Uncategorized 3 - Old City Web Services

Quality Content: What It Is, Why You Need It & Where to Start

June 25, 2014 by anoadmin

Web content is more than placing a brochure on your site or typing out a bullet point list of the services you offer-- you need a good amount of quality content for two primary reasons:

1. Traffic - You need it to get people to your site; it's the king of SEO
2. Engagement - You need it to keep visitors from leaving your site

Hands down, the absolute most important element of content is quality. Without quality, you can wave goodbye to potential customers because they either can't find you online or they're just not interested in what you have to say. So, how do you know if your content is quality...

Quality Content Is:

Original (you wrote it!)
Unique
Offers real value - customers want substance
Purposeful
Jargon-free - it's tough to sell something when users cannot decipher your lingo
Easy to find - you want Google to find it, rank it and display it in relevant search results

Now that you're set up for success, it's time to get started so go ahead and grab your laptop and start typing...pretty easy, right? Negative.

Content writing is NOT easy, but it can sometimes be fun! Here are a few ways to make the content creation process a little bit easier and a little more fun:

Schedule a coffee date. . .

Interview your employees, customers, business partners, etc. Invite them to a quiet, relaxing cafe or coffee shop as an incentive. They'll give you valuable context and a unique perspective that you wouldn't have seen otherwise. Bring a tape recorder or record on your smart phone to easily refer back to later on.

Use your imagination. . .

Put your customers shoes on to tell a story others can relate to. Think of specific customer experiences or problems you solved that made a lasting impression on you. Put a name to your story and tell is how it is. This is the type of engaging and purposeful content you want.

Speak their language. . .

By using keywords that your customers use, you will help them better understand what you're saying. This will also help your content show up in Google's search results.

If you're struggling with content writing for a new or existing website, contact Old City Web Services! You can Email Us or Give Us a Call: 904-867-4112.

The Power of Image-Centric Content

June 18, 2014 by anoadmin

Tips on how to use images to support your content marketing

What do SnapChat, Instagram and Pinterest have in common? Images! Even the top-two social platforms (Facebook and Twitter) encourage users to share images rather than just text. Think about it: aren’t you more likely to read a tweet with an image attached than one without? Did you know that Facebook actually gives more exposure to posts that include photos (or video) than just text? Overall, images rule! Here are a few reasons why images will absolutely rock your marketing efforts:

Make blog posts more inviting
Increase social engagement and share-ability
Boost search engine rankings

In what ways can you better use images to convey a message? I'm glad you asked! Here are 3 things you can do:

1. Use photos to break-up text on your website or blog
2. Combine the two by layering keywords / phrases, a sales pitch or call-to-action over an image (customers are more likely to read and retain content that’s presented in a visual manner!)
Tip: Take a step further & hyperlink images to redirect the customer elsewhere on your site!
3. "Share" instead of status - Use Facebook's photo-sharing feature instead of the status update when posting a photo on your Facebook Business Page. Make sure to post as much visual content as possible-- it gains a higher status in the timeline and news feed than text-based updates.

Need assistance boosting your marketing efforts with image-centric content? Contact Old City Web Services today to start reaching more customers! Email Us or call: 904-867-4112.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Google+ is Gaining Popularity

June 11, 2014 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Facebook and Twitter take up most of the media coverage when it comes to social marketing, but how familiar are you with the relatively new platform in the social media arena, "Google Plus" (Google+)? I bet you didn't know that recently Forrester reported that Google+ has just as many U.S. users as Twitter...that's right, the same number of people tweeting and mentioning on Twitter are chatting and streaming on Google+.

Google+ has gained more and more popularity among marketers and business owners as they realize the value of the network and how it plays a big part in how their companies are found online.

If you are not an active Google+ user, here are 3 (out of many) reasons why you should reconsider:

1. Better Search = Better Business

There's no question that Google is the King of online search. There's no doubt that creating and managing a page for your business on Google+ will help your rankings and visibility. Furthermore, the overall search functionality is more advanced than it's competitors, besides, it's what Google was built on!

2. +Galleries

+Galleries offer simple uploading, organizing, editing and sharing of your photos. It was built with Responsive Web Design in mind so it will scale your photos wherever you want to put it. +Galleries is great for on-the-go users as it was designed for today's touch devices! You can instantly add photos to your website, post them to your blog or share them on social media platforms. You can even enhance and edit photos all from one centralized lotion.

3. Your One Spot Stop

This may be the most obvious of the three, but it's also probably the most important! Who isn't a Google User these days in one way or another? The fact is, you're probably a Google User even if you don't know it. It's a no-brainer to add Google+ to the mix if you're already using one or more of Google's other services, such as: Gmail, Google Docs, Picasa, Google Analytics, etc.

Contact Old City Web Services today to see if Google+ is right for you. We'll help you get connected with your customers on the platforms best suited for your business. We offer custom social media set-up, design, training, etc!

Email Us or give us a ring: 904-867-4112. We look forward to hearing from you!

What does your website look like on an iPhone?

June 4, 2014 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Last year, 27% of all website visits came from either a tablet or a smart phone...and the number is growing!

Out of the 27% of the people using these smaller devices to browse the internet, the overwhelming majority are using iPads and iPhones, compared to other brands. I'm sure you often here people telling you, "Your website MUST be mobile friendly" or "Do you have a mobile site?" If you hear these questions over and over, but you're just not quite sure what they mean, we're here to help you out!

First, let's do a quick experiment:

STEP 1: Grab an iPhone. If you don't own one, I'm sure you know somebody who does, if not, any smart phone will do!

STEP 2: Start up Safari (the Internet) and type your web address in the browser, then click "GO"'

STEP 3: Once your site's loaded, what do you see...

Does it look the same as it does on a desktop or laptop computer, just condensed to fit the smaller screen? Is there any option to turn the mobile version on or off?

Do you see a click-able "Menu" button or the menu icon in the top right-hand corner?

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Are your pages broken into larger buttons for easy navigating?

Does it have any special features for those on the go, such as Click-to-Call when phone numbers are clicked?

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There's a lot to know when it comes to mobile devices and their internet capabilities, but the reality is, your business must have an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly version of your website. Take a look at your Google Analytics and see what percentage of total traffic is coming from these smaller devices...I bet you'll be surprised!

Contact Old City Web Services today and we'll help you see if you're one of the many businesses that still haven’t jumped on the mobile bandwagon. It's not too late, but you don't want to miss out on possibly hundreds of leads from potential customers because they aren't able to view, navigate and contact you on their phones or tablets! We assure you, your competition is getting the message and the last thing you want is to miss out on this marketing must-have!

Email us at: letusmarketyou@oldcity.com or give us a ring: 904-867-4112. We look forward to hearing from you!

Are your customers finding you online?

May 28, 2014 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

A website without SEO is no better off than a flyer or business card

FACT- Leads that come from a search engine (such as Google) have about a 15% close rate, while outbound leads only have about 2%. It's no doubt that your website is an extremely valuable marketing tool for your business, however there are over 644 million active websites and if yours gets lost in the bunch, it prevents customers from finding you and its value begins to decrease. If you question how many people are finding your website, it's time to consider an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategy.

So, what is SEO you ask? Defined simply, it's the process of affecting the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine's "natural" or un-paid (organic) search results." As a result of professional SEO, you'll gain more traffic to your site, meaning more potential customers, right when they're looking for your products or services.

Still questioning the importance of SEO? Below are 3 reasons why you should invest in a professional SEO plan:

1. You're a needle in a haystack without it

You've gone to the trouble of designing and developing a website for your company--congrats, this is a necessity for any business with the rise of the internet, regardless of your size, location or industry. Just remember, when it comes to the internet, there is no truth in the saying: "build it and they will come".

2. It won't burn a hole in your wallet

Every business owner's favorite word is "Affordability" and although SEO is an investment, the return truly outweighs the cost. The best part about SEO is that it works for you around the clock! You have the potential to bring in new business 24/7.

3. The stats don't lie

72.3% of Google search engine users chose a natural search result as the most relevant (compared to clicking on a paid-for ad)
The percentage of users who click on an organic result within the top 10 is 52.32%
A #1 position in Google's search results receives 18.2% of all click-through traffic, while a #2 position receives 10.1%, the third 7.2%, the fourth 4.8%, and all others are under 2%
93% of online experiences start with a search engine

Source: Moz

Ready to to start securing more leads from you website? Email us at: letusmarketyou@oldcity.com to schedule a free consultation or give us a ring: 904-867-4112. We look forward to hearing from you!

Tips for Creating Minimalist Landing Pages

May 22, 2014 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

The point of your website it to attract the attention of your customers, not overwhelm them with fancy animation and lengthy paragraphs about why you're the best. It's important to include enough information to persuade visitors, but not confuse them or you'll fail to get your message across quickly and effectively. Below are three ways we can help you get your message across to customers the moment they land on your site:

1. Determine the Problem:

Businesses that solve a problem are going to succeed-- now ask your customers if they have the problem the moment they land on your site. This will gain their attention and create an emotional appeal to your product(s) or service(s). IF they don't relate, well then most likely they won't be spending money with you. Note: Always be consistent with your message-- create a process that guides visitors from one page to the next, reiterating that same key message.

2. Use White Space:

It's true that every square inch of your website is valuable space, however that space is not necessarily wasted if left blank. If fact, it gives balance to the other elements on your site. I bet you didn't know that white space actually provides a calm and serene environment that encourages trust. Note: It's best to let the professionals determine where the white space is needed in order to create this appeal best.

3. Break-up Content:

Vary your content by using secondary titles and bullet points. Provide an easy read that's broken-up with quality and relevant photos (preferably professionally taken). Note: Invest in content-rich media, such as video-- your customers are human beings and we all learn differently. Using a video may just get your message across better than a well-written page of text.

Just remember, a good website site is clear, concise and easy to navigate. It is not distracting and conveys one message that can relate to a large audience.

Are you in need of redesigning your landing page? Maybe it's time to rethink the elements throughout your site. Shoot us a quick email: letusmarketyou@oldcity.com and we'll be in touch or give us a ring by calling: 904-867-4112. We look forward to hearing from you!

Why eCommerce is SO worth it!

May 7, 2014 by anoadmin

Why not make it more convenient, assessable and all around easier for your customers to buy your products / services? The answer is simple-- eCommerce. Having a way for customers to make purchases online either on a computer, tablet or mobile device, is not only giving you another revenue stream, but it's actually much more cost effective for your business. Below are 5 reasons why having an online shop is so worth it:

1. Lower set-up and running costs: The cost of actually setting up an e-commerce website is lower than that of an offline business. The entire sales system is automated and you can save on staff, wages and other business expenses.

2. Do business on-the-go: The nice thing about the internet is that you can virtually access it almost anywhere. Add new products, manage orders & even share your items across social media platforms-- all while sipping on a nice cold beverage on the beach!

3. Scalability: The beauty of our eCommerce system and automation in general is that the tracking is done for you. Determine which products are selling and which aren't, then adjust your products based on customer popularity.

4. Hours of Operation: Imagine your business generating income while you're asleep! The internet allows people all over the world to browse and purchase your products anytime of the day-- 24/7. eCommerce opens the digital doors to your business for those who cannot literally step inside.

5. Time Saver: Once your eCommerce site has been set-up, maintenance can be relatively minimal, meaning more time to spend with family and friends! Inventory can be set-up on a per-product basis, email notifications sent to both parties, tracking numbers generated for shipping, etc. The ease-of-use is incredible when it comes to a customized eCommerce shop for your business!

Email us: letusmarketyou@oldcity.com or give us a call: 904-867-4112 for your FREE quote!

The Mobile Craze – Are You Taking Part?

April 9, 2014 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

If you own a small business, you've probably been hearing a lot about the importance of mobile recently. This is primarily due to the overwhelming amount of data that's been collected on the increased usage of mobile users and the way these devices have changed the way we interact with the world.

Here are some statistics recently reported by Constant Contact that may come across as shocking to some or maybe you're not surprised, but either way, they reiterate the importance of going-mobile when it comes to your business model.

66% of small business owners use mobile technology.
133.7 million people owned Smartphone’s as of February 2013....and this number is growing fast!
Instagram is the fastest growing social network for brands.
34% of small businesses surveyed have a mobile-optimized website.
LinkedIn has proven to be a valuable resource for non-profits and small business professionals to build relationships and attract new customers, donors and volunteers.

Want to become a statistic and keep these numbers growing? In these cases mentioned above, your small business would thrive by joining in with the crowd and partaking in a more mobile and more sociable approach on how you interact with your consumers. Learn more by emailing us: letusmarketyou@oldcity.com or giving us a call: 904-867-4112!

2014 Content Marketing To-Do List

April 2, 2014 by anoadmin Leave a Comment

Content Marketing is any marketing format that involves the creation and sharing of media and publishing content in order to acquire customers. Below are three To-Do's that will help improve your content marketing efforts in 2014:

Rethink Old Tools

Are your customers responsive to the content you put out on social media? How much time do you spend tweeting or blindly posting on Facebook per day? There are better ways to schedule your micro-marketing content to save time and tools to ensure you're utilizing all of the correct platforms.

Improve Keywords

The keywords you target in the content of your website play a big role is how people find your business online. In most cases, the way people search on the web changes rapidly, as much as every month for some, therefore it's important to adapt to these ever-changing internet habits by altering the keywords/phrases you target and by optimizing your site with new keywords that will broaden your reach.

Monitor Hashtags

Hashtags let you find related content, online communities, trending topics and flag useful information that will help you tailor your customer's online experience to fit your needs. You can Register a New Hashtag for things such as prominent community events or limited time offers/promotions or you can see what industry-related hashtags are currently trending by using one of the following top Hashtag Monitoring resources:

Need help with your content marketing efforts? If you haven't marked off all 3 To-Do's above, it's time to schedule your free 1/2 hour consultation today by emailing us: letusmarketyou@oldcity.com or giving us a call: 904-867-4112!

Are you truly listening to your customers?

March 26, 2014 by anoadmin

Gathering and acting upon customer feedback is extremely valuable to companies of all sizes. Not only does it allow you, the business owner, to address unmet customer concerns, but it is helpful in improving the overall customer experience in order to attract new customers. Below, we have listed three techniques to help you better listen to your customers:

Study the Stats

Your company website should have some type of tracking device installed. If it does not or if you're unsure, contact us or your web administrator. These tracking systems, such as Google Analytics, provide invaluable insights to the audience and demographics of your visitors and their behavior while on your site. Statistics, graphs and percentages tell you how many people are visiting your site monthly, where are they finding you online and which pages get the most number of views and why. Gathering this information and using it to your advantage will surely put you leaps ahead of your competition.

Take a Poll

Conducting a poll or survey is an excellent way to gather specific information about your overall customer experience. Whether you own a brick and motar store or manage an eCommerce storefront, asking customers for their opinion of you will let you better serve them next time and hopefully convince them to tell their peers. We've listed a few questions below to get you started with your survey:

How was your overall experience?
What was the purpose of your visit?
How did you hear about us?
What did you enjoy most about your visit?
What would make your visit more enjoyable next time?

Join the social conversation

Social media has really blown up the way we gather and respond to customer feedback. These networks provide excellent "listening platforms" that allow you to build-up relationship with customers you may not have met face-to-face. Social media allows you to act immediately to ensure your customers are happy and any concerns are addressed right away. People are talking about your business online-- it's time to join in on the conversation!

Need help gathering feedback or want to learn more ways to better listen to your customers? Schedule your free 1/2 hour consultation today! You can email us at: letusmarketyou@oldcity.com with "I'm Listening!" in the subject line or just give us a call: 904-867-4112