Web Maintenance Services

July 16, 2011 By

Most organizations today have some sort of web presence, but for many if can be a challenge to keep the site updated. Hyperprose offers web page maintenance services for existing websites at competitive rates.

Web Maintenance/Webmaster Service

Services:

  • Content updates
  • Image optimization
  • Analytics

Contact us today for a quote tailored to your specific needs.

Filed Under: Web Maintenance

What is SEO?

July 6, 2011 By

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) involves optimizing your website to improve its ranking in web searches
When choosing a website development and marketing firm, one of the most important criteria to evaluate is its ability to make your site visible to your customers. An attractive website with persuasive copy is of little value if it does not come up in your potential customers’ searches.

Hyperprose uses a variety of SEO techniques to optimize small business websites for best results. These are legitimate search engine optimization strategies built upon the concept of providing your customers with real value. Fundamental to this approach is providing unique, valuable content that shows you really understand your customers’ needs. Quick-fix SEO strategies, or trying to “jack the system” may get you a temporary traffic boost but will fail in the long run.

A solid SEO/SEM (Search Engine Marketing) strategy combined with flawless implementation will result in your site gaining traffic, resulting in the business growth you seek.

Filed Under: SEO

Website Design: Primary Navigation

July 6, 2011 By

Primary navigation provides links to major sections of your site. On this site, for example, primary navigation includes Solutions, Packages, Business Blogs, etc.

Basic rules for effective primary navigation

  • Primary navigation should appear in the same location on every page of your site. This ensures that someone entering your site on a page buried deep within can orient themselves to your entire site at a glance.
  • In general, I prefer to put primary navigation along the top.
  • Put the most important link on the far right.
  • You know your customer’s needs better than anyone, so break the rules when appropriate (e.g. primary navigation along the left or right side of the page).

Primary navigation that is consistent across all pages on your site helps your customers find the information they need from any location within your site.

Filed Under: Web Design

Your Blog: Staying Focused

July 6, 2011 By

I like gardening, the Seattle Mariners, and I voted for Obama. Wait, did I just lose you? Then maybe I voted for McCain.

Giving your customers appropriate information

That’s the problem with sharing too much information on your business blog.  The information you post may reflect poorly on your business if it drifts into these too-personal areas. At the same time, if you post material that is too “salesy” your visitors are not going to take you seriously. For better results, keep it balanced and focused on your company’s industry or services. Some ideas for good business blog topics:

  • Industry growth trends
  • Top Ten lists (e.g., top ten features to look for in product X)
  • Answer a customer service question

Topics to avoid in a business blog

Here are some examples of topics you should avoid in your business blog:

  • Overselling your own products. People can find your products elsewhere on your site so there is no need to sell them on your blog as well. Providing balanced information will give you credibility within your industry and bring new visitors to your site.
  • Political viewpoints. I’m not saying you shouldn’t share your views, just don’t do it on your business site unless it’s directly tied to what you do. The same goes for religion.
  • Inside information about your company (particularly if you are public)

Personal blogs

You may have one or more personal Blogs where you share family photos, your views on politics or religion, etc. But when it comes to your company’s website, keep your focus on your business.

Filed Under: Business Blogs

Managing Your Web Content

July 6, 2011 By

A Content Management System (CMS) provides self-publishing features so you can add information to your site without special software or training. Blogging tools, such as WordPress (which this site uses), provide a good example of a basic CMS.

Why should you care about Content Management Systems?

I have Adobe Dreamweaver and other specialized applications on my computer, and when I’m developing a website I use them extensively to manage files, customize templates, and perform other development tasks. This is my job and I’m trained to use these tools to get my work done. But when I develop a website for a client that site is designed to serve THEIR needs, and THEIR customers.

Focus on writing good material

If you are my customer then it’s a safe bet you are not a Web developer–if you were you would develop your own website. Your business is something that you understand better than anyone, and when you have a new marketing campaign are customer service article you’d like posted on your site you can save time and money by publishing the content yourself. This should be your focus, writing and publishing material that your customers will appreciate.

How simple is this?

This article is itself a good illustration of how powerful and simple a CMS is. I am writing this in my Web browser without the use of any special software. If I want to take a break for awhile I can save my work without anyone else seeing it. Once I’m satisfied with the article I can hit a Publish button and voila, my article is instantly visible on this site.

Filed Under: Content Management