Web design has truly come a long way since 1991 when the web’s pioneer, Tim Berners-Lee, crafted these first text-only pages.

Back then, web pages were, let’s face it, pretty dull. The sluggish technology and turtle-paced download speeds left us with little choice.

Fast forward to 2023, and there’s no room for such excuses anymore. High-speed broadband is practically everywhere, and multimedia websites, complete with video, images, and sound, are the norm. Web browsing these days is like a full-blown sensory adventure, and text often plays second fiddle. You know the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”? Well, it couldn’t be truer.

So, what’s the deal with images being so darn powerful on a website? Picture this: hot spot analysis reveals that images are the very first thing that grabs a visitor’s attention on a website. Text? It’s way down the list! Believe it or not, a single image can set the mood and vibe of a website before a visitor even reads a single word. Visitors love clicking on image links more than plain text links.

For instance, if you’ve got a product image, chances are a user will click on it to make a purchase rather than reading the words underneath. People love sharing what they discover online with their pals, and guess what? They’re way more likely to LIKE an image to share on Facebook or PIN it onto Pinterest.

Using images on your website has some serious perks: Studies show that images boost the average number of pages visited on a site, reduce bounce rates, and keep visitors hanging around longer. Here’s a stat: a whopping 60% of consumers are more inclined to consider local businesses that jazz up their websites with images.

Ever heard of ALT tags? Those nifty labels that pop up when you hover your mouse over an image? Well, they do wonders for your site’s SEO. Google gives them a good scan each time it drops by your website.

And here’s a gem for online stores: products flaunting effective imagery have a way better shot at making a sale than those without.

So, the message here is clear: don’t skimp on the imagery. It’s painfully obvious when a business goes the budget route with its website images. Even if your text is top-notch and your “call to action” is on point, lousy images can drag the whole show down. Creating emotion is a big deal in business web design. You want your site visitors to “feel” something about your brand, right? Whether it’s sparking excitement with action shots, warming hearts with family photos, or evoking compassion for important causes, it all hinges on impactful imagery.

Now, time for a little soapbox moment: Only a pro photographer (or at least someone with some serious photo skills) can capture the kind of images that truly tug at the heartstrings. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that a couple of smartphone snaps will do the trick. Even shots taken by your own team might not cut it.

If you’ve invested in a web designer for your small business site, you’ve made a smart move. But don’t sabotage that investment by skimping on image quality. It’s worth shelling out a few extra bucks (trust us, it’s often more affordable than you’d think) to hire a professional photographer who can conjure up the emotions your site needs for success.

If your website is built on the WordPress framework, you’re in great company.

WordPress is an incredibly popular and user-friendly content management system, powering around 25% of all websites out there. However, as with anything popular, it does come with some security concerns – it tends to attract the attention of hackers.

WordPress is awesome because it’s open source, meaning the code is freely available on the internet for anyone to use. This has allowed developers to create a wide range of plugins and themes that make WordPress so versatile.

Unfortunately, it also means that hackers can examine the code and look for vulnerabilities, which can lead to spamming and security breaches. For most small website owners, this might not be a problem, but if your site catches the eye of a hacker, it can cause major headaches for your small business and its visitors.

But fear not! You can take some simple steps to protect your site, and you don’t need to be a tech guru to do it:

Keep WordPress Updated

Log into your site’s dashboard, and if there’s a new version of WordPress available, you’ll see an update link on the main screen. Newer versions might even update automatically.

Update Your Plugins

In the dashboard’s main menu, you’ll find an “Updates” option under the Home button. If there are updates for your plugins, click on it to access the Updates page and apply the updates. While you’re at it, delete any plugins you’re not using, as even deactivated ones can pose a security risk.

Use a Strong Password

Protect your login with a strong, unique password – one that doesn’t include common words and includes a mix of symbols, letters, and numbers. Limit access to those who really need it.

Install WordFence

This free plugin offers top-notch firewall and malware protection. It’s a must-have for your WordPress website. You can get it here: WordFence Plugin.

All these options are accessible through your WordPress dashboard, but you’ll need administrator access to make these changes. If you can’t find these options, reach out to your website developer for assistance. If, despite your best efforts, your website does get seriously hacked, don’t panic! Your server provider should have regular backups, which they can restore for a small fee. However, prevention is always better than cure. If your current web server provider doesn’t back up your site at least three times a week, consider finding a new one. Your website’s security should be a top priority.

And if all of this feels a bit overwhelming or you’re unsure about implementing these security measures, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Tropical Coast Web Design. We’d be happy to perform a no-obligation security audit of your site and discuss how we can help keep your website safe and sound.

In the world of email communication, encountering spam messages is a common occurrence.

It’s safe to say that most of us have dealt with unwanted emails flooding our inboxes, often on a daily basis. However, for small businesses operating in Australia, there’s more to it than just dealing with spam. We have robust laws in place that govern who we can send emails to and what exactly we can send them.

One of the most important regulations is the Australian SPAM Act of 2003, which outlines the rules for sending commercial electronic messages, such as emails and texts, by businesses and organizations across the country. Violating these laws can result in significant fines, so it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the rules before sending any emails.

The SPAM Act defines a commercial electronic message as a message that falls into one of these categories:

• It offers, advertises, or promotes the supply of goods, services, land, or business or investment opportunities.
• It advertises or promotes a provider of goods, services, land, or business or investment opportunities.
• It aids someone in dishonestly obtaining property, commercial advantage, or other gain from another person.

To determine whether a message is commercial in nature, the Act considers factors such as the content, presentation, and any links, phone numbers, or contact information that may lead to content with a commercial intent.

When sending a commercial electronic message, there are three critical areas that you must carefully consider: Consent, Identification, and Unsubscribe.

1. Consent: Do you have the recipient’s consent?

You should only send commercial electronic messages to individuals who have provided either expressed or inferred consent. Expressed consent is when the recipient directly asks for more information or subscribes to your messages. Ensure that you clearly state what recipients can expect and how often they will hear from you. Inferred consent applies to customers with whom you have an ongoing relationship and who have previously provided contact details. One-time purchases do not count as a basis for inferring consent.

2. Identification: Does the message clearly identify the sender?

Every commercial electronic message must contain accurate contact information that clearly identifies the business or person sending the message. This information must remain accurate for at least 30 days after the message is sent.

3. Unsubscribe: Can the recipient easily opt out of receiving further messages?

All messages must include clear options for recipients to unsubscribe, regardless of their length. This gives recipients the ability to “opt out” of further communications. Once someone chooses this option, you must honor it within five working days. Similar to business identification, the unsubscribe link must remain valid for 30 days after the message is received.

In summary, adhering to these relatively straightforward guidelines should allow your business to send electronic messages without running into legal trouble. However, it’s important to note that this information is provided as a guide.

While we strive to ensure the accuracy and helpfulness of the information on our website and blog at Tropical Coast Web Design, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or accept responsibility for how you use it within your business or organization. For more detailed information and to make your own judgments, we recommend reviewing the Spam Act on ACMA’s Spam Act and Codes of Practice page.

Web statistics are often the forgotten element in a business website, yet they are key to whether the site succeeds or fail.

These little gems hold the power to make or break your website’s performance, so it’s time to give them the attention they deserve!

By diving into the nitty-gritty details, you can fine-tune your website’s operation, increasing your chances of turning visitors into loyal customers. In other words, monitoring your site’s statistics can be a game-changer in answering the big question: Is your website working its magic for you?

So, here are five key statistics you should keep an eye on regularly:

Site Traffic

This is like the pulse of your website. It tells you how many people are stopping by to check out what you have to offer. You can even track traffic spikes during specific promotions, like that awesome sale you ran on Facebook. There are two types to watch: unique visitors (newcomers) and repeat visitors (those who keep coming back). Both matter to gauge the health of your site and the appeal of your content.

Traffic Source

Ever wondered where your visitors come from? There are four main sources: organic (from search engines), referral (from other websites), direct (typing in your site’s address), and social (from platforms like Facebook and Instagram). It’s smart to diversify your traffic sources so that if one falters, your website isn’t left in the lurch.

Bounce Rate

Picture this as a digital first impression. The bounce rate tells you how many people land on your site and then quickly exit. A high bounce rate is a red flag, suggesting something might be off with your content or offerings. Pro tip: Get some friends and colleagues to play “visitor” and provide feedback—it might uncover issues you hadn’t noticed as the site owner.

Top Pages

Want to know which pages are stealing the spotlight? Top pages statistics reveal which parts of your website are getting the most love. You’ll see how many hits they’ve received and how much time visitors are spending there. This info helps you tailor other pages to match your audience’s interests.

Conversion Rate

This is the granddaddy of all statistics. Your website’s success hinges on whether it can turn visitors into customers. The conversion rate calculates how many visitors take some meaningful action on your site, like making a purchase, subscribing to your newsletter, filling out an inquiry form, or sharing your content on social media.

Now, you might be wondering, “How do I actually measure all of this?” Well, fear not!

The big kahuna of web statistics is Google Analytics, and the best part is, it’s free. However, it can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers. If you’re running a WordPress site, you can also consider analytics plugin that are locally hosted on your own server. They can provide many of the same metrics and, you won’t be sharing your data with Google.

In a nutshell, website statistics are your secret weapon to ensure that your website isn’t just an online expense but a valuable asset that boosts your bottom line. Keep an eye on these numbers, and watch your online presence flourish!

Before we delve into the relevance of backlinks to today’s site owner, we should quickly explain what a backlink is.

For the novice website operator, backlinks are simply incoming links to a webpage. When a site links to another site on the web, that’s known as a backlink. 

In the SEO* community, there has been continuous debate about backlinking for the past few years, Google’s changes effectively turning “old school” SEO on its head. It’s even got to the point where some SEO “experts” claimed that backlinking is dead.

It’s not.

Quality Counts

Authentic backlinks from quality sites are still one of the best things that can happen to your search rankings. You definitely do want organic links and citations back to your site. Originally there was a lot of weight placed on backlinks – a site would automatically become more important simply because of the sites that were linking to it. Whilst this is no longer a major component of the Google algorithm, quality links still make your site look good!

Please note the emphasis I am making on quality backlinks though. Careless links via junk sites may actually harm your search ranking so be careful who you are “working” with!

Don’t be shy!

Some site owners find it hard to request backlinks, either because they don’t have a network of site owners that can provide links to them or they simply don’t how to go about getting these links sorted.

If you create great content that is helpful and informative and then share it around (on social media), authentic backlinks WILL come anyway.

If the content gives value to those viewing it, people will share and link back to the source – your website!

The algorithm used by Google to determine search ranking does change on a semi-regular basis but it seems that back-linking is always going to be part of their equation. Putting that aside though, quality inbounds link to your small business website are always a good thing – be it through Google or any another source.

• SEO involves influencing how easily a website or web page can be seen in a search engine’s unpaid outcomes, commonly known as “natural,” “organic,” or “earned” results.
• A directory that allows FOLLOWING passes on its outbound links to the GoogleBots. A directory set to NO FOLLOW basically hides its links and does share the value.

Checking out your competitors is a must for any small business working online, even in the field of web development.

By following businesses in the same marketplace as yours, you can keep an awareness of your competition’s offerings and keep abreast of changes in your industry.

Recently, whilst developing a new pricing structure for Tropical Coast Web Design, I have observed that there are a few unscrupulous practices that some web developers are engaging in. The products and services that they are offering are not exactly what their clients are paying big bucks for. These operators are the equivalent of the dodgy used-car salesman.

Luckily, by following a few simple tips, you can avoid the pitfalls of working with one of these so-called “web developers”.

Watch out for cheap templates being sold as “custom” website design.

The most common trait of a dodgy web designer is the practice of purchasing and using cheap templates and passing it off as their own work.

Purchases these themes from sites such as Themeforest might be fine for some however, as themes can often be bought for less than $60, it seems very wrong that a “web developer” can charges hundreds of dollars for work that they aren’t doing. These operators generally have no knowledge of website coding and, beyond adding pretty pictures, will not be able to modify or customise the site.

The major downside to this – your site will end up looking exactly like thousands of others who use the same theme.  

Tropical Coast Web Design uses a base theme for our websites called “Tropical Coast Web Responsive”.  As you can guess by the name, we developed the theme ourselves and it provides a solid foundation from which we build our customised websites, tailored made and coded to our client’s individual requirements. You can’t buy our theme online.

Shop around for the best Price VS Services.

Don’t accept exorbitant fees for website development simply because “that’s what it costs these days”. A web design doesn’t have to break the bank and eat your entire marketing budget. Most developers offer a free quoting service via their websites so use these to your advantage and compare what can be done and what at what price.

With the number of designers competing for your business, you no longer have to pay big city prices for a website but on the other hand, don’t expect to get a customised site for $99 – it just ain’t going to happen.

Use a Local Developer

The most effective websites are the result of clear communication between the business and the developer. Goals are clearly laid out at the beginning of the design and constant adjustments are made in consultation along the way.

This communication can take many forms but it is important that it is ongoing. I’ve heard stories of web developers being very communicative during the initial discussion of a design but once the quote has been approved and site is developed, they aren’t heard from again. After launch support is important – without it the site becomes stale and the business loses out in the long run.

Using a local web developer can avoid the pitfalls of lost communication. You can visit the developer, be an active participant in the design process of your site and, when it’s all online, receive training, support and assistance to keep the site fresh and performing optimally.

Best of all, if you don’t hear from them – you can turn up on their door step ????

Finally,

Always insist on a Pre-Design Agreement or Detailed Quote.

NEVER hire a web developer who hasn’t clearly laid an exact description of the work they are going to do for you and the service they are going to provide afterwards. This may be in the form of a signed contract or, if you work with Tropical Coast Web, a detailed quote that describes exactly what is going to be done and for how much.

Be sure that any changes to this document are also documented using Change Orders and keep a close track whether these changes tie in with the initial quote. Without this proper documentation, a dodgy web developer can possibly rip you off for thousands of dollars.

Having a website for your business is just the beginning of building an online presence.

However, if your site is not being found by anyone, it’s as good as invisible. Google reigns supreme in online search, and if your website doesn’t appear in their search rankings, you’re missing out on valuable exposure. But fear not, there are practical steps you can take to gain some Google “love”:

Use Keywords Wisely

Keywords have long been a crucial part of Google’s search algorithm. In the past, stuffing your site with keywords worked, but that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, Google values natural integration of keywords into your content. To make the most of keywords:

Create a list of relevant terms people might use to find your offerings.

Integrate these terms seamlessly into your website’s text, maintaining readability without overloading every page with too many keywords.

Ensure Mobile-Friendly Design

With mobile usage on the rise, having a mobile-friendly website is imperative. Google takes mobile responsiveness seriously and even penalizes non-mobile-friendly sites. Make sure your site displays properly on mobile devices to avoid losing out on visitors and search rankings.

Create a Site Map

Google uses web crawlers to navigate websites, and providing them with a site map enhances their understanding of your site’s structure and content. A site map serves as a roadmap for Googlebots, guiding them intelligently through your website. If you’re using WordPress, you can easily add a site map with plugins like Google XML Sitemaps.

Deliver Valuable Content

While Google doesn’t read the content directly, it analyzes user behavior to assess the value of your website. Factors like user engagement, time spent on the site, and how visitors interact with your content contribute to Google’s evaluation. To improve your site’s appeal:

Review your content and ensure it provides real value to your visitors.

If your content doesn’t meet visitors’ needs, it might not benefit you in Google’s eyes.

Secure Your Site

Google prioritizes website security to protect its users from potential threats. Ensure your site has an SSL certificate installed, which encrypts data between the server and your visitors’ devices. This provides a secure browsing experience and is indicated by a padlock in the address bar with “https://” at the beginning of the web address.

In conclusion, implementing these measures will enhance your website’s visibility and appeal to Google’s search algorithm. If you need assistance with these steps, feel free to reach out to the team at Tropical Coast Web Design. They’d be delighted to help you gain some Google “love” for your website.

(Note: The Google search algorithm is known as PageRank, named after Larry Page, one of Google’s founders. It plays a significant role in ranking web pages in Google’s search engine results.)

While many regional small businesses are transitioning to the online realm, some may not fully grasp the differences between an online store and a traditional brick-and-mortar setup.

Unlike physical stores, where passers-by can see the progress and grand opening, an online store’s construction often occurs behind a “veil of secrecy.” When it’s finally ready, some site owners expect a rush of traffic through their virtual front door, but that’s not how it works. People need to know about the site’s existence before they can visit it.

It’s important to understand that search engines like Google don’t immediately list new sites. It can take two to three weeks for a site to appear in search results, and there’s no guarantee of landing on the first page. So, instead of waiting for Google, take proactive steps to promote your brand-new site using these simple tips:

Tip #1 – Integrate Website Marketing with Conventional Promotions

Many business owners overlook the fact that a website can be promoted through conventional marketing methods as well. Prepare for your site’s launch by updating all promotional materials: business cards, brochures, roadside signs, clothing, pens, company cars, exterior signage, invoices, and everything else. Ensure that your new web address is prominently displayed wherever your current clients encounter your business name.

If possible, collaborate with your local newspaper to feature your site’s launch. A well-placed editorial feature can provide excellent exposure, with half the page dedicated to your new site and the other half reserved for an advertisement with all your details.

Tip #2 – Leverage Your Social Media Presence

Social media offers a significant advantage over search engines in terms of instant gratification. Take advantage of this by announcing your new online store to your social media followers. Encourage them to spread the news among their friends and connections.

Develop a plan to utilize your social media power effectively. For instance, if you have an online pizza shop, organize instant competitions to boost business on slow nights. If your e-commerce boutique has new outfits, showcase them through your staff modeling and post on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Offering free shipping for a day from your e-store? Share the news instantly with a tweet on Twitter.

Tip #3 – Host a Launch Special with Coupons

Leverage your revitalized social media presence to share coupons from your online store. Most e-commerce platforms, such as WooCommerce, have built-in coupon features. Coupons can offer small discounts or bonuses like free shipping and are designed for single-use, automatically canceling after redemption.

People love coupons, and they often share them enthusiastically, helping spread the word about your new online store.

By implementing these three tips, your e-commerce store will have an exceptional start in its online journey. Don’t wait for customers to find you; instead, be proactive and seize control of your online business’s future and potential success. Success won’t come by itself; hard work and dedication are necessary. So, get out there and make it happen!

In 2023, having a dynamic and up-to-date website is crucial for any business or individual looking to make their mark online.

However, the idea of managing a website and performing regular updates can be intimidating, especially for those without extensive technical knowledge. Thankfully, WordPress, one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, makes the process of updating a website very simple.

In this blog, let’s explore how WordPress simplifies the task of updating a website and empowers users to effortlessly keep their online presence fresh and engaging.

User-Friendly Interface

One of the key reasons why WordPress is loved by millions is its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Upon logging into the WordPress dashboard, users are greeted with a clean and organized layout that makes navigation a breeze. The menu on the left-hand side provides quick access to essential functions such as creating or editing pages, writing blog posts, managing media files, and updating site settings. Even those with limited technical expertise can easily find their way around the dashboard, making website updates a straightforward process.

WYSIWYG Editor

Say goodbye to the days of dealing with complex HTML and CSS codes. WordPress’s “What You See Is What You Get” (WYSIWYG) editor allows users to update their website’s content in a manner similar to using a word processor. Adding text, images, videos, and other media is as simple as typing and pasting. The editor also supports various formatting options, making it effortless to create visually appealing and professional-looking content.

Plugin Power

The real magic of WordPress lies in its extensive plugin ecosystem. Plugins are like small applications that can be installed to enhance the functionality of your website. From adding contact forms and social media sharing buttons to optimizing for search engines and improving security, there’s a plugin for almost everything. The best part is that most plugins can be installed with just a few clicks, and their configurations are often straightforward, streamlining the process of updating and expanding your website’s capabilities.

Automatic Updates

WordPress is continuously evolving, with regular updates introducing new features, enhancing security, and improving performance. The platform’s developers work diligently to make the update process as seamless as possible. Most importantly, WordPress allows users to enable automatic updates for minor releases, ensuring that their websites remain up-to-date and secure without any manual intervention.

Responsive Design

In today’s mobile-centric world, having a responsive website is critical. With WordPress, your web developer can create a design that will be responsive out of the box. This means that your website will automatically adjust its layout and design to fit various screen sizes, from smartphones to tablets and desktop computers. With responsive design built-in, website updates no longer require the extra hassle of optimizing for different devices.

Gone are the days when website updates were considered a daunting task. Thanks to WordPress, managing and updating a website has become an enjoyable and hassle-free experience. Its user-friendly interface, powerful customization options, extensive plugin library, automatic updates, and responsive design make it the ultimate choice for individuals and businesses alike.

So, if you’re looking to establish an online presence or revamp your existing website, consider embracing the simplicity and power of WordPress. With this fantastic CMS at your disposal, you can focus on what truly matters – creating compelling content and engaging with your audience, while leaving the technicalities of website management to the ease of WordPress.

Spam continues to inundate our email inboxes daily, despite various protection measures.

It is an irritating and pointless intrusion, and I highly doubt that anyone has ever been convinced to buy anything from spammers. Any business that resorts to spam-based advertising deserve no customers at all. However, with a few straightforward precautions, you can significantly minimize spam on your website.

In this article, we will present five practical tips that have proven effective for us at Tropical Coast Web Design.

Keep Your Frameworks and Plug-ins Updated:

For websites running on platforms like WordPress, regular updates are crucial. These updates resolve known issues and address security vulnerabilities. To update your components, locate the “UPDATES” button on your website’s main dashboard (similar options may be available in other systems) and apply any listed updates. It is advisable to back up your site before implementing any updates for added security.

Disguise Your Email Address on Pages:

Spammers employ automated bots to scour the internet for email addresses from business websites. To avoid your email address getting included in their databases, disguise it within your website’s code. Have your designer substitute the “@” symbol with its code equivalent “@”. This way, the address appears normal to visitors, but spambots will interpret it differently and disregard it entirely.

Employ a High-Quality Spam Filter in Your CMS:

Just as savvy email users utilize spam filters, you can install similar filters on your Content Management System (CMS) to prevent spam comments and emails from circulating through your site. Two excellent options for WordPress are Spam-Free WordPress and the widely used Akismet. While Akismet requires a monthly subscription for business sites, Spam-Free WordPress is a free and effective alternative.

Use ReCaptcha

ReCaptcha v3 is an intelligent Google solution that quietly detects and blocks spam and bots on websites, enhancing security without inconveniencing “human” users. Unlike its predecessors, ReCaptcha v3 works silently in the background, assessing user behaviour, and assigning a risk score to each interaction. This score helps your website systems differentiate between genuine users and bots attempting malicious activities.

Secure Your Website with the .htaccess File:

The .htaccess file is a server-loaded system file that governs some site configurations. It can be customized to help prevent spam and malicious attacks. However, changing this file should be left to a professional web developer due to its sensitive nature.

Spam is not only annoying but can also damage your business’s reputation if not addressed properly. By implementing the five tips above, you can significantly reduce spam on your website and enhance your online experience. While no system is entirely foolproof, taking these simple precautions can minimize spam-related issues and provide your visitors with a hassle-free browsing experience.