Tag: custom websites

How to Give Useful Feedback to Your Designer | Prescott, AZ

Believe it or not, website designers, like many creatives, need a fair amount of information and direction from their clients to deliver. Designers are considering so many visual and background elements that they are generally unable to produce the best work without their client’s thoughts and desires being understood. When the client feels there is more direction needed to achieve their vision, they should feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate with your designer to achieve the results you want.

Specifics. We hear from clients that they are timid about providing a designer too much information or aesthetic direction. More times than not, an over-explanation of what you are seeking from your digital presence is more welcome than total creative freedom. Designers will take your list of must-haves, dreams and desires and boil them into a cohesive presence.

Inquiries. There are times when elements of a website edit don't suit you, but you are unsure of how to proceed - that’s okay! It is the perfect time to ask your designer his or her thoughts on how to bring a given element to life or rethink your approach. The designer is your ally in making your digital presence enticing, cohesive and user friendly.

Sources of Inspiration. Remember Pinterest? Think of the accumulation of your perfect website inspiration as a pin board. Gather it together; the colors, layouts, fonts, down to the cute accents - everything that makes you think “this is so my brand”. Designers are really good at taking your laundry list of likes, dislikes and “I want to be likes” and boiling them down into a presence your clients or customers will remember. More is more so bring it on!

Design is a collaborative process. It’s going to take time and multiple edits to get it just right so take a deep breath and be a true creative partner - even when you don’t know the answer.

Interested in developing a website with the professional designers at Jelly Websites? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

Why ADA Compliant Websites Matter | Prescott, AZ

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 with the aim of ensuring companies and organizations provide reasonable accommodations to disabled individuals. Many associate this provision with the inclusion of wheelchair access ramps and similar accommodations we now view as commonplace around our communities. Since 1990, the internet has become part and parcel to the operation of commerce and as such, the ADA has evolved to include website provisions.

According to siteimprove.com, “Title 3 of the ADA requires that every owner, lessor, or operator of a ‘place of public accommodation’ provide equal access to users who meet ADA standards for disability.” Unfortunately however, much of this rhetoric lies in a grey area with websites that provide the ability to shop online being the most susceptible to this standard, many are out of reach.

Many lawsuits have come out of the debate about online accessibility for disabled individuals, but while every state has a different standard, it seems like a matter of time before regulations become more defined. It’s a good idea to be on trend with ADA compliance, especially for online stores. If you operate a non-profit or educational website, ADA compliance can expand your reach and show visitors your enterprise cares about the equal access of all people to this information.

A website designer is a great resource and can create or redesign a website for your enterprise that is ADA compliant. There are a host of considerations such as the four areas of compliance that a website designer understands and can incorporate for you. The four areas are perceivable, operable, understandable and robust- and there is a checklist provided by the ADA to ensure these standards have been met. While it’s not impossible to make your website ADA compliant on your own, it is a worthwhile investment to enlist the help of a professional who can ensure compliance.

An ADA complaint website “helps protect your business against lawsuits and fines in addition to providing needed accommodations for your potential customers” according toe businessnewsdaily.com

Interested in learning more about ADA compliance, or want to discuss your options with a designer? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

How Blogs Enhance SEO | Prescott, AZ

It may seem that volgs and social media have diminished the tried-and-true internet blog, but there are a host of benefits to incorporating a bog to your business. Most notably, blogs provide an opportunity to fill web pages with keywords that amplify your business presence on major search engines. Blogs are also a great way to educate, intrigue and maintain relevance for your enterprise with existing and potential clients.

Blogs are 350- 500 word, largely educational, written pieces focused on topics that relate to your enterprise. Whether you are a design firm, dental practice or national shipping service- a good blog writer can publish interesting, SEO-driven content for your business. These blogs can share exciting events or updates, educate people about your business and interest them to take action.

A bog writer sees each sentence as an opportunity to include relevant, highly sought keywords people associate with your business to your website. Over time, one-or-two blogs a month may add hundreds of searchable words to your website that enhance your search-ability online. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is really just that- the inclusion of behind-the-scenes juiciness that does the legwork of getting you on Google’s top pages. It’s all run by algorithms, so the more your blogger is able to associate your website with keywords, the higher your ranking. The higher your ranking, the more clicks you get and boom- it’s a snowball effect that gets you to page one.

You want to make it as easy as possible for potential clients to find your enterprise when they search. If there are five deign firms in your immediate area, and someone types in “Orange County Designer”, hundreds of results are likely to populate. If you can fill your website and blog with the terms that get you in the top five of Google’s “Orange County Design Firms” you have a much better chance of attracting new clients than if you are the twentieth. More notably, if you are based in a smaller area, the inclusion of these keywords on your site might just make the difference between you and your nearest competitor for a bid on a new project.

Interested in including a blog on your website? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

Website Elements that Highlight Your Services | Prescott, AZ

As website developers, we encounter clients whose industries range from dentistry to boating. Each client wants to showcase their products or services in a way that shares their story, captures interest and generates clientele. Here are a few ways we suggest business owners may highlight their enterprise on their website.

Video. This is a great way for businesses to showcase their services. Whether you are an architect showing areal footage of a project or sell jet skis and want to show them in action, many industries can benefit from this visual experience. It makes a compelling introduction to your enterprise to feature a video on your website home page. It’s certainly an investment worth considering.

Podcast. Relatively new to online spaces, podcasts are another compelling way to generate interest in your services. Podcasts are not for every industry, but if you can tap into an interest with consumers about your business it can go a long way to highlight your services. Setting aside an hour every week-or-so to discuss your enterprise can be a time efficient way to generate interest and expand a client’s understanding of what sets you apart.

Social Channels. Integrating an Instagram feed or Youtube channel to your website is another way owners can expand their SEO, getting them found more seamlessly online. While it would’t  necessarily make sense to share your personal feed with potential clients, having a business-oriented social channel can. These mediums serve as a pseudo-resume, exemplifying quality, customer service and an expertise in your craft.

A Seamless Experience. Of course, all of this is lost when a potential client becomes frustrated with their experience on your website. Ideally, a potential client will work through your website, and gain an understanding of your enterprise without a second thought. While it may seem counter-intuitive, or feel like what you would want is acknowledgment for a fantastic website, the more seamless the better. You would rather a potential client not notice the subtleties of a brilliant presentation than be frustrated.

Want to learn more about how you can add exciting elements to your website to highlight your services? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

Tricks for Website Clicks | Prescott, AZ

Frustrated business owners may dive into the analytics of their website and wonder “why am I not getting the kind of traffic I want?” Putting together a compelling website to showcase your brand is the first step towards generating clientele. The next, and arguably more difficult task, is driving traffic there.

Of course, the way a business goes about driving traffic will depend on the business itself. Social channels are a great way to generate interest, but one social network does not fit all. It’s important to evaluate what you have to offer and what platforms will highlight those services.

Let’s say you are an architect who generally gains clientele through referrals, you may not need anything more than an interesting Instagram page to share your favorite projects. If you are selling handmade goods, it makes more sense to take advantage of e-commerce sites like Etsy in addition to multiple social platforms to generate website traffic.

The interplay of social, e-commerce, marketing strategy and your website is referred to as transmediation; allowing one or more platforms to link and flow to the next. When done properly, transmediating your channels will boost your SEO online, increasing your page ranking on major search engines and, ultimately, generating more clicks to your website.

Transmediation is a great way top generate clicks to your website. Another way business owners can boost analytics is by incorporating a QR code onto their business cards and marketing materials. QR codes may seem like a been there, done that fad but to the average person who receives a business card, it’s a unique, convenient way to view your work.

You also want to ensure your website is mobile accessible. Of course, it’s published online, meaning it can be accessed via smartphone. What is important to note however is the presentation of your website in that format. If your website is not currently mobile accessible, discuss options with your website developer to understand how your business can stand out to those on the go.

The trick is in how easily accessible your content and website is to potential clients; the easier it is to find and learn about you, the more interest you will generate in your services. The more SEO-rich content you can get out into the world, the higher your Google rankings. The higher your ranking, the more eyes - and clicks - will come your way, ultimately growing your business.

Interested in learning more about how to optimize your website? Visit us online at jellywebsites,com or call our team at 951.371.9327 today!

Website Design Elements for Any Business | Prescott, AZ

It may seem intuitive that every business website, regardless of the enterprise would be composed, in part, of the same website design elements any other would have. However, if you are trying to DIY your website, it is important to keep in mind some of the elements that may work to highlight your unique business.

Flow. How a given client navigates your website goes a long way with how your business is received. Considering how you would like someone to experience your products and what content you want to share will inform the flow. Single-page websites are great if your website is more visual. For websites that serve to outline niche information, multi-page websites may better suit your needs.

Contact Information. Clients need a way to reach you, however, it is entirely up to you what contacts to provide. How you decide to manage communication between you and clients is your decision. An important thing to note is that if major search engines provide misleading contact information, it could cost you a client. It has been shown that inaccurate contact information alone can dissuade someone from using your services.

About Page. When potential clients visit your website, even if they understand the services or products you provide, it’s important to make a connection with them as well. About pages are a great way to inform visitors about yourself, your journey in business, or details about products a description may be too short to share. Adding an image to your about page is also a great way to relate with your clients, as it allows an opportunity to visually present your professionalism or personality.

Meet the Team. Businesses with a dynamic team of creatives or different departments benefit from a page where visitors can understand the people who make the operation work. It serves to inform visitors, and allows an opportunity for inquiries to be answered by the appropriate person or department.

For more ideas about how you can DIY your own website, or view the beautiful website Jelly Websites creates, call the team at Jelly Websites at 951.371.9327, or visit us online at www.jellywebsites.com.

Your Partner for Marketing Success | Prescott, AZ

Everything about the way you market your business, from business cards to events and your website, matters. Marketing your business is something that takes vision, a plan, and consistency to make successful.

Running the marketing for your business could be a part-time job all its own. With so many options available online, its important your business stay beyond trend with how it retains and generates interest with consumers. Marketing does not focus on one area of the brand; it encompasses the different parts that make your business presence whole. From the design of the office’s internal correspondence to consumer facing content, a marketing strategy brings your brand together.

Business owners widely acknowledge the fundamental importance of brand strategy and marketing for the success of any enterprise. When the presentation of your business is a representation of the care you have dedicated to your craft, that’s where true growth begins.

Jelly Websites has been committed to helping small businesses for 23 years. We know how to enhance your marketing potential based on how you would like to see it grow.

The main benefit of incorporating a marketing partner into your enterprise is that you can focus on what you need to manage within the business. When you strategize a game plan for your business presence, you set yourself up for success with prospective and existing clients.

When you work with Jelly Websites for your marketing strategy, we learn about you, and the key factors that make your business unique. We research the competition and know how to make your business stand out.

Our experienced team is available 24/7 to answer questions or make revisions. We imbed content with searchable keywords and offer unlimited changes and quick turn-around. Our content creators and designers ensure the highest quality exposure for your business, but you own the website.

From updates to your website to search engine optimization and original content, let us handle the creative details, so you can focus on running your business.

Interested in learning more about how making Jelly Websites your go-to marketing partner can advance your business? Call the team at Jelly Websites at 951.371.9327, or visit us online at www.jellywebsites.com

Ecommerce Features for Any Business | Prescott, AZ

Let’s start with the basics – an ecommerce website is one that allows the purchase and sale of goods, without needing a brick-and-mortar shop. Ebay is a great example of an ecommerce business and set the tone for how online shopping can be a quick, easy, and accessible option for consumers.

Here are a few things to consider if you think transitioning to an ecommerce website is right for you:

Mobile Accessibility. If you do decide to transition to an ecommerce site, make sure its mobile compatible. Those little computers in our pocket are powerful tools where with a single tap we can entice consumers to make a purchase. Make sure your customers can access you from wherever they are, so you can get paid wherever you are.

Payment Options. The financial world is evolving right along with the rest of modern technology. Beyond a traditional credit card payment, services like Venmo and PayPal have become increasingly mainstream methods of valid payment to businesses. Brick and mortar shops have begun accepting Venmo payments, so it may be an option for your ecommerce site as well.

Product Information. Admittedly, its more difficult for consumers to decide when they can’t have the tactile experience of an item. If you transition to an ecommerce site, its worth the effort or expertise of a writer to help create an immersive description of each item you offer. The more a consumer can understand about a given product, the more likely they are to purchase and be happy with their item.

User Reviews. To go along with informative product descriptions, it never hurts to have positive reviews for the products you offer. If you are set up on websites like Etsy or have Google Reviews, including them along with each product is a great way to boost confidence for your customers.

Customer Profiles. Some of us would rather checkout as a guest for each purchase, but for repeat customers or businesses, having access to their order history, preferences or score deals for loyalty are big perks. It could make the difference in what kinds of customers, and thus sales, you attract.

Interested in learning if an ecommerce website is right for you? Visit us online at jellywebsites.com or call us at 951.371.9327 today!

Driving Web Traffic Straight to You | Prescott, AZ

Stating out in business is hard – finding ways to entice visitors to your website is equally as daunting. Visitors want to learn something new and get a well rounded understanding of what you have to offer. Integrating links and content to social networks and capturing interest with freebies is a worthwhile initial investment to drive web traffic to you.

The following are some of the best ways to drive traffic back to your website, increasing both eyes on your page and SEO standing on major search engines.

Start a blog. A great way to grab the attention of your customers is by starting a blog, just make sure you keep content fresh and entertaining. Give them information they will not only find useful, but the more creative you are with its presentation, the more response you’ll receive.

Freebies. It is important to have a good reference when expanding your business. But there is one thing that is tough to resist – a free gift. Be sure this information or material you’re giving away is valuable, so people are more apt to talk about it to their friends.

Borrow an audience. People have found success getting their name out there by making cameos on other people’s sites. Approach those that are directly related to what you are doing – people usually appreciate that you admire them that much to ask.

Get your content everywhere. Social networks aren’t just for networking, they’re also an ideal place to post your content. Also, be sure to be generous and share other’s content as well. “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” isn’t just a phrase about itches.

For more information about how the team at Jelly Websites can help drive traffic to your website, visit us at www.jellwebsites.com today!

Are You Maximizing Business Directories to get Found Online?|Prescott, AZ

We all know about Google, Firefox, and Internet Explorer but have you ever considered that your customers aren’t searching for you on the same platforms? With so many applications, internet search engines and sources of information available online, it’s important your business is identifiable on any search engine.

As the number of things available to search continues to rise, the way your business is found should keep up with the ways people are searching for it. Makes sense, right? Totally! Unfortunately, keeping up with the latest on how your audience is searching, how search engines continue to optimize and staying beyond trend with your business is a job unto itself.

Seeking to understand how you may enhance your website performance? Here are some tips on how to improve your search engine optimization:

  • Keep your business information accurate and consistent across the web
    • 47% of potential clients choose the competition if a website is missing a phone number
  • Maintain updates on special offers and promotions across platforms
    • Make sure everyone can access deals and information
  • Monitor your website’s analytics and improve accordingly
    • Helps you understand what drives people to your site
  • Search your business online to learn relevant keyword associations
    • Learn how people are searching for your services and products

When you work with the team at Jelly Websites, we can actively monitor traffic across over 50 local directories and internet-wide search trends to optimize your search engine compatibility. We utilize industry leading strategies to understand your online business presence, monitor its performance, make updates and retain information accuracy as your business expands.

We provide these services so you can spend your time managing your business and fulfilling the orders your newly optimized website will generate!

We are a team of people dedicated to helping small businesses grow. Learn more about our listings management at https://jellywebsites.com/listings-management.html

Visit us online at jellwebsites.com or call Jelly Websites at 951.371.9327 to discuss how optimize your business online today!