It’s nearing the end of the first month of the year and we thought we’d help you with starting the year off to a healthy start, by spotlighting some of our clients who can help your health stay on track.

SPORT & EXERCISE 

The Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia

Looking for a new challenge this year? Resolved to get outdoors more and enjoy all the natural world around you has to offer? Then you need look no further than the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance Of British Columbia 

The SKGABC is a non-profit society committed to upholding high standards for professional sea kayak guides and operators in BC. Through ongoing professional development and certification, the Alliance strives to ensure safe practices on an industry-wide basis. There are currently over 600 active members in the SKGABC, including guides and owner/operators. If you want to get into Kayaking, search for a trained guide to help you enjoy the water. 

For further details go to www.skgabc.com

Kirby’s Source for Sports

If your new year’s resolution is to get in shape — or if your child is looking to take up sports in 2021, then you need the right equipment — and you need to visit Kirby Sports online.

There is no more exciting or rewarding way to stay in shape than sports, but getting the right equipment can be a hassle. Kirby’s Sports is here for all your hockey, baseball, lacrosse, football and soccer equipment and clothing needs.  

Visit them online at www.kirbyssports.com

Carlson’s Dance

If you and/or your children are looking to make the right moves in 2021 — or just finding an exciting and enjoyable way to stay in shape whilst building your confidence and self esteem — then Carlson’s Dance Studio is the right place for you. 

At Carlson’s Dance Studio they firmly believe that everyone — no matter what age or ability — should have the opportunity to dance. This is why all of their classes are run by professionally trained teachers who have a genuine passion for the form, and a commitment to fostering an atmosphere of comfort and inclusivity. Dance isn’t just a fun and uplifting art from, it also helps to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, and discipline. They offer many genres of dance education, including ballet, jazz, modern stage, tap, hip hop, boys hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre, and stretch and strength.

Due to Covid-19 class sizes have been limited and there will be time between lessons for the teacher to disinfect surfaces before the next class enters. For more details visit www.carlsons.ca

Westshore Dance Studio

Looking for your child to get out more? Want them to start a new activity? With Westshore Dance Studio there are a wide range of exciting options that will get your child up on their feet and moving about. 

They are a professional dance school offering a high level of instruction and training to students from a wide range of backgrounds. There is instruction in a wide range of dance styles, as well as providing examinations in the Royal Academy of Dance for ballet, and the Association of International Dance Teachers for modern jazz and tap. 

For further details see www.westshoredance.com

Avant Garde Fitness

Everyone wants to get in shape going into the New Year — but it shouldn’t be a chore! Make having a healthy and active lifestyle your mission for 2021 with the help of Avant Garde Fitness. 

Avant Garde Fitness is a private in-home studio in Mill Bay with mobile services throughout Duncan, focusing on the core principles of encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. Offering tailored and small group fitness classes for strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. 

Visit them online at www.avantgardefitness.ca

CYCLE THERAPY

Staying in shape this new doesn’t have to be a drag — not with the exciting option of year-round Vancouver Island cycling. Cycling isn’t just an amazing way to get and stay fit, it’s also a great way of exploring this gorgeous island and getting outside in a safe and socially distanced way!

It doesn’t matter what your cycling level is, Cycle Therapy has everything you need to start your cycling adventure — expert advice, great customer service, and a wide range of bikes, accessories, and even bike rentals.  

To start making plans for you or your loved ones, visit www.cycletherapy.ca

WELLNESS

Wendy Bowen

When it comes to mind, soul, and body — everything is connected. So if you’re looking to be a better you in 2021, you need to be working with someone who understands how to connect every aspect of you. Someone like Wendy Bowen. 

Wendy Bowen is a qualified and experienced physiotherapist, wellness coach, and motivational speaker. Her work combines her expertise in physical therapy with a deep understanding of spiritual, emotional, and mental wellness to help her clients to overcome chronic illness and pain. 

For further details go to www.wendybowen.com

iHealthcare Victoria Inc.

Going into the new year, we’re all going to be vowing to look after ourselves, but the trick is finding the best way to do that, ideally in a way that is natural and relaxing. That’s where iHealthcare Victoria Inc comes in.  

iHealthcare Inc is a health and wellness clinic in Victoria that provides “one-stop” natural health care. At their centre they have a team of experienced health professionals, including chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and rehab classes, who help each client achieve optimal health by providing an individual health plan developed by multiple practitioners in a compassionate, healing environment.

For more information visit www.iHealthGroup.ca

Valleyview Family Chiropractic & Massage Therapy

If there’s one thing we can all agree on for 2021, it’s that we want to stress less and relax more! And there is no better way to unwind than with a skilled and thoroughly relaxing session of chiropractic and massage therapy from Valleyview Family Chiropractic & Massage Therapy.

Chiropractic and massage therapy can be an amazing and non-invasive way of unlocking your body’s natural ability to heal. The Valleyview practitioners are committed to understanding your issues and getting your body back on track. 

To find out more, visit www.valleyviewchiropractic.com

Victoria HypnoBirthing®

If you’re expecting a new child then we’re sure planning for that is at the top of every list you have! But, one thing you may not have considered is the benefits of a natural birth using HypnoBirthing®. 

HypnoBirthing® techniques are rooted in the belief that when there is a healthy mother and baby, childbirth need not become a medical event with severe discomfort and pain, and can instead become a more peaceful, rewarding, and comfortable event. 

Joanne Lacroix, a California trained Acupuncturist and Herbalist, offers a course designed to prepare you and your partner fully for your coming birth. She concentrates on providing support for pregnant couples primarily teaching them the HypnoBirthing® Program and offering Doula services.

For more information visit www.victoriahypnobirthing.ca

Pan Health Centre

A new year doesn’t always mean doing things a new way. In fact, we often find that it’s the traditional, time tested methods that serve us best, something that is put into practice at the Pan Health Centre. 

Located downtown on Government Street, the Pan Health Centre practices traditional Chinese herbal medicine that draws on established methods and practices.Their goal is a complete and long-term elimination of all current symptoms and susceptibilities.

Visit them online at www.panclinic.ca

Wild Goose Qigong

If you’re looking to get a new outlook on life this year — or to simply find more balance and harmony — then Qigong could be the revelation that changes your life.

Qigong is Chinese health exercise focusing on coordinated and gentle movements designed to help balance your internal energy by releasing old, stale Qi (energy) from the body while gathering fresh Qi from Nature. Wild Goose offers a carefully-curated programme in these movements that students can then practise regularly on their own to cultivate good health.

For further details see www.wildgooseqigongcentre.com

HEALTH

Cardiovascular Risk Calculator

If you’re watching your health in 2021 then the Cardiovascular Risk Calculator can be a vital tool for making sure you’re staying vigilant and making the right lifestyle choices for you. 

This clinical decision support tool provides individualized estimates of your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years, individualized recommendations from current Canadian guidelines to reduce your risk, and individualized estimates of the potential benefits of the recommended interventions.

This tool is designed for adults aged 35 to 75 years who do not have heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. It is designed to help you and your doctor decide what strategy of reducing your risk of having a heart attack or stroke is best for you.

Calculate your risk at www.cvdtool.ca

Victoria Skin Cancer Screening

Eat better. Exercise more. So many of our New Year’s resolutions are about our health, but it’s also important to take care of the important things we often forget. Skin cancer screening is something everyone should schedule, because when it comes to  treating and diagnosing skin cancer nothing is more important than early detection — and nothing helps this more than a consultation with Dr. André Erlank, MMed (Skin Cancer) or Dr. JJ Le Roux, MMed (Skin Cancer).

To find out more go to www.victoriaskincancerscreening.com

Coast Mountain Benefits

Nothing makes the new year seem brighter quite like saving money — and Coast Mountain Benefits should be your first call if you’re looking to save money on dental, health, and eye care costs. 

Coast Mountain Benefits offer Private Health Service Plans for Canadian Businesses that can help you potentially save between 32% & 75% on dental, health, and eye care costs. A Private Health Service Plan is a form or tax relief exclusive to Canadian businesses that allows for 100% of all medical and dental costs incurred by you and your employees to be expensed by your business.

For more information and to get a quote visit www.coastmountainbenefits.ca

FOOD & DIET 

VERTICAL ORGANIC GARDENING 

If you’re looking to spruce up your garden in 2021 — whether you’re a perennial greenfingers or someone who’s resolved to finally make use of their garden after years of promise and neglect — you need Vertical Organic Gardening in your life. 

Vertical gardening is one of the best ways to make the most of your outdoor space. With a Vertical Organic Garden, you will be able to grow your own food, and develop a fantastic outdoor space to really enrich your home. With their Gardens, you can grow up to 48 pots of fruits, vegetables, or herbs in an area of less than 8 square feet, making it an ideal way to start eating more fruits and vegetables. 

To find out more visit www.verticalorganicgarden.com

Lochmar Farm

We’re already seeing a renewed focus on natural ingredients, on looking after the environment and our bodies in 2021 to ensure that everything we do is sustainable, health conscious, and beneficial for us and those around us. These are the values embodied by Lochmar Farm..

They are a family farm located on the Saanich Peninsula, just 20 minutes from Victoria or Sidney, who sell their produce wholesale to local stores as well as direct to local customers. Things are grown naturally, without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides, including their beef and lamb, as well as fresh eggs and a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. 

For more information go to www.lochmar.ca

MENTAL HEALTH 

Dr Galia Artzy 

It’s no secret that 2020 was a tough year for many of us — so begin 2021 by making sure you’re not going through it alone. Therapy is all about having someone who will listen with empathy and help you cope with anything life throws at you. 

If you’re struggling, get in touch with Dr Galia Artzy, and she will provide you with an accessible and secure environment where you can benefit from her years of experience and training. The goal of the sessions will be to help her understand the issues you’re facing, and talk through your problems, addressing these through psychotherapy. 

For more information visit www.victoriatalktherapy.ca

Dr. Ken Harrison, Psychologist

A New Year. A New You. That’s the goal so many of us will be working towards and as a  seasoned psychologist of over 18 years, Dr Ken Harrison is ideally poised to help you achieve just that. 

Throughout his nearly two decades of experience, Dr Harrison has enjoyed working with those who seek to improve their lives, achieve their goals, and deal with all manner of obstacles. 

Guided by an enthusiasm for applying a broad knowledge of psychosocial matters to presenting problems, an abiding curiosity about the minds, emotions, and experiences of the people he works with, and an ability to collaborate in a relational exchange, Dr Harrison has helped a wide range of people deal with their problems and achieve with their goals. 

For more information visit www.psychologist-edmonton.com

Brisance Coaching

New Year’s Resolutions start with goals and a vision: you know where you want to go, but do you know how you’re going to get there? That’s where coaching and guidance can help you achieve your vision for who you want to be and where you want to go. 

Brisance Coaching can help you achieve just that, and trying out Wade Smith’s coaching experience is a simple, low obligation process. You can either schedule a Discovery Session for a quick getting to know you chat, or a longer Sample Session to get a feel for what the coaching experience will be like. Both of which are totally free! 

 For more information go to www.brisancecoaching.com

HOME & EQUIPMENT

Island Mediquip

Everyone should have the freedom and independence to achieve their goals, and that’s what Island Mediquip ensures with their products and services. 

With five locations on Vancouver Island, Island Mediquip is the largest independent dealer of home medical equipment in the region. They provide vital medical equipment and supplies, including wheelchairs, walkers, grab bars, mattresses, and stair lifts. They also rent an extensive selection of medical equipment for weekly & monthly terms. 

 If you have any accessibility or medical support needs, visit www.islandmediquip.com

MEDIX BC

Going into 2021 we’re all promising to take better care of ourselves — and sometimes that means putting safety first. As specialists in first aid and healthcare, MEDIX BC can do just that. 

MEDIX specialize in providing first aid and healthcare to all of Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. No matter what your first aid or healthcare needs, MEDIX is a reliable name that you can count on. With a variety of sizes and uses, MEDIX kits are an easy way to have the things you need in an emergency in one convenient pack.

Order the proper supplies here https://www.medixbc.ca/medical-supplies/category/first-aid-kits-2

Aggressive Fire Safety

The best New Year’s resolutions are the ones that bring you peace of mind — and there’s no better way to ensure your home is safe and secure than having a certified working fire extinguisher at hand. 

Aggressive Fire Safety offers hands-on fire extinguisher training, service, repair, fire hose testing, and more. In addition to their certified fire extinguisher service, they offer maintenance, on-site inspections, and installations for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

To find out more visit www.agressivefiresafety.com

Canada Scooters & Medical Supply

Is your New Year’s resolution to get out more, see more of the world around you? Well, for people with mobility needs that can be a tricky thing to achieve — but not with the help of Canada Scooters & Medical Supply. 

Canada Scooters specialize in finding the right walker or rollator for your specific needs. With nearly two decades worth of experience and a proven track record, they offer a wide range of mobility aids and advice designed to help give people what they need in order to live a full and independent life. 

For more information visit www.canadascooters.com

DENTISTS 

Oak Bay Family Dental

What’s the one thing we all neglect, even if we know we shouldn’t? That’s right, dental checkups. But don’t worry, with a new year, there’s never been a better time to schedule dental work, and no better place than Oak Bay Family Dental. 

Oak Bay Family Dental, headed by Dr Matthew Foulkes, offers everything your mouth and teeth need to stay healthy, including preventative and restorative dentistry, tooth removal, cancer screening, mild sedation, and minimally invasive treatment whenever possible. 

For more information visit www.oakbayfamilydental.com

Neate Dental

Start your new year off right by not making the same mistakes as last year, and by not leaving your dental checkups to the last minute, by contacting Dr Paul Neate at Neate Dental instead!

Dr. Paul Neate is an experienced family-focused dentist whose work focuses on providing patients with the highest levels of education, care, and comfort.

For further details go to www.neatedental.com

PETS 

Island Mobile Paws Veterinary

A New Year’s resolution isn’t just for you, it’s also for your pets. And what better way to make sure they’re being looked after than to check in with one of the region’s premier veterinary services.

Island Mobile Paws Veterinary Services is a mobile veterinary practice providing in-home care for animals in the Cowichan Valley, Saltspring Island, and Nanaimo areas. They utilize acupuncture, laser and therapeutic, ultrasound combined with direct therapy exercises to address any specific issues your pet may have. While they do not provide other routine or emergency veterinary services, they work closely with your regular veterinarian to coordinate each patient’s care.

For further details go to www.islandmobilepaws.com

Sitka Veterinary

Everyone wants the best treatment available, not just for themselves, but also for their pets. In 2021, let that be your motivation for ensuring your pet is made comfortable when they’re being treated, courtesy of Sitka Veterinary Services. 

Sitka Veterinary Services is a professional house call veterinary practice serving the Cowichan Valley area. Get stress-free veterinary care for your dog or cat in the comfort of your own home, which is ideal for anxious pets or those pets that don’t travel well. Not only is it convenient for you and a time-saver, there is no risk of your pet being exposed to other sick animals.

For further details go to www.sitkaveterinary.com

Thank you for reading our Health & Wellness newsletter! If you use any of these services please let us know! The next featured business newsletter will be all about home renovation, in a couple of months, so stay tuned for that.

To summarize just a few things that we offer, we’re taking inspiration from that classic Christmas song the 12 Days of Christmas and putting our own Radar Hill spin on it.

Here are 12 things you can expect to get from us: 

On the 12th Day of Christmas, Radar Hill Gave to Me ~ 

12 Pieces of content
11 Meta tags
10 Google Ads
9 CMS edits 
8 Helpful staff 
7 Data Reports 
6 Email campaigns 
5 Gorgeous dogs
4 Business tips 
3 Custom designs
2 E-commerce platforms
A Beautiful & Successful Website

12 Pieces of Content

Your website content matters. We’re talking images, copy, blog posts, and more. It allows you to entertain your audience, to inform them about your products and services, to build your brand identity in meaningful ways.

11 Meta Tags

Meta descriptions are a fundamental SEO tool, which is why the pages on our website are optimized to ensure the meta title tags and meta descriptions use the right keywords. This means your website will be found by the right people at the right time.

10 Google Ads

Want to make sure you’re marketing your website to the right audience? Then you need Google Ads. Google Ads is a paid search service that is triggered by search terms and keywords you’ve selected, making it efficient and cost-effective.

9 CMS Edits 

We have our very own content management system, Pyramid! Our Pyramid Content Management System makes it easy for you to edit and update your website once it’s up and running.

8 Helpful Staff 

We provide our customers with the one to one support and service they deserve, which is why when you call Radar Hill you get to speak to one of our friendly and helpful staff. We’re always here to give advice, suggestions, and talk you through any of the complicated tech-related areas of your website.

7 Data Reports 

Google Analytics offers a wealth of data, designed to help you understand how your audience is finding and interacting with your website. However, with so much data available, it can be difficult to interpret and make sense of everything. That’s why we offer our expertise in the form of custom reports designed to give you the information you need to improve your website.

6 Email Campaigns 

For many email marketing is an afterthought — something that they don’t consider to be as crucial as social media or other forms of content marketing. These businesses are missing out on a golden opportunity. 

Email marketing remains one of the most effective, and influential marketing methods, and it presents an array of intriguing possibilities for companies going forward. As a part of our comprehensive package of services, we offer effective email marketing that will help you reach your customers.

5 Gorgeous Dogs

Not quite website related, but relevant to us for sure, as we love it when dogs visit the office! We’ve had several over the years, and it always lights up our day.

4 Business Tips 

A great website is just one piece of a larger puzzle. A puzzle that when completed will help to grow your business and achieve your goals. We help our clients do just that by taking the time to understand their business and offering them the benefit of our own expertise and guidance.

3 Custom Designs

We don’t just work from templates. Our websites can be a bespoke creation based on the needs and identity of our clients; The best websites make an impact because they stand out and offer a good experience. They don’t try and appeal to everyone. The best websites convey a message and personality that speaks to their intended audience — and this is what our custom websites achieve.

2 E-commerce Platforms

E-commerce is online shopping, and with Christmas coming up buying online is undoubtedly on everyone’s minds – but it isn’t just for Christmas! We offer year-round websites that have a number of great features designed to make your customers’ online shopping experience seamless and hassle-free. 

Plus, we can integrate your in-store inventory with your e-commerce platform to help you keep track of stock and sales with a singular database.

A Beautiful & Successful Website

Our primary purpose, to create beautiful and successful websites! 

This year being able to buy and even send gifts online has never been more important.

Whether you’re planning a stay at home celebration in your household or sending out gifts to family members for them to open over Zoom (it really is a strange year), we have you covered with this newsletter roundup featuring some of our amazing clients! 

If there’s a theme for most of our businesses this year, it’s that being able to offer customers an online buying experience has become absolutely crucial.

We’ve seen a number of our businesses transition to offering a full e-commerce experience, and see tremendous success doing so!

This list truly has everything: from delicious food to standout artistic centrepieces to one of a kind personalized gifts.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift this Christmas we’re sure you’ll be able to find something in this newsletter!

PRESENTS & GIFTS

The hardest thing to do at Christmas? Find the perfect gift of course! All of the businesses in this section can help to make that process easier than ever — and with such a wide range of options, we’re sure there’s something for everyone here. 

PETS WEST 

No matter what the animal, your pet is an important, and beloved, part of your life. So, don’t neglect them this Christmas, make sure to gift them (and their owners) with something that’ll make their lives better, whether that’s food, supplies, or even a brand new toy.

We also know many of you will be shopping online for your gifts this year – and Pets West has you covered with their new e-commerce site. With a range of over 8000 products and both curbside pickup and free delivery options available for most products, there’s everything you could need just a few clicks away.

To browse their wide-ranging selection of pet products, and order your gift today visit www.petswest.ca

HERITAGE WOODEN GIFTS

It is now easier than ever to find beautiful custom works of art, as with Heritage Wooden Gifts you can find something which is carved with love by expert engravers.

They have a wide selection of pieces, including jewellery, crests, medals, magnets, bookmarks, and coasters, which gives you the chance to present someone with a truly unique gift that captures and transforms the natural beauty of the West Coast into a lovingly crafted treasure.

To view their full selection of products and order now visit www.heritagewoodengifts.com

CUBAN CIGAR SHOP

There are few products that carry more social cache, quality, and style than the Cuban Cigar, with its worldwide reputation and storied history. They are an ideal gift this Christmas, and the Cuban Cigar Shop in Victoria offers a wide selection of quality options. Additionally, they have an impressive selection of accessories, including luxurious humidors, cigar cutters, and lighters.

To see their full selection of products and order now visit www.cubancigar-shop.com

OUT OF IRELAND

Cosy sweaters and scarves always been a staple of Christmas gifting. Thanks to Out Of Ireland you have a wonderful collection of Irish, knits, scarves, wraps and hats right here in downtown Victoria.

Additionally the store showcases Irish jewellery, wool throws and many other unique gift items. Out Of Ireland also carries the widest selection of men’s wool caps and hats in Western Canada.

Other brands to enjoy in the store are Bewleys, Claddagh, Guinness and Mucros.

Worldwide shipping and a great new website to enjoy. Order now at www.outofireland.ca and find them on Facebook.

MEDIX BC

For the adventurer in your life or just someone who wants to be prepared with a small emergency first aid kit, Medix BC has got you covered. Offering a range of kits and other medical supplies, don’t let you or a loved one be caught out without a kit.

With a variety of sizes and uses, kits are an easy way to have the things you need in an emergency in one convenient pack – make your life a little safer.

Order the proper supplies here https://www.medixbc.ca/medical-supplies/category/first-aid-kits-2

ISLAND OUTFITTERS

This year we’ve all been trying to get out and make the most of wide-open spaces, and there’s nothing quite as relaxing in these stressful times as a spot of fishing. Since 1994, Island Outfitters has been supplying  Victoria’s fishermen with all their bait and equipment needs, as well as a range of other hunting supplies.

For that perfect gift for the fisher in your life visit www.fishingvictoria.com

SAWYER SEWING CENTRE

The best gifts are the ones that come from the heart, and the ones that are crafted personally with love and care. This Christmas let inspiration guide you and make something truly unique, with the help of equipment and guidance from Sawyer Sewing Centre. 

They carry a range of top quality sewing machines, threads, parts, and accessories, all of which can also make great gifts for the sewing aficionado in your life. 

To see their full list of products and order visit www.sawyersewing.com

JOHNSON’S SEWING CENTRE

We’ve all come to embrace our hobbies, even more, this year, and there is nothing quite as gratifying or relaxing as sewing. Whether you know a master seamstress, or someone just looking to get started, help them this Christmas with the gift of sewing supplies from Johnson Sewing.

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, they have been operating since 1969 and drawing on this experience and expertise, they’re able to offer the very best when it comes to materials and equipment. 

For more information or to purchase sewing supplies today, visit www.johnsonssewing.com

THERESA MAKES PAPER DOLLS

If you’re looking for something truly unique for a gift idea, and something that’s going to have a genuine personal touch, then Theresa Makes Paper Dolls has just the solution for you.

There are endless possibilities with a personalized paper doll, made in a likeness of your choosing, and they come with a wide range of outfits and styles, making them a great gift for adults and children alike. Truly something fun and quirky to enjoy!

To order your own paper doll, visit www.theresamakespaperdolls.com

MVP CREST AND TROPHY

Customized embroidery and vinyl print are the perfect way to personalize your clothing, hats, and bags. Declare your team spirit with a special team jersey. Flaunt your individuality with a custom embroidered jacket. Share your favourite saying on a tote bag. Brag about an accomplishment with a vinyl pressed shirt. Show off your unique sense of style with custom embroidered pants. Impress with custom embroidered initials on your handkerchiefs. Wear it loud and wear it proud!

Reward your winners with a trophy or promotional item from MVP Crest and Trophy. They offer awards, engravings, promotional items, anniversary gifts, and team apparel.   

For further details go to www.mymvp.ca

SOCIETY OF SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL 

If you’re looking for fantastic bargains with the added bonus of contributing to a great cause — why not head on down to SSVP. The Society of Saint Vincent De Paul is run with the spirit of fairness and compassion in mind, helping those who truly need it. To help them achieve this they operate two thrift stores in Victoria, selling clothes, household items, electronics, antiques, and much more! 

For more information on the good work of the society and for a list of locations you can visit www.ssvpvancouverisland.ca

FAITH GRANT’S ON THE AVENUE

Antiques don’t just make for excellent gifts, full of character, uniqueness and attractiveness. They also offer people a chance to join a lineage of owners and personal history. With a collection of hand-picked items from homes across Vancouver Island, Faith Grant’s on The Avenue has a wide range of antiques for that special, personal gift.

To see their current inventory, visit www.faithgrantantiques.com

ALL BATTERY

It’s a very common problem, you’ve been given a great new gift for Christmas and you can’t wait to start using it — but you don’t have the battery it needs.

All Battery in Langford is here to make sure your Christmas runs smoothly, with batteries for cell phones, cordless phones, digital cameras, laptops, GPS devices and much more, they’re sure to have the right battery for your gift. 

For further details visit www.allbattery.ca

EVENTS, ENTERTAINING, AND EATING

A stay at home celebration can be a low key affair, or it can be something extravagant and celebratory. But either way, you don’t have to sacrifice quality or excitement!

In this section, we have the perfect range of foods and decorations to make the most of your household’s Christmas celebrations this year.

CAKES ETC.

While we’re all staying safe this Christmas it’s still important to treat ourselves — Cakes Etc. is here to provide you with a delightful range of options.

Whether you’re looking for a statement cake you and the family can tuck into, or a selection of tasty sweets to follow that traditional Christmas meal.

To see their full selection and order online on their new e-commerce site visit www.cakesetc.ca

THIRSTY VINTNER

A good quality wine is an individual taste experience — uniquely different for each person’s palette — but it also should be fun. And that’s exactly what Thirsty Vintner has captured with their wine-making experiences.

Whether you’re looking to surprise someone with a high-quality wine you’ve created or bring someone into the world of wine crafting, this is an ideal Christmas Gift! Thirsty Vintner has made it easy for anyone to take part in the wine creation process, helping people in-store and at home to make wines that offer premium taste at affordable prices.

To find out more, visit www.thirstyvintner.ca

EUGENE’S WHOLESALE GREEK FOOD

Food isn’t just about taste — it’s also heritage, history, passed down and shared with the world, and when people are able to share that culture it brings something new into the world. That’s exactly what happened when Greek immigrants Evgeni (Eugene) and Paschalina Vassiliadis opened up their Souvlaki snack bar in 1979. Now a wholesale business, Eugene’s is operated by their son Lee Vassiliadis, supplying delicious Homous and Tzatziki across Victoria. 

These are products built on history and authenticity, as well as tremendously tasty ingredients! Served alongside pita bread, they would make for a fantastic canape or appetizer for any Christmas or New Year stay-at-home celebration.

To see the full list of where you can get their products, visit www.eugenes.ca

CHERYL’S GOURMET PANTRY

Whether you’re simply too pushed for time this winter, or you want something with more style and taste than your standard home-made fare, Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry is the answer to all your Christmas cooking quandaries. They offer a sumptuous selection of delicious food, delivered with knowledge and professionalism.

To see her mouth-watering menus, visit www.cherylsgourmetpantry.com

KENMAR FLOWER FARM

Flowers can be an ideal way to add a touch of grace and elegance to any winter party or occasion. Or, they can be a beautiful and touching gift for a partner or family member. Either way, as one of the premier florists in Victoria, Kenmar Flower Farm will be able to provide you with something that will take people’s breath away.

They offer a wide range of flowers, plus European Hand Tied Bouquets that are arranged on a daily basis by people whose skill, craft, and experience shine through.

For flower tips and pictures of their beautiful bouquets, go to www.kenmarflowerfarm.com

HOME & GARDEN

We’ve all been spending a lot more time in our homes recently — and learning the importance of a comfortable, relaxing, and energizing space to work, relax, and play in!

All these home and garden gifts will help you cultivate the perfect living space for you to spend your days in.

HEIRLOOM LINENS

There’s no better feeling than sinking into a luxuriously comfortable bed at the end of the day. Why not give someone the gift of a good night’s sleep this Christmas courtesy of Heirloom Linens? They have a wide range of bedding options, all expertly made and carefully sourced. 

For all your bedding needs and to order now, visit www.heirloomlinens.com

VERTICAL ORGANIC GARDENING 

Vertical gardening is one of the best ways to make the most of your outdoor space. With a Vertical Organic Garden, you will be able to grow your own food, and develop a fantastic outdoor space to really enrich your home.

With their Gardens, you can grow up to 48 pots of fruits, vegetables, or herbs in an area of less than 8 square feet, making it an ideal gift for someone with a green thumb with limited space.

To find out more visit www.verticalorganicgarden.com

CLASSIC HOME TAPESTRIES

The more time you’re spending in your home, the more important getting the right look and feel for your space is. This Christmas turn to Classic Home Tapestries for something that will really transform your living space or home office. With beautiful and ornate tapestries, you can give someone the gift of a magnificent piece that will add drama and style to wherever they hang it.

These high-quality tapestries, including everything from medieval and classical scenes to contemporary pieces, have been woven by long-established weavers in France, Belgium and Italy, who take tremendous pride in their craft and tradition.

To view their selection of tapestries, visit www.thetapestryhouse.com

ART

Nothing sparks the imagination quite like a piece of art. And in this section, we’re focusing on places that offer exactly that. With an emphasis on authenticity and craft that makes them truly one of a kind!

MY MONDO TRADING

Staring at a blank wall isn’t the most exciting experience — especially if you’re working from home — however, things can easily be livened up with a piece of art from My Mondo Trading. All pieces are rooted in the true provenance of Canada’s Pacific Northwest, with work by artists from First Nations across the region. My Mondo is able to highlight underappreciated and often ignored artists, bringing their work, which is rich in their unique culture, legends, visual styles and storytelling, to the public.

Each piece in this collection of masks, totem poles, talking sticks, paddles, headdresses, bowls, boxes and more has its own personal meaning and story, as well as beauty and value. With new pieces added and sold every week, and often selling fast, be sure to move quickly to secure the perfect artwork gift this Christmas.

To view their vast selection of art visit www.mymondotrading.com

PENINSULA GALLERY

Whether you’re searching for a gift for an artist, or simply someone who you know appreciates the finer points of art, the acclaimed Peninsula Gallery is ideal for you. Formed in 1986, it has since grown into one of Canada’s most renowned and established art galleries, presenting high-quality art and sculptures from both local and nationwide artists.

Located in Sidney, and with worldwide shipping for their pieces as well as bespoke custom framing, choosing and sending a piece from their gallery couldn’t be easier. And, for those who prefer to create, they also offer a range of art classes.

For a closer look at their artists, artwork, and available classes, visit www.pengal.com

TOPGATE FARM

If you’re looking for artistic gifts and cards this Christmas, Topgate Farm gives you the chance to find something unique that reflects the best of Canadian art and artists. With a focus on the landscapes and seascapes of Western Canada, they showcase two very special Canadian artists and offer hand-printed reproductions of their work in the form of Art Cards, Note Cards, and Custom Art prints. 

To view their full products, visit www.topgatefarm.com

BOOKS 

Books are one of the classic Christmas gifts for a reason! Whether you’re looking for some tasty recipes for people to try out or something special for the little ones we have you covered here with two truly unique clients. 

EVERYONE CAN COOK

We’ve all discovered the importance of good home cooking this year — so there’s no better time to take your culinary skills to the next level with recipes and advice from leading Canadian chef Eric Akis. 

Eric believes that everyone has what it takes to cook delicious meals — and he would know! As a renowned Canadian Chef and food writer he has a wealth of experience in the kitchen, and his regular columns for the Victoria Times Colonist have proven a hit with readers across the province. He has also written a number of hugely popular cookbooks, and many of his recipes can also be found on his website. 

For taster recipes and more information, go to www.everyonecancook.com

MICHELLE MULDER

Books are often the ideal Christmas gift for any child, not only encouraging a lifelong love of reading but giving them memories and attachments that they will remember for years to come. And, in the form of renowned Canadian author Michelle Mulder’s work, the perfect literary Christmas gift is now at hand.

With a genuine passion for writing books for younger readers, she’s written a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles. For that extra touch, signed, personalized books are available from the author directly.

To view all of her books, visit www.michellemulder.com

JEWELLERY

There is no better gift for that special someone in your life than a piece of fine jewellery, and here are a couple of the finest.

STEPHEN FORTNER JEWELLERY

There is no better gift than a piece of sparkling fine jewellery, but you want to be sure you’re getting the very best. Stephen Fortner can ensure just that, using only conflict-free stones that have been appraised by an expert Gemmologist. As a skilled goldsmith with over 25 years of experience, he turns those stones into beautiful, glistening jewellery that will make for a special gift that is sure to be cherished.

To see his beautiful products, visit www.stephenfortner.com

SUSAN KOCH

Jewellery is the perfect gift for someone you care about this Christmas, but the tricky part can often be finding something that is unique, distinctive, and heartfelt. The jewellery of Susan Koch is all those things, and much more.

Reflecting her summers spent on Galiano Island, and a lifelong love affair with beach stones and sea glass. She incorporates these unique design elements into her work, crafting organic sterling silver jewellery with a gorgeous aesthetic, and a hand-crafted uniqueness that can’t be replicated.

To see pictures of her stunning and jewellery and which stores on Vancouver Island stock them, visit www.susankoch.ca

SPORT

Whether you’ve been kickstarting your exercise regime or you’re itching to get back on the field next year, now is the best time to invest in athletic gear. And with the help of these businesses, you’ll also be able to find the perfect present for the fitness fanatic in your life!

CYCLE THERAPY

Staying in shape through the winter doesn’t have to be a drag — not with the exciting option of year-round Vancouver Island cycling. Cycling isn’t just an amazing way to get and stay fit, it’s also a great way of exploring this gorgeous island and getting outside in a safe and socially distanced way!

It doesn’t matter what your cycling level is, Cycle Therapy has everything you need to start your cycling adventure — expert advice, great customer service, and a wide range of bikes, accessories, and even bike rentals.  

To start making plans for you or your loved ones, visit www.cycletherapy.ca

KIRBY’S SOURCE FOR SPORTS

No matter what level they’re playing at, Kirby’s Source for Sports has a wide selection of equipment and supplies that would make the perfect Christmas gift for the sports enthusiast in your life. Kirby’s has a wide range of products across Hockey, Baseball, and Lacrosse, as well as recently expanded offerings in Soccer, Field Hockey and Football.

This locally owned and operated business can be counted on for high-quality customer service and support, backed by owners Kirby Yeats and Sean Tackaberry, who have over 50 combined years’ worth of experience in the sporting goods industry.

To view their full selection of products visit www.kirbyssports.com

SAWYER TRAMPOLINES

Are you looking for a unique gift this Christmas that can be both fun and rewarding for your kids (And maybe even the adults)? Then look no further than Sawyer Trampolines. A trampoline could make an amazing gift with the potential for year-round fun and exercise and low maintenance and easy assembly.

They have a range of excellent products that feature heavy-duty galvanized steel frames, weather-resistant marine vinyl-covered safety pads, high-density polypropylene jumping surface, and galvanized steel springs. There is a maximum weight load of 450 pounds which means mum and dad can enjoy bouncing with the kids too.

To view which trampolines would suit you best, visit www.sawyertrampolines.com

Thank you for reading our Christmas newsletter. If you would like to be featured in future ones, please email info@radarhill.com!

P.S. If you enjoyed the writing of these entries, inquire about our copywriting services.

For many of us, it’s as simple as reading and clicking, a user experience we presume to be universal.

In reality, there are myriad ways a website can be inaccessible to people.

Whether it’s visual impairment, hearing impairments, neurodivergence, or countless other things — the notion of a universal user experience can be a harmful myth, that prevents everyone from enjoying and using your website. 

To have a fully accessible website there are numerous factors that need to be considered. This post will take a look at some of the examples of how accessibility works in practice, and what can be done to make websites more accessible.

Optimizing For Screen Readers

Creating an accessible website is often about paying attention to the details, and making sure you put the effort in when you’re building a site, so that all users can access it seamlessly.

It also means acknowledging that your experience of using the internet will be radically different to others. This is especially true for people who rely on screen readers.

For the visually impaired, a screen reader is a vital tool that allows them to browse online by having the text read aloud. 

Where many go wrong is the presumption that a screen reader can simply read words on a page, no matter how they’re organized — the reality is a little more complicated than that.

Because screen readers use heading structures to navigate, headings must be correctly formatted and ordered. 

This will help a screen reader navigate — but accessibility shouldn’t stop at mere functionality, it’s about providing the same experience for all users. This means providing as much detail as possible for screen readers to their users.

One great way of doing this is through the use of alt text tags for images, which helps to ensure the messaging of an image is conveyed even if the image itself can’t be seen.

Marry Substance And Style

When it comes to visuals the first thing you’ll be considering is the simple matter of whether or not it looks good — but this shouldn’t be where you stop.

There’s no use having eye catching visuals if they’re off putting or unusable for others, which is why you need to be careful when you’re selecting colors.

The most well-known example of this is the use of red-green as the most common form of color deficiency: nearly 10% of the population is affected by the inability to distinguish between red and green.

Having colour schemes that rely on these two colours, especially for buttons, make them hard to use for some.

Movement Across The Page 

For users with mobility disabilities, the experience of scrolling a website can be a difficult one if it’s not set up correctly.

These users are reliant on keyboard scrolling, meaning all content needs to be easily accessible through this method.

In practice, this means the tab order needs to match up with the visual order, long pages should be broken up with anchor links, and all sub menus and multiple level areas should be configured for keyboard access. 

Captions And Transcripts

It’s a small thing — but hugely important given how prevalent video content is — that if your site contains video elements, you need to account for how those with hearing impairments will experience your site.

That means captioning or transcripts, not just subtitles. Subtitles simply describe the speech on screen, while captions describe both speech and significant audio events. 

A transcript can be a great option if you have a long video, interview, or podcast, allowing people to read rather than listen. 

Do The Research

If there’s one thing to take away from this, it isn’t the specific tips or principles, which only scratch the surface of the various accessibility measures and options.

It’s that making a website accessible requires a willingness to engage with the material that’s out there, and to look things up if you’re unsure.

Accessibility — like many features of the user experience — is easier to integrate with custom websites. Custom websites allow for greater control, variety, and quality.

To find out more about the custom websites we build here at Radar Hill, get in touch with us today. 

For a long time now I’ve been involved with Toastmasters International, a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. 

Usually, the format is a club meeting every week or every other week, depending on the club, with Club, Area, District, and Division level speech contests being held in the Spring for people to test their skills. Of course because of COVID-19 everything changed. 

Not only that, but we were having to adapt and change things quickly, as everything began shutting down right in the middle of contest season. The District wanted to figure out how do we continue to meet online, and how will the contests be run. They set up a taskforce to solve these issues, and I stepped forward to be a part of it. 

I thought it would be straightforward and simple, basically a rubberstamp. I thought I could improve a few things, have some discussions, and that’s it. Then we have the contest. I was so wrong. 

I attended a couple of area contents online and realized the depth of the issues.

For one, in a normal event, the Master of Ceremonies would direct proceedings. But during this virtual session, this mostly just meant one person monologuing and telling “jokes” while everyone else was muted. 

The second problem is these events are timed, which works great in person, but is really difficult to do online. This contest had the timer sitting back looking grumpy and holding up a piece of paper in front of the camera for a few seconds only.

The whole effect was a little awkward, a little amateur, and a poor substitute for the in-person experience. We needed a plan for how to handle these events going forward.

The issue we ran into was that if we hold up the old timing cards, with a Zoom background those cards disappear. Plus depending on the device and the screen and the resolution of the camera, the colour that one person is holding up in front of a camera may not be perceived as the same for everybody.

To solve the timing issues, we borrowed an idea from District 2 in Seattle who’d been using the virtual background function on Zoom to display the timing lights. We needed to set it up so that the speaker gets to see the timing lights at the right time, easily and simply

This was just one small part of what we had to figure out. Really, we were trying to configure the whole Zoom experience, everything from getting the judges and people into the meeting, to breakout rooms for contestants, renaming people – there was a lot that had to be done correctly.

We also had to identify what led to the previous events going so poorly. It wasn’t just a lack of the right setup, people were being forced to adapt to completely new circumstances without any preparation. A lesson we’ve all had to learn in the past few months.

We started running mock contests, where we would find an area that was having a contest and they would come to a Zoom meeting beforehand to do a trial run. We would walk through all of the details and steps we’d put in place, and a lot of the people were really struggling with Zoom, but eventually they got the hang of it.

As the contests progressed, we had to start being really specific with how we were structuring the speaking areas, as in person everyone would be sharing the same stage.

The guidelines from Toastmasters International stipulated that there were to be no virtual backgrounds, and the size of the speaking area for all contestants was to be taken from the smallest example. Meaning if one contestant is set up with a high quality camera and has 4 meters of walking space in front of the camera, but another contestant only has 1 meter and no place to move, then all contestants had to participate within that 1 meter.

The process wasn’t perfect from the beginning, and we were often having to adapt and figure it out for ourselves – what becomes the best practice? All in all, it was a very collaborative process with  mock meetings, as well as helping to host other area contests.

After each contest, the task force and contest officials held a debriefing to determine exactly what happened, what we could do better. And after each meeting, our process changed, as there was always something to tweak, to improve.

And for all that hard work we were able to put on a brilliant District Contest. All our effort came to fruition.

We also ended up organizing a couple Club Officer Training sessions which had 500 attendees from within District 21 and visitors from other districts. This exceeded our Zoom account. Online training is here to stay, and with such large numbers in attendance, we are reuniting some of the contest task force to look at our options for future training sessions.

And now District 21 is the only district in the world where 100% of the clubs in good standing have opted for online attendance. We are also number one in the world for new members, number one for Education awards, and number one for Club Growth.

Michael Bown, the head of District 21 says “I give a lot of credit to the taskforce for injecting some energy and really elevated the level and that was a huge part of the momentum that pushed us forward for those awards. So to stand number one in the Region cross the board, winning everything we could win, that’s a good spot to be in, good energy to have, and hopefully help with the recovery of Toastmasters and BC in general”

We are a Distinguished District and that’s all down to individual clubs being successful at running an online meeting. Only 5 other Districts in all of the Americas received Distinguished status – and it’s been really neat to be part of making that happen.

This isn’t an isolated trend, as e-commerce has been an exponentially growing industry in recent years, and as most businesses were forced to move online, that trend spiked. 

Online shopping isn’t something that will go away. In fact, an e-commerce presence is going to be absolutely vital for all retail businesses going forward. Here are a few reasons why. 

Brand Visibility and Your Own Space

If the decline in foot traffic with social distancing measures in place has highlighted anything, it’s that the best way to get your brand out there is to be online. 

With an e-commerce store, you can take the identity and aesthetic of your brick & mortar building, and put it on a more visible and accessible stage. By having your own website where people can purchase your products from, it creates an easy space for your business to continue. 

Depending on your products and business, while you can sell via Amazon or Etsy or any other 3rd party platform like that, you never properly “own” that space. There are extra payment fees and other rules you have to comply with to stay on that platform. But having your own website that is completely owned by you, it gives you much more control over your business. 

By having your own e-commerce website, this can be the new home for your business, one that customers can drop-in on and use any time they like, allowing you to expand and grow virtually. 

The Convenient Truth 

Shoppers want convenience. Many people simply don’t have the time or the inclination to shop in person, especially now. 

With an e-commerce website, you’re making it as easy as possible for your customers to not only buy from you, but also for them to browse and see all products offered, and find out about new products that they might have missed out on in-person. 

Instead of being pressured in-store to make a decision on a product, a good website means customers can browse at their own leisure, and find exactly what they’re looking for, on their own terms. 

An e-commerce website can be used to build an enjoyable and seamless customer experience, making it comfortable for them to return to again and again. 

Marketing Maestros

If your online presence is the most important marketing toolkit a business has, then an e-commerce website is the most versatile tool, the one you need to unlock the full potential of your marketing opportunities. 

With an e-commerce website, you broaden your email and social media marketing opportunities, improve your conversion rates, and deepen the integration of your marketing efforts. 

It also means that going forward you have scalability. 

You want your business to grow, and it will, and as that growth happens you want to make sure you can scale your business accordingly – something that can only be done simply and easily if you have a dedicated e-commerce website. 

The future of marketing lies in targeting and personalization. In the past, businesses had to rely on reaching as many people as possible, in the broadest way possible. A bus stop ad or radio commercial can only be targeted in certain geographical areas, and not much more than that. 

With an e-commerce website, you can gather more data on your customers, and use that data for targeted offers, loyalty programs, personalized promotions and more, to ensure your products are reaching the right people at the right time. 

Lowering Your Overall Costs

The cost of having a physical setup can be prohibitive and detrimental for some businesses. Once you add up everything from rent and insurance to labour and advertising, it can easily eat into your profit margins and render any future growth or development a high-risk investment. 

With an e-commerce website, the marketing costs are less than a traditional brick & mortar storefront, and both the initial setup and running costs will be significantly cheaper. 

Of course the choice is not to be either exclusively a physical store or only online, the two can work in conjunction very well. A feature on a few of our e-commerce websites includes an in-store pickup option, which for local customers means being able to save on delivery costs.

Security And Resiliency

One of the most important recent lessons that any business has had to learn is that you never know what your next crisis might be. With an e-commerce website, you have built-in resiliency and security. 

Even if your physical store is closed, or has reduced foot traffic, you’ll still be able to bring in customers and fulfil orders. A website is a way for your business to continue, even when the world has seemingly stopped. 

The best e-commerce website is one created by and run by experts. To find out more about how Radar Hill can build just that for you, get in touch with us today. 

SSL has become an important aspect of daily Internet life, so we thought we would explain what exactly it is and why you need to know about it. Read on to know why SSL is one of the basic features needed for safeguarding your data online. 

All information used to be written down on paper instead of being shared electronically, and it was difficult for personal information to be accessed, unless you knew exactly where to look. And even then it was a physical process that wasn’t the easiest to do in nefarious ways. 

Nowadays, when everything is done online, it’s so much easier for hackers to access data. It’s readily available for them and relatively simple to access. Cybercrime is an active problem that can affect anyone. However one thing that can stop hackers from accessing data entered into a website, is SSL. 

How Does SSL Work? 

In short, SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer. Its primary function is to keep your data safe from anyone trying to access it. 

Having SSL on a website means hackers will not be able to read information shared between you, the website, and the intended recipient. So you can use SSL as a way to keep shared information safe between a particular server and your client or between two different servers altogether. 

What happens is that SSL uses something called a “public key” and a “private key” that cooperate to create an encrypted connection. The “public key” is specifically used by the website inquisition to encrypt conveyed information, while the “private key” is used by the server to unlock the data. Nobody else will be able to understand this data if they try to intercept it, because it will just appear as nonsense to them. 

What you send: I'd like a dozen roses delivered to 3301 Douglas Street, Victoria, for Andrea Chan. 

What they see: inygh786g5gthyj7nb76ur5c4fght8b69h7g65rf64f7d6edrr

With SSL every bit of information shared is encrypted which means that the data becomes “locked” and can only be “unlocked” by the person it’s intended for.

Nothing extra or technical needs to happen to “unlock” the data, it’s simply accessed via the allowed channel, such as contact form submissions, or a locked database. 

What to Look Out For

Nowadays, it’s so easy to leave large digital footprints from our online presence, which makes it easier for hackers to find and use that for their own gain. 

For example, if you were to order some flowers from a florist online by filling out a form, the florist would receive the order and see it’s for a dozen roses, your contact info, and any other information you provided them.

If there was no SSL on the website, a hacker could intercept this information and make a copy of it. They would be able to see that you ordered a dozen roses, your contact info, and whatever other information you gave them. If there is SSL however, hackers can’t do anything. 

Who Need SSL?

While people have SSL for different reasons, it works exactly the same way on every website. It is absolutely crucial for websites that take payments to have it. Never ever give payment details to a website that does not have SSL.

But even if you don’t take payments, if any data is collected SSL is a good idea. It ensures that the information you’re sending ends up where it belongs, and becomes another way of preventing the data ending up in the wrong hands along the way. 

SSL is also beneficial for SEO purposes. Having an SSL encrypted website can also act as a way of getting your ranking up in the search results as it shows the search engine that your website is a secure place to send visitors. 

In 2020, many web browsers have stepped up their game regarding SSL and are making a conscious effort to block websites that are not secured. Even Google is looking at making SSL a mandatory feature with their updated versions of Google Chrome.

How To Tell if a Website Has SSL

Fortunately there’s an easy way to find out if a website has SSL by simply looking at the URL. Most browsers used will show that the connection is secured with a tiny green padlock. 

It will also be accompanied by a secure message next to the padlock when you hover over the padlock. 

If you’re about to give data to a website and you’re concerned about whether or not you’re protected, there’s nothing to worry about if that padlock is visible. 

Nowadays having SSL is essentially mandatory for every website, as it’s one of the very basic tenants of safe Internet usage. The way we use the Internet today is different from how it was used years ago, when the first browsers and search engines began to make an appearance. There’s a lot more that hackers can do to access personal data, but then there’s also a lot more safety features in place. While nothing is 100% guaranteed online, SSL is one way that data can be protected. 

If you want any more information about this just get in touch by sending an email to info@radarhill.com. 

Below are a few examples of the many unique situations of our clients.

Honeysuckle Cottage Sales

Toni and her team of seamstresses make beautiful tea cozies and home decor products for customers and shops across Canada.

The pandemic was going to be a disaster as shops closed nationwide. All of a sudden, masks became an essential personal safety product as well as a fashion statement.

Toni and her team took to making thousands of masks per day in a variety of colours and patterns.

FX Connectors Currency Exchange

Cruise ships and tourists make up the bulk of Mike O’Neil’s customers and this pandemic hit Mike’s business hard.

However, over the past few years Mike has been cultivating currency exchange relationships with wholesale and retail businesses that buy internationally.

With the reliance on shipping and supplies coming from other countries, Mike has been able to pivot and weather the storm.

Island Mediquip

As an essential service that tends to the medical needs of our most vulnerable, Island Mediquip needed to change their business protocols drastically to keep their customers feeling comfortable and keeping them safe.

Along with a host of safety protocols, E-commerce has enabled their staff to reduce the personal interactions to only the most essential.

Out of Ireland

Retail shops are some of the hardest hit industries. Out of Ireland is a busy Government Street business that caters to tourists and cruise ship traffic.

Salish Seaside RV Haven

With RV vacations on the upswing as an option during the pandemic, Salish RV Haven took pause to think on who would be allowed to stay at their park.

With rule breakers in the news travelling around the country (and even crossing the border), Salish RV made the socially-conscious decision to restrict visitors to BC residents only.

Medix EMS

We only just finished this e-commerce site in late 2019. The pandemic induced a “trial by fire” for Lyle and Lydia’s company as they were inundated with more than a 1000 orders for PPE and cleaning products within a matter of weeks. The e-commerce store has enabled their company to help local businesses adjust to new protocols and procedures.

If you want any information about how an E-Commerce website can help your business, email info@radarhill.com.

Fortunately, you have more control over the spread of this than you may realize, as often this level of data collection relies on passive consent, where users agree to something without even realizing it’s happening.

There are in fact, a number of actions you can take to make sure your data is kept private and protected, actions we’re going to cover in this blog.

Opting Out 

While many of us remain vigilant when it comes to giving out our email address or personal details, we don’t truly understand the level of detail we’re handing over simply by visiting a website.

When you visit a website your browser will often disclose a wide range of information about your browsing history, information that can then be sold on or used for targeted advertising.

Opting out of this process is often opaque and labyrinthine, and time-consuming.

There are however a variety of tools that can be used to counter this sort of tracking, including : 

• Simple Opt Out
  A database of up to date opt-out advice for a variety of popular websites
• uBlock
  A wide-spectrum blocker for Chrome and Firefox 
• Privacy Badger
  A browser add-on designed to prevent advertisers and other third-party trackers from collecting data about which sites you visit and which pages you look at 
• HTTPS Everywhere
  An encryption extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera 

Be Careful Where You Store Private Information 

As cloud storage and other online-based services such as Google Docs become more and more popular, it’s important to remain vigilant when it comes to what information you’re keeping on these services.

Avoid storing sensitive information, such as passport scans, passwords, bank details etc. on services that can be used for the purposes of sharing or distributing information.

Use A Secure Password 

Most people would be surprised just how easy it is to unravel a weak password – in fact as a general rule of thumb if the password is easy enough for you to memorize then it isn’t secure.

A good password should be randomized and over 12 characters long, and the best way to achieve this is through a password management software such as LastPass.

Additionally, if you plan on taking your laptop or mobile device anywhere, we’d advise to password protecting these devices. This password doesn’t have to be as secure, just a simple numeric pin will suffice. 

Review Your App Permissions

If you’ve used a mobile app or installed a browser extension you will no doubt have been prompted to allow it a wide range of access to things such as: 

• Contacts
• Device Storage 
• Camera
• Locations 

Often these permissions will be necessary for the app or extension for function, but these permissions can also represent a significant incursion on your privacy, as well as a means for gathering data for marketing purposes.

If you’re worried about privacy, only grant these permissions where absolutely necessary, and review them regularly. Does your Spider Solitaire really need access to your camera?

Stay Smart 

The next frontier of data privacy (and one that in many ways has already arrived), will concern smart technology.

Smart devices offer undeniable advantages when it comes to versatility and convenience, but they also further blur the line between the private and public when it comes to data, collecting information about your dietary habits, viewing choices, even recording conversations.

It’s important to be aware of what permissions you’re granting smart devices and exactly what data they’re collecting, and be wary of devices that need to be recording at all times such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home. 

Your online experience – both as a consumer and a business operator – has never been more important. It’s nearly impossible to not be online nowadays, which brings its challenges of safety and privacy. It is possible to protect yourself however as long as you stay vigilant and take an active role in protecting your online footprint.

For more helpful tips and information on the subject, check out the rest of our blog posts. Or, to find out more about the variety of ways Radar Hill can help you, get in touch with us today. 

In recent years, the dynamics of how businesses and audiences connect on Facebook has changed radically, with groups becoming ever more popular among users, and the Facebook experience shifting towards centring groups and paid advertising as the primary marketing channels. 

In this post, we’re going to look at how to use these groups to build community and generate passive income, as well as some key tips on how to make the most of your Facebook group. 

To help facilitate these connections between businesses and their audiences, Facebook rolled out ‘Groups for Pages’, a feature that would allow businesses to set up interactive groups around their business, forging real connections and providing additional value to their customers.

Generating Passive Income Through Facebook Groups

A passive income stream can be a lifeline for your business, something that brings in revenue when other avenues have been closed off. The key with most passive income streams is to provide value and connect with your audience in a meaningful way—something Facebook groups are ideally suited to.

Here are four ways you can generate passive income from your Facebook group:

• Link Back To Your Blog Posts 
  • Do your blog posts contain a CTA or product links? Then linking back to them can be a great way of creating a passive sales funnel. 
• Establish Your Authority 
  • Establishing your authority organically can be tricky, but with a Facebook group it couldn’t be easier By answering peoples questions and providing expert information you will ensure your customers trust your authority in your business field.
• Create A Paid Membership Group
  • By creating a paid membership group you will be able to generate a steady passive income stream for your business. Just ensure that there is a wide range of benefits for your customers for them to be part of the paid group.
• Offer an Online Course
  • There has never been a better time to offer an online course. With your audience already looking for engagement, and a wider audience for remote learning than ever before, using a Facebook group to help facilitate this has a number of advantages. You will be able to use the platform’s built-in video chat features, figure out the kind of content your audience wants through their comments and interactions, and help reach them with details of the event quickly.

Build A Community Around Your Brand 

Facebook groups are about more than just income streams—they’re also a way of fostering a community built around a common interest.

These groups aren’t just important for your audience, they can also help build your brand identity, and help you feel connected to your customers even if they aren’t able to come into your physical location. 

Because your Facebook group will be focused on the services you’re providing, it can serve as a general interest group surrounding that area, with people sharing tips, asking community questions, and talking about their shared passions.

While this may not seem directly related to your business, these discussions can, in fact, offer you valuable insight into what you should be offering your customers.

What’s more, it also helps customers associate your brand with being helpful, as the community will be providing value to each other. Most importantly, that sense of togetherness and camaraderie will bring joy to you and your customers. 

How To Make The Most Of Your Facebook Group 

As with any online business platform, going in without a guide or strategy can lead to wasted time and effort with little return. Luckily, a lot of what happens with a Facebook group can and should be organic.

However there are still some useful guidelines and tips you should keep in mind:

• Engage Frequently and Consistently 
  • This is vitally important during the formative stages of the group when you should be consistently starting conversations, responding to questions, and being an active participant.
• Moderate Actively 
  • One of the most important aspects of running a large online group is making sure you have a robust moderation policy in place, resolving any disputes and making sure you have everything under control.
• Pay Attention To Your Group Insights 
  • After your group has reached 250+ members, you’ll be able to use the Group Insights tool on Facebook. This will let you know which posts are getting the most engagement, and at what times people are most active in the group.
• Offer Real Value 
  • No matter what your brand identity or audience, you won’t be the only option for customers when it comes to Facebook groups, so make sure you’re offering value that your competitors aren’t. This could mean prizes and competitions, lively discussions, or expert content that helps improve their lives.
• Let Your Audience Lead 
  • Yes, you should be starting discussions and engaging consistently—but this isn’t a Facebook page. A Facebook group should be user-led, with participants feeling like the hierarchy between customer and business has been dissolved

When it comes to your online presence—Radar Hill is here to help guide you every step of the way. To find out more, get in touch with us today!

Customers may not be lining up to buy from you, but they’re still searching and looking out for future purchases.

That’s why you need to be building your online presence, becoming a vital resource for your customers and maintaining engagement with your audience.  

Key Steps For Building A Robust Online Presence

Website Banners

Your customers are going to be looking for immediate information, wanting to know what is being done right now, and how these changes are affecting your services.

This information shouldn’t be buried in the regular copy of your website. Instead, add a banner to your website like this one here to ensure your customers know exactly what’s going on. 

Newsletters

Staying in direct contact with your customers during this time is vitally important. They may not be considering visiting your website, so this could be your only opportunity to keep them informed.

A newsletter, and other forms of content creation, can also be a great way of providing value to your customers without relying on services and products. 

E-commerce 

If you’re currently still able to fulfill orders and sell products, switching to an E-commerce platform is a simple and effective way to replace your physical store and ensure you don’t miss out on income streams. 

Google My Business

Google My Business is an essential tool for your business, something we’ve previously outlined here, and it’s important to update the information on there to reflect any new changes, such as hours of operation. 

Social Media  

It can be tempting to scale back on your social media presence, however, this will be a missed opportunity. People are increasingly leaning on social media during this crisis and it will be a direct channel to your audience.

You should be using your social media for two main purposes: To educate and to entertain.

Giving your customers updates on both your business and safety practices will help them stay informed. While you can also use this moment to provide more personal and lighthearted, ‘slice of life’ content, content that doesn’t necessarily have to relate directly to selling your business. 

Such as more personal stories of how your business was founded, bios of staff, and amusing/inspiring stories of working with clients.

Business and Personal Benefits

We understand that these can seem like futile measures in these moments, but they will pay off down the line.

Once things return to normal it’s important that your business hasn’t shut up shop entirely, otherwise, it may be difficult to get things up and running immediately.

Beyond that, it will also ensure you’re keeping yourself busy—your business is an important part of your life, and staying involved with that can be helpful during this difficult period. 

Here at Radar Hill, we’re experts in helping businesses maintain an online presence, and are committed to helping businesses stay connected during this period. To find out more, get in touch with us today!

If that describes you, don’t worry, working from home can actually be identical to working in an office, here’s how. 

Pets Are Your New Coworkers

Yes, it’s absolutely vital you get your pets in on those zoom meetings and video chats, but there’s absolutely no reason you should stop there.

If you’re missing the camaraderie and structure of the office, why not try : 

• Instead of asking a coworker to fetch you those documents, ask your dog to fetch what you need. Just be prepared to only get toys and treats from here on in. 
• Missing the structure of being told where to go and what to do? Get a cat. Cats love dictating terms and soon you’ll be operating to a tight schedule.
• If you miss working alongside someone—a hamster running on a wheel could be just the work companion you need for those sprints of productivity.

Replicate The Culinary Delights Of The Office 

For some, this new era of working from home may be the ideal time to finally turn to home cooking and baking as a hobby. But if you’re less than excited about joining the sourdough starter revolution—there may be a more authentic way forward.

• Try leaving some fresh pastries on the countertop for a few days to get that disappointing stale croissant experience.
• Throw out your new coffee machine, and replace it with a pot to brew up some watered down cups that you and your work from home colleagues can complain about.
• Store your lunches in plastic tubs with different people’s names on them—now you can sneak food from fictional co-workers instead!

Turn Getting Up Into A Daily Commute 

Getting to and from work is a big part of our daily routine—but now that it involves nothing more than a short walk down a corridor to a different room, that has been taken away from us.

If you miss the crowds or the traffic, all you have to do is set up an Indiana Jones-esque obstacle course in your hallway, after you’ve stepped over traps and waited by the swinging pendulum, you’ll feel like you’ve just run the commuter gauntlet and finally made it to work.  

Dress For Success 

If there’s one thing no one can quite agree on when it comes to working from home etiquette—it’s the best way to dress.

With opinions varying from staying in your pyjamas to keeping things business casual, and if you’re working alone, it probably won’t matter either way.

But, if there’s a few of you, if you have kids, or if you even have pets, why not institute a uniform policy— even if it’s just an excuse to put the cat in an adorable suit!  

Now For Some Real Advice 

As you can see—you can’t really replicate your normal routine. And, joking aside, that’s a huge part of what is daunting for so many people about these changes— the upending of normality.

This is why the best advice for working from home is as follows—find a new routine that works for you, and stick to it.

Some people are going to want regular distractions, and others are going to want a dedicated space to just get their heads down and keep working, but you’re going to need to figure out what works for you, not someone else.

After that, it’s all about taking things one day at a time, and you’ll soon find yourself settling into a pattern and feeling like you’re once again in control.