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My business has a brand new online store! Now what?

Posted by Greg

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!

Updating a website is easy with WordPress.

Posted by Greg

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.

Combating SPAM in your Inbox

Posted by Greg

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.

The Website Development Process – How does it work?

Posted by Greg

When a new business contacts for a website quote, one of the initial questions they often ask is, “What happens next?”

It’s completely understandable because building a website can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t have much experience with it. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through the process and make it as straightforward as possible. So, let’s dive in and explore the steps involved in creating a fantastic website that will help your business thrive!

Step 1: Set your goals and share your vision

Before reaching out to a web developer, take a moment to think about what you want to achieve with your website. Having a clear idea in mind will help them bring your vision to life. So, discuss your objectives and make sure that you will be on the same page.

Step 2: Find the perfect developer for you

Now it’s time to find the right web developer who can help bring your online goals to fruition. A quick Google search for web designers or developers in your local area is a great place to start. Remember, supporting local talent can be a fantastic way to contribute to your community! Take a look at their portfolios and see if any of their previous work resonates with you. If you find someone who feels like a good fit, reach out and request a free quote. Don’t worry, things don’t get too technical at this stage.

Step 3: Craft a design proposal together

Once you’ve found the perfect developer, they will start working on a design proposal. This is where they will need to delve deeper into your website’s details. You’ll be asked some questions or provided with a questionnaire to better understand your needs. Remember, this is your website, so feel free to voice any concerns or ideas you have. You will go through a few iterations until they get it just right!

Step 4: Building the framework and adding content

Once the design proposal gets the green light from you, the developer will start building the framework of your website. This is an exciting phase because you’ll get to see a live version of your site taking shape. You’ll also have the opportunity to provide input along the way. It’s important to ensure that your website includes key components like a user-friendly Content Management System, tools for SEO, robust site security, clear Call-To-Actions, and visitor tracking capabilities. Simultaneously, you will need to work together to create compelling content that captures the essence of your business.

Step 5: Let’s put it to the test

With the framework and content in place, it’s time to put your website through its paces. It should be tested it on various devices and screen sizes to ensure that it looks and functions flawlessly. It’s also a good idea to involve your friends and colleagues to get their feedback. Their fresh perspective will help fine-tune the website before it’s officially launched.

Step 6: Ready, set, go live!

Now comes the exciting part—launching your website to the world! Once it’s out there, a good developer will keep a close eye on its performance and gather feedback from your target audience. Remember, the launch is just the beginning. You should continue to work together to make any necessary adjustments and improvements to ensure your website brings in the business you deserve.

Rest assured, as a developer, I am here to make the website creation process a breeze for you. Together, we’ll can build a fantastic online presence that showcases your business in the best light possible.

Launching your website is just the beginning…

Posted by Greg

One of the most common mistakes new website owners make is assuming that launching their site is the end of the hard work.

While having an online presence is a great start, it’s important to understand that further attention and effort are required to reap the full benefits of being online.

Here are a few tasks you should undertake to ensure your website gets the attention it deserves:

Task 1: Grab Google’s Attention

It’s no secret that Google doesn’t automatically add websites to its search results. You need to let them know that your site exists before they send their “Googlebot” to check it out. Here are some ways to make this happen smoothly:

Task 2: Track Your Site Statistics

Measuring and monitoring your website’s statistics is crucial. By keeping an eye on visitor numbers, popular pages, bounce rates, and keywords that perform well, you can make adjustments to achieve the results you want. Here’s what you can do:

Task 3: Keep Your Content Fresh

Having fresh content on your website is not only impressive to visitors but also great for your site’s performance. Google’s search ranking algorithm favors sites with updated and relevant content, pushing them higher in search results. Consider the following:

Task 4: Prioritize Site Security

As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This holds true for websites as well. Here are some crucial security measures you should implement:

Remember that these tasks need your ongoing attention! Make sure to adjust your SEO triggers, regularly check your statistics, add fresh content, and enforce security measures to keep your site running smoothly. It may seem like a lot of work, but by incorporating them into your weekly schedule, just like any other task, you’ll be giving your site the best chance to succeed.

The Essential Checklist for creating a business website that works.

Posted by Greg

Did you know that not having a website can cause you to lose 48% of potential customers?

While social media platforms can be useful, customers who are well-versed in online interactions seek more information about the businesses they deal with and how those businesses can meet their needs.

To create an effective and successful small business website, certain key components must be in place. Here is a checklist of these components:

Website has clear goals to achieve

Although not visible in the final design, setting goals for your website is crucial for achieving desired outcomes. Without a clear roadmap, you may deviate from what you want to achieve and what your customers are seeking. Start by considering the five W’s to define your goals: Who are your customers? What are they looking for? When are your services available? Where are your customers based? Why do they need your products and services? How can you help solve their problems?

Navigation is easy to use

Clear navigation on your website not only helps visitors find what they are looking for, but it also assists search engines in properly indexing your site. Ensure that no page is more than two mouse clicks away from the front page, as pages that are difficult to access may lead to visitor abandonment. Additionally, all pages on the site should have links back to the home page.

Design is appropriate for your target market

When designing your business website, consider the expectations of your target audience. For example, a nightclub website should have a design that aligns with its audience, rather than resembling a website more suited for an aged-care facility. Furthermore, avoid overwhelming visuals that distract from the user experience and slow down the site’s loading time.

Mobile Friendly

According to a recent report from https://www2.deloitte.com, an estimated 91% of Australians own and regularly use smartphones to access the internet. This means a significant portion of your website’s traffic will come from mobile devices. Develop your site to be mobile-friendly from the ground up, ensuring it automatically adapts to different screen sizes rather than having separate versions for desktop and mobile users.

Content is “on point”

High-quality content is indispensable when it comes to selling your products and services. Engaging visitors is crucial for increasing their time spent on your site and reducing bounce rates. Make sure your content is clear, concise, and relevant to the reader. Regularly update the content to keep it fresh, benefiting both your site visitors and search engine algorithms that favor fresh content.

Clear and visible “Call To Actions” (CTAs):

To guide your customers in taking action on your website, make your CTAs stand out. CTAs should clearly state what customers should do and provide motivation to do so. Here are some examples of effective CTAs: “Get My Offer,” “Redeem My Prize,” “Book My Demo,” “Subscribe,” “Buy Now,” “Call Us Today,” “Reserve Your Place,” and “Book an Appointment.”

Contact Details are simple to find

Enable quick customer contact by providing clear and easily accessible contact details. At a minimum, include your business address (if applicable), phone number, and professional email address with your own domain name. Free email services may create an unprofessional image. Consider including a contact or enquiry form on your site if you want customers to reach out directly from the website.

Site analytics tracking

Tracking visitor behavior on your website is essential for measuring the effectiveness of your site and achieving your goals. Implement tracking mechanisms such as website server analytics or plugins, with Google Analytics being a well-known and comprehensive option.

10 Effective Ways to help people “discover” your business (and your website)

Posted by Greg

In all small business, it is enormously important to make sure that your target audience is aware of your services and products whenever they need them.

Ideally, they will think of your business automatically when the need arises. This is achievable when a lead generation process is used in conjunction with a strategic sale funnel.

The moment where a customer becomes aware of your business and what it has to offer, the lead generation process begins to take place. All leads created here are vitally important as they “pull” the customer into your system for nurturing further down your sales funnel.

To kick things off and make your prospective customers aware of what you have, here’s ten effective “tools” that you can use:

1. Facebook Ads

Advertising on the #1 social media platform, Facebook, is great for targeting the exact audience you want as you can use the Facebook Ad tool to select the personal traits and interests of potential customers. With a budgeting level that you specify, it is also cost effective for any growing business.

2. Networking

Build trust and awareness of your business by joining your local Chamber of Commerce, offering your services to non-profit organisations and participating in community groups such as Rotary and Lions. Get your name out there!

3. Traditional Advertising – Radio and Print

If your target audience is likely to read your local newspapers and listen to local radio, don’t hesitate to use these traditional methods to promote your brand. Be sure to track any results (from marketing point to customer) to ensure that your marketing budget is not being wasted.

4. Social Media

Be visible on at least two social media platforms to cast a broad net over your target audience online. As a guide, Facebook is great for “business to consumer” promotions, LinkedIn works for “Business To Business” awareness and Instagram (owned by Facebook) is emerging as a powerful tool for all audience levels.

5. Content Marketing

The most authoritative way to establish trust and industry leadership is through the creation of powerful content for your website. Blog posts, videos, podcasts and demonstrations can quickly prove that you know your industry and what your clientele needs from you.

6. Direct Mail

If you can determine a specific market that is screaming out for your services or products, why not physically contact them with a direct mail campaign, specifically designed for that market alone.

7. Good SEO on Website

Make your potential customers aware of your business through the application of good SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) practices on your website. Ensure that you are “loved” by Google through using effective key words and descriptions on your site along with fresh content and quality inbound links.

8. Google AdWords

Along with effective SEO practices, you can also engage Google with a paid, structured AdWords campaign designed to target your specific customer demographic.

9. Partnerships

Partnership programs work with businesses that complement each other and can be done in a very subtle, effective way. For example, a mechanic, upon the completion of a routine service, could leave a small promotion flyer on the dashboard from the local Car Detailer. The detailer could do the exact same in return.

10. Referral Programs

Join with other local businesses to create a referral program where businesses refer their client base onto the services of others in return for discounts or other reciprocal arrangements.

In addition to these ten tips, there are literally dozens of different tools that you can use to make your target audience aware of your business and its products/services. The trick is to determine which methods are going to be the most effective in gaining the attention of your ideal client and utilising them to your advantage on a consistent basis.

Five “Tricks” to create a captivating home page on your website

Posted by Greg

Your homepage is the virtual handshake that welcomes visitors to your website and entices them to explore it further.

However, in today’s digital era, where attention spans are fleeting, it has become increasingly challenging to make a lasting impression. Luckily, armed with some proven strategies, you can help to ensure that your website immediately captures visitors’ attention and ultimately transforms them into loyal customers.

So, buckle up and get ready to discover the secrets of crafting a homepage that leaves a lasting impact!

1. Grab Attention with a Clear Value Proposition

Welcome visitors with a captivating headline that clearly communicates what sets your website apart. Show off the unique benefits or solutions you offer in a concise and exciting way. Remember, you only have a few seconds to make a great first impression!

2. Make Navigation a Breeze

Help your visitors find their way around by simplifying your website’s menu. Use clear labels and organize your pages logically. Too many options can be overwhelming, so keep it simple and guide your visitors to the most important sections of your site.

3. Add Some Visual Flair

Spruce up your homepage with visually appealing elements like stunning images, engaging videos, or interactive content. Visuals can captivate attention, showcase your brand’s personality, and highlight your products or services. But don’t forget to optimize them for fast loading so visitors won’t get frustrated waiting.

4. Encourage Action with Compelling Call-to-Action

Give your visitors a nudge in the right direction by placing a prominent and persuasive call-to-action on your homepage. Whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, exploring a product demo, or making a purchase, make sure your CTA stands out and clearly conveys the benefits visitors will gain.

5. Serve up Valuable Content

Offer engaging and relevant content right on your homepage to keep visitors interested and encourage them to explore further. Craft concise and impactful headlines, share informative snippets, or provide a brief overview of your most popular or recent content. Remember to make it easy to skim for those who prefer a quick scan.

Remember to keep an eye on your website’s analytics and conduct A/B testing to fine-tune these tricks according to your audience’s preferences. The key is to create a friendly, user-focused homepage that makes visitors feel welcome and excited to explore more of what your website has to offer!

Five Ways to Supercharge Your Business Mojo!

Posted by Greg

It’s not uncommon for business owners to experience a loss of motivation from time to time.

Maintaining enthusiasm and drive constantly can be challenging. At times, we may find ourselves going through the motions without a real sense of purpose. If this resonates with you, perhaps it’s time to give your Business Mojo a much-needed reboot.

Here are five quick tips that have personally helped me regain inspiration and get back on track.

1. Embrace Physical Activity

While it may seem unconventional in a business and marketing context, engaging in morning exercise can significantly sharpen your focus for the day. A simple 30-minute walk or jog can work wonders. The best part is that you can multitask by exercising while listening to informative podcasts or audiobooks.

2. Tune in to Podcasts

With an extensive variety of podcasts available, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an Apple enthusiast exploring iTunes or an Android user browsing BeyondPod, you’re sure to find a podcast that aligns with your interests. Podcasts offer a gateway to new perspectives and success stories. By listening to others’ experiences, you may discover the missing spark that reignites your own passion.

3. Dive into Inspirational Reading

    If you seek external motivation from industry leaders, there is no shortage of outstanding books to fuel your inspiration. Here are a few recommendations that have personally resonated with me:

    I confess that I’ve revisited some of these books multiple times, extracting every possible gem from their pages. These authors have created their own remarkable success stories, reminding me that I too can achieve greatness.

    4. Connect with Like-Minded Entrepreneurs

    Engaging with other business owners who share your passion can be an incredibly powerful experience. To establish a network, consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce, forming a networking group, or reaching out to friends in similar or even diverse industries. If you’re feeling isolated and unsure of where to start, online forums can provide a supportive and informative community.

    5. Take Time to Reflect

    In the hustle and bustle of daily business operations, it’s easy to lose sight of your accomplishments and how far you’ve come. Pause and reflect on why you started your business and what goals you initially set. Celebrate your past achievements and the progress you’ve made. Personally, I enjoy revisiting websites I created a decade ago and comparing them to my current work. The significant advancements remind me of the journey I’ve taken. By looking back, you’ll gain a clearer perspective on the way forward and uncover the motivation that has been hiding in plain sight. It’s not lost—it’s just waiting to be rediscovered.

    Remember, every business owner encounters moments of waning motivation. By implementing these tips and nurturing your passion, you’ll reignite your business mojo and pave the way for continued success.

    In 2023, every Small Business NEEDS to be online!

    Posted by Greg

    Compared to traditional marketing methods, a small business website is relatively inexpensive and easy to kick into action.

    And, if you want you can pass it all over to someone else to build and maintain it for you. Yet more than 1 in 4 Australian small businesses still don’t have a website. With statistics revealing that 8.5 billion searches are made each day on Google, there are a lot of small businesses that are missing out on potential customers.

    Small business owners who don’t have sites generally believe that a website won’t do anything for them, they think it will cost them too much or claim that they just don’t have the time for one. However those who have moved their businesses online can easily show naysayers that by including websites in their marketing plans, they have improved their bottom line, saved on marketing costs and, importantly, exposed their business to a wider audience.

    Take a look at the three examples below. These are not your traditional online types but each can still take advantage of a customised online presence:

    Office Supplies

    A small stationery supplier in a regional town can still grab a chunk of the online market away from the big boys – without breaking the bank. Now, they may not be able to compete with stores such as Officeworks on price, due to the sheer bulk purchasing of the chain stores, however they can exploit and utilise one huge advantage – simple convenience.

    Imagine that you require stationery supplies delivered to your door and – you want them now! There is no way you will receive next day delivery of any of these supplies in a small town – even if you pay for the premium postage. What if you could log into your local store’s website, make and pay for an online order and the goods were delivered within the hour (free of charge) to your business door?

    That would certainly level the playing field in the local store’s favour. Cost vs convenience – I know which one I choose when I need something fast.

    Bed and Breakfasts

    A small B&B in regional Queensland has one small cabin for bookings, overlooking the beautiful Goldsborough Valley. With only one cabin on offer, traditional advertising makes it very hard for potential guests to call up and find available dates. With a website however, all bookings can be moved online.

    Site visitors can view a calendar integrated into the site that displays available dates, potentially booked dates (that have not been confirmed) and dates that are booked-out. The site owner can easily keep track of upcoming bookings and contact new bookings for confirmation.

    Plus, these bookings can be made 24/7 – no need to answer a phone.

    Example: http://cairnsgwaybb.com/

    Agricultural Services

    Up here in beautiful North Queensland, we have a multitude farms with all varieties of produce year round – tomatoes, bananas, coffee, pawpaw and, of course, sugar cane to name just a few. Whilst most of these farms can benefit from getting online, like Liverpool River Bananas and Madella Coffee have, it’s the support agencies that work alongside these farmers that could really improve their services with an digital presence.

    Growers Associations such as HCPSL supply their members with the latest information, weather and crop reports as well as industry news via a well-maintained website. No more group emails, phone calls, costly printed reports or newspaper articles – the association can update their sites daily at no cost (other than employee time) to ensure that their members are completely up-to-date with their industries information. For even more interaction, Association sites could incorporate forums and blogs allowing its members to converse and share their own information.

    https://www.hcpsl.com

    Regardless of the type of small business, more consumers than ever before are searching for services and products online using smart phones, tablets and computers. This upward trend in usage is increasing each day and small businesses without a site may be missing out on their own slice of the online pie. Even those who have a site may be missing out if their current setup is not utilising all the various options available to it.

    Is your small business taking full advantage of online possibilities?

    Tropical Coast Web Design