Today we’re discussing one specific scenario that that hurts business websites. This is when WordPress website owners don’t own the plugin licenses for their site. For those of you who don’t know what that is, many CMS like WordPress have “plugins” that extend the core site functionality. Some plugins are free, and some are paid. […]
Businesses Should Own Their WordPress Plugin Licenses
Why AdWords Shouldn’t Be Your Long Term Strategy
I regularly run into small businesses that are grossing seven figures or more. Which is great. But they’re driving all of their traffic through AdWords, or they’re paying a third party like Yelp or HometownLocal for marketing leads. Most of these businesses are spending at least $10k a year on leads, because if they stop […]
Don’t Stop Marketing When You’re Already Busy
I’m a firm believer that when you’re busiest is when you need to step on the gas the hardest. When you’re getting more and more business through the door, it’s a sign you’re doing something right. In 2016 and beyond, SEO is all about building a strong brand. Don’t believe that? Look at the sites […]
Web Design Discovery Helps Solve Business Problems
The biggest opportunity for most web developers is actually assessing the business problem that needs to be solved. A scenario I keep observing in the web industry is focusing too much on the technology and not enough on the business problem. This scenario plays out in different ways, but usually with newer developers, or fledgling […]
How To Track MailChimp Clicks in Google Analytics
Recently, someone asked me if there’s a way to connect MailChimp to Google Analytics, track what links people click. The answer is YES! Below are the steps you need to take to track MailChimp clicks in Google Analytics. Why Add Google Analytics Information MailChimp already has fairly robust email campaign information, which can be found […]
Best Managed WordPress Hosting Companies
Managed WordPress hosting has become a hot product over the last few years. The advantages of good hosting are that your site will load faster, making your customers happy, and helping you rank higher in search engines. Many businesses start out with $10/month shared hosting, which generally sucks. Cheap shared hosting makes money for the […]
Why You Need Automated Backups of Your Website
If you run any sort of business, you already understand how important your website is to your marketing and revenue generation. Most businesses can’t afford to have their websites go down or be out of commission. Bu one of the biggest things that businesses should be doing, but aren’t doing is getting regular backups of […]
bbPress: Add Forums, Topics & Replies to Search Results
Many people who use bbPress may notice that WordPress by default doesn’t return topics, replies, or forums in search results. This can defeat the purpose of having forums on your site, if they aren’t easily searchable. This is a code snippet that will add forums, topics, and replies from bbPress to your WordPress search results. […]
Should You Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce?
Every business day this week in Sacramento, all the local Chambers are organizing crossover events designing to help small businesses. I attended a function last night where there were six or seven chambers in attendance. I even got interviewed for a promotional video being out together to encourage membership. Later this week I’ll be attending […]
What Makes A Website Design Good?
Let’s face it. Most web design is judged rather subjectively. Oh sure, the new design of your website may win design awards. Or perhaps look exquisite — which is important. But does that make the design great? I’d argue that one thing above all else makes a website design successful. And that’s whether it delivers […]