larger so it will be easy to read. Choose a set of fonts and stick to it. Lastly, the design should be flexible. It should be viewed properly in all browsers, and in all devices. Plan what works for you and what does not. This will help you narrow down your choices rather than changing deigns from time to time.

Making a website should NOT be expensive. This is still the initial phase. You should be well geared before starting that website you have been dreaming of. Having the content, images, design you need will help you get there faster. Chances of everything crashing down are higher if you are not prepared. If you are ready to take that leap and move on to the next level, this guide will surely help you!

Posts

5 Reasons Why You Should Invest In Your Own Website

Listed below are FIVE reasons why you need to invest in creating your own website:

BEST FOOT FORWARD.

INCREASED TRUST AND CONFIDENCE.

THE NEW YOU.

SHOWING A VARIETY OF OPTIONS.

DOING WHAT YOU WANT.

Six Things to Do Before Launching a Website

Strategies to Gain More Conversions

Four Things You Should Know Before Building a Website

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