How to Design a Website
The internet and its uses have come a long way. Websites are now prerequisites for businesses in the same way that every private individual has a Facebook page. Having a website for your business gives your company an air of legitimacy and authenticity. The worst part is that many believe they must be some tech genius to build a website. In today's highly competitive market, that's very understandable, which is why there are tools and websites that you can utilize that teach you How to Design a Website.
The fact is that 47% of people expect a web page to load in 2 seconds or less. Once it's up, it takes 0.05 seconds for people to form an opinion about your site. Studies have shown that 94% of first impressions are design-related.
Hosting /Domain
First things first, you'll need a domain. If you already have one, skip this step. As the internet has become more competitive with websites and their design, some hosting sites want to help everyone find a place online. You can find a more detailed list of hosting facts.
There are websites like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress; you only need to pay a monthly fee, purchase a domain name (www.), and use their templates and platform. It comes down to your website's needs which will determine what kind of hosting you choose.
Define Purpose
Some people think it's all about the look of a website; others, it's usability. But the truth is, a unique balance of looks, clear copy, and usability is the key to having excellent web design.
Now that you have a host and a domain, it's time to define what kind of website you're designing. If it's selling a product, you'll want to focus more on the page's functionality. The main focus should be on the product more than the entire page aesthetic.
Whatever theme you choose, remember a website is your digital business card. Potential prospects will get an impression of your company, good or bad, depending on your site's impact on them.
Plan Out Your Web Design
It helps to look around other websites for inspiration, especially ones similar to your niche. You can get an idea of what you'd like to implement in your website design and what you don't. Just remember its views only. Full-on copying is not a good idea.
Your site should be yours, and the impact you want on your audience should be because of your design, content, and value, not because you copied what seems to work for someone else. A great place for ideas or a "vision board" would be Pinterest.
When you have a well-formulated plan about how you want to structure your page, this will help you with things like content management and user experience. Physically draw it out if you have to, or look up templates by Webflow that go best with your aim.
Your range of options is endless; this isn't a process that has to be rushed. Hubspot highlights the importance of specific areas on your website that can improve your UX that isn't covered here.
User Experience (UX)
The user experience should focus on the user. This part of your page design comes in many aspects but contributes to the whole thing. You want your visitors to locate what they want on your page quickly. Nothing will make them click off faster than not getting the information they need right away from you.
This feature is all about accessibility for users interacting on your site. Webdesignerdepot makes a case for the importance of UX to impact visitors positively. Anything from the font, typeface, or color can significantly impact the UX. Things to focus on:
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- Clarity – The content and messaging of your website should be straightforward.
- Usability – The standard layouts for things like CTA (call to action) or logins should be easy to find.
- Mobile-Friendly – More people are on their phones and are more likely to look up sites on their mobile devices.
Layout
In our previous blog post here, we set an example of what kind of structure would be ideal for a page. The idea behind this is to clarify to first-time visitors where everything on your site is, like services and content. You don't want to have someone click off because they couldn't understand how to use your website.
We immediately put our services and related information above the fold so prospects can browse and see our services.
Two layout patterns are used for websites: the F Pattern and the Z Pattern.
The New Yorker makes an excellent example of the F Pattern for layout. This layout is similar to Google search pages where you read in a horizontal movement, that's the top bar of the F. Then, you read the second line in the same direction, which forms the lower F bar until you eventually scan the rest. The Instagpage blog has a detailed explanation of this pattern.
The Z Pattern is often used in web design and is a more familiar layout. Instapage explains this pattern by showing how people will scan horizontally from left to right and then down to the left side, creating a diagonal line. Lastly, they go back across to the right side. This pattern is excellent for layouts with minimal text, making scanning through the page more accessible.
Content Management System (CMS)
A content management system (CMS) allows you to build a website without much technical knowledge. A user-friendly interface makes writing, publishing, and editing your content more accessible, like CTAs (call to action) buttons and other hyperlinks.
If you're familiar with WordPress.Org.,they, they use the CMS, making it much easier for their clients to create websites and add content. It's like opening up MS Word right there, online. You can add photos, links, and videos to one post. The best part is that multiple people can work on the same piece at the same time before publishing.
Other sites that offer CMS:
SEO (Seach Engine Optimization)
You probably hear a lot about this and wonder what it is. SEO is like having a restaurant with excellent food, but nobody knows about it. Now, you enhance the ambiance and add more options for different diners to the menu. The changes aren't that apparent, but they make a big difference.
SEO is a way to improve being seen on the first page of Google searches. For example, the content you put out, like the title and the meta description, allows people to see the post before clicking.
Search engines cannot read images, so having text and the idea will help Google see what you're describing. Also, if you have too many photos on your site, it may slow down. A quick fix for this is to compress the images.
Internal linking is another great tool when making posts. The process of you writing in-depth about a specific topic and how you link to another post about the same topic from a different site. Search engines will think you know much about this topic and rank you higher.
How You Can Apply These Tools
There's a lot that goes into making a website. It's widely shared for one to get too focused on the aesthetics of your website design. Still, it's essential that you also consider the functionality of your website – your user experience (UI). It is your audience that you need to reel in. Brightsand designs can help you apply all the tools mentioned above and more! We help you create a website that represents your vision with a seamless experience for your audience.
BRIGHTSAND Designs is a full-service digital marketing agency that prioritizes and transforms your ideas and potential into actuality. Our strength in design and professional branding is what we stand on to create the realities that our partners deserve.
The Legal Pitfalls of Becoming an Online Business
Over the years, more and more people have started spending time online. In response, most businesses began to explore their digital options to expand their operations and consumer base. The advent of Covid-19 has fast-tracked this shift. Data from the US Commerce Department estimated that last year’s e-commerce sales in America reached $209.5 billion for the third quarter, marking a 37.1% year-on-year increase. As such, even brick-and-mortar businesses in America, especially those struggling due to the coronavirus, must focus on their digital platforms to survive.
The good news is that numerous online resources discuss website building. But before you do that, there are some steps you need to take to ensure you’re operating legally:
Create your website’s legal statements.
Anyone who has ever browsed the internet will recognize these legal pop-ups. Nobody reads them, but everyone ticks the “I Agree” checkbox anyway. But these legal statements, though often ignored, are critical in protecting website owners from being sued. Here’s why:
Privacy policy
Due to the nature of technology, nearly every online footprint we make is recorded. Any website that uses cookies or data analytics tracks private information, whether the owner knows it. The same applies to online businesses requiring customers to input sensitive data, such as credit card numbers when purchasing online.
Consequently, websites must explicitly post and adhere to a privacy policy by the laws of America's Federal Trade Commission. This outlines what information is recorded from a user and how that material is transmitted and used when visiting your page. If you don’t do this, legal action can quickly be taken against you.
Terms of Service
A website’s Terms of Service (ToS) statement lays down the general rules and regulations of your website and the relationship between the website owner and visitor. Once a user lands on your page, they automatically agree to these terms. In the case of online businesses, however, it’s highly recommended to force visitors to manually agree to the terms and conditions (see above) – usually via a pop-up message – to ensure you’ve got yourself legally covered.
Various Terms of Service templates can be found online, depending on the type of business you have. Still, hiring a legal professional to tailor your ToS agreement to your preferences is ideally best.
Disclaimer
A disclaimer’s purpose is to erase any accountability and liability attached to you in case someone suffers general harm following a piece of information you published. This also applies to online shops selling products like health supplements making unsupported claims. As with the ToS, drafting a disclaimer depends entirely on your niche, so consult a lawyer to account for potential legal risks.
Register as a business.
One of the best ways to keep your website legally compliant is to register it as a business with the local government. This assures customers that you’ve exercised due diligence to control everything – from permits and licensing requirements down to your business name – above board.
Luckily, this process is easy! Most states have recognized the growth of online businesses and made the process as simple as possible. Registering a company here in California can be done mostly online, and the Secretary of State's website has plenty of information available.
Similarly, to file for an LLC in Montana, which has the highest number of startups per capita, you need to consult state resources, allowing you to file your Articles of Organization online. The state government has even prepared e-commerce resources to help anyone who wants to start an online business in Montana. Although each state is different, most don’t require much effort to register.
Beware of libel and copyright infringement and libel
Blogging is a common strategy through which you can market your products. When creating content for your site, the sky’s the limit as long as you can connect the article’s subject to your services. But the more your audience grows, the more you must be careful about what you say. Defamation cases are rare but still a possibility.
Another thing to watch out for is copyright infringement. If you need to use an image for your website but aren’t sure where it came from, err on the side of caution instead. Please don’t use it to avoid potentially getting flagged and fined.
Setting up an online business is exciting; you can let loose your creativity and play around with the features offered by a digital marketplace. But before you do so, ensure you’ve covered all your legal bases.
Does My Small Business Need a Marketing Team?
…and how we can help you succeed
DO SMALL BUSINESSES NEED MARKETING TEAMS?
The simple answer to that is ABSOLUTELY. But don't just take our word for it. Let us explain why investing in a marketing team is a smart move for your business.
Welcome to the Information Age, where the online world is a vast realm of opportunities. Whether people are searching for new restaurants, travel destinations, or solutions to their problems, they turn to the internet for answers. Your potential customers are out there seeking information, and your company needs to be readily available to provide the solutions they're looking for. After all, a staggering 97% of people search online for local businesses.
Having an impactful online presence isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. In a world where digital interactions are becoming the norm, businesses that fail to establish themselves online risk falling behind. But you might be wondering, "Does my small business really need a marketing team?" The answer is a resounding yes. Small businesses must leverage the power of the digital space to connect with customers and prospects. It might seem tempting to wait until your business has grown, but consider this: can your company afford to remain invisible in today's competitive landscape?
By establishing an online presence early on, you're not just participating; you're taking control of your narrative. In a digital era where competition is fierce, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram play a crucial role in your marketing strategy. Studies by Hubspot have shown a surge in local searches, highlighting how consumers now rely on online information to make informed decisions about businesses.
Benefits of Marketing
✅ Forge personal customer relationships
✅ Level the playing field against larger companies
✅ Target your desired audience effectively
✅ Gain insights into your customer base
✅ Customize prices and operating hours to fit your customers' lives
✅ Offer convenient communication channels for customers
✅ Expand your reach even on a tight budget
One of the most significant benefits of digital marketing for small businesses is the availability of free platforms like Facebook and Instagram. However, investing in a dedicated website remains a superior investment. As we discussed in our previous blog, there's a distinct difference between having a social media page and establishing a full-fledged website.
In the current times, where the digital sphere has become essential for businesses of all sizes, partnering with a team of experts can help you not just survive but thrive. A digital marketing team can align your business with your long-term goals and help you connect with your target audience effectively.
Investing in digital marketing doesn't have to break the bank. Small businesses can benefit from scalable plans offered by agencies like BRIGHTSAND Designs. By collaborating with professionals who understand your budget and goals, you'll receive tailored strategies and creative solutions to reach your audience.
In an insightful article by Entrepreneur, the value of a well-executed marketing strategy for guiding businesses toward long-term success is emphasized. While some expenses may be incurred, remember that the cost of digital marketing is often far less than traditional advertising methods.
An Outsider's Perspective
Digital marketing isn't just about utilizing platforms; it's about achieving significant results online. To effectively engage your audience, you must meet them where they are, and today, that's online. Partnering with a marketing team offers a fresh perspective—an outsider's view—that can be incredibly valuable. As a business owner, your energy should be directed toward running your company, not juggling complex marketing strategies.
According to Neil Patel, a renowned marketing expert, hiring a dedicated team can transform your marketing efforts. At BRIGHTSAND Designs, we offer tailored solutions for small and new businesses. We understand that every business is unique, and our dedicated team can provide insights, guidance, and solutions across various areas, including social media, project management, and SEO optimization. Our goal is to enhance your online visibility and market presence.
But How Can Start-Ups Afford This?
The journey to establishing a strong online presence doesn't require an all-in approach. Just as you build a house, you start with a strong foundation, reliable materials, a plan, and a team. Similarly, there are four essential pillars you need to start your digital journey:
✅ Logo and Branding
✅ Brand Guide
✅ Website
✅ Editable Templates
These pillars form the basis of your digital marketing strategy. They represent your identity, voice, and platform for engaging with your audience. Your logo, branding, brand guide, website, and templates collectively contribute to your brand's recognition and success.
Logo and Branding
A logo is the visual representation of your company, and branding is the story that accompanies it. Think of brands like Coca-Cola—its logo and branding go hand in hand, forming an iconic identity.
Brand Guide
Your brand guide is your playbook, defining everything from your mission and vision to your photography style and color palette. It ensures consistency in your messaging across all channels.
Website
A website is your online storefront, providing visitors with insights into your offerings, values, and solutions. It's the place where visitors can become customers, making it an indispensable tool for businesses.
Editable Templates
Editable templates provide consistency to your messaging and branding. They help maintain a cohesive look across different communications, contributing to a professional image.
While having all four pillars is ideal, you can start by focusing on two and gradually build up your digital presence. As your business grows, you can then partner with a digital marketing team to optimize your foundation. Marketing is an investment that yields returns, and with the right strategies in place, you can kick-start your business's journey toward success.
Ready to take your small business to the next level? BRIGHTSAND Designs specializes in helping businesses like yours establish a powerful online presence. Explore our services and discover how we can work together to achieve your business goals. What are you waiting for? Let's embark on this exciting digital journey together!
5 Positive Habits Proven to Upscale your Life and Business
Many of us are bombarded with different messages about productivity and the grind. But what happens when the gas in your grind tank runs empty? Or do you start noticing yourself slowing down?
In his book Atomic Habits by James Clear, the author explains how tiny habit changes can lead to better results over time. The main goal is to be successful over a long period rather than a quick win and eventual burnout.
Here are some tips we’ve compiled to help you focus on forming positive habits for your life and business.
Boundaries
The upside of working for yourself is that you can do it anywhere and everywhere. The downside? Boundaries for work and home life become seriously affected.
Knowing when to set boundaries for yourself is essential. The advent of working from home may be new and exciting until we realize that a house is no longer a place to ‘escape.’ The boundaries of where work begins and ends become blurred, and people soon experience burnout–fast.
This is where setting time boundaries for yourself comes in. For example, upon waking up in the morning, if you answer e-mails and make big decisions before grabbing a cup of coffee, you’re not allowing yourself the time to structure your day. The same goes for social media. Let’s face it, the news and what’s on our feeds isn’t getting any better.
If you’re someone easily affected by bad news or distracted by the latest Buzzfeed quiz, you’re losing time to do something productive for yourself.
One tip in creating boundaries is to start small. Maybe don’t check your e-mail first thing? Have breakfast first, and spend time with your family. Another tip would be to identify your productive hours and spend those time slots working on those e-mails or doing creative tasks for an hour or more. By scheduling your time, you create your daily schedule with how you want not to be overwhelmed.
By setting boundaries about what you do and choosing to consume first thing in the morning or before work, you’re creating a safe space for yourself not to get overwhelmed by news and e-mails all day.
Consume Quality Content
It’s so easy to get lost in cat videos. No shame. They’re adorable and funny, but are they adding value to your life? Sure, sometimes you need to see a kitten meowing or getting into trouble, but other than sharing it with friends, what else is there?
You can increase your productivity by researching while doing other things. If you’re faced with a long drive, why not listen to a podcast related to your business niche instead of music? You never know. It might even help you get energized to work.
Some of our favorites to listen to are by:
Gary Vee – here
Hidden Brain – here
Philosophize This! – here
When you do this, you’re cutting down the time needed in research or experience because you’ve already learned about it. That’s the beauty of quality content; you’re not pressured to understand and consume knowledge when it’s done right.
We didn’t say this to conflict with setting boundaries; you don’t have to watch all the videos or read many books. Pace yourself with one video or podcast and a few pages of helpful books. This is one way you can keep your boundaries while consuming content.
Establish a Routine
The Oxford Dictionary describes the meaning of the word routine as follows:
noun
noun: routine; plural noun: routines
- a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program.
adjective
adjective: routine
- performed as part of a regular procedure rather than for a particular reason.
Here we see that routine is a set of habits we do every day. When we have a fixed pattern, good or bad, we set ourselves up for what may or may not be a productive day.
This is why setting up a system is better for long-term productivity than just setting a goal. In Scott Adams’ book, How To Fail At Almost Anything and Still Win Big, he highlights the importance of systems over goals.
“A goal is a specific objective that you either achieve or don’t sometime in the future. A system is something you do regularly that increases your odds of happiness in the long run. If you do something every day, it’s a system. If you’re waiting to achieve it someday in the future, it’s a goal. If you achieve your goal, you celebrate and feel terrific, but only until you realize you just lost the thing that gave you purpose and direction. Your options are to feel empty and useless, perhaps enjoying the spoils of your success until they bore you, or set new goals and reenter the cycle of permanent pre success failure. All I’m suggesting is that thinking of goals and systems as very different concepts has power. Goal-oriented people exist in a state of continuous pre success failure at best and permanent failure at worst if things never work out. Systems people succeed every time they apply their systems, in the sense that they did what they intended to do. The goals people are fighting the feeling of discouragement at each turn. The systems people are feeling good every time they apply their system. That’s a big difference in terms of maintaining your personal energy in the right direction.”
― Scott Adams, How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life
When you create a system that brings your energy up, you can be productive and not think about it. This allows you to go on “auto-pilot” and still be helpful because you’ve worked those good habits into your daily routine.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
― James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Meditate
When did you last take a moment to quiet things down? Do you remember when you didn’t have music playing in the background?
Being productive and working towards long-term goals means knowing when to step back and quiet it down.
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport talks about how we are going through solitude deprivation. The author explains this by saying that we haven’t allowed ourselves to stop being influenced by outside forces. A few ways to regain your solitude healthily is to meditate or journal.
Just be with yourself.
You can reduce stress with the help of meditation apps like Headspace. A clear, rested mind is a focused one.
Invest
What we mean by that isn’t marketing, although that’s important too. It’s investing in yourself. If you spend all day giving your ideas, opinions, and time to your goals, you need to return some of that to yourself.
Your health is one of the most important things when running your business. If you’re not operating optimally, how can you be sure you’re making the right business choices?
Adjusting your goals can also help. Knowing when to take a step back and get some me-time is essential. Preventing burnout is much easier than burning out and trying to make a comeback.
The thing about being a business owner is it’s about the journey and not just finishing a sprint.
“I’ll be happy if running, and I can grow old together.”
― Haruki Murakami, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
It’s not just your business that you should be thinking long-term. It’s also your health.
BRIGHTSAND Designs may be young, but we care about our partners’ quality of life, online and offline. Working towards a goal in life and business isn’t always about the hustle and grind. Life is a marathon, after all. We want you to be around with us for the long term.
By having us on your side, we can take the burden of complicated strategizing and executing plans away from you. Our team of professionals can help you get back on track and refocus on what’s essential –getting sales. The best part is that you get to do less and have great results. BRIGHTSAND Designs works with you to translate and transform your vision into transactions.
“The person who knows HOW will always have a job; the person who knows WHY will always be the boss.” – John Maxwell.
10 Creative Website Design Ideas For Small Businesses In 2020
Small businesses need to stand out. Getting started in any niche is hard when there are already more prominent players; that's why having a website that distinguishes you from the rest is vital. Let's face it, everyone has a website, from your local mom n' pop shop to your mini-influencer.
It's your digital real estate on the internet to help you connect and reach new clients. A website is a cost-efficient marketing tool that focuses on YOU and the content you want to focus on. It will also help people get to know your brand better without you having to exert much effort.
If you don't have a website yet or want to start one, we want to share 10 Creative Website Design Ideas For Small Businesses In 2020. You don't need anything too fancy to get started. It would help if you had a little push in the right direction.
MAKE IT FUN
Would you go through a website full of text and slideshow photos or a creative and engaging page that entertains and informs? Audiences love consuming content quickly while being presented with your product and information. Information from SEMRush suggests that website users' attention span last only eight (8) seconds.
Within that period, users can get distracted or click off for several reasons, such as it takes too long for the website to load or it might be hard to navigate. By engaging your audience efficiently with fun illustrations or designs, you can hold their attention longer, and visiting your website won't seem like such a chore.
MAKE IT MOBILE FRIENDLY
Everyone is on their phone. You might even be reading this from your phone. A website has to be mobile-friendly to increase your reach and to be accessible everywhere. Your website needs to be able to look good on both the PC and mobile.
Google released a statement back in 2015 that they use mobile-friendly sites as a ranking signal. If you're unsure about making your site mobile-friendly, you can continuously tap a design company that can make this step much easier for you.
In a way, this situation is two-pronged. You need to rank first on search results when customers look for your niche, and your potential clients need a website compatible with their mobile devices.
Phones are here to stay, becoming increasingly ingrained in our lives, from contacting loved ones to online shopping. A profitable business knows that this form of marketing is essential.
TELL A STORY
The human brain is programmed to understand stories. One example of a website that knows how to sell its product and tell a story is Bagigia.
They sell bags in a way that showcases their best product, then gives you a history of the designer and makes it fun while you scroll down, having a navigation bar that looks like a zipper.
This is an example of what a website that tells a story looks like. You don't have to say an actual once-upon-a-time account; you only have to structure the content into a story-like format.
This will keep readers engaged, making your content easier to digest. You can find more examples of story-telling websites here. The best one would have to be the one by GoSquared, which tells the story of the Olympic games.
CLEAR COPY
Visitors looking at your website want a solution to their problems. Whatever it may be, they're there to see how you can help them, even if the website's content is all about you and your product. That's why utilizing clear and quality content copy is what you should focus on.
Customers want to know the benefits of how you can help them rather than just only learning about your product or service. It's also important to note that some websites try to fit in as much "below the fold" when they should only include "key" features, which doesn't have to be all.
Yes, we know you've got a unique brand or company with all these fantastic features….but the thing is, not everyone will take the time to read it all. For example, Campos Coffee (no relation to the author of this post ) focuses on their product and how their customer would feel if they bought from them.
Tapping into emotions is a critical factor in keeping your audience's attention. In his book, Designing for Emotion, Aaron Walter wrote about how vital the emotional experience is because they have a unique imprint on your long-term memory and how users want to experience a human, not machine, connection on the other end.
Never underestimate the power of critical features and an emotional connection when writing content for your website.
VIDEO
One of the most underrated techniques for getting onto the first page of Google search rankings is video. Having a video lets you get your message out to prospects faster, and it's easier to "digest" than reading blocks of text. A study by Biteable concluded that 6 out of 10 people would rather watch online videos than television.
You can hire a design team to create a short video with your company's key points. Something fun and creative that catches the eye will increase your site's engagement. 92% of marketers consider this an essential tool.
Think of it as a way for your prospects to understand your company or product better and for you to quickly get your message across. However, as pointed out by Rocketspark, there is a time and place where the video is needed. Make it too long, and people won't click on it. Just like reading, a video requires a certain amount of time commitment.
There are different kinds of videos, like the introductory kind, the customer testimonial, and the instructions. A design company can help you decide what goes best on your website if you're unsure.
FONT
Fonts and their sizes may seem like a no-brainer, but it's one of the essential parts of your website. Your website should balance at least two to three fonts in different sizing so that you can highlight what's important and so your viewers can navigate your pages easily. If everything is the same size and font, your viewer may get lost in blocks of the exact text.
You can distinguish what is essential and content when using varying-sized fonts. Neil Patel does a great job of making an example of a font and a typeface. Yes, there's a difference. An example of a website that uses this technique is the blog itself. However, a designer will be able to tell the difference and can work with you on this.
TYPEFACES
It's important to note that there is a difference between typography and font. The thing about saying 'font' and 'typeface' is that they can be used interchangeably, but if a designer or anyone else asks for specifics, it's good to know the difference. Check out Google Fonts; they have a great selection of typefaces or 'fonts' that you can use for your website.
Your chosen typeface will have a significant impact on your website. It needs to be easy to read and understood by everyone. If you have a particular fondness for a typeface, but it's unreadable to everyone except you, then only you enjoy it. We recommend browsing through Sans Serif. Most notable websites generally use this.
The point of a website is to market yourself, yes. But it has to be about catering to the needs you can fulfill for your customers, and it needs to be understood easily; that can't be done if no one else will have the patience to read through rows and rows of a curvy or too compact typeface.
Now isn't this fun to read through?
COLOR
Did you know that colors can increase your brand recognition by up to 80%? Choosing your website's colors will create consistency and recognition that will immediately have people remembering you.
A lot goes into choosing the right color for your website. Colors are more than just a feature to make your website pop and stand out. They can have an emotional effect and varied meanings depending on culture, personal history, and preferences, and you can't forget to think about those who are colorblind. Everyone has a different way of interpreting the color palette they like.
Now, this seemingly minute detail can immensely impact your brand or business. Forbes has a small list of which colors affect which emotions can go with your brand or logo.
Don't forget color consistency is critical to keeping it clean and pleasing to the eye.
STRUCTURE
An essential part of SEO is knowing how to structure your website to rank in Google's search engines. The structure is pretty self-explanatory too. Like this:
Yoast can teach you website structure if you're having difficulty learning or can't figure out what to do. Another option is to hire a design team to give you some pointers. Put, website structure organizes everything related to your website, business, or product. This way, it'll be easier for Google to scan and manage your website where it should go on search engines.
It isn't all about Google but also the user experience. Think of it like this; you want a site that can be understood for its content and enjoyed because it's easy on the eyes. If your site isn't structured well, users will have difficulty navigating where they want to go and may click off. Luckily, Yoast has more explanations about how and why structure is essential.
WHAT'S NEXT?
BRIGHTSAND designs is a full-service digital marketing agency that intends to help you get started on scaling your business! We have more information in our blog post if you're looking for additional information on whether the website's effectiveness you've just created works. There's a lot to learn now that everything has gone digital, and we can help you with that.
Website Developer Email Scam (Check Payment)
Being a web developer with over 15+ years of experience, I would know a scam email when I see one. We recently received a “unique” email from an unusual prospect.
You should know that these emails we received were sent from two different emails and on other days. Both emails were requesting our web development services. Usually, this would not faze us at all, as we do get inquiries on a day-to-day basis. So what is their tell?
They insisted on giving us a down payment without asking questions about our contract.
Do you know any prospect who willingly sends you any payment without even asking for your portfolio or trying to set a meeting with you? We didn’t think so.
After a quick Google search, we found that this is a popular scheme. Countless forum threads dating even back to 2017 have reported receiving similar emails.
As it turns out, this scam is called Third Party Payout Scam, Payment Reversal Scam, Advance Fee Scam, or Overpayment Scam. Let us break down how this scheme goes.
- The “prospect” sends you a check for a more considerable amount than you’ve agreed upon
- The “prospect” then asks you to pay the overpayment to his consultant
- The actual owner of the check disputes the transaction and gets it reversed
- You end up transferring money to the consultant from your pocket
How to Recognize That You’ve Received a Scam Email
- The usual tell is the astounding lack of use of punctuation marks in the email. It’s as if they tried to brief you all in the same breath
- The prospect requests a simple web design job. The ones we’ve gotten asked for were restaurant websites. Both emails we’ve received even provided links to their ideal design
- The prospect discloses a generous bracket of the budget in the first email
- The candidate said that a consultant would share all content and images
- The opportunity then offers an upfront payment before closing anything with a contract or delivery dates (this might sound so ideal, especially when you’re in a pinch, but never in our whole experience, nor personally, would I give a payment without going through terms first and foremost.)
- The prospect would then ask for payment via check because he has experienced issues paying via PayPal etc.
Now that we’ve given you the breakdown of this scheme, we did a little experiment. We wanted to find out how will this conversation end.
The Scheme – Emails we’ve received
From: James Aldean <jamesaldean@gmail.com>;
Thanks for your quick response,Here is the job details below…
I just open a new Indian Restaurant which i run now and i need a
website for my business to grow, So i need you to go through this
example link www.incognitothemes.com/arcon/ .but i need something more perfect than this if possible, I will like you to get back to me with
an estimate and the estimate should include hosting and i want you to
understand i want the same page as the example site i gave you to
check and I want only English language and i want you to know you will be updating the site for me. I want the site up and running before
ending of next month and i don’t want a shopping cart in my
reservation page also i don’t have a domain name yet and i will
prefer: KAITINDRESTAURANT.COM, My budget is $750/$1,500 for the web design, i have a private project consultant, she has the text content and the logos for the site with the image artwork,so please go ahead and check the example site and get back to me with an estimate also will like to know if you are the owner or the manager and do you
accept credit card or check as payment.
Sounds harmless right? But do you see what we mean about the high disregard of punctuation marks?
From: Martin Daniel <martindaniel1504@gmail.com>
Hello
Thanks for your swift response.
I need you to design my website with the following requirement ;1. PAGES
HOME, ABOUT US, MENU, BANQUET FACILITY, GALLERY, CATERING and CONTACT
US VISITING HOURS,ONLINE BOOKING AND MENU KIT pagesWORDPRESS
2.And should include hosting price , no shopping cart is needed .
3. Go through the
example link site:
https://websitedemos.net/bbq-restaurant
https://websitedemos.net/italian-restaurant-02/
https://websitedemos.net/restaurant-04Please i want it to be perfect than this SAMPLE LINK, if theres any
other functionality to be added kindly do that for me4,Are you the manager ?
NOTE;Domain name,Text content,Logos and artwork is already available
Get back to me with the total estimate and days to spend on the
project for delivery ….Thanks
Budget $700-$1500
After receiving the email, we checked the websites he referred to and gave him our proposal based on his initial brief.
From: James Aldean <jamesaldean@gmail.com>
Thanks for the response back, I want you to know that i’m okay with the
estimate cost and will be glad to give you the opportunity to do the
job for me. I hope I will get a perfect job from you and I would have
preferred to pay you by pay pal or credit card machine but I was warn
by my bank not to use my card on pay pal or any other merchant again
because they double remit my account twice in the past and I don’t
want to go against my bank warning. I will gladly mail out the payment
to you by check. I am located in USA and it does not matter the
Country you are provided you assured me a good and quality job. I need your name and address or your representative name and address in USA to send the payment to so that i can make an upfront payment and youcan proceed on my web design. I also understand you will need the text
content with the logo and other document files to start work on my web
design asap as you know the document files are with my project
consultant and she will have them send to you via email… Thank you.
Now, the following emails are where we started getting even more suspicious.
From: James Aldean <jamesaldean@gmail.com>
I am located in USA.I always prefer to deal with Check
Contact your relative or business representative in USA that
can help you receive the payment. I just need the name and address of
that person with cell phone number and I will send the check to
him/her. The check will cleared in the account within 24 hrs. Then he/she will transfer the
money to you and get started.Just send me the name and address of
your represntative in USA, I need the name to be on the check and the
address to courier the check to. Please get back to me as soon as
possible. I am just interested in given the job to you.Thank you
At this rate, this prospect is still technically a stranger to us, and while we do have an office address in the US, which was funny enough, on our website, we now are more skeptical about divulging that information.
From: Martin Daniel <martindaniel1504@gmail.com>
thanks for getting back to us , we are dealing with check on payment
methods within USA , Do you have a representative or relative/friend
that can help you receive pay check within USA ?
Why are they looking for a representative/relative’s address and not the typical office address? And a check to be delivered to us within 24 hours? Without even having to discuss more specifics, of course, we would love to get paid right away. But this doesn’t sit right with us, given that we’re all currently working outside the US.
After receiving this, we tried scheduling a discovery call multiple times to clarify details and make everything formal. We also followed up on our contract too. However, they insisted on sending us the payment and settling the agreement later, saying that his consultant would get back to us with it. So naturally, our reply was to ask for his consultant’s email so we could also send the request to him. His reply?
From: James Aldean <jamesaldean@gmail.com>
Kindly get back to me with your relative details to mail out the cheque now
Again with the obsession with our relative, friend, or representative’s information!
From: Martin Daniel <martindaniel1504@gmail.com>
Kindly contact a representative or relative/friend who lived in USA ,
TO HELP you receive the payment by check …
Full Name
ADDRESS ( To make the payment and start the project)
PHONE NUMBER
NOTE;The payment will deliver in 24hours .
At this time, we honestly couldn’t help but laugh. We’ve been duped! Seriously? A prospect insisting on paying you is not only unreal but also too good to be trustworthy. It cannot be that easy.
Our conversation continued with us following up for a meeting, and he insisted on having us send our address and other details so he could send us the payment ASAP.
From: James Aldean <jamesaldean@gmail.com>
Kindly get back to me with your relative full name and address with cell phone number to mail the check
Moral of the Story
In a time when we are experiencing a declining number of jobs and opportunities, receiving what seems to be a “great opportunity,” which turned out to be nothing but a scam, is despicable and cruel. We cannot allow ourselves to stand by and watch as others from our community are being taken advantage of.
These perpetrators are rampant in online job platforms like Freelancer & Upwork, where most independent web developers are.
So please, if you have standard protocols in place, follow them. Get a signed contract before any monetary transaction is to be made. We would probably be duped if we didn’t insist on securing a contract. Despite this, getting tricked into this new developing scheme is relatively easy.
Keep your eyes open, and always ask for more details and information from your prospects. Again, stick to your SOP! We hope that this will help someone to save their time and effort.
Did anyone else experience this? Feel free to share any examples of scam emails in the comment section below to help out other web development companies, digital marketing businesses, or any businesses.
BRIGHTSAND designs team is with you during this difficult time.
Brightsand Designs: Reaching Milestones
Without a doubt, Eleanor Roosevelt's wisdom echoes true: "Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently."
The inception of BRIGHTSAND Designs, much like the birth of any enterprise, was seeded in a dream, nurtured by hope, and driven by unwavering faith. My partner and I embarked on this journey just months before the pandemic cast its somber shadow. While doubts and setbacks began to creep in, we clung steadfastly to our strategy, for we held a resolute belief that the present moment was ripe for businesses to recognize the paramount importance of our service – Digital Marketing.
Even before the world underwent this transformative shift, the Internet had its place but was not fully harnessed. It served as an arena for entertainment, social media escapades, viral YouTube videos, and personal video calls. However, as the tides of global change swept over us, it was the businesses equipped with online platforms that radiated with resilience. Amidst this upheaval, an avenue of possibilities emerged for entrepreneurs across diverse industries – a chance to thrive, expand, and flourish online, transcending the confines of brick-and-mortar establishments. Regrettably, it took a health crisis to awaken our collective realization of this immense potential.
Personally, I witnessed the growing urgency. With each passing day, my phone buzzed incessantly, each call seeking advice on how to steer businesses through these tumultuous waters. Reflecting on our humble beginnings, we started with just two clients. Yet, almost inexplicably, our clientele burgeoned to six before the first month's end. Sharing this isn't an exercise in self-congratulation; it's a testament to the power of courage and determination. While empathy flows deeply for the struggling enterprises of today, I believe that fostering hope is equally imperative. The terrain may be rocky, but the summit is attainable when bolstered by courage and unwavering resolve.
Our timing, it seems, was serendipitous. The crucible of experience my partner and I endured has imparted invaluable lessons. Engaging with clients spanning various sectors, listening to their narratives, and crafting tailored solutions have catalyzed our own evolution. Had we hesitated or faltered in our resolve, every moment squandered would have been more than a loss; it would have been an opportunity forsaken for us and those we serve. Armed with our expertise, we have been catalysts in elevating our clients' businesses. Our efforts have been focused on restoring their voices, guiding them to embrace the digital realm's ever-evolving landscape, and adapting to the paradigm shift we now know as the 'new normal.'
Today, I stand at a juncture marked by profound pride. Guided by a dedicated and indefatigable team, we have crossed our inaugural milestone! As we embarked on this venture, my partner and I, brimming with hope, aspired to someday touch the realm of six figures. Remarkably, within a month, we achieved this milestone. In the process, we welcomed new clients and team members who have sculpted BRIGHTSAND Designs into what it embodies today – a dynamic, evolving entity that surpasses our initial aspirations.
So, what lies ahead for BRIGHTSAND Designs, you may wonder? Having etched this milestone into our narrative, my aspiration is for our enterprise to burgeon further, generating new employment avenues for fellow professionals in our field. We've discerned that services like ours hold profound significance when the world encounters impasses. Our mission now extends beyond growth to embracing the role of a conduit for others, facilitating seamless adaptation for fellow businesses. As our entity expands, new opportunities shall emerge, not only for us but for the communities we touch.
One poignant email from an applicant resonates deeply. She expressed how her mere application with us instilled hope – a reminder that despite the crisis, avenues of possibility remain. Looking back, her words illuminate the impact we're sowing within our community during these trying times.
In essence, amidst uncertainties that slam doors shut for many, we aspire for BRIGHTSAND Designs to stand as a beacon, continually prying open windows of opportunity – for prospective team members and fellow enterprises alike.
So, let's raise our glasses to courage! Here's to two resounding cheers for BRIGHTSAND Designs! The future, indeed, shines bright.
Importance of Taking Your Business Online Today
Consider Online Traffic
As COVID-19 continues to reshape the global landscape, it’s essential for every business, no matter how big or small, to be prepared for the present and future. Under such unfortunate circumstances, having a good website capable of handling and supporting online sales and establishing your online presence has never been more relevant today.
Why Refresh Your Brand and Get Online?
We have enumerated a few reasons to refresh your brand and get your business online to prepare for situations like this. With a website with e-commerce capabilities, you can expect your business to show no signs of slowing down — despite the crisis.
Consider Online Traffic
Typically, people would head to stores, stock up on needed supplies, make purchases, then call it a day. Since we’re all under quarantine, foot traffic would be nearly impossible in this climate. Although foot traffic has tremendously decreased, online traffic should increase. The most logical solution is to adapt to this new ‘wave’ by setting up a website with the necessary capabilities your business needs to start operating again.
Maintaining Momentum
An excellent online presence and e-commerce site will allow you to keep your business up and running and maintain relevant relationships with your loyal customers so they do not forget about you. A bonus? Your company acquires a newfound ability to reach more customers. Don’t just hope for the best; keep your business momentum going.
Accessibility
So you have your social media page set up. That should be the end of the line. Wrong. Although social media can be great for having an outlet for new customers to verify your business credibility through your existing following, having an e-commerce website increases your accessibility.
Suppose your business used to face challenges in competing with global competitors. In that case, you’ll have a leg up on the big box competition by providing products and materials locally instead from overseas suppliers. But without having an e-commerce website to sell your product, it won’t matter how much supply you have.
The Impact of Having a Good Website
Simply getting your business online and having a good website will help your business have a fighting chance of flourishing despite the predicament we’re currently in. COVID-19 wouldn’t be the first crisis to keep people from leaving their homes, and it certainly won’t be the last. It is essential that if such a situation happens again, you won’t have to brace yourself and your business for the full impact.
How BRIGHTSAND Designs Can Help
No matter where you are currently in your business, at BRIGHTSAND Designs, we make it our mission to make your business’ online transition easy and possible. From starting a new e-commerce design or simply refreshing your current one, we will provide the best strategy to fit best and benefit your business long-term.
Adapting to this new economic shift may have brought us new challenges in operating our business, but maintaining a business despite it is not impossible. The right mindset should be to “think physical distancing, not social distancing.”
With our expertise in web design, e-commerce solutions, and digital marketing strategies, we can guide your business through this transformative journey. To learn more about how we can help you establish a strong online presence and navigate the digital landscape, visit our What We Do page. Embrace the potential of the digital era and ensure your business's success in the ever-evolving world.
The Impact of AI-Generated Content on Social Media SEO: A Brave New Frontier
In today's fast-paced digital marketing landscape, we are witnessing the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its influence on content creation. AI-generated content has become increasingly prevalent, especially on social media platforms. As a business owner, I find myself pondering the implications of AI-generated content on social media SEO and its potential impact on my marketing strategies. In this article, let's delve into this fascinating topic and explore how AI-generated content is reshaping social media marketing.
The Rise of AI-Generated Content
AI-generated content is an innovative approach to content creation, where advanced machine learning algorithms analyze vast datasets to produce coherent and contextually relevant content. Social media platforms have quickly embraced this technology to automate content creation, reduce costs, and enhance user experiences. As I navigate the dynamic world of social media marketing, I am intrigued by the potential benefits AI-generated content can bring to my brand.
The Influence on Social Media SEO
One aspect that caught my attention is the potential impact of AI-generated content on keyword optimization. AI algorithms can analyze user behavior, search patterns, and content preferences, leading to the generation of content that aligns better with user queries. This could impact the selection and utilization of relevant keywords in my social media posts to improve search visibility and attract my target audience.
Ensuring Authenticity and User Engagement
While AI-generated content presents exciting opportunities, it is essential to maintain authenticity and human engagement. As I reflect on this, I am reminded of a recent advisory from a prominent AI platform, META, shared on LinkedIn. They emphasized the importance of using AI-generated content while preserving human creativity and authentic storytelling to foster meaningful connections with our audience. As I explore AI-generated content possibilities, I am determined to strike the right balance to ensure a genuine user experience.
Enhancing Personalization
AI-generated content also holds promise for enhancing personalization on social media. By analyzing user data, AI algorithms can deliver tailored content to specific audience segments, creating a more engaging user experience. I believe that personalized content can lead to higher interaction rates, increased shares, and improved social signals, contributing to enhanced SEO rankings for my brand.
Adapting SEO Strategies
As AI-generated content continues to evolve, I understand the need to adapt my social media SEO strategies. By staying updated on the latest AI advancements and incorporating them thoughtfully with authentic storytelling, I can optimize my social media content to achieve higher visibility and better user engagement.
The integration of AI-generated content into social media marketing marks a significant and transformative development. As a business owner, I recognize the potential benefits of AI-generated content while remaining committed to preserving authenticity and user engagement. By embracing AI-generated content responsibly and strategically, I am excited to unlock new opportunities for success in this brave new frontier of social media SEO.
References:
- LinkedIn Advisory from META AI Platform
- The Role of AI in Content Creation, Social Media Today
- AI-Generated Content and Its Impact on SEO, Search Engine Journal
- The Power of Personalization in Social Media Marketing, HubSpot
Winning Hearts and Minds: The Role of Emotional Branding in Your Marketing Plan
Hello there, fellow marketers and business owners! Today, I want to dive into a fascinating aspect of marketing that has the potential to elevate our brands to new heights - emotional branding. In this blog post, I'll be sharing insights into how emotional branding can profoundly impact consumer behavior, build brand loyalty, and foster genuine connections with our target audience.
At Brightsand Designs, we understand the power of emotional branding and its potential to transform businesses. We are dedicated to helping our clients craft compelling brand stories that resonate with their audience on a deep, emotional level. Our team of devoted digital architects specializes in tailoring marketing solutions that incorporate emotional appeal, making your brand stand out in the digital landscape.
Crafting a Compelling Brand Story
One exemplary way to achieve emotional branding is by crafting a compelling brand story. At Brightsand Designs, we collaborate closely with our clients to understand their vision, values, and purpose. By weaving these elements into a captivating narrative, we create a brand story that resonates with your audience, fostering a meaningful connection that lasts.
Understanding Consumer Psychology
To embark on emotional branding, we need to understand the psychology behind consumer behavior. At Brightsand Designs, we conduct in-depth research and analysis to identify the emotions that align with your target audience. By knowing what truly moves your customers, we can create messaging that evokes the right emotions, leading to stronger brand engagement and loyalty.
The Power of Authenticity
Authenticity is another crucial factor in emotional branding, and at Brightsand Designs, we value transparency and genuineness in all our marketing efforts. Our team ensures that your brand's values and promises align with your actions, building trust and credibility among your audience.
Leveraging Content Marketing
Incorporating emotional branding into content marketing is one of our specialties. We understand the power of storytelling and how it can engage your audience emotionally. Through blog posts, videos, and social media content, we bring your brand story to life, leaving a lasting impact on your audience.
The Visual Appeal of Your Brand
Our team of skilled designers knows the visual appeal of your brand matters. At Brightsand Designs, we use aesthetically pleasing designs, color choices, and imagery that evoke specific emotions aligned with your brand identity. From your logo to website design, every visual element is carefully crafted to resonate with your audience.
Consistency Throughout the Customer Journey
At Brightsand Designs, we believe that emotional branding should be an integral part of your entire customer journey. From the first touchpoint to post-purchase interactions, our marketing solutions ensure consistent emotional appeal, creating memorable brand experiences.
In conclusion, emotional branding is a potent and indispensable element of a successful marketing plan. By partnering with Brightsand Designs, you gain access to a team of experts who are passionate about crafting emotional connections between your brand and your audience. Together, we can create authentic brand stories, leverage emotions, and deliver consistent experiences that win the hearts and minds of your customers.
Remember, the best marketing doesn't just sell products; it leaves a lasting impact on people's lives. Embrace the power of emotional branding, and let Brightsand Designs help your brand win hearts and minds!
I hope you found this blog post insightful and inspiring. Let's together embark on a journey of emotional branding and take your marketing efforts to new heights!