Tag Archives: web and hosting tips

How To Build A Content Strategy That Actually Works

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Hosting

The post How To Build A Content Strategy That Actually Works appeared first on HostGator Blog | Gator Crossing . Building a content strategy that actually drives traffic to your website doesn’t have to take months to get right. By being strategic about your choices and following some of the advice below you’ll be able to build a custom content strategy geared towards your unique business goals. Simply creating content is no longer enough; you need to engineer a strategy that focuses on generating organic traffic through providing continuous value. The steps below will get you going in the right direction.   Nail Down Your Personas The only way to create content geared towards your ideal user is to know exactly to whom you’re writing. This information will help you to create a unique persona that resembles an actual person. These personas aren’t real people, but instead characters that resemble an ideal “perfect customer.” This will help you get in the head of your customer and speak to them and their unique needs. Common traits you’ll want to nail down include both demographic and psychographic information.   Know Your Search Terms By doing proper keyword research you’ll be able to see what your users are actually looking for. You can couple this data with your buyer persona and create content that truly makes an impact. To get started follow the basic steps outlined below: Make a basic long-tail keyword list: this list includes keywords that you think your users will be looking for, based upon having initial knowledge of your market and your product. Compare this list to actual data: compare this list to actual search data obtained from Google Keyword Tool, or a similar tool. Create headlines based upon these ideas: cross-reference your initial keywords with the terms with decent search volume and brainstorm topic ideas with this information.   Get The Style Of Content Right A lot of companies use different styles of content to reach different portions of their market. This includes things like, video, blog posts, slideshows, infographics, social media posts, webinars, and even email marketing campaigns. To find out what’s right for your audience use the buyer persona you developed earlier to predict how they’re going to enjoy consuming your content.   Test Different Methods and Refine Over Time Over time you’ll be able to really nail down the style of content and voice that works best for reaching your audience. In the beginning don’t be afraid to test out different styles of content. However, make sure you track the success of each style of content so you’ll be able to see what’s actually working. The most common form of success tracking is through social media shares, or number of new email subscribers. Both of these metrics show engagement from your audience.   Determine A Regular Posting Schedule Once you’ve found the style of content your audience loves then you need to deliver on a regular basis. The type of content you’re using will also dictate how frequency you post. For instance, Twitter updates will happen more frequently than a YouTube video. People also engage across different platforms at different times, so take this into account when developing and executing your content schedule. Content marketing doesn’t have to be brain science. Know your customer, experiment, and continue to deliver free content they’re going to love. web hosting Continue reading →

Posted in HostGator, Hosting, VodaHost | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rebootless Venom Vulnerability Patch

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Hosting

The post Rebootless Venom Vulnerability Patch appeared first on HostGator Blog | Gator Crossing . Unfortunately, it seems like new exploits are appearing more and more often these days. The most recent exploit to make headlines is known as CVE-2015-3456, aka “Venom.” Ultimately this exploit, much like many before it, can allow a malicious individual to gain root privileges on a server. However, we are not posting this blog to expound on this latest exploit, rather our security experts have developed a procedure to effectively patch this vulnerability without necessitating a reboot. We felt it would be in the best interest of the community at large to release this information as quickly as possible, therefore we have launched VenomFix.com in order to provide this resource and information to the public at large. We are providing this resource simply as a counter-measure against this exploit; this patch carries no guarantee, implied or otherwise. For full information, please visit VenomFix.com . web hosting Continue reading →

Posted in HostGator, Hosting, php, VodaHost, vps | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Will Google’s Mobilegeddon Hurt My Small Business? What Should I Do NOW?

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Hosting

The post Will Google’s Mobilegeddon Hurt My Small Business? What Should I Do NOW? appeared first on HostGator Blog | Gator Crossing . Are you ready, friends? Mobilegeddon is upon us. Don’t worry, your new smartphone hasn’t finally become sentient (that we know of), but there are big changes ahead. Before you reach for your tinfoil hat, there are a few things you should know. Google tweaked its search algorithm on Tuesday. From now on, sites that aren’t mobile-friendly — meaning ones that have text that’s too small, take a long time to load, or are generally hard to navigate — will see their search rankings plummet. If your site isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re about to experience a huge drop in search traffic. Not great, obviously, but here’s why it’s a very big deal: Approximately 86% of all U.S. smartphone users search via Google. There are 177 million websites covered by Google search. If you’re not optimized for those mobile users, you’re going to get lost in a very large crowd. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.   Step 1 Find out if your site is mobile-friendly. Check this free, instant mobile-friendly test ASAP.   Step 2 If your site isn’t ready to go, don’t panic. We can help. Consider us your guide through this post-apocalyptic mobile wasteland. We’ll make your site mobile-friendly within a few days , helping you avoid any major losses in traffic or revenue (Google will notice the change and you’ll quickly regain your search ranking). But you’ve got to move quickly. Call our expert design team for a FREE consultation at 844-271-2301 or click the button below to join us in LiveChat for more information. Rescue Me From Mobilegeddon! web hosting Continue reading →

Posted in HostGator, Hosting, php, VodaHost, vps | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Does Your Business Really Need A Social Media Presence?

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Hosting

The post Does Your Business Really Need A Social Media Presence? appeared first on HostGator Blog | Gator Crossing . Social media is one of the most talked about topics in the online world today. Soon we may even have children with social media accounts before they even begin to walk. With all the hoopla around social media and all the social media “experts” telling you which strategy you should employ it can be difficult to make a decision. After all, social media is a huge investment of time and spending too much time going in the wrong direction can be deadly for your business. In this post we’re going to explore the benefits of social media to see if you even need to be active on social media for your business to succeed.   Understanding The Current Social Media Landscape Social media seems to have transcended the trend status and all signs are suggesting it’s going to be around for good. The real reason social media gets confusing is because there are so many different channels to be on and be effective on. The ways of communication across each channel differs greatly, and your core group of customers may not even be using the network that you’re trying to build an audience on. The landscape is very diverse and requires that you pay attention to the networks you’re using and the reasons you’re using them. If you’re not aware of the time you’re spending chances are you’re going to be wasting it. However, just because a lot of brands are using social media doesn’t mean it’s right for your business. For starters, if you’re just going to mimic the same strategy that everyone else is, then you’re better off not going on social media in the first place. Fortune favors the bold and your social media strategy is no different.   Some Businesses Don’t Need To Use Social Media Before we continue it’s important to dive into the reason your business might not need a social media strategy. Think of social media as a means to deliver your message. If it doesn’t align with your customer base, then don’t use it. For instance, if you run a personal sailing school and most of your students tend to live in the local community you might be better off leaving flyers around town, or hanging out at the local docks. Sometimes offline marketing can be better for your specific business. Social media is a means of marketing for your business, but if the people you’re marketing to don’t hang out there, then it doesn’t make sense being on social media. However, for the vast majority of businesses who should be considering moving forward with a strategy there are a few things you should take into account.   Constructing An Effective Social Media Strategy At the heart of any good social media strategy is a good business. If your business doesn’t inspire your customers, or communicate your business in a clear manner, then your social media strategy isn’t going to make your business an overnight success. Think of social media as an amplifier of your business. So, if you have a captivating business, then executing your social media strategy will be much easier. 1. Maintain Consistency Think of your business as a friend that you trust. This person is always honest and tries to be as clear as possible, and they do their best to not send you mixed messages. You want your business to be the same way. When you’re communicating across social media platforms make sure your message and tone stays the same, and make sure you’re always honest and open. That way people are more likely to trust you and be open with you. 2. Speak To Your Market We alluded to this earlier, but you need to be on the social media platforms where your audience hangs out; that’s the only way to reach them. On some social media platforms you can be more friendly and down-to-earth, while others are more geared towards business-speak. Make sure you’re in line with the communication standards of the platform, while still being honest with yourself. 3. Be Unique Face it, no one wants to read a boring post on social media. There’s enough garbage to scroll through most of the time anyways, and you don’t want to continue adding to the noise. You don’t have to be sensational, but you can be honest and show what makes your business unique from your competitors.   Make sure you emphasize these traits and at the end of the day remember, you’re speaking to humans, so act like it. web hosting Continue reading →

Posted in HostGator, Hosting, php, VodaHost, vps | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Easy to Implement Local SEO Tactics For Small Business Owners

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Hosting

The post Easy to Implement Local SEO Tactics For Small Business Owners appeared first on HostGator Blog | Gator Crossing . If you operate a local small business that is dependent on sales from customers in close vicinity, then implementing a local SEO campaign is extremely helpful to your business. Benefits include: Increase your local brand awareness Target highly qualified traffic Drives more store visits Less competition than organic SEO All of these factors lead to an increase in sales and have an impact on your bottom line. Here’s a basic checklist for a successful local SEO campaign.   Your Checklist To Local SEO Success 1. Optimize Your Website Page Title Tags should: Include your business name, keyword, and your city. Not have the same title tag on every page. Not be keyword stuffed. Not be longer than 60 characters. Enhance/Update homepage content. Have separate product and/or service pages. Add a customized location page. One for each location if you have more than one.   2. Implement Schema On Your Website Add Schema Mark-Up to your website. Schema code helps search engines understand more quickly what your business does and where it does it. For example, make it easy for search engines to understand that you’re a lawyer in Chicago who deals in criminal law. Chances are you’re indexed faster and show up higher in the results.   3. Get a Google+ Local Listing & Optimize it Have you claimed your listing? Great! No listing = No local ranking results in Google so go get listed now . An optimized Google+ local page entices potential clients and stands out against competitors. Here are some best practices to follow for your Google+ listing: Business Name – Add your official ‘doing business as’ (DBA) name. Address – Format with U.S.P.S. guidelines. Contact Info – Primary phone number should be your main landline. Description – Create a unique and easy to read description of your business. Photos – Add a profile photo, cover photo, and a few unique images of your business.   4. Get Local Business Listings (Citations) Business directories (citations) are essential to your local SEO success. Make sure your NAP – Business Name, Address, and Phone Number – are consistent on all your listings. Search for citations in your industry and city, for instance join your local chamber of commerce. Incorrect citations have a negative impact on your ability to rank locally. Search for any old/outdated citations, duplicates, or incorrect business listings that require updates or removal.   5. Get Reviews! Positive online reviews not only help your business establish trust and standout from the competition, but reviews also help you connect with your clients, improve your services and build your reputation. Review sites available to consumers are Google+, Yelp, Facebook, and industry specific sites like UrbanSpoon and Avvo. Request customer feedback through: follow up emails, after you complete your service, on your receipts and invoices, or through a review management platform, place review site stickers in your store like, Find Us on Yelp , or Like Us on Facebook. Respond to reviews, both positive and negative reviews. This shows your customers you’re listening and value their feedback.   6. Create Local Content Create local content that is relevant to your business and the city you live in. For example, talk about local events you’re involved in or review local events. If you are part of a local charity, tell your customers about it, use images, and link to the charity. There’s endless opportunities when you use creative thinking about the events and businesses in your area of town.   7. Find Local Link Opportunities Positive local links that point to your website impacts your sites ability to rank well geographically. It may seem challenging at first, but there are many ways to acquire links. Not sure where to start? Brainstorm and evaluate what you already do as a company, for example: Do you have any local partnerships or business relationships? Are you a member of any business communities? Have you hosted an industry meet-up? Still stuck in the brainstorming department? Review this guide to local link building .   Finishing Up This checklist is intended to help you successfully implement a local SEO campaign for your business. This is a great starting point for any business owner looking to enhance their current online marketing strategy from a local standpoint.   ***** Whitespark is an online marketing company that builds specialized software and provides services to help businesses manage their local search. We constantly develop and grow our business to ensure our clients receive intelligent and viable marketing solutions. web hosting Continue reading →

Posted in HostGator, Hosting, php, VodaHost, vps | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment