Tag Archive for: Web Designer Newmarket

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To Blog or Not to Blog, That is the Question

Blogging, RosewoodVA, Deanna Simone, Aurora, Newmarket, York Region, Website Designer

As an entrepreneur it can feel like you are endlessly changing hats. You are simultaneously your CEO, IT team, marketing agency, financier and cheerleader. When every moment matters and time management is essential, adding one more task to the mix, blogging, might have you skeptical. But blogging, writing small topic-specific posts on your website, can have incredible benefits for your business.

The Benefits of Blogging

We live in a world where people want to feel connected to the companies and services they choose to spend their time or money on. It’s the reason you will see any large company like Coca-Cola, or Nike with a ‘news’ page on their website.

Blogging on your website is a quick way to create these connections with your clients, while controlling the topics you share. It gives you the opportunity to resonate with your readers, to give clients a taste of your personality and the things that matter to you as a business owner, and to boost your credibility by communicating your knowledge of your industry.

And the marketing machine that is Google loves new content! Google wants to show searches the most recent and most relevant content specific to their search terms. Every time you create a new post for your website you help your SEO (search engine optimization) by letting the cyber world know that you are still an active thriving business.

What to Blog About

For those just starting out, this is one of the biggest hurdles, what do I write about? I’m an aesthetician, an arborist, a lawyer, what do I have to say? The answer to that is, anything.

The problem with blogging falls under our perceptions of it. Sometimes we view it as mindless drivel, when really it’s an opportunity to share knowledge about our industries. Whatever you’re business, you’ve probably been asked a question about it.

Every time someone asks you a question, this is a potential blog topic.

Maybe they want to know what the benefits of using essential oils in pedicures are, or what type of trees grow best in full sun. In my case, people often ask me what the benefits of blogging are and is it really worth their time.

Regardless of the business you’re in, questions equal opportunities for blogs, and more importantly questions equal connections with those asking.

If you’re still struggling with where to start, think about the question you get asked the most. Right there you have at least ten potential blog topics. Challenge yourself to answer those questions in a minimum of three hundred words and show your clients what you know, who you are, and why you deserve their business.

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How to Check If an Email Is Spam

How to Check If an Email Is Spam

Part of my service offering is acting as a Virtual Administrator for my clients. This means being there when they need someone who is technically inclined.  It can be anything from consulting, training and also just helping them with day to day tasks and questions.

Spammers Are Getting Better

Last week, a client was sent an email from GoDaddy, who she does have an account with.  The email was designed exactly like a GoDaddy email. And the from address appeared as “support@godaddy.com”. The request in the email was the validate her email address, a simple request.

How to Check Hyperlinks Without Clicking

At first, everything looked like it was an official email from GoDaddy.

Until, I hovered over the “Validate Your E-Mail” button.  As you can see in the screenshot, the hyperlink connected to the button was NOT directed to GoDaddy, but to a WordPress website.

When in Doubt, Ask for Help

Needless to say, my client forwarded me the email and asked if it was legitimate. No matter the request, if my clients have a strange feeling about an email, I ask they send it for my review.

Common Things to Check if an Email is Spam

  • Spelling Errors
  • From Address
  • Customer Number
  • Visual Formatting
  • Hyperlinks

1. Spelling Errors

This is the easiest tell-tale sign of a spam email, and you can tell right away. If the subject line or any of the content has spelling/grammar mistakes – proceed with caution!

2. From Address

This used to be another easy one to check for spam, however now spammers can “mask” this address, as in this case.

3. Customer Number

If the email is legitimate, it should note your Full Name and/or Customer Number somewhere within the email.

4. Visual Formatting

If you have received emails from this source before and you notice that the formatting does not look consistent, it could be spam. It’s important to check for the header, footer and graphics.

5. Hyperlinks

If everything is lining up, and you’re still unsure if this is spam or not – hover your mouse over any buttons or links they are asking you to click.  Then if the link directs you to anywhere except the supposed domain, this email is spam.

If you have checked all the above items and you are still unsure, you can forward the email to your virtual administrator or IT support representative. You can also call support of the supposed company and ask them if an email was sent to you. Make sure you get their email off of the website directly!

Don’t forget to join the conversation online on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for even more tips.

Until next time,

Deanna

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Accounts, Passwords and Ownership, Oh My!

Accounts, Passwords and Ownership - Web Design Services Newmarket Rosewood VA

Accounts, Passwords and Ownership - Web Design Services Newmarket Rosewood VA

Most businesses have a website.  With that website comes a TON of associated accounts, usernames and passwords.  Do you have a process for recording and organizing this information?  If not, you could be lining yourself up for major headaches when you actually need access.  I’m going to share some tips and best practices for recording and organizing passwords, accounts and who should hold ownership of these items.

Website Access

Unless you moonlight as a web designer, chances are you had someone build your website for you. When they finished the project, did they supply you with login access?  What level of access did they give you: administrator or simply user?

What happens if that company goes out of business?  Now you have no way into your website, and no one is answering your phone calls or emails.  This may force you to build a new website. But the next problem presents itself, did that bankrupt company provide you with your domain and hosting credentials?

Domain & Hosting Access

There are two services that websites require to operate: a domain and a hosting plan. The domain is the actual URL or Web Address of your website i.e. www.example.com. The hosting plan is the space on a server that your website needs in order to be on the World Wide Web. In some cases, both services are under the same provider, with one username/password.  However usually they are between two, three, sometimes even four providers depending on how many domains you own.

I have one client who has 5 domains and has been in business for many years. During this time, she has used 3 different web service providers who all preferred to use different domain registrars. This has led to a hunt to track down all the credentials for each domain.

Avoid These Headaches – Ask for Your Passwords Up Front

Be up front in asking for your passwords. If the vendor doesn’t want to provide you with this information, what’s their reason for not sharing this with you? More often than not, it’s because they want to tie you to their services. Trying to take charge of something you’re unfamiliar with is a hassle; they know this and can try to capitalize on it.

Choose to Work with a Transparent Company

Ask questions before you sign a contract. I always prefer to register my clients’ hosting accounts in their own name billed directly to their own credit card. I will fully manage it for them, but this way there is never a struggle for ownership. That way they have full freedom and can never be “held ransom” by an organization.

Keep Your Own Master Credentials List

I always recommend either you keep a copy of your credentials, or your VA does and shares an updated version with you frequently. There are many ways to record your credentials, and the right one for you depends on your level of confidence and security with storing information online.

I personally believe in keeping records in multiple ways. I keep a version on a Secure physical backup drive, then on a secure cloud. And I actually keep some very critical information only written and in a secure location. It’s ultimately up to you, find what works best and stick to it! Out of date passwords are just as bad as no password at all!

If you have questions about your current configurations, access or ownership, please reach out. I love helping my clients find peace of mind.

Don’t forget to join the conversation online on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for even more tips.

Until next time,

Deanna

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Tag Archive for: Web Designer Newmarket