Fresh Start: Meeting a Company Organically vs. Online

January 17, 2017 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

These days, meeting people online is just as common as meeting people in person. You can make friends, build communities, and even connect with a potential mate all without leaving your couch.

In a society of convenience, it seems as though everything we need is at our fingertips. But as the saying goes: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Let's take the online dating for example. When you sign up for an account, you're instantly flooded with tons of profiles. It seems simple enough - you compare profiles until you find someone who has everything you want, right? If only it were that easy.

Online dating sites are known for having fake accounts or people pretending to be someone they're not. There's no way for you to tell if they are who they say they are. That's the risk you take with attempting to find your match online.

So, what about companies you choose to work with? How do you find them?

There are many options for web development companies out there.

There are a lot of big name companies who have flashy websites with a lengthy list of accomplishments, services, and promises. And while a modern website and impressive list of strengths might make you do a double-take, just remember: What do you really know about them? A company can present any image they like, but even the most accomplished looking company can have its faults.

Ask yourself:

How does a company interact with customers?
- It doesn't matter how great a company's website looks if they don't have the customer service to match. It is important to have a few interactions (i.e. phone calls, emails, in-person meetings) with a potential web development company before signing any contracts. This will give you a first-hand insight into how they treat people and how you will be treated as a client.
What is their reputation?
- Do you know people who have used this company before? What was their experience? Do they follow through on what they promise? Does their service match what they present online? It's always a good idea to do an internet search on your potential partnership. This allows you to see if they have an overall positive or negative response, what people are saying about them, and what they've done lately.

The Old City Web Services Difference

We're local.

We're not some company based far away. Old City Web Services is local. We're real people rooted in our community who care about the success and well-being of our clients. Being a part of the community, we believe that our word and reputation means everything.

We go the extra mile to care.

Customers are our number one focus. We make it our mission to go above and beyond for our clients.

We know that issues occur at all hours of the day. Even though our business hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., if you have a critical issue after hours, you can call, leave a voicemail, and someone will respond as soon as possible.
We offer a Help Desk on our website, featuring comprehensive device and software specific tutorials to get you up and running quickly. Our Help Desk tutorials include:
- How to set up an email hosted by Old City Web Services
- How to set up your Old City Web Services hosted email on major email programs
- How to set up your email on your mobile device
We listen to our clients' needs even if they don't voice them. We've been in the business since 1998, and one thing we pride ourselves on is thinking one step ahead. This allows us to present our clients with advice, new ideas that would help their business, and ideas for the future.

We will watch out for you.

We make it a point to stay on top of things to make life easier for you. We manage our clients' domains. We leave the domains in their name; we never require that they switch ownership to us.
When domain services need to be renewed, our customers receive an email notification as well as a phone call far in advance. If domain services are not renewed, a website will go down. We are here to protect our clients and their businesses.
- Often, we get calls from clients because companies contact them with false information by sending what looks like an invoice trying to say their domain is up for renewal in order to scam people out of money.
- That's a reason to have Old City Web Services manage your domain. We keep an eye on your domain so that you never miss a renewal and so that everything is running smoothly.

Before you commit to us, come in for a free consultation. It's a great way for you to get to know us and let us show you why we should be your top choice.

How to Tell if a Company is Right for You

January 10, 2017 by anoadmin

The world revolves around relationships. Families, friends, co-workers, the barista who makes your morning (noon and night) latte. Everywhere you look, you see blogs about 10 ways to find love this year, personality tests to determine “your type,” books on how to snag your perfect match, and apps for finding your soulmate without leaving your couch.

It’s like a relationship is a scavenger hunt and everyone is trying to give you a different clue. If there was one surefire secret to flawless relationships, we’d know by now, wouldn’t we? Relationships are tricky. They’re not cut and dry. Good relationships don’t come around every day, so when they do happen, we hold onto them.

Your business relationships are just as important as your friendships and romantic relationships.

Companies you partner with should be just as committed to your business as you. But it can be difficult to decipher who wants to be committed to you because they believe in your mission and vision and those who are just in it for themselves.

So, how can you tell the difference?

6 ways to tell that if a company is right for you:

They share your values.

Our values are what motivate us. If your company's focus is to help others, you want to partner with a company who has the same mission. If you're a nonprofit whose focus is on serving others, partnering with a company that is only after money probably isn't your best bet.

They’re persistent, not pushy.

So you met for a consultation with a company, and it went well. How they communicate post-meeting can tell you a lot about their motives. Do they call aggressively every day wanting to move forward or do they politely follow up and let you make the decision? Do they spam you with emails? A company who has your best interest at heart won't bombard you; they know you're busy and have other things going on. They respect you enough to give you time and space to make the best decision for your business.

They have a good track record and reputation.

Do your due diligence and research, research, research. Look for work this company has done in the past. Read reviews of previous employees and customers. Ask people in your community if they've heard anything good or bad about this company. How was their experience? Making sure you have all the information will help you make a sound and informed decision.

They use the same style of communication.

Are they easy to contact? Or do they take three days to return a phone call or email? Do they treat you like a priority or another item on a to-do list? It's important to establish communication in the beginning before any commitments are made or projects are started. How someone corresponds at the start of a relationship is likely how they will communicate during one as well.

You share similar work ethics.

Establishing work styles is crucial for success in a business relationship. If you're going, going, going constantly, it's best to find someone who naturally flows with your rhythm, not someone who is hardly ever in the office.

You can see yourself staying with them long-term. You think you can grow with them, and you aren't settling.

Do you feel comfortable with this company? Do they make you feel like this could grow into something long lasting? Do they promote innovation and change in a positive light? It's important to visualize the future and see if you think you will be on the same page months and years from now.

The Old City Web Services difference:

At Old City Web Services, our focus is our customers. We know we wouldn't be where we are today without clients who believe in our company. As a company, we believe in:

Communication

We work step-by-step with our clients to ensure the best service possible. Have a question? Give us a call. Having a problem with your website? Stop by the office. Our door is open to you, and we are always happy to help.

Quality work

We've worked with many businesses in the community and are proud of our work. Happy clients do some of our best advertising!

Long-lasting relationships

When we form a partnership with a client, we believe in a long-term commitment. If you decide to work with us, we will work each and every day to prove to you that you made the right choice.

Fresh Start: Your Web Design Relationship Guide

January 3, 2017 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

With a new year comes New Year’s resolutions, a time of evaluating your current life choices and seeing where improvements should be made. Whether it’s eating healthier, having a new gym routine, putting yourself back into the dating game, or improving relationships, it’s all about making the best choices for your life.

As we evaluate what brings positivity to our lives, it might be best to look and see which connections make your life better and which ones you could do without. Your relationship might have seemed like something straight out of a movie at the beginning. They might’ve seemed like your knight in shining armor when you met them, but they could’ve lost their luster. They’ve never been perfect, but you’ve been afraid that you won’t find someone who can do what they do. What if we told you there could be someone better out there for you?

Reading this you might ask yourself, “Wait a minute, is this a relationship blog or business blog?” We’re glad you asked! It’s both. Your relationship with your web development company is one of the most important relationships you have as a business owner. While you may be comfortable with your current situation, it might be time to move on to something better. New year, new you as they say.

Come along with us in our “Fresh Start” blog series as we show you what a healthy business relationship looks like and all that a reputable web design and development company can offer.

In this blog series, we’ll cover topics such as:

How to decide if a company is a right fit for you
Signs you’re in a healthy relationship with a company
When it’s time to break up and move on

Reflecting Back on Your Year in Business

December 13, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Reflecting Back on Your Year in Business

December is a time of celebration and also a time of reflection. Now is a great time to look back on how your business performed over the past year in order to have a strong start to 2017.

The end of the year is one of the busiest times for business owners. You’re trying to get everything in order to finish the year strong, but to be able to know where your company is going, it is important to look back and analyze the past.

Okay, so you agree you need to take stock of the good and the not so good from 2016 but don’t know where to start. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

Gather your staff to check in

Each person who makes up your company is vital to its success and has a different viewpoint of day-to-day operations. When looking at a business' hits and misses, it's best to start behind the scenes. How your company runs directly impacts its overall performance.

Talking points for your meeting:

Ask where everyone is at with their jobs. Are they satisfied with the way things are run? Why or why not?
Are things running as efficiently as possible?
Are there any improvements that can be made?

Ask yourself the following questions:

How are you getting your company's name out there?
- Where and how are you advertising?
- Break down your advertising budget. Should you keep your current advertising schedule or change it up a bit? Keep in mind that small changes every once in a while are great ways to track what is effective.
How were your sales over the past year?
- Did sales increase or decrease from the past year?
- What impacted sales?
- What is working and what isn't?
How was your social media marketing?
- Are you putting enough effort in?
- Are you using it as a true way to connect or just as something you have to do?
How many customers returned?
How did you try to innovate?
- If no changes were made, why?
In what ways and departments did your business grow?
What could stand to be updated?
- Is your website running as efficiently as possible? Could it use a more modern look or a complete makeover?
- Does your logo properly reflect your company? A strong logo helps build a strong identity for your business. It's one of the first impressions you make to customers.

Listen to the feedback you get. And actually use it.

Take into account what everyone has said and the information you have gathered. Make a list of things that should stay the same and things that could stand to be improved. You don't have to wait until the end of the year to check in; doing a review each quarter or six months could make the task of keeping track your business more manageable.

What We Can All Learn from Small Business Saturday

November 29, 2016 by anoadmin

Small Business Saturday is a day that small business owners look forward to each year. It’s a time for people to come together to celebrate the passions of those in their community. Small Business Saturday was coined by American Express in 2010 to build support for small businesses during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. According to a Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and American Express, 108 million shoppers took part in Small Business Saturday in 2017, spending more than 12.9 billion dollars.

With Small Business Saturday still fresh on our minds, it’s a great time to think about what makes the day successful and how businesses can implement these strategies all year round.

Share your story and personalize your business

One of the top reasons people choose to spend money on Small Business Saturday is because they feel connected to the people behind the business.

Share pictures of your staff and day-to-day operations.
Document life from your point of view and show that you and your staff are real people. When people feel they can relate to you, they connect to you, and it peaks their curiosity to get to know more about you.

Give customers an incentive to shop at your store versus a big box store

Point out what makes you different from chain stores.

Show what makes you unique and what you can do that the big corporations cannot.
Highlight your handmade and local products, attention to customer service, and investment in the community.
Connect with customers and show them that their money is serving a bigger purpose at your place of business than at a corporation.

Host themed events

Declaration and Co. celebrated Small Business Saturday and the release of new episodes of "Gilmore Girls" by transforming part of their shop into Stars Hollow.

Show your business’ character by hosting a fun themed event that is relevant to the lives of your customers and aligns with who you are as a company.

In 2016, local St. Augustine business Declaration and Co. combined Small Business Saturday with a Gilmore Girls-themed event for the much-anticipated Gilmore Girls revival on Netflix. They transformed part of their shop into Stars Hollow complete with a Luke's Diner and had one-of-a-kind themed merchandise for sale, much to the excitement of Gilmore Girls fans in the area. This is the perfect example of using current events and trends to up your marketing and connect with your audience.

Use your social media accounts to connect with your customers and those looking to shop locally

This one is a no-brainer. Social media is an integral part of how you build relationships with your target audience. It’s a great way to get personal with your customers and reach people you might not be able to otherwise.

Post pictures and videos of what’s new, what’s coming up in the future, and why they should visit you.

Shop local. Shop St. Augustine.

To support the shop local movement, we have created the Shop St. Augustine campaign. Whether you are a business owner or are shopping, eating, playing, or staying in St. Augustine, using #ShopStAugustine connects you with other businesses in town and helps show everyone that St. Augustine is open for business.

Cyber Monday

November 22, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

For Cyber Monday, we are offering 25% off our homepage copywriting services*! This deal includes a free consultation with our copywriter who will sit down with you and determine the best direction for your website's content. Our copywriter will write engaging copy and incorporate SEO keywords to increase your site's visibility.

*Homepage word limit of 500 words

#ShopStAugustine

November 9, 2016 by anoadmin

By downloading these materials, you agree that Old City Web Services is granting you a limited right to use these materials on an “AS IS” basis. We may revoke your right to use these materials if you alter them in any way, or use them inappropriately, in a manner inconsistent with the values of Old City Web Services or contrary to the direction from Old City Web Services.

Support Small Businesses When You #ShopStAugustine

Make it your goal to buy produce, gifts, clothing, etc. at local shops.
Buy gift certificates or gift cards from restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and attractions.
Spend a relaxing weekend at one of the many bed and breakfasts in the area.
Take a tour and learn some new facts about the Nation’s Oldest City.
Support local eateries by visiting one of the many unique local restaurants, bars, and coffee shops around the area.
When shopping, try to use cash. Using cash saves small businesses a 2-4% processing fee.
Check out one of the many farmers’ markets and support local vendors.

#ShopStAugustine As Often As You Can

Together we are united and determined to make St. Augustine better than it ever has been. We propose that starting now, we start promoting our local economy by using the phrase Shop St. Augustine. Use #ShopStAugustine or #ShopStAug to indicate that you are a small business or you are shopping at one. This is an amazing outlet we can use to promote our local economy and all the diverse businesses, establishments, and restaurants St. Augustine has to offer.

That's why we've created the Shop St. Augustine campaign. In this blog, we've included everything you as a business need to show customers that you are open and ready for business. It's time to rally together and create a buzz around our local establishments.

Our Shop St. Augustine toolkit includes the Shop St. Augustine logo you can use and share on social media and your website, a Facebook cover photo and a flyer to hang in your window or pass out to visitors. We truly believe that this has the potential to help revitalize our local economy and show everyone out there that we are open and better than ever!

About the logo: The Shop St. Augustine logo we designed features our iconic lion from the Bridge of Lions which not only symbolizes our city but also our strength and resilience. The wrapped gift shows that our economy is an essential part of the backbone of the St. Augustine community.

Shop St. Augustine toolkit

Shop St. Augustine Flyer, Facebook Cover Photo, Logo

5 Ways to Maintain a Good Online Reputation

October 25, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

5 Ways to Maintain a Good Online Reputation

In a time when technology is in every facet of our lives, your business' online reputation means just as much, if not more, than the impression you make in person. Think about it. Before you go somewhere or try out a new product, what's one of the first things you do? You do an online search. And if that search has positive results, you're more likely to try that product, visit that store or eat at that restaurant, right? You should focus just as much time marketing your business online as you do in other areas of your advertising strategy.

Here are five things to keep in mind when you're trying to cultivate an online presence that makes others take note:

1. Sustain cohesion among platforms

Repetition across all platforms reinforces who you are as a company. This means your information should be up-to-date and accurate. Take the time to go through your website, social media accounts, and listings and see what information needs updating or improved. A uniform look across your platforms will increase your professionalism among consumers. Your current logo should be represented across all facets of your online presence. People are visual, and seeing your logo in multiple places will keep you on their mind.

2. Keep things current

Nothing says you're stuck in the past like a dated website or logo. Although people may be used to seeing the designs you came up with 10 years ago, that doesn't mean new customers will be all that comfortable with it. People judge your business from the first time they click on your home page. If you have a modern look, you are sending the message that you are current and knowledgeable about what is going on in your industry and can tackle whatever comes your way. Bringing new life to an old logo, adding a modern touch to your website, or revamping the copy on your website can make a big difference in the eye of the consumer and build trust between you and your audience.

3. Utilize online reviews

Reviews are useful to have for multiple reasons. First of all, they increase your search engine optimization which will bring more people to your website. Good, quality reviews help persuade consumers to invest in your business. If people are backing your services up with testimonials, new customers are more likely to trust you and give you their business.

4. Take advantage of online listings and directories

Although having a website and social media accounts are great tools to use to get your name out there, you also need to make sure that you are taking advantage of online listings. You should be listed on no less than 5 listings to effectively spread company awareness. Some examples are Bing, Google, Yahoo!, Yelp, and the Yellow Pages. Being a part of these listings increases your SEO which will bring more customers to your site. It also builds your name and accreditation within your field.

5. Make sure your site is mobile friendly

As the capabilities of mobile devices are increasing, more people are choosing to go to their smartphones versus their laptops for information. If people can do everything they need to do on their phone, shouldn't checking your website be one of them? Giving customers the option of browsing your site on their phones allows for one more way for you to get through to them. It is important to know what percent of people are viewing your site on a desktop, mobile devices, and tablets. A good way to track these numbers is by using Google Analytics, a service that tracks and reports website traffic. This is an invaluable tool when it comes to marketing and getting the most out of your website. If you need help getting started with Google Analytics, our team can help get you set up as well as teach you how to read your analytics reports.

Could your online presence use an update? Contact our team, and we would be happy to talk with you about ways we can help improve your overall online experience.

Holiday Planning For Your Business

October 18, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Why Does Holiday Planning Matter?

Fall is here and that means holidays are right around the corner. Consumers who haven’t already done their holiday shopping will be frequenting the shops and websites more often than normal in preparation for the gift-giving season. So, how do you stand out from the competition and catch their attention at such a crucial time of the year? We’ve put together a list of things you can do right now to prepare for the crowds to come.

Make sure your website can be found easily online

How is your SEO? Your Search Engine Optimization is what helps people find you online. If your SEO needs work, it is better to go ahead and get it done now in plenty of time for the holidays.

Is all the information on your website up to date as well? Take the time to thoroughly check your site for accuracy and try to look at it from a consumer's point of view. Make sure all of your contact information is correct and your services and shop items are current.

Prepare your website & online shop for heavy traffic

Is your store fully stocked? Do you have high-quality images and descriptions of all your items? People are visual especially when shopping online. People want to know exactly what they're getting, so make sure you're giving them all of the information necessary for them to make a purchase.

Check the back end of your website to make sure it is working efficiently. People shop online for convenience, so slow load times can have a major impact on the consumer experience. If people are forced to wait for something, there is a chance they will go to a competitor who can offer them faster service. If your site isn't working as well as it could be, now is the time to perform updates and maintenance.

Give your website/ads a festive look

There’s no better way to put someone in the holiday spirit than by putting snowflakes on your landing page or a Santa hat on your logo.

Save room in your budget for print advertising

The tradition of the vast ad-filled newspaper on Thanksgiving Day is something worth investing in. How can you stand out among everyone else? That would be an ideal time to think of a clever marketing strategy. The holidays one of the best times to get the most out of your print advertising budget.

Make a holiday gift-giving guide or service guide

The holidays are a stressful time for shoppers. Putting together a cohesive guide of what to buy will not only make their shopping easier but will also help them visualize gift ideas they might not have thought of otherwise. This is also a unique way to push products or services. Bundling items for a discounted rate can also be a smart way to increase sales. It’s a win-win for you and the consumer. Take advantage of it.

Create a social media campaign unique to you

Choose a theme you’d like to base your campaign around, whether it be thankfulness, giving or family and run with it. Incorporate your theme into all holiday-related posts. Cohesion and repetition is a useful way to stay on someone’s mind.

Send a holiday card to your clients

This is an excellent time to remind your clients that you’re around. People renew budgets at the beginning of the year, so this is a great time to advertise new things you’re doing in the new year!

You've made your list and checked it twice. Now, what? Whether you need an updated logo, a more efficient website, a clever holiday campaign, or updated print advertising, we at Old City Web Services are here to help. No matter how big or small, we will take your project under our wing to make it the best it can be. Contact us today for a consultation. We'd love to hear from you!

10 Ways to Establish Your Business

September 26, 2016 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Being a new business has its challenges, one of the biggest being establishing yourself in the community. A loyal client base and name recognition are vital to your success. Without the support of those around you, failure comes closer to becoming a reality than a fear. So, how do you make your startup stand out before it sinks?

Take advantage of free listings

This is a no brainer. Putting your company’s name out there as many ways as you can for free should be a top priority. Directory listings and community calendars are great resources for the community and an excellent way to get your name out there. This takes minimal time and effort and helps establish your business among other longstanding companies in the area.

Make sure you know your target market

Take a second to sit down and really think about who your target demographic is. Who are you marketing to and how are you doing so? Are they more likely to be on social media or flipping through the latest newspaper? Spending all the time and money in the world in marketing won't make a difference if your audience never sees it.

Utilize social media

Let’s face it. Everyone is on social media these days, and as a business, it is becoming an essential way to reach consumers. Luckily for you, social media is a free and effective way to interact with customers from all over. Depending on what your business is and the age group of people you are trying to reach, you can choose the best social media platforms to reach them.

Start a blog

Think that you shouldn’t start a blog because you’ll run out of things to talk about? What if you are a very specialized business? Not a problem. A company blog is a useful platform to produce content related to your industry. Relevant content will promote you as trusted resource for your trade. Example: Say you run a gym or are a personal trainer. You don’t have to use your blog just to talk about your services. Use your platform to talk about health advice, innovative exercises, and client transformations, etc.

Implement SEO into your website

Search engine optimization is the action of making your website rank for search keywords and phrases that pertain to your website/business. It is important to have the keywords and phrases viewers are searching for installed properly on your website. If done correctly, more people will view your website which will result in an increase in business. Search engines rank your website based on common search terms, the age of your site information, site links, and the relevance of your content.

Create your Google Business listing

Listing your business on Google will make sure your business appears easily when people are searching for you on Google. You can add pictures, and people can leave reviews which add to your credibility.

Take advantage of customer testimonials

When a customer has a good experience with you, don’t be afraid to ask what they thought of your service. Testimonials are one of the best ways to build credibility with potential clients.

Send out emails

Putting customers on an email list is a great way to reach out to them long after they've left your website or store. This gives you the opportunity to tell them about the variety of services you offer, updates from your company, and news in your industry.

Get involved in the community

How do you expect the community to know who you are if you don’t try to get to know the people in it? The more people see your name associated with the community, the more they will come to know you as a local establishment. Sponsor or participate in community events. Donate or give discounts for first-time clients. Give clients an initiative for referring customers. Give back to the community. Serving others is not only great for your staff but is also a wonderful way to get to know the locals.

Network as much as possible

Getting involved with different organizations within the community is essential. Some of your biggest allies in the business world are fellow business owners. The Chamber of Commerce should be at the top of your list for business networking. The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce’s mission states they are dedicated to improving the business environment in St. Johns County by focusing on Economic Development, Business Advocacy, Member Education, and Business Promotion. Service organizations such as United Way or Rotary are also excellent ways to get involved in the community.

How We Can Help

Here at Old City Web Services, we are dedicated to helping businesses thrive. Don’t know where to start? We offer many services that can help you out.

We can:

Perfect your marketing strategy to reach your target audience
Tune up or revamp your website
Write content for your company’s blog
Assist you with SEO and Google listings
Assist with print design and much more.

Go to our website, call us, or schedule a consultation with our team to see how we can help you get settled and succeed today.

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