Sure, you’ve heard endlessly about SEO and its importance for your business. But what exactly is the goal of SEO? To put it simply, the goal of SEO is to make sure web pages are easily and accurately indexed. The tendrils of search engines are constantly scouring the URLs of the web to index and store information. When a user enters in a search term, the search engine will select the references that match the closest. Having a clear record for your site makes you more visible to relevant searches.

1. Focus on Framework

Develop a site structure that is easy for spiders to crawl including:

• Clean code—Create clean code, following standards for separation of file type. Having HTML separated from CSS and javaScript code facilitates updates, but it also clarifies your content for indexing.
• File system—Use a simple, flat file system for websites with levels no more than three deep.
• Structure—Pages with a clear, organized structure, which use HTML tags properly, offer spiders a framework to crawl and accurately index content. The foundation of an optimized site is based on clean, semantic code that validates to W3C standards.
• Site map—Including one provides a great overview with internal links. Assists site visitors, both human and bots.
• CMS permalinks—Use a descriptive permalink structure for content management systems or open source platforms. For example, in WordPress a custom structure that uses the page or post’s name for the page URL is ideal for SEO.

2. Prioritize Pages

It’s critical to for all site pages to be optimized and include call to action areas, which encourage visitors to further explore. Improve SEO by being accurate in all text fields including:

• Titles—Create descriptive titles, including keywords appropriate for the specific page. A well written title tells search engines and prospective visitors what will be found on a site page.
• Meta tags—Although their SEO impact is likely minimal, some search engines do include up to 140 characters of the meta description tag in search results to describe a page. Past misuse of meta keyword tags to unfairly influence search rank have made them of little value. Most search engines ignore them.
• Internal links—Include hyperlinks within copy to link related site pages. It offers a way to associate site content for site visitors and creates bridges for spiders to crawl.
• Home page—Advances in search engine algorithms, have made all site pages a potential entry point.

3. Media Matters

Search spiders index text, so be simple and descriptive with your tags, captions, and media labels including:

• File Names—Using descriptive file names for media will impact SEO, since search spiders don’t index media but do index the words you use to describe it.
• Alt Tags—A must for accessibility for those using screen readers, alt tags offer another way to add meaning to your media files and another possible way to get content indexed appropriately.
• Captions—A brief caption that text search engines can crawl will enrich the content’s message, offering a nuance beyond the alt tag.
• Video—Write transcripts for important video content to have it indexed.
• Speed—Optimize media files for the web by ensuring the best compression for load speed. Visitors have little patience for waiting, and slow loading pages are penalized by the major search engines.

4. Content is King

Nothing improves stickiness like insightful, compelling content that resonates with your audience. Keeping content fresh and updated will bring return visitors. Content is increasingly scrutinized for depth and merit by search engines in order to ensure the accuracy and value of results. In-depth reports and thoughtful analyses on topics relevant to a site’s theme boost search rank while always taking into consideration:

• Quality—Craft copy that accurately reflects the theme and keywords identified for the page. Also, be as concise as possible using 500-word page copy as a benchmark.
• Keyword Placement—Search engines give greater importance to content on the top of the page. Prominently include page appropriate keywords in the first sentence and introductory paragraph. Keyword frequency also impacts SEO, but avoid overuse. Copy should be succinct, valuable, and trustworthy.
• Keyword Variety—Use a variety of associated keywords while concentrating on optimizing each page for specific content and keywords.
• Headings—Break-up copy with HTML headings to increase readability and create hierarchy and meaning. This will also increase the accuracy of indexed content.

SEO might seem like some complicated behemoth you need to tackle, but it’s really quite simple. All you have to do is focus on the framework of your site, optimize your text fields and media labels, and create valuable content. Once you’ve got a hang of SEO, it becomes second nature. And now that you know the goal of SEO, you’ll be better motivated to make those changes.

That being said, there are always more ways to improve your search ranking. Different rules apply to things like blogs or social media sites, which are basically their own entity on the web. But not to fret! You can easily meet your SEO goals with a few more valuable tips. For more information on how to improve search rank, see  SEO Off-Page & Social Signals   or   SEO & Blogging.

But the reality is that Pinterest is a valuable tool for more than just your aunt.  Businesses can harness the power of Pinterest to further their brand. Like any social media platform, the key is to understand Pinterest well enough to gain followers and increase your engagement with potential customers. Here’s what you need to know about the world of Pinterest.

Prelude

Launched in March of 2010, Pinterest’s growth is phenomenal, reaching 10 million unique visitors faster than any other website. Although still in open beta, requiring an invite to join, Pinterest one of the top ten social media networks. Pinterest’s ease of use and connectability with Facebook & Twitter have helped boost its use and interest.

Pinterest is a social network allowing members to create, share, and discover virtual scrapbooks of likes and interests. Images or videos found on the web (or uploaded) are pinned to a board organized by category or topic.

Members can repin, like, or comment on others’ pinboards. Using the Pinterest bookmarklet to pin images ensures the pinned item links back to its original source. While the no-follow link-back doesn’t directly impact SEO, pins could ultimately boost website visitor traffic and online visibility.

Pinterest Primer

Profile

• Request an invite through your peeps, tweeps or through pinterest.com. (Follow me on Twitter, request an invite by DM, and I will send one.)
• Use an email account associated with Twitter to set up a new Pinterest account, since it will simplify creating your profile and Facebook currently doesn’t allow biz Page pin activity.
• Include company name, logo, site link, and description for profile. By default, pinboard content is visible so it’s indexed by search engines. To check, go to profile > settings to edit profile.

Prepare

• Install the browser Pin It button available on pinterest.com (About > Pin It button or on Goodies page). Invite friends through Facebook via Pinterest or by email.
• Add a Pinterest follow button to your product, service, or article images by embedding the code provided on Goodies.

Peruse

• Peek at others pinboards. Browse categories by using the “Everything” drop down in Pinterest’s top navigation bar or search by topics or names, then by pins, boards, or people.
• Follow folks with similar interests or influential users. Choose to follow all pinboards by that user, then unfollow boards of less interest.

Participate

• Be social: comment, like, and repin, promoting others’ related pins. Repinning will pin the item onto your pinboard, while likes are shown on your profile.
• Be polite. Give credit when it’s due and share considerate commentary. Use @ profilename to mention followers in a pin description or comment.

Produce

• Create pinboards with purpose. The goal is to gain traction, so avoid self-promotion. Instead, position yourself as a pundit by developing industry related pinboards that provide visual value and compelling content.
• Find something of interest, click Pin It on the page, then select image in order to accurately credit source site.
• Craft concise, thoughtful descriptions including keywords that are less than 500 characters. Be search friendly, including hashtags to tag pinboard content. Position yourself as a topic leader by developing useful distinctive boards with emotional impact.

Plan

• Evaluate and refine pinboards to build interest and engagement. Innovate, using Pinterest in a variety of ways. User-generated pinboards provide insights into your audience. (Under pinboard Edit change settings from Just Me to Me + Contributors.)
• Consider other Pinterest possibilities, including motivation, quote, destination, event, and project planning pinboards.

Pinterest continues to grow both as a social media network and as a tool for business owners. Once you understand the platform and come up with a targeted plan to engage customers, you can boost your brand and gain followers. Who knows, perhaps you might even catch the attention of your wayward aunt!

If you want any chance of succeeding in today’s digital world, your business needs a web presence. 10 years ago, you might have been able to get away with a simple landing page, but that’s not gonna cut it anymore. Customers expect more than ever before. Your site has to look nice, work well, and be full of useful and interesting content. They need to be able to find and contact you with the click of a button. Sadly, building a website is no longer a DIY project. It’s time to call in the experts!

1 Design Expertise

A professional web designer has the skills required to create an engaging, visually appealing website. Decisions about color schemes, typography, and visual hierarchy will be carefully considered by a professional web designer. A pro will create a unique, memorable, trustworthy website that builds business. First impressions matter.

A professional web designer will:

• Integrate your current marketing into a new website design
• Develop consistent branding with attention to detail
• Create strategic, aesthetically pleasing page layouts
• Design a website that sets you apart from your competition

2 Technical Expertise

It’s challenging to fully comprehend how rapidly the web is changing. Professional web designers keep abreast of current technologies and trends. Hire a pro and you’ll have a website that’s state-of-the-art, looks good on all browsers, and is thoughtfully structured for ease of navigation. Your business website should be responsive and mobile ready. Functionality matters.

Professional web designers have the technical expertise to:

• Choose appropriate hosting bandwidth to meet traffic needs
• Use proper code for well structured, easily indexed content
• Optimize each individual web page for search engines
• Build a site with useful content management features
• Offer you training to best use your website

3 Usability Expertise

Business websites need user-friendly designs and industry specific customizations. In today’s busy world, website visitors want to access information easily. If site visitors can’t find what they want quickly, they will abandon your website. Ease of use matters.

A professional web designer has the knowledge to:

• Create a website that is well organized and easy to use
• Develop an interface that is intuitive and quick to navigate
• Make informed decisions about site structure based on experience

4 Marketing Expertise

After a consultation, a professional web designer will provide a skilled analysis of your business and branding. A professional will provide a fresh perspective on your business, take a customized approach, and develop targeted, industry specific websites. Marketing matters.

Your website needs to match your business. If you’re advertising a daycare business, a minimalist design with monochromatic colors is not going to appeal to your audience. It sure is easier to build, though! A professional web designer can do the heavy lifting to help your website match what your business has to offer.

A professional web designer has the skills needed to:

• Produce a website that appeals to your audience and engages them
• Understand your mission and clearly communicate your message
• Integrate your business ideals and personality into your website

5 Industry Expertise

Yes, you could try to create your online presence using a proprietary website builder with a template. However, you’ll end up with a website based on a much used theme without any unique qualities. You could also hire your nephew’s best friend, but you’ll likely end up with a dull design and limited functionality. Also, technology changes quickly. When your business is at at stake, tech support is essential.

A professional web designer will:

• Appreciate the importance of a polished online business presence
• Design a website based on an open source platform that you will own and control
• Provide needed tech and web support to clients

Two Other Important Web Design Considerations

1 Small Firm Versus Big Agency

A small web design business has the flexibility to scale your website project to suit your needs. They are more apt to provide personalized attention and produce a website that accurately reflects your business.

A small web design business will:

• Devise a project plan that is flexible and feasible
• Consider cost and provide value
• Address your short-term needs and account for long-term growth

2 Get Back to Work

Hire a professional web designer. You have a business to run. You don’t have time to spend figuring out how to design and build an effective website for your business. Time is money. In the long run, hiring a professional web designer is a wise financial decision. Use your time productively on sales and customer relations. The professional web designer will build a website you can be proud of, one that will build your business.

Customers can tell when you cut corners. You may be able to skimp on fresh flowers for the office, but you can’t employ half measures when it comes to building a website. As technology continues to develop and our lives increasingly move online, you need a web presence to remain competitive. Give your business the boost it needs by hiring a professional web designer. Your customers will thank you!

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. ~Seneca

I work with a client whom many people would call lucky. She works as a freelance writer, which many people who work 9 to 5 jobs would think of like winning the lottery. But more than that, she’s working steadily during a time where people all across the country are struggling to make ends meet. She didn’t always have this level of success, but rather relied on a system of working hard and then worrying. How many other freelancers and independent contractors relate to that familiar way of living? Now that she’s become so lucky, it’s time to ask: how did she do it?

How to Be Lucky: Preparation

When my client came to me for a website, she didn’t have any grandiose ideas about what her site could do for her. She didn’t think it would make her the top freelance writer in the world who would be discovered by Lorne Michaels for her wit after she was sent around the world by National Geographic. She just wanted to:

• Highlight her skills and experience for people who might want to hire her
• Support her existing word-of-mouth business
• Get more traction (and a cleaner design) than her LinkedIn profile provided

How to Be Lucky: Opportunity

I developed a site for her that highlighted her skills and experience (which were considerable), and her business exploded. Now she’s the luckiest freelance writer she knows, and here’s why:

• Convenience: The people who wanted to recommend her felt more comfortable doing so with a website to point their friends and colleagues to because that’s how business is done now. We click a link and send a message.
• Professionalism: The people who needed her services felt more confident hiring her because her website shows she’s a serious professional not just a friend of a friend who writes sometimes.
• Awareness: The people who already hired her could see the other types of jobs she tackles and hire her for different kinds of work.

How to Be Lucky in Business: The Formula

If luck is the marriage of preparation and opportunity, then the formula for luck in business is easy:

1. Work hard to build your skills (Preparation)
2. Do good work (Preparation)
3. Cultivate satisfied clients who are willing to recommend you (Opportunity)
4. Make it easy for people to recommend you with a professional presentation (Opportunity)

A great website is the modern equivalent of a good suit. It’s not going to make your work better, but it’ll get you the right kind of attention (even if you’re in your bathrobe).

How to Stay Lucky: Appreciation & Belief

The way to stay lucky is to appreciate it. Once you start treating your opportunities as burdens, your work as hard labor, and your preparation as administrative drudgery, well, that’s when the lucky streak is broken. Sure, it’s a delicate balance. You have to:

• Keep moving forward without feeling frustrated by what you don’t have
• Challenge yourself while taking time to savor victories
• Look for the upside to failures or disappointments

People who consider themselves unlucky might think that the world has treated them wrong while others get everything they want. But the reality is that lucky people know how to deal with challenges. They appreciate the ups while telling themselves that the downs aren’t as bad as they seem. Resilience is one of the greatest traits you can have if you want to be lucky.

While it couldn’t be more simple that the harder you work, the more luck you have, luck is also a mindset. To misquote Henry Ford, whether you think you have good luck, or you think you have bad luck…you’re right.

Luck isn’t always outside our control. By following these tips, you can wrestle that leprechaun to the ground and make off with the pot of gold before he knows what hit him. In all seriousness, the formula to being lucky truly isn’t as complicated as it may seem. All it takes hard work, an ability to seize opportunity when it presents itself, and the right mindset.

Social media is more than just influencers and viral TikTok videos. It’s also one of the most valuable tools you have to promote your brand. To build and maintain a solid base of loyal customers, you need to effectively promote your business. Social media marketing is the best way to do that. Our marketing firm has seen excellent results from traditional marketing campaigns, but those can only take you so far. Whether you’re considering the cost-benefit ratio or reach and targeting, social media marketing blows traditional marketing out of the water every single time.

The top seven reasons for using social media marketing to promote your brand are:

1 Be Easy to Find

The vast majority of people go online to search for a product or service. At the very least, they look for recommendations and reviews online. Gone are the days of flipping through the phone book and searching the Yellow Pages. Even this popular business directory has moved online to stay relevant.

Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter give interested consumers immediate access to resources and links for products and services. If your business is active on social media, you can address consumer needs and share information about your product or service.

Social media provides consumers quick, easy access to information about products and services that interest them.

2 Target Your Customers

Social media allows you to target your audience in ways marketers only dreamed of decades ago when blanket advertising was purchased in hopes of attracting the right customers. Now, social media demographics and analytics of your customers are available online. Social media can provide detailed information about the type of customer your business is attracting. You can then target them, their activities, and their preferences via social media metrics.

3 Advertise More for Less

New ways of advertising are now available to the modern marketer. Print catalogues and advertisements used to be the way to showcase new products. Now, businesses can leverage the power of social media to promote their products in appealing ways. For example, Pinterest can be used to display products with the added benefit of consumer interaction.

Social media promotion is far less expensive than a print or television campaign. Online campaigns also reach customers globally at the click of a button. Prospective customers can see your product and leave feedback based on their preferences. Quick updates and changes are also possible in the realm of online promotion.

On social media, customers can view your product and provide valuable feedback, allowing you to make product or promotional adjustments.

4 Measure Effectiveness

Online advertising and promotion allows you to see how many people have looked at a specific post, image, or article on your social networks. If your page was shared, liked, or tweeted, you can measure engagement. In short, social media analytic tools give you an accurate view of your customers and what interests them most.

It’s a fool’s errand to continue to do something that isn’t working. The best part about social media is that it comes with specific analytic tools to help you see when you need to shift your approach. Did you send out a tweet that wasn’t well received? Do customers tend to engage more with posts that use humor or video? These are all important details that can help you measure and maximize your effectiveness.

5 Personalize Customer Support

Customers now expect immediate responses to support requests. Sending an email and waiting 24 to 48 hours for a reply is less acceptable in today’s tech savvy world. Meeting consumer expectations for quick customer service is now possible through social media engagement. A fraction of the staff is needed to monitor and respond to questions and concerns shared via social media. You can now gain credibility and boost customer satisfaction quickly through social media interactions.

Social media allows businesses to efficiently and effectively respond to customer questions or support requests.

6 Connect with Your Audience

Remember the days of bookmarking your favorite websites? Potential customers now prefer to “add,” “like,” or “follow.” A single click now adds your business to a collection of companies a consumer can connect with on a regular basis. This offers businesses the ability share regular updates, promotions, and tips directly to interested consumers.

7 Go Global

Having a website can put your business on a global stage. However, customers need to know about your business before trying to find your website. Local customers can be easy to reach, but the international market poses a greater challenge.

Social media helps address this difficulty through a global network of people. When customers decide to “like” a company on Facebook, the action is broadcast to all of their friends. This form of social media promotion can provide your business an opportunity for worldwide exposure without having a global advertising budget. This kind of word-of-mouth advertising is invaluable and never before possible.

Social media promotion of your brand helps you reach an international market through a global network of people.

Build Your Brand through Social Media

Today’s business branding isn’t complete without a solid social media marketing campaign. Like the best things in life, social media marketing is simple but effective. Use it to engage your current customers and reach ones who you’ve yet to connect with. At Whitbeck Web, we’ve got the expertise to elevate your digital marketing efforts through the ever-increasing power of social media. And at the end of the day, building your brand is one of the best ways to build your business.

If you’re trying to redo the tile on your kitchen counter, go ahead and try it yourself. When it comes to graphic design, however, you’re going to need something a little more professional to stand out. It doesn’t matter if you’re a brand new startup or you’ve been around for years—a graphic designer has the skills to make your business shine by effectively communicating what you have to say in an engaging way. If you’re looking to introduce your product, boost sales, nurture existing customer relationships, and give your brand a makeover, hire a graphic designer.

5 Important Reasons to Hire a Professional Graphic Designer

1 Average Isn’t Good Enough

To grow your business and to thrive in your industry, average isn’t good enough. A professional graphic designer will research your company, delineate your business challenge, and translate your message in a unique, compelling way. Your image matters. A graphic designer will give your marketing material professional polish. Be exceptional, not average.

Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected. ~Steve Jobs, Apple Co-founder

2 You Want Your Message Heard

Your marketing efforts have to be heard in order for you to meet your business objectives. You could do it yourself, but I’ve seen what DIY marketing looks like. Even when it’s sufficient, it suffers from “forest for the trees syndrome.” A graphic designer has the perspective (and the professional tools) to connect your business with your audience. Good graphic designers will listen to you, develop a strong concept, and create a compelling marketing piece that will be appreciated by your target audience. Get noticed and be heard.

People ignore design that ignores people.
~Frank Chimero, Designer, Professor, Author

3 Complicated Doesn’t Sell

You may think that the more information you give people, the better. But this isn’t always the case. People aren’t looking to read a novel when they come across a piece of your marketing. They’re looking for something simple and easily digestible. Graphic design lives by one simple model: Keep It Simple.

Good graphic design translates complexity into a simple, clear message that interests and connects with the audience. A graphic designer knows how to eloquently use language and imagery to interest, inform, and persuade your audience. A complicated marketing message will be ignored. Clear and compelling sells.

I strive for two things in design: simplicity and clarity. Great design is born of those two things. ~Lindon Leader, multiple global design award winner

4 Quality Matters

Your marketing materials represent your business. The quality of those materials reflect your brand. Graphic designers have the expertise required to build beautifully balanced marketing materials that capture your audience and keeps their attention. A professional graphic designer will collaborate with you to identify specific goals, develop clear objectives, and bring results for your business. Do your marketing materials shine?

Everything is designed. Few things are designed well.
~Brian Reed, Designer

5 Your Brand is Your Business

Graphic designers understand the importance of branding. Your marketing message should be based on a consistent visual system that appropriately represents your business. A graphic designer will ensure your visual identity is clear, unique, and memorable. Poorly executed, inconsistent branding can give your business a lack of legitimacy. Effective branding brings value to your business.

Good Design is good business.
~Thomas John Watson, Jr., 2nd President of IBM

One of the best ways to grow your business is to hire a professional graphic designer. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to give it a quick update or redo it entirely, a good graphic designer will help you increase sales while retaining the customers you already have. Your brand recognition will go through the roof when you work with a professional, as they’ll take into account every factor that influences how consumers see your company. Make the investment for your future by working with a graphic designer.

Growing your small business requires one critical ingredient: a brand. If you’re looking to help your small business rise above the fray in the online market, there are a few things you’ll need to know. Sure, a brand helps set you apart from every other business out there, but what makes a good brand? You want your brand to tell your story, but to do so in a way that’s appealing, memorable, and compelling. Don’t fall prey to the common pitfalls that plague most small businesses. Here’s how to build your brand right.

Effective branding tells your story in an interesting, memorable way, differentiating your brand from your competition.

What does “branding” mean for your small business?

Branding is the part of marketing that tells the story of your business. What do I mean? Think of a brand you know well—how about a small business that went big like Ben & Jerry’s. When you see their logo, you connect instantly with their company values. At the very least you know a little about them—progressive, socially conscious, environmentally conscious company that sells ice cream with fun names and natural ingredients.

Good business branding should tell your story with your company name, symbols, designs, and logos. According to Entrepreneur, branding is “your promise to your customer.” Nike’s swoosh promises you fitness with solitary drive. Ben & Jerry’s promises good ice cream that contributes to social causes. Starbuck’s promises strong coffee served by company “partners.” These are distinctly different promises from what Adidas, Breyers, or Dunkin’ Donuts offer. That’s branding.

How do you create a brand that says all it needs to say about your business?

There are five key ingredients to designing a good brand for your small business:

1 Know what you have to offer

Your business is as unique as you are, so incorporate some of that wonderful ‘you-ness’ into your brand. What do you believe in? What are your business values? What is the passion behind your business? What is your reason for coming to work every day? These are important aspects of your business’s identity, and letting your customers know what they are will give them something to connect with when they walk through your door or click onto your website.

You aren’t just another run-of-the-mill big box store. You’re a small business, and small businesses have special relationships with their clients. You play an important role in your community and an even larger role for your loyal customers. Make this feature a focal point so the whole world can know just how important you and your business are.

2 Know your customers

Your loyal customers come back to you for a reason. You probably know why. If you don’t, then ask. I’m sure your customers will be happy to tell you why they return. Once you know what this reason is, you can incorporate it into your brand to ensure that all of your potential clients know why they should come to you instead of your competitors.

Customers are loyal to a brand because of perceived value, satisfaction, and trust. Understand your customers’ commitment to your brand.

3 Design for your demographic

If your business caters to a specific demographic, make sure you use a design that will speak directly to that audience. Your web page typography, layout, symbols, imagery, and design should appeal to your targeted customers so they know from the first glance that you’re talking to them.

People appreciate things that are visualy appealing, but there is a time and a place for everything. Nothing screams unprofessional like a Comic Sans fault on a law firm website. Don’t rely on a design just because of how pleasing it looks to you. Ask yourself, what does this say to the customer?

4 Transparent communication

Be honest and clear about what your business has to offer. Put yourself out into the marketplace just as you are. What I mean is, don’t try to be everything to everyone. This is the primary rookie mistake we see when trying to help businesses brand themselves. It’s like your mother always told you, be yourself. And remember that customer service will make or break even the most powerful of corporations.

Authentic branding can build your business by clearly communicating your company’s message and mission.

5 Consult with a specialist

When it comes to getting a small business to really stand out in the marketplace, there is a lot to know, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us to get help making your small business impact the marketplace the way you want it to.

With countless businesses to choose from online, the best way to convince customers to choose you over the other guy is to leverage what makes you special. Creating a brand helps you broadcast what you can specifically offer customers in a way that makes them pay attention. By choosing a design that fits your demographic and being transparent about what you have to offer, you’ll build a base of loyal customers to engage with.

If you’re a business owner, you should have a website (and if you don’t, then we need to have a serious conversation). You might be using this valuable tool to its fullest potential, updating it on a daily basis and tweaking its design to keep it fresh. Or, perhaps you’re like most business owners I come across, and you put up your site a decade ago and then forgot all about it. If that’s the case, then this is the article for you.

The design and development of a website can help make or break a business.

Most people understand that having a website for their business is important. However, many people don’t know what makes a website effective. These tips will help you assess your online presence and give you ideas on ways to improve the development and design of your business website.

Know Thy Brand

When starting a new business, most entrepreneurs have a product and a target market, but many don’t grasp how to best brand their business. Branding should be clear and consistent across all marketing channels, including those online. Your business website is a fundamental part of building a strong online presence.

Effective branding uniquely positions your business in the marketplace, attracting and retaining customers.

Branding is not just a matter of quickly slapping together a logo. Branding requires really understanding your product, service, and company mission. Effective branding helps customers identify and connect to your company and your product. Branding includes your company name, logo, tagline, website design, social media marketing, and more. Lastly, developing a clear branding strategy is an essential part of building your business.

Make a Good First Impression

Remember the last time you went to a junky looking website. What did you do? Well, studies show that you (and the majority of people) hit the back button after 10 to 20 seconds. Of course you did. If a website isn’t visually inviting and easy to navigate, site visitors (aka: potential customers) will quickly leave and never return.

Within a few seconds, a site visitor is drawing conclusions about your business and deciding whether to explore or abandon your website.

We live in the digital age where a website builds credibility. It shows customers that you’re professional, trustworthy, and established. A shoddy looking website does not inspire confidence in the customer that your product or service is going to be high-quality. Let your website reflect the strength of your business and spend the time to make it right.

It’s like your mother always told you, first impressions are critical. There’s an easy solution. Make a good online impression with a well-organized, professional website that showcases your product or service.

Increase Your Web Visibility

Having a well-designed, visually appealing, user-friendly website is just the first step. The second step is ensuring your business is visible on the web. Having an active, engaging social media presence will help with online visibility. But you also need to be easily found on search engines like Yahoo, Bing, and Google.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps ensure a website is seen when people search for related keywords. Effectively designed websites incorporate current SEO best practices. However, you also need to ensure your website content appeals to your demographic and includes strategic keywords. Social media marketing can also help support your website’s visibility through specific, targeted posts and engagement.

Exceptional websites are thoughtfully designed, strategically optimized, and offer valuable content to attract and interest your target market.

It is crucial for business owners to have an online presence to market their products or services. In order to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace, a business needs to have an effective online presence through strong branding and exceptional web design. A great website is easy to navigate and visually appealing to attract potential customers from all over the world.

At Whitbeck Web, a full service web design company, our team of professionals will help ensure that your company’s website and branding are uniquely tailored for your business and effectively reach your targeted audience.

Your website is like your baby. If you take the time to nurture it, you’ll see results in dividends. If you neglect it, you’ll be wasting endless potential for growing your business. Why throw away your most valuable tool? Take the time to design and develop your business’ website or hire a trusted professional to build it for you. You’ll get back so much more than you put in.

We all know that working out is good for our health, whether you’re looking to lower your blood pressure or lose a few pounds. Still, that knowledge doesn’t necessarily equate to us getting off the couch and onto the treadmill first thing in the morning each day. Psychologists and life coaches offer a valuable piece of advice: connect the act of working out with something that you care deeply about. Surely everyone wants to be in good health, but you might need something more specific and tangible to motivate you. Ask yourself, what do you care about?

The Workout-Work Connection

I work with people who are passionate about what they do. They are business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and activists who are motivated, high-energy achievers. They’re usually pretty competitive about their businesses. They also often burn the candle at both ends and get stressed out. And I get it. Focusing on your goals can give you tunnel vision. But if you want to work at the top of your game, exercise is a key factor.

If you care about your business, you can’t afford to neglect your physical fitness. You’re not going to succeed in business if you’re too burned out to even show up. By taking care of yourself physically, you’re making sure you give 100% every time. After all, a healthy body is a healhty mind.

Here’s why being fit can improve the health of your business:

1.  Endorphins Make Sharp Minds

Exercise releases endorphins. We usually think of this as a “runner’s high,” but it’s so much more. When you exercise, your body thinks it’s in danger. Thanks to evolution, people with high-functioning fight-or-flight responses survived. (You run from beast, you live longer.) These endorphins also boost clarity by relaxing us in stressful moments. You couldn’t just run in a blind panic. You also had to strategize about how to outwit that creature at your heels. These endorphins are as effective today as they were for our ancestors. And the effects last well past the initial surge.

2.  Workouts Quell the Quitter

Pushing through a long run or a hard workout builds more than your muscles. It builds stamina. We generally think of stamina as a physical skill, but it’s mostly mental. Our muscles can go much longer than our brains think they can. When you build stamina, you push your mental barriers further and further. The piece of your mind that says “I want to stop” is overpowered by the piece that says “keep going.” When those two voices aren’t arguing anymore, when that battle is won, it allows you to focus on the task at hand and relax in the moment.

3.  Routines Are Personal Assistants

The routine of working out helps you structure your day and take a lot of wasted thought out of the equation. Think of how long it takes to make a simple decision—what will you wear, what will you order to eat, what task will you do next? Routines help you streamline work. If you have to hit the gym every day at 6pm, a lot of other decisions fall into place. And an exercise routine makes it easier to systemize other tasks … like always eating the healthiest thing on the menu. Take some of those mundane decisions out of your day, and you’ll have more time for important matters.

4.  Exercise Banishes the Blues

You know your mood is better when you work out. It’s those endorphins again. They’re like bouncers kicking depression, stress, and anxiety out of the party. But did you know that happy people are more productive? It makes sense. Anxiety, stress, and depression are major time wasters. Anxiety always wants to worry over a pointless detail. Stress wants to make you sick or at the very least give you a wicked headache. Depression wants to stay in bed, binge watch TV shows, and eat chocolate. When they’re gone, so are their demotivating effects.

Workout Time is Relative

But who has the time for all of this working out? You’re busy! But workout time pays you back by letting you work smarter through:

1. Increased brain power
2. Improved focus
3. Daily structure
4. Raised mood

As human beings, we’re reluctant to invest effort into something that doesn’t immediately pay off. Hence why working out is so difficult for so many people. However, if you can equate working out with success in every area of your life, including your business, then you can make it happen. Don’t look at working out as something that you’re expending your energy doing. Look at it as something that’s fueling the rest of your life.

You’ve done the hard work and spent countless hours on getting your website just perfect. You wanted to make sure that everything went off without a hitch, so you decided to go pro and hire a web developer. You then went even further and read everything you could get your hands on about web design to make sure everything was perfect.

Your blog is prepped and ready to launch. But with all of the space debris floating around on the web, how do you get your rocketship safely into space?

Develop Your Expertise

Write what you know. That age-old advice couldn’t be more applicable to blogs. Of course, if you think you know something well, there’s someone out there who probably knows it better. There are also people out there who don’t know as much. And they’re both blogging. So what?

• Interests: Write what you want to write about.
• Trends: Don’t stress about trendy topics. Do your own thing.
• Authenticity: Be upfront about what you know and don’t know.

Your readers will appreciate your expertise for what it is. Transparency is the key to good blogging.

“Trust in what you love, continue to do it, and it will take you where you need to go.” ~Natalie Goldberg

Differentiate Yourself

You have something to say, which is why you think blogging is a good idea in the first place. But, take a look around. Are you saying the same things other people are saying … other people with existing readers? If so, then rethink your approach considering:

• Personality: People like you, right? Bring that out. Use your real voice in your writing.
• Image: Post a picture that shows the unique, authentic you. Don’t try to look like everyone else.
• Perspective: No one is exactly like you. Tease out your difference and bring it to the conversation.

Position yourself as best you can and don’t be afraid to adapt as you grow into your voice and market. You don’t have to be the only one talking, you just have to contribute your perspective in your voice and in your unique way.

Promote Yourself

Even if your business / interest / topic has a small niche, it’s a big world out there. So, basically, you have competition—if not direct, then at least indirect considering attention span, hours in the day, and sheer volume of content available. So, you have to build your audience yourself by:

• Making contacts online with other people in your business
• Seeing if you can guest blog on your favorite (related) site
• Contributing and participating on other blogs and forums (blog comments usually allow your name to be linked)

Be subtle about it though. No one wants a newcomer to bust through the doors and announce their new blog. Make friends and network. Loyalty comes at a cost, are you willing to pay your dues?

Cross-Check Your Functionality

If your website was well-developed and hosted on reliable servers, your blog should be fully integrated and easy to use. However, if any of these things were done on the cheap, you’ll want to double check your blog’s functionality.

• Test your posts on different devices (enlist the help of your friends)
• Check all of the available platforms to see how it looks
• Measure load times, particularly with graphic-heavy post

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: people have shorter attention spans than ever! No one is going to wait for a long load time or deal with a confusing layout. Make sure that your blog works on all platforms or you’ll risk shedding customers to your nearest competitor with a working website.

If you make your readers wait, you’ll lose them right off the bat.

Blastoff Your Blog in 3 … 2 … 1

3.   Write what you know and be yourself
2.   Post consistently and have a notification signup
1.   Promote your blog posts on social media

As soon as your blog is safely orbiting with a good base of readers and a consistent editorial calendar, you’ll start to see that it was all worth it. Establishing your expertise, assuring readers that you’re reliable, and always making time to network will reap you more rewards than there are stars in the sky. (I know, the space puns have got to stop.)