business tips

  1. The Importance of Online Reviews for Your Business

    Once upon a time, a company could be successful simply by offering a needed product or service, providing reliable service, and having friendly employees. If a business met those essential criteria plus had word-of-mouth advertising and perhaps the occasional media campaign, it would be consistent. Today, those elements are still a big part of a company’s success, but there is more to it than that. Today’s companies will also need an easy-to-navigate website, a social media presence, and positive online reviews.

  2. New Year’s Resolutions to Consider for Your Business in 2023

    If you are finding it difficult to believe that a new year is rapidly approaching, then you are not alone. For many people, the year has flown by, while for others it might have felt like an eternity But, regardless of your opinion on 2022, it is now time to start thinking about 2023 and what you would like to accomplish. From long-range goals to short-term action items, having plans for the year ahead is important. And, as a business owner, having goals and plans is a must. But what should those goals be?

    While the goals will vary, some action items can benefit nearly any business. While not all companies are the same (though they share a common goal of turning a profit!) there are some basic goals and resolutions that will make a difference whether you are a small start-up or a large corporation.

  3. 6 Benefits of Hiring a Consultant Before Launching a New Business Online

    You have decided to take the plunge and become a business owner.

    You are excited…and perhaps a bit scared, but most of all, eager to get your brainchild off the ground and moving forward.

    However, there are just a few obstacles to doing this – especially in regards to crafting a web presence that does all you need it to do. These actions may range slightly from business to business; which is why meeting with a consultant who is knowledgeable about the web (and all its many little quirks and perks) is crucial to the growth and success of any new business.

  4. Internet Marketing: 7 Tips to Improve Your Results Now

    Are traffic and engagement on your website less than you hoped for? How are you marketing it? Internet marketing is the umbrella term referring to many avenues for promoting your business online. It includes search engine optimization (SEO), social media, email marketing and more, tactics that drive traffic to your website and engage visitors’ attention once they arrive.

  5. SEO, websites, Raleigh, NC

    SEO Success: 7 Elements That Help Search Engines Work for You

    Anyone creating a business website has probably wondered: If I build it, will ‘they’ come? (like the question made famous in the movie Field of Dreams). Getting targeted traffic to your site is an essential for success of any online endeavor — and SEO (search engine optimization) is a primary means of accomplishing it.

    According to the Wikipedia entry for SEO, the concept has been around since the mid-1990s. (The history of SEO on this page makes an interesting read!) Over the years, both website development and SEO have increased in complexity. But the goal of search engines and the process that drives them remain the same: to provide the most relevant and useful results to a searcher’s query.

  6. eCommerce, mobile shopping

    eCommerce Essentials: 11 Must Haves for Successful Online Stores

    Hopeful entrepreneurs start up thousands of new eCommerce businesses every day. Nine out of 10 of the online ventures will not survive the first year. What makes the difference between eCommerce success and failure? For anyone with an online business or considering one, here’s our list of the top 11 must haves and excerpts from the online ‘buzz’ about them. Also check out Mailchimp’s article on how to start an online store.

    1. A Niche Market

    “Most people who are just starting out make the mistake of looking for a product first, and a market second. To boost your chances of success, start with a market. The trick is to find a group of people who are searching for a solution to a problem, but not finding many results.” Entrepreneur.com

  7. Websites, DIY, Dangers

    6 Dangers of “Do It Yourself” Websites

    Gone are the days when building a website required knowing or learning HTML code. Now there are options galore including Content Management System (CMS) choices such as WordPress and Joomla and free ‘builders’ such as Squarespace, Weebly and Wix.

    Given this landscape, when creating a new site, how do you decide between ‘do it yourself’ (DIY) options and hiring a professional? Both are valid methods that should be weighed based on your particular situation and budget. When deciding, consider these dangers of the DIY route:

  8. Wordpress websites, Raleigh NC

    WordPress Site Security Basics Everyone Needs to Know

    Ever wonder why a hacker would be interested in your website? Think your site is too small or ‘insignificant’ to be hacked?

    It is not uncommon to think a ‘small’ site is immune to malevolent hackers. But the truth is that no site is immune, and small sites are just as likely to fall victim to the attacks as larger ones.

    Knowing some basic information about hacking and how to protect your site is the first step to decreasing your security risk. Here are answers to some common questions about site security: