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.

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.

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:

• Add your site to your “Google My Business” account. This is a great way to get noticed quickly.
• Optimize your site for search engines using plugins like YOAST or All-In-One. These tools will guide you through the SEO setup process, ensuring that search engine “crawlers” find what they need.
• Share your new website link with established businesses and organizations online. Make sure to link back to them as well, as Google loves inbound and outbound links.
• Remember that Google controls this process, not you. They constantly tweak their search algorithm, so what worked for SEO last week might not work this week.

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:

• Sign up for Google Analytics and integrate it with your website’s dashboard.
• Regularly monitor your search results. If your search ranking starts to decline or you have a high bounce rate, the statistics will alert you to take action.

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:

• Publish new blog articles every couple of weeks.
• Create a client gallery or showcase testimonials from your customers. These are easy additions that can make Google happier with your website.

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:

• Obtain a security (SSL) certificate for your site. This certificate creates a secure link between your website and visitors’ browsers, confirming your site’s legitimacy and encrypting data.
• Use Google’s ReCaptcha protocol to guard your online forms against spam. It’s invisible and highly effective.
• Regularly update your plugins to prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities. An outdated plugin or WordPress version can be the weak link they’re looking for.
• Keep the PHP version on your server up to date for security reasons.
• Install WordFence on your WordPress site to protect against hacking attempts and receive notifications when action is needed.

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.

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.

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.