Tag Archives: comedy

How to Write Irresistible Email Subject Lines

Posted on December 24, 2013 by Hosting

The post How to Write Irresistible Email Subject Lines appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . Everyone remembers the class clown. The guy who happened to be just loud enough to be heard. The problem is, no one remembers his jokes. What they remember his how annoying he became when his jokes failed to land. In an odd way, email follows the same trend. Powerful information has its place, but presenting it in an abrasive fashion is more likely to turn readers off than encourage future views. The secret lies in the mind of the reader and your responsibility in crafting headlines that baby their short attention spans.   The Tired Reader In order to effectively address email customers, it’s important to first understand their plight. There are a lot of businesses, people, applications, events, and products, all vying for customer attention every day. Between pop-up messages, brightly colored ads, Facebook notifications, text messages, tweets, and, yes, emails, it’s a wonder that consumers have any time to sleep. Users are tired, burned out, and jaded. This, however, does not mean that they aren’t paying attention. What it does mean, is that users have their own way of processing all of the information. Instead of vetting each individual piece (as you hope they would), the focus is on quick judgments based on surface characteristics. For websites, this means ignoring unattractive designs. For companies, this means ignoring those with poor reviews. And for email marketers, this means rapidly determining whether the information presented is informative, timely, and of trustworthy origin. Reaching customers is no longer a matter of having the biggest megaphone. Those who used to run TV ads now have to compete with equally visible local search results, and customers are getting smarter in sorting the signal from the noise.   Cheap Tricks The first thing to fall in this process of discernment is the cheap trick. Before email communications were readily available and messages flooded consumer inboxes, marketers, scammers, and relatives could get away with all-caps subject lines adorned with lots of question marks. Cheap ploys for attention, such as purposely vague headlines and humorous email addresses have taken a hit, and for good reason. The underlying motive behind users’ quick identification methods is a search for use and trust. With email phishing and Nigerian Prince-esque scams invading inboxes daily, humorous email addresses look fishy and trigger alarm bells. Even if your registered address is clever and legitimate, the quick reaction of a viewer will be to hit the delete key. De-sensitized by fluorescent banner ads and over-the-top declarations have trained users to ignore these “too good to be true” offers and obnoxious practices. Finally, as mentioned, users wish to sort the wheat from the chaff quickly, and headlines that intrigue, but require investigation, are likely to get the boot. With poor practices falling in quick succession, what is left for a marketer to do? Obviously the task of grabbing a reader’s eye and communicating your message gets no less challenging each day, so something has to work. The key, as it turns out, lies in leveling with your subscribers, and relating your information effectively and honestly.   Leaning on Data In order to determine best practices, we turn to a comprehensive study conducted by prolific email service MailChimp. Their work, analyzing over 200 million emails , ranging in open-rate (percentage of recipients that opened the message) from 93% to 0.5%, sheds light on some fascinating trends that can greatly benefit your email marketing efforts. Three trends from this study stick out in particular: the importance of subject length, the failure of solicitation, and the value of “telling over selling”. The subject length followed a rather coherent and consistent trend. Subject lines of over 50 characters result in considerably lower open rates than those within this threshold. Again, the focus is on quick judgments, and offering a lengthy read in the first line of an email is a great way to turn people off. Next, asking for help or pandering sales is as unattractive as it is ineffective, and proven methods exist that will greatly improve reader satisfaction. Requests for donations, pleas for word of mouth, and the aforementioned vague ploy for attention, all reduce open rates to dismal levels. In their place, MailChimp suggests offering timely, relevant, information plainly and simply, with a little emotional appeal if appropriate. For subscribers to a clothier’s email marketing, for example, an appropriate subject line may be “Summer’s Hottest Looks Available Now”. The line lets customers know what is inside, provides an emotional appeal, and establishes some immediacy that encourages a look. Ultimately, the study reveals the importance of a tidy little axiom: “tell, don’t sell”. Readers are tired of the constant pull of desperate marketers and simply want information. That’s not to say that your email design shouldn’t be attractive, but getting viewers into the message itself takes some focused delivery. Provide information, set reasonable expectations, and then fulfill those. Don’t promise what you can’t fulfill and never treat customers like they’re stupid. Writing great subject lines is not only easy, it’s simple. Understanding the challenges facing tired consumers and the tendency to make snap decisions greatly simplifies the picture and guides your efforts. Avoid cheap attempts at attention and stay away from promotional offers or lengthy subject lines. Instead, deliver plain information honestly and effectively. It may be challenging at first, but you’ll save a boatload on your exclamation point budget. Register a cheap domain name at HostGator.com Continue reading →

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Google Hummingbird 101: 5 Things You Need To Know

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Hosting

The post Google Hummingbird 101: 5 Things You Need To Know appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . Google has changed. The Internet has changed. The combination, while putting the responsibility on the search giant’s algorithms, fundamentally affects how we shape our efforts at content discovery, simply because of the ubiquity of Google’s use. This change can be scary, but knowing how the change works, what to expect, and how it affects you will make all the difference as these revisions hit your site. In this post, we’re outlining 5 things you need to know about Google Hummingbird.   1. The Search Query Has Changed In the beginning, search engines indexed information based on a rather primitive method of keyword indexing. These indexes did not understand human language, they simply represented an amalgamation of terms associated with locations, weighted by popularity and inbound links. In order to appease this format, those searching for information were required to truncate full, intelligent sentences into keywords and phrases that rubbed the algorithm the right way. Doing so would yield results, but with limited success. Hummingbird throws that playbook out the window. Many of the old factors still exist, including keywords and PageRank, but these contribute to a formula that accounts for  200 different factors  when returning results. In doing so, the engine works to incorporate long-form queries and human speech patterns to influence the relevance and quality of search results. What this means for you: no longer will your pages be judged simply on primitive factors. Relevant, original, and interesting information is, for the first time, being revealed and shuttled forth to interested eyes in dynamic new ways.   2. Blame Fluff For The Changes The changes are not baseless; this isn’t simply a revision for revision’s sake. Google’s efforts are born of an era of Internet content where traditional methods could be exploited, placing unoriginal, uninteresting, and un-engaging, though keyword dense, content in front of curious viewers to the detriment of their search efforts and the reputation of websites offering compelling work.   3. Hummingbird Works in a Series In this fact lies, perhaps, the greatest change to Google’s underlying engine. Previously, queries were submitted and results were returned based on a number of factors. However, each query represented a new effort, effectively limiting the ability to drill-down information when further insight was sought. The Hummingbird engine takes a new approach to the process of search, incorporating human behavior as a central tenant. Continued searches are now viewed with a  combination of order and context  based on previous searches. If this sounds confusing, here’s a breakdown: each search in a series is understood by the engine in a different way. Initial queries are viewed as browsing, offering surface information and broad responses. A follow-up search related to the topic reveals more in-depth information. This series continues, retrieving information to a greater degree of specificity based on the search order and length of specific queries. In doing so, the engine emulates the human research process, seeking broad concepts and then working down to the details, in order to facilitate knowledge acquisition. For commercial firms, this procedural search opens new doors for information previously buried in the hierarchies of corporate websites. Until recently, pages needed to have carefully crafted keywords to delineate their use as a more robust and authoritative resource. However, the series now cuts the guesswork out of the process. Those searching for “umbrellas” will receive several firms, delivered and ranked. A further search of “canvas umbrellas” will offer product pages and information matching the description, understanding the greater refinement of the request. Another search for “waxed, canvas umbrellas for under $100″ will narrow product recommendations and provided information, comprehending that, at this point in your journey, you are likely ready to buy a specific product. Beyond this step in the funnel lies information for present customers involving tech specifications, how-to instructions, and maintenance references, just to name a few.   4. Original, Informative Content is the Future This series of steps and refinement of keyword comprehension means one thing: original, engaging content is the future . No longer are rote, keyword dense answers aimed at currying site traffic the ringleaders. In particular, Hummingbird favors authoritative, information-rich sources that piggyback off of Google Plus authorship and publisher-ship to tailor results to a fatigued and discerning public. Since the engine is based on the promise of delivering answers to questions, this, above all else, should drive future content efforts. Offer FAQ pages, Q&A blog content, how-to posts, and interviews that focus on questions and answers to assert your authority in a particular avenue. Offer industry debates and “ask the expert” posts in order to drive your traffic as a firm that offers valuable information. In all things, remember that users are asking questions. Your job is to have the answers.   5. SEO is Evolving In this way, SEO isn’t disappearing, but, instead,  evolving . As mentioned, Google’s revision comes largely at the behest of users desiring to find more relevant content, tired from disappointing front-page entries that simply “played the game”. Traditional methods of link-mining, keyword stuffing, and cheap, overly sensationalist titles will receive less reward than ever before. In place of these methods is a combination of traditional keywords and long-tail keywords. When embedding information in your page, your prior expertise in researching relevant keywords will still play a part, but stuffing the box will not. Simply focus on integral terms that hone your page down to its proffered expertise and value. In addition to these one-word, keywords, incorporate longer terms that effectively answer questions. In particular, observe the algorithms treatment of single keywords as indicative of broad information, 2-3 word-length keywords as more in-depth research and learning, 3-4 word-length keywords as detailed information, and 4+ word-length keywords as specialist information for customers and experts. Hummingbird’s changes are unlikely to lose you traffic, but the science behind search engines has changed profoundly, necessitating adaptation. Gone are the days of gaming the system and here is an era of authority and originality. Series of queries will yield more robust results, as unearthing helpful content and answers are the goal. Optimize your site for the new format by including single-word terms and longer, more robust keywords in tandem. The combination may hurt impostors, but as a genuine vendor of valuable information, consider a ticker-tape parade and a bottle of Champagne. Register a cheap domain name at HostGator.com Continue reading →

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10 Fantastic Google Marketing Tools You Never Knew Existed

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Hosting

The post 10 Fantastic Google Marketing Tools You Never Knew Existed appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . The world’s largest search engine has established an impressive reputation for delivering quality data to relevant search queries. Between their extensive index and ubiquitous adoption, it’s no wonder the behemoth has risen to the top. But while the average user is searching for flan recipes and movie quotes, marketers have at their fingertips a bevy of useful tools for improving their efforts and gaining insight into their market.   Google Trends Understanding the cultural milieu of particular terms or trends is valuable when crafting copy or photographic content. To this end, Google provides the ability to check the frequency of searches by date. Top terms by category can be viewed in charts and the Explore function enables a chronological documentation of a term’s frequency in search queries. Between these views, marketers will have a better understanding of the zeitgeist and can avoid hitting any hot button terms in the process.   Google Public Data Explorer Understanding the public requires comprehensive data. Thanks to Google Public Data Explorer, marketers can peruse census data, unemployment rates, and any other publicly released information from international governments in line graph, bar graph, or scatter-plot form. With the ability to compare and contrast critical data between countries, you now have the ability to target your marketing and product positioning toward appropriate economic and social conditions.   Google Correlate The strength of data lies not in isolation, but in the ability to compare it for context. Google Correlate provides this capability, showing the trends in search results over the course of a few years or a few months. In a curious, though creative, feature, users of the solution can draw their own line graph and see search terms that match that pattern, thus providing the potential to determine seasonal trends or year-to-year fads.   Webmaster Tools Managing online efforts can be difficult, especially when your carefully crafted website is working poorly. Google Webmaster Tools gives you the necessary functionality to check site health, monitor valuable analytics, and run crawl requests to make sure your assets and articles are properly indexed. In addition, the platform provides structured data tools that check the “micro data” of pages and previewing how they will render in Google’s search results.   Google Fonts In an age of design-forward thinking, your copy needs to look as good as it reads. Google Fonts makes accessible a wide variety of high quality fonts that would previously require local installation to display. With this range of choices and easily accessed API, you’ll have more control over the aesthetic and readability of your web copy than ever before.   Google Ngram Viewer If Google Trends doesn’t provide the kind of insight you’re looking for, then Ngram Viewer most certainly will. The project documents the appearance of words over the course of millennia, showing side-by-side comparisons at the user’s behest. This historical context can make a big difference when dipping into the past for reference or citation.   Dart While marketing is not, at its heart, a programming endeavor, it certainly can benefit from a little knowledge. Marketers with an understanding of web code can help troubleshoot problems quicker and guide development efforts when the time arises. For those with an eye on the future and a penchant for the technical, Google’s Dart coding language provides an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of an emerging tech trend. The true benefit lies in its simplicity, as the company has designed it from the get-go as a language capable of understanding, even by beginning coders.   Google Think Insights Not all of Google’s contributions boil down to raw data or code. Google Think Insights delivers a number of Ted-talk-esque treatises on changes in technology and business practices. Marketers with a desire to expand their horizons can examine the “Marketing Objectives” section for tailored advice, while a laundry list of tools provide key insights and lessons. Coupled with creative projects that teach highly-sought-after information, the platform constitutes a gold mine for ambitious marketers.   Get Your Business Online If you find yourself in the passenger’s seat of commerce instead of the driver’s, then this is the section for you. The step-by-step tutorial helps teach you the importance of getting your business on the web, along with the best practices in doing so. The project is tailored at small businesses, with a declared intent to help boost the local economy and grow mom-and-pop’s shops. Along with free web hosting for one year, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would pass up such a sterling opportunity.   Full Value of Mobile If, instead, you’re an established business and want to expand your reach, then understanding mobile is crucial. The Full Value of Mobile page provides a useful calculator for businesses to help determine how much their mobile property is worth. In addition, the tool helps analyze how customers interact with your business, giving insight into effective leveraging of owned mobile properties.   Between these tools and the existing means of market research provided by the search giant , it appears that no stone has been left unturned. Exploration and comparison of public data can help guide distribution and advertising efforts. Proper coding, webmaster tools, and fonts provide more control over owned properties. Finally, Think Insights, GYBO, and Full Value of Mobile provide valuable information for a wide range of experience levels. With successful marketing pacing the growth and success of many companies these days, this toolkit can help lift the weight off your shoulders and give you confidence that you’re making the right call. Register a cheap domain name at HostGator.com Continue reading →

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The 10 Commandments of Effective Web Design and Development

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Hosting

The post The 10 Commandments of Effective Web Design and Development appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . To the uninitiated, web design is magic. Transforming text into beautiful, responsive, and interactive creations is pure sorcery to those who don’t see past the one-way mirror. The problem is, you do, and for that reason, you know just how complicated and challenging things can get. When navigating the jungle (so that end-users don’t have to) keeping essential, core principles in mind can mean the difference between Facebook and MySpace. In this post, we’re outlining the ten commandments of effective web design and development.   1. Thou shalt code with care If you honor the integrity of your web page and the integrity of your sanity, this rule means everything. Poorly organized, un-commented, and messy code can create copious headaches as you develop your site or redesign your aesthetic. It is said that the skill of a master chef is indicated by the cleanliness of his apron; the same goes for coders. Keep things clean, organized, well labeled, and concise in order to save you and yours a little pain along the way.   2. Thou shalt be flexible Our relationship with the web is ever changing. From our standards for interaction to the platforms on which we view sites, the onus falls on web developers to make users happy at all junctures. For this reason, it is essential to observe responsive web design. The elegant solution will adapt your layout, your media, and your text based on queries to the observing platform. In doing so, your website maintains a coherent identity with common elements and shared page ranking; a win-win-win.   3. Thou shalt put the user before all else Developing your code and your platform is only part of the picture. Ultimately, the user is where the rubber hits the road, and failing to gain traction with a favorable user experience will see ambitious efforts fall heartbreakingly short. At every conjuncture, consider elements like typography, visual balance, navigability, communicability, and aesthetic to ensure that viewers appreciate all the hard work you put in.   4. Thou shalt remember scalability and keep it holy The term “web development” should give you an idea of what we’re talking about. Development is, by its nature, the progression and adaptation of infrastructure and design to your changing goals. For this reason, your web hosting infrastructure and underlying platform should be scalable in order to accommodate future growth. You may only see 100 users per day at present, but when your blog hits it big, you’ll wish you had sprung for a solution with robust upgrades options.   5. Thou shalt change with the times As stated, the web is an ever-changing cornucopia of visuals, content, contexts, and experiences. Failing to adapt to this changing world will leave your site feeling slow and looking old. These may not seem like huge issues at first, but considering  how quickly a user’s attention can falter , even a seemingly negligible drop in performance can turn them off. Aesthetic is not to be ignored either. The glossy buttons of web 1.0 have been supplanted by simple and elegant flat designs. Falling behind this curve means uninterested eyes and negative perceptions.   6. Thou shalt not take a domain name in vain Your docket is already full with technical concerns and design considerations, but ignoring the significant role that your domain name plays is an exercise in ignorance. In order for websites to garner organic traffic, they need to be eye catching when viewed in the context of search results. A good domain name can set expectations and entice wandering eyes even before your copy and layout make an impression. Choose something simple, creative, and interesting to reel in readers.   7. Thou shalt optimize thy search index In order for your domain name to have an impact, however, your site needs to appear in said search rankings. The search indexing system may not be perfect, but unfortunately, it’s all we’ve got. Optimize your SEO by focusing on Schema microdata, authorship, linkages to high profile sites, and strong keywords. Doing so we’ll not only bump your initial traffic results, but also make hay for years after publication.   8. Thou shalt hold design on high If the individual instances demonstrating the importance of design haven’t sold you on this concept, then let this commandment do the work. Design, once popularly considered to be a luxury of large companies with ample budgets, quickly became an integral part of startup culture, content formatting, and now, every aspect of the Internet. The new era sees design as a primary concern of Internet users, even if only subconsciously, and failing to recognize this can seriously derail your efforts.   9. Thou shalt be distinctive The Internet is big. To quantify it, research shows that monthly traffic in 2012 hit 44 exabytes per month. To put this volume in perspective, 1 exabyte is 1,000 petabytes, and 1 petabyte is 1,000 terabytes. For that reason, you need to make an impression. Web design is about functionality and impact, and when focusing on impact, aim to set your creation apart. This can be achieved in a number of ways, just remember to focus on being distinctive, not weird or annoying.   10. Thou shalt keep it simple Paramount to all of these concerns, make sure you keep things simple. Strive for elegance; the simplest, most effective solution. Cluttered code, busy design, and ham-fisted attempts at standing out are as likely to drive away users as they are to frustrate your stakeholders. In all things, strive for the simplest solution and enjoy the sophistication and intuitiveness that only elegance can provide. They may not have been handed down on the mount, but these commandments can help guide your web design and development efforts in profound ways. Code responsibly, focus on the user, develop flexible platforms, keep up with design innovations, optimize your data, and focus on elegance. Between these rules and your own dash of creativity and talent, you’re bound to build something notable, and that’s a valuable thing in an interconnected world. Register a cheap domain name at HostGator.com Continue reading →

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Infographic: 5-Finger Internet Discount

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Hosting

The post Infographic: 5-Finger Internet Discount appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . It’s been said: “if it’s free, it’s for me; I’ll have three!”  When speaking of free things on the Internet, it’s most often a conversation about stealing media; mp3s, movies, and other copyrighted materials.  However, there are some legitimately free and legal things for you to help yourself to online.  Presenting The 5-Finger Internet Discount: 5-Finger Internet Discount via HostGator Register a cheap domain name at HostGator.com Continue reading →

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