Tag Archives: web and hosting tips

Developing Your Mobile Strategy: 5 Questions to Address

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Hosting

The post Developing Your Mobile Strategy: 5 Questions to Address appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . With the digital landscape changing every day, incorporating new devices and means of accessing your products and content, understanding the dynamics of mobile is essential. The platform remains largely in its infancy so developing a strategy can be difficult, especially for those without the capabilities needed to perform comprehensive testing and customer research. Fortunately, the experts at Google have developed “ The Mobile Playbook “, which breaks down the process into five questions that will help guide your efforts and form your plan.   How does mobile change our value proposition? The success of your content efforts depends on understanding the value you deliver to your customers. For B2B firms, this likely takes the form of some body of industry knowledge. For B2C businesses, this stems from fulfillment of a lifestyle that resonates with your customer base. In either instance, the addition of mobile to the picture affects that proposition in dynamic ways. At the core of this change is the always-on, always-available accessibility enabled by mobile devices. This means that the functionality and information you provide to your customers is shaped by this new type of interaction. Online shopping is rising in prevalence, as are mobile applications and mobile-friendly web layouts that get useful articles into customer eyes. In a case study provided by Google’s resource, a local real estate agency creates a database of local information for home buyers and leverages the location services functionality of mobile devices to help drive relevance of information provided and document information reported. Online shopping is another deeply affected facet of the consumer experience thanks to mobile devices. According to the resource, as much as 29% of local search queries resulted in a prompt purchase, thus demonstrating the importance of making your wares and your location available to search engines and mobile applications. Location services can be used to provide in-store coupons when customers enter your business in order to increase sales conversion. In each way, the value proposition is reimagined and the value delivered incorporates mobile in effective ways.   How does mobile impact our digital destinations? But brick-and-mortar properties aren’t the only aspect of business being disrupted by mobile technologies. The form factor of devices and limitations of interface are playing a key role in evolving mobile web development solutions. The trend is not to be ignored either; as many as 57% of users say they wouldn’t recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile site. This change in design requires a complete reassessment of what your site means to the mobile user. Shrinking your website or enabling mobile functionality without considering their circumstances can lead to misguided efforts and wasted money. The mobile browser is small, frequently viewed on-the-go with only fingers to navigate. With regards to browser dimensions, changing to a vertical layout and increasing text size in order to facilitate reading and navigation is essential. The quick visits and hurried schedules of mobile users viewing your site means load times will need to be optimal to avoid trying customer patience. Finally, fingers offer intuitive and innovative interface options for phones, but their clumsiness compared to mouse pointers means that “clickable” elements will need to be large and well-defined to facilitate a comfortable experience.   Is our organization adapting to mobile? With the speed and significance of the mobile revolution, organizational changes are a necessity to tackle the consequent challenges. With this particular question, Google’s team offers an explicit solution. Because of the unique considerations of mobile, the tech authority recommends creating a team designed to “champion” mobile use in all its forms. This specialization of knowledge prevents cross-over issues in implementation and defines responsibilities in an understandable and effective way. Furthermore, the specialization of this structure can help balance the needs of multiple business arms, adapting to business growth in the process. The provided case study on Sprint details a nascent mobile plan that was able to effectively accommodate marketing, web design, and new resources, resulting in a growth of mobile web traffic to 30% of total traffic. If your business already has a mobile plan, or your company lies on the larger end of the spectrum, Sprint’s story offers additional insight. The company dispersed specialists into different areas of the business and accelerated mobile efforts in the process.   How should our marketing adapt to mobile? With the introduction of new platforms, viewing conditions, user experiences, and business capabilities, evolving businesses are faced with the task of assessing their marketing materials in brand new contexts. In this realm, some interesting trends arise. According to Google’s data, mobile usage is spread evenly throughout the day and occurs across many more contexts. A Nielsen study actually revealed that 68% of mobile searches occur at home where other devices and larger screens are available. For your business, understanding how to adapt to these contexts is essential. According to the research from Nielsen, 3 out of 10 mobile searches result in “valuable business outcomes”, including in-store visits, phone calls, or mobile web purchases. What this demonstrates is that our understanding of conversions is shaped by mobile context. Simply looking at sales numbers may result in bleak ROI calculations. However, activities including calls, click-throughs, and app downloads, each with a calculated value, contribute to the conversion formula, thus painting a much more accurate picture of effectiveness. In addition, mobile contexts offer an opportunity for building your brand. A beautifully designed mobile website can curry sentiments of user-friendliness, engagement, and customer understanding. Mobile applications and web-based applications can create a dynamic and interactive experience that shapes perceptions. In each way, leveraging the unique mobile experience creates positive progress toward goals.   How can we connect with multi-screen audiences? The din of conversation, content, and advertising on the Internet is only part of the noise modern consumers experience. With tablets and smartphones on the rise, “multi-screening”, moving sequentially from device to device, is rising in step. According to the resource, 90% of consumers move between devices to complete their tasks, and 40% of users browse smartphones while watching TV. This creates a unique conundrum for marketers looking to capture that valuable attention. The solution is multi-channel integration. Customer attention divided between social networks, television, mobile web, and tablets requires a consistent experience throughout in order to make an impression. Advertisements on TV can reinforce mobile experiences, working in tandem with the consistent aesthetic of print advertising. This consistency not only unifies marketing efforts, but also delivers a strong impression despite willful and sometimes excessive division of attention between devices. The changing landscape of customer interaction created by mobile is not without its challenges, but understanding these five essential questions can help make a forest out of the trees. Adjusting your value proposition to incorporate mobile and adjusting mobile web design to facilitate delivery of this value can help breed favor with consumers. Creating mobile specialists in your organization and adapting marketing efforts to the platform can help streamline organizational efforts. Finally, integrating the myriad channels of distribution can leave a lasting impression with distracted users. By adjusting your business model to the changing times, you can ride a wave of innovation that will breed success and enthusiasm, both internally and in the marketplace. 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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Mobile Websites: What Are Your Options?

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Hosting

The post Mobile Websites: What Are Your Options? appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . Mobile Internet has desktop usage in its crosshairs. According to  Smart Insights , mobile Internet will surpass desktop usage in 2014. This is good news for Apple and Android, but bad news for all those hard-working web developers who painstakingly created a desktop website worth its salt. But let’s be honest, in an age when innovation moves at light-speed, no one expects a silver bullet solution to last very long. The unique characteristics of mobile devices require special considerations all their own. Smaller screen resolutions and unique interfaces present challenges to the typical 1280 by 720 click-and-type model. Because of smaller resolutions and tactile, gesture-based controls, navigations, layouts, and content need to be simplified for proper viewing. To further complicate matters, the diversity of mobile devices means that a single resolution or interface solution may not display correctly on other devices or platforms. Fortunately, there are options, each one with its own challenges and assets, to help solve this truly complicated puzzle.   Mobile Specific Websites The first potential solution is a bit of an antique at this point, but has its benefits. The mobile specific website builds a dedicated set of code and assets around the unique context of mobile web. This option can allow for coding of mobile specific capabilities and features, but ultimately the cons largely outweigh the pros. The first issue is load times. The mobile Internet is fast and responsive. The mobile only website is not. Because the mobile specific code is necessarily housed under a separate URL, a series of redirects based on the detected platform are needed to point phone browsers in the right direction. This dramatically increases load times and, should any of the redirects fail, unnecessary and unappreciated pain in access. The next problem is consistency. Updating code on one version of the site requires updating of code on the other site, and failure to do so can lead to embarrassing and glaring issues in format and content. In addition, successful execution of two separate code bases complicates the already arduous design process in the case of implementation of additional features. This is without mentioning the manpower needed to police both versions and maintain a coherent web experience. The final problem is search engine optimization. Because of the separate URLs of the two sites, the indexing and search rank of one does not benefit the other. For this reason, mobile users may not even be able to find your mobile site should they look for it. The short story is: don’t use a separate mobile site. At one time, Google  actually recommended them  before responsive web design practices became prevalent. Save yourself the headache and consider more flexible, intuitive, and convenient options.   Device Specific HTML Device specific HTML represents one of these intuitive solutions. The backbone of this approach is the  Vary HTTP header . In its implementation, the Vary command signals to Internet Service Providers to consider the encoding preferences of the user when determining which format to serve. In doing so, two sets of HTML code can be utilized with some common assets and displayed based on the needs of the user. In addition, the shared URL of the two versions has positive search implications. Common indexation and search rank of both versions means that the appropriate format will be readily accessible through regular search channels, thus alleviating the confusion presented by a stand-alone solution. Furthermore, the Vary header helps Google more easily crawl both formats by indicating which Googlebot to use. The end result is faster crawl and site discovery.   Responsive Web Design With myriad platforms and devices, even device specific HTML is no guarantee that site presentation will be consistent. For that reason, web designers have adopted a solution entitled “ responsive web design “. The method adopts a doctrine referred to as “device agnosticism”, which aspires to create a homogeneous experience regardless of the specific viewing context. On a coding level, a series of queries enable websites to actively adapt to different device circumstances. Javascript media checks apply assets and layouts on the basis of screen resolution and can therefore be used to simply rearrange page content and navigation without the hassle of separate HTML. By relying on viewing characteristics instead of operating systems or devices, HTML can be rendered accurately in spite of changes in software or hardware. On a practical level, this means a more coherent experience for viewers and less frustration for web developers. By utilizing common assets, fonts, and layouts, platform agnosticism permits cross-platform branding and design that plays a strong part in developing brand association. By applying catchall code, updating one asset updates the asset across all contexts, thus saving manpower and embarrassing inconsistencies. Between these options, you should have be able to make an informed decision regarding what is best for your businesses specific needs. Consider your available manpower and aspirin when accepting the headaches of each method and employ the best advantages of each when constructing your web experience. In time, your users will appreciate your mobile accommodations and your mobile site will become as much a part of your identity as your sterling reputation and charming demeanor. Check out the fast WordPress blog hosting by HostGator.com Continue reading →

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The Future of Content Marketing: Trends and Predictions for 2014

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Hosting

The post The Future of Content Marketing: Trends and Predictions for 2014 appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . Business has never been about “keeping up”. If you intend to simply pace the pack, then you are in for a rocky 2014. Innovation never rests and content marketing is home to a great deal of innovation as businesses discover its ROI and long-term potential for audience engagement and sales conversion. The question on everybody’s mind as the year draws to a close is, “what’s next?” The simple answer: more. But how much more? More of what? How will consumers respond to more? These are all questions receiving a great deal of analysis by industry leaders and professionals. Through their insights and some knowledge of our own, 2014 can be the year where your business sees the value of content marketing.   More Content marketing shows no signs of slowing down. According to a recent study, as many as  27 million pieces of content are shared every day. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to determine that this is a pie worth grabbing a piece of. But the equation is not as simple as doubling the number of Instagram pictures your company produces. Savvy consumers are looking for more rewarding content that enriches their lives. The axiom “quality over quantity” remains just that, an axiom. As a bevy of content marketing pieces flood available distribution channels, separating yourself from the background noise with high-quality, engaging content is paramount. Regardless of your marketing strategy, engagement metrics, and ROI, failing to recognize the importance of quality content in the New Year will be met with disappointing, though expected, results. The issue with this, of course, is that quality is  not something that is capable of measure . The intangible characteristic can be frustrating for data-driven businesses, but hiring quality writers should be your guidepost. You run a business with aplomb and they carry that same acumen to their respective arena, so trust their instincts and skill.   Substance While “quality” itself is intangible, the range of topics emphasized by your business is not only understandable, but also malleable. Whether you are a B2B or B2C organization,  data has shown  that current trends in content topics are not cutting it anymore. B2B blogs are guilty of proffering generic industry profiles and parroting industry trends, while B2C organizations are on the hook for pandering based on engagement metrics instead of value. Luckily, either case has a straight-forward solution. For businesses, utilize case studies that examine the sources of success that propelled industry leaders to their lofty position. In addition, hold live, area events that focus on the consumer instead of the characteristics of your business. Customers are less interested in what makes you tick than they are in what insights you have to give from your position of authority. For B2C companies, focus on value. If a customer cannot identify what they stand to gain by reading your publication or viewing your video, then you have fallen short. Consumers are inundated with media. Viral videos, news reports, texts, phone calls, and music barrage eyeballs on a constant basis. This scarcity of time should play a part when you shape your content topics. An article can be deemed “useless” before the first word is read, and this would constitute an unfortunate loss of opportunity and a sometimes costly waste of time.   Technically Speaking Content receives the bulk of emphasis here due to its importance. However, the method of distribution of such content is as important as ever. Furthermore, understanding the changing trends in distribution can help once again differentiate your marketing from the chaff that fills Facebook feeds every day. Most importantly, businesses will need to determine how to track their ROI on content marketing response in the year 2014. Research has shown that as little as  25% of marketers  actually measure this key metric on their efforts, effectively blurring the line between discussion and noise. The actual return on Facebook likes, shares, and comments will be an area of intense development in 2014, and businesses that adopt this technology will see dividends as a result. Beyond tracking the return on marketing efforts through analytics, businesses will need to understand the changing distribution platforms of the New Year. Until recently, businesses placed emphasis on “destination” sites; central hubs of interesting content that could deliver value and engage customers. However, this method puts a lot of eggs in one basket. The new model? Integrated, distributed content  across earned, owned, and paid properties . Developing marketing efforts across all of these avenues will see better results than the consolidated approach largely due to the distributed nature of our digital lives. This distribution does not lie simply in the formats through which we consume our content, it also resides in the platforms we use for access. According to data, mobile web will overtake desktop traffic in  only two years time . This involves changing screen resolutions, readability, and access that necessitate creating content that spans all platforms gracefully. In all content, consider how the page, material, and layout will be viewed across myriad platforms and utilize practices that bridge the gaps. By emphasizing quality over quantity, basing content ideas on customer needs, and exercising the appropriate technical practices for seamless distribution, your company can see improved sales, engagement, and customer relationships in the New Year. Content marketing has become an inarguably powerful medium, and failing to utilize it to its full potential would be an exercise in corporate seppuku . Fortunately, a little knowledge, created and used, can go a long way in 2014. Check out the fast shared web hosting by HostGator.com Continue reading →

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Websites For Beginners: 5 Tricks To Help You Succeed

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Hosting

The post Websites For Beginners: 5 Tricks To Help You Succeed appeared first on HostGator Web Hosting Blog | Gator Crossing . When building a website, it’s important to begin with a clear focus and plan. When you have clarity about which direction you want to go in, it makes it much easier to set and achieve your website goals. In the article below, we’re outlining 5 tricks to help you succeed as you build your first website.   Target Your Audience In the course of building your website , you have to keep in mind who you’re doing this for. Your target audience should be clear in your mind. A grocery store near an elementary school will likely have a lot of parents of younger children as customers. If you sell products for aging citizens, then your audience will be the elderly and their caretakers. So who are you building your website for? What sort of content would be useful to them? Take some time and write out a profile for your ideal visitor. Imagine their age, gender, geographic location, income, and other relevant information. Use this profile to give your website a clear direction and focus.   Stay Up to Date There is no shortage of outdated websites online. Some come in the form of blogs that haven’t been updated in over a year, while others sport layouts and themes that were popular during the Clinton administration. An outdated website quickly loses credibility with its audience. Not only that, but the older a website is, the more outdated its technology. Keep your website up to date by keeping your content and information current. You should also stay on top of website trends that could affect your website, such as SEO and HTML standards. And speaking of SEO…   Be Findable Search engine optimization is more than just a set of tricks. In its purest form, SEO is a way to make your website easy for search engines (and ultimately people) to find. This is supremely important in that 91% of adults use search engines regularly when they go online. A lot can be said and has been said about the best way to go about optimizing a website, but there are a few core rules you should keep in mind. Fresh Content: Without content that is fresh and relevant to your niche or industry, your website can quickly grow stale. Search engines look for websites that are updated regularly, and use this as criteria for ranking. Your content should not only be fresh, but also unique and relevant to the rest of your site. In other words, stay on topic and be original. Take a new take on a subject whenever you can instead of writing just another blog post on the topic. Relevant Keywords: The keywords you use throughout your website matter. Find a keyword research tool and find out what keywords your customers are searching for. When it comes to keyword popularity, it’s best to aim for somewhere in the middle: Keywords that are popular but not too popular. That way you’re more likely to rank for search terms that aren’t as competitive. Include your main keywords in your title tag and URL, and otherwise as often as you can while still sounding coherent. Accessible HTML: Your site should be accessible to those with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments. Use an accessibility validator to test your website against currently accessibility standards, and modify accordingly. Making your website accessible to those with disabilities also makes it easier for search engines to crawl.   Be Relatable The Internet can sometimes be a cold, sterile place, which makes it all the more important to put a human face and feel to your website. Unless your website is of a strictly technical nature, always remember that you’re a human using a website to communicate with other humans. You can make your website more personable by: Using a conversational tone when writing and publishing content. Avoid excess industry jargon, big words, and overt sales talk. Creating an “About” page. This is especially useful if you work with a team. Create a mini bio for each member of the team that includes not only their role, but also hobbies, nicknames, and other interesting tidbits. Including contact information at the top of every page. By making it easy to get in touch, you’re creating trust with your audience.   Be Analytical If you were planning to just eyeball it when it comes to website traffic, there is a better way. Website analytics is a measurable method for tracking the success of a website. Whether you measure success by number of unique page views, monthly downloads, monthly sales, or newsletter subscriptions, you can see how well you’re doing by using analytics software to track your website’s progress. Among other features, you can also use analytics to see which pages of your website are most popular, and which pages people tend to exit from. This makes analytics software a valuable tool for tweaking your website for best performance. Google Analytics continues to be a great choice for those just jumping into the world of website analytics. It’s easy to install and user friendly, and also includes a bunch of great features like goal setting and split testing. It’s also very customizable. You can segment users into groups for easier tracking, such as customers from Milwaukee who spend $50 or more each month.   Your website doesn’t have to be one of those that eventually falls by the Internet wayside. As the old adage goes, when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Putting a strategy in place ahead of time will give your website a much greater chance of success.   Have you picked a domain for your first website yet? If not, click here to search for and register your domain. Check out the fast shared web hosting by HostGator.com Continue reading →

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