Uncategorized Archives - Westchester Marketing Cafe, LLC

Are You A Moving Target?

I just visited two websites – completely different businesses, different web developers, different industries – with the exact same problem; horrible navigation. Now I don’t normally like to start on such a negative note, but these were especially egregious examples of really bad user experience. The navigation links on both of these websites were quite literally moving! On the first, I needed to attempt several times before successfully clicking the “contact us” link. On the next, the entire navigation menu was scrolling horizontally.If you want people to connect to you make it easy! A clean, simple design that allows users to quickly and easily find out how to contact you is always a must. Save the “cool” effects for non-content; aesthetics, backgrounds, etc.

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Choosing An Effective Domain Name

Selecting THE PERFECT name for your online business can often be a daunting task, especially if THE PERFECT domain name is already taken. So here are some things to consider in selecting your domain. Keywords Our natural inclination is often to use our name as the URL; janesmith.com, joeshmoe.org. And in some instances that makes sense. If you run a business that is well known already, a domain name that matches your business name will be where your current customers will look for you. But what about customers who don’t know you – yet? Using keywords, words that are relevant to who you are and what you do, will help boost you in search results. Let’s take a photographer as an example. Often these types of businesses are set up using the person’s name since they are their business. But JaneExample.com isn’t going to tell search engines anything about the…
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Be The Master Of Your Domain: Domain Name Registration

Too often I get phone calls from business owners who no longer own their domain names. “How can this happen?” you ask. More easily than you realize. When you hire someone to develop your website, often they will be the one to register your domain name and sometimes they do it under their own name. You’ve just made your first big mistake. Think about your car. When you bought your car, who’s name is on the title? If it’s not your name, you don’t own the car and whoever does can drive off with it at any time. By having someone else register your domain under their name you are giving them the title to your domain. It doesn’t matter if the domain is www.yourbusinessname.com. They registered it in their name. They own it. This might not be a problem if you are dealing with an ethical and long-lived web…
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Selecting A Host Provider

What is a host provider and how do you select one for your website? A host provider is a company that will allow you to upload your files onto their server making them accessible via the web. Some will host your files for free, but are these plans the best solution for you? If you are running a business, take a close look. Often free hosting plans require you to allow ads to be placed on your site. And you may be limited in what URLs you can use. So instead of sending customers to www.MyProfessionalWebsite.com you are sending them to www.MyUnprofessionalFreeAccount.MyProfessionalWebsite.com You need to be equally smart when looking at paid hosting accounts. Does your host provide you will all the features you will need, now and in the future? Conversely, are you paying for features you don’t and won’t need? Before you lock yourself in, talk to your…
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