# St. Augustine's Trusted Web Design Partner for Over 20 Years > Professional websites and digital marketing that help established businesses grow . Professional Websites, Marketing, and Design Services for Small Businesses > Custom Web Design . SEO & Local Search Marketing. Graphic Design & Branding . WordPress Training & Maintenance . --- ## Pages - [Terms & Conditions](https://oldcitywebservices.com/privacy-policy-copy/) - [About](https://oldcitywebservices.com/about-v2/) - [Local SEO](https://oldcitywebservices.com/local-seo/) - [Search Engine Optimization](https://oldcitywebservices.com/search-engine-optimization/) - [FAQ](https://oldcitywebservices.com/faq/) - [Blog](https://oldcitywebservices.com/blog/) - [Thank You](https://oldcitywebservices.com/thank-you/) - [Web Maintenance Services](https://oldcitywebservices.com/web-maintenance-services/) - [Wordpress Training](https://oldcitywebservices.com/wordpress-training-st-augustine/) - [Graphic Design](https://oldcitywebservices.com/graphic-design/) - [Digital Marketing](https://oldcitywebservices.com/digital-marketing/) - [Web Design and Development](https://oldcitywebservices.com/web-design-development/) - [Services](https://oldcitywebservices.com/services/) - [Portfolio](https://oldcitywebservices.com/work/) - [Contact](https://oldcitywebservices.com/contact/) - [Sitemap](https://oldcitywebservices.com/sitemap/) - [Home](https://oldcitywebservices.com/) - [Privacy Policy](https://oldcitywebservices.com/privacy-policy/) --- ## Posts - [5 Easy Ways to Get More Customers Online](https://oldcitywebservices.com/5-easy-ways-to-get-more-customers-online/) - [Old City Web Services Merged with AnoLogix](https://oldcitywebservices.com/old-city-web-services-merged-with-anologix/) - [Mobile Responsive: HOW it Effects Your Website](https://oldcitywebservices.com/mobile-responsive-website/) - [Logo Roll Out Checklist](https://oldcitywebservices.com/logo-rollout-checklist/) - [Unique Print Materials That Your Customers Will Love](https://oldcitywebservices.com/unique-print-materials-your-customers-will-love/) - [The Evolution of Websites](https://oldcitywebservices.com/evolution-of-websites/) - [Free SEO Tools](https://oldcitywebservices.com/free-seo-tools/) - [Social Media Do's and Don'ts](https://oldcitywebservices.com/social-media-dos-and-donts/) - [3 Reasons to Host Email At Your Domain](https://oldcitywebservices.com/host-email-at-your-domain/) - [Top 5 Website Myths Busted](https://oldcitywebservices.com/5-website-myths-busted/) - [5 Differences Between DIY and Professional Websites](https://oldcitywebservices.com/differences-between-diy-and-professional-websites/) - [Free Tools for Content Writing](https://oldcitywebservices.com/free-tools-for-content-writing/) - [The Importance of Email Marketing](https://oldcitywebservices.com/email-marketing/) - [Taking Inventory of Marketing Materials](https://oldcitywebservices.com/inventory-marketing-materials/) - [Grow Your Business: Get the Message Out](https://oldcitywebservices.com/grow-your-business/) - [Use Listings and Online Reviews to Boost Your SEO](https://oldcitywebservices.com/reviews-and-listings/) - [The Importance of an SSL Certificate](https://oldcitywebservices.com/importance-ssl-certificate/) - [Preparing Your Business For the New Year](https://oldcitywebservices.com/preparing-your-business-for-the-new-year/) - [Two Telltale Signs Your Site Needs A Redesign](https://oldcitywebservices.com/signs-your-site-needs-a-redesign/) - [3 Cool Tips for Facebook Business Pages](https://oldcitywebservices.com/tips-facebook-business-pages/) - [Website Terms to Know](https://oldcitywebservices.com/website-terms/) - [St. Johns County Lane Closures Sept. 22-28, 2018](https://oldcitywebservices.com/st-johns-county-lane-closures-september-22-28-2018/) - [Images: Seo and Accessibility Do's/Don'ts](https://oldcitywebservices.com/images-seo-and-accessibility/) - [Your Easy Season Business Checklist](https://oldcitywebservices.com/easy-season-business-checklist/) - [WordPress vs Squarespace](https://oldcitywebservices.com/wordpress-vs-squarespace/) - [Local Social Media Campaigns](https://oldcitywebservices.com/local-social-media-campaigns/) - [A Few FAQ About Email](https://oldcitywebservices.com/faq-email/) - [Get More Clicks on Your Expanded Listing](https://oldcitywebservices.com/expanded-listing-advertisement/) - [FAQ About Advertising on OldCity.com](https://oldcitywebservices.com/faq-advertising/) - [Free Social Media Tips](https://oldcitywebservices.com/social-media-tips/) - [4 Branding Tips](https://oldcitywebservices.com/branding-tips/) - [Find Your Ideal Customer in 3 Easy Steps](https://oldcitywebservices.com/ideal-customer/) - [A Breakdown of Image File Types](https://oldcitywebservices.com/types-of-files/) - [4 Reasons Why DIY Logos Don't Work](https://oldcitywebservices.com/diy-logo-design/) - [3 Restaurant Plugins All Restaurants Need](https://oldcitywebservices.com/restaurant-plugins/) - [Guide to Online Banner Ads](https://oldcitywebservices.com/online-banner-ads/) - [Top Five Advertising Ideas for Tourist Season](https://oldcitywebservices.com/advertising-ideas/) - [How to Protect Your Business Against Ransomware](https://oldcitywebservices.com/ransomware/) - [All About CMS WordPress](https://oldcitywebservices.com/all-about-cms-wordpress/) - [OldCity Web Services - Highlights of 2017](https://oldcitywebservices.com/web-design-services-highlights/) - [7 Site Characteristics to Ditch](https://oldcitywebservices.com/7-site-characteristics-to-ditch-before-christmas/) - [6 Tips for A Unique About Page](https://oldcitywebservices.com/6-tips-unique-about-page/) - [Use Social Media for your Holiday Campaign](https://oldcitywebservices.com/holiday-social-media-campaign/) - [3 Social Media Updates to Know About](https://oldcitywebservices.com/3-social-media-updates/) - [Is Google Turning Into a Helicopter Parent?](https://oldcitywebservices.com/google-small-businesses/) - [Domain Name Importance](https://oldcitywebservices.com/domain-name-importance/) - [4 Ways to Prepare Businesses for the Holidays](https://oldcitywebservices.com/4-ways-to-prepare-your-business-for-the-holidays/) - [Consistency is King](https://oldcitywebservices.com/consistency-is-king/) - [How to secure Business Electronics and Data](https://oldcitywebservices.com/cyber-dumpster-diving-secure-business-electronics/) - [Choosing A Design Company](https://oldcitywebservices.com/choosing-design-company/) - [Balance on Social Media](https://oldcitywebservices.com/balance-social-media/) - [What Goes into an eCommerce Site?](https://oldcitywebservices.com/what-goes-into-an-ecommerce-site/) - [Finding Meaning in Mission Work](https://oldcitywebservices.com/finding-meaning-mission-work/) - [Staying Connected - Setting Up Your Email](https://oldcitywebservices.com/staying-connected-setting-email/) - [Why It's Important to Backup](https://oldcitywebservices.com/why-its-important-to-backup/) - [Hurricane Preparedness for Businesses](https://oldcitywebservices.com/hurricane-preparedness-businesses/) - [What To Do If You've Been Hacked](https://oldcitywebservices.com/websites-hacked/) - [How to Prevent Getting Hacked](https://oldcitywebservices.com/prevent-getting-hacked/) - [Updating Your Website - More Important Than You Might Think](https://oldcitywebservices.com/updating-site-matters/) - [Designer by Day - Spartan by Night](https://oldcitywebservices.com/designer-day-spartan-night/) - [Is It Time To Rebrand?](https://oldcitywebservices.com/rebranding/) - [Marketing When Just Starting Out](https://oldcitywebservices.com/marketing-when-just-starting/) - [The Importance of Branding Your Business](https://oldcitywebservices.com/importance-of-branding-your-business/) - [Avoiding Common Social Media Mistakes](https://oldcitywebservices.com/common-social-media-mistakes/) - [The How and Why of Content Creation](https://oldcitywebservices.com/content-creation/) - [Local Businesses Getting It Right on Social Media](https://oldcitywebservices.com/local-businesses-getting-right-social-media/) - [6 Quick Tips About Emails](https://oldcitywebservices.com/6-quick-email-tips/) - [Make an Impact with Your Rack Card](https://oldcitywebservices.com/rack-card-impact/) - [Tips for an Eye-Catching Business Card](https://oldcitywebservices.com/tips-for-an-eye-catching-business-card/) - [How to Compete with Large Companies](https://oldcitywebservices.com/4-ways-small-business-compete-large-corporations/) - [4 Reasons To Hire A Graphic Designer](https://oldcitywebservices.com/building-websites-leave-work-us/) - [What Your Website Says About You](https://oldcitywebservices.com/what-your-website-says-about-you/) - [How to Block Pesky Emails](https://oldcitywebservices.com/how-to-block-pesky-emails/) - [Are Your Passwords Safe?](https://oldcitywebservices.com/password-safety/) - [When To Break Up With Your Web Developer](https://oldcitywebservices.com/fresh-start-signs-time-break-web-development-company/) - [Fresh Start: Meeting a Company Organically vs. Online](https://oldcitywebservices.com/fresh-start-meeting-a-company-organically-vs-online/) - [How to Tell if a Company is Right for You](https://oldcitywebservices.com/fresh-start-how-to-tell-if-a-company-is-right-for-you/) - [Fresh Start: Your Web Design Relationship Guide](https://oldcitywebservices.com/fresh-start-web-design-relationship-guide/) - [Reflecting Back on Your Year in Business](https://oldcitywebservices.com/reflecting-back-on-your-business/) - [5 Ways to Maintain a Good Online Reputation](https://oldcitywebservices.com/maintain-good-reputation-online/) - [10 Ways to Establish Your Business](https://oldcitywebservices.com/10-ways-to-establish-business/) - [Unique ways to market your business](https://oldcitywebservices.com/unique-ways-market-business/) - [Are logos really a big deal?](https://oldcitywebservices.com/logos/) - [How Social Media & A Blog Correlate With SEO](https://oldcitywebservices.com/social-media-blog-affect-seo/) - [Why Having Relevant Content is Important.](https://oldcitywebservices.com/relevant-content/) - [What Does SEO Even Mean?](https://oldcitywebservices.com/seo-even-mean/) - [Do You Know the Different Ways to Connect with People on Social Media?](https://oldcitywebservices.com/connect-friends-followers-fans/) - [Social Media: Why Photos & Videos?](https://oldcitywebservices.com/social-media-photo-video-needed/) - [Social Media: It's all about the Trends.](https://oldcitywebservices.com/social-media-trends/) - [Picking the Right Platform for Your Business](https://oldcitywebservices.com/social-media-picking-right-platform-business/) - [5 Mistakes Not to Make in WordPress](https://oldcitywebservices.com/5-crazy-mistakes-not-to-make-in-wordpress-and-how-we-can-help/) - [Practical Social Media Tips](https://oldcitywebservices.com/practical-social-media-tips/) - [Optimize Your Website for Conversions](https://oldcitywebservices.com/optimize-your-website-for-conversions/) - [Send Email to Your Mailing List](https://oldcitywebservices.com/let-us-help-you-send-email-to-your-mailing-list/) - [Email Marketing and Landing Pages](https://oldcitywebservices.com/holiday-promotions-email-marketing-and-landing-pages/) - [Why You Need Responsive Design](https://oldcitywebservices.com/why-you-need-responsive-design/) - [5 Things Your Website Needs Today](https://oldcitywebservices.com/5-things-your-website-needs-today/) - [Content Marketing Part IV](https://oldcitywebservices.com/content-marketing-part-iv-implementing-your-plan/) - [Content Marketing Part II](https://oldcitywebservices.com/content-marketing-part-ii-build-your-strategy/) - [Content Marketing Part I: Use Analytics](https://oldcitywebservices.com/content-marketing-part-i-use-analytics/) - [Promoting Your Website Part IV: Email](https://oldcitywebservices.com/promoting-your-website-part-iv-email/) --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages Terms & Conditions Effective Date: September 7, 2025 Welcome to Old City Web Services! These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website, services, and SMS communications. By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our services. 1. About Old City Web Services Old City Web Services is a website design and development company based in Florida, offering custom website solutions, digital marketing, SEO, email marketing, CRM tools, and business IT services. Learn more about us at oldcitywebservices. com. 2. Use of Our Services By using our services, you agree to: Provide accurate and complete information when requested Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws Not engage in fraudulent, illegal, or harmful activities Respect intellectual property rights and proprietary information We reserve the right to refuse service, suspend accounts, or terminate access if a user violates these Terms. 3. Web Hosting & Availability Old City Web Services provides website hosting and maintenance services through trusted third-party providers. While we aim to deliver 99. 9% uptime and reliable performance, we do not guarantee uninterrupted service. Scheduled maintenance, technical failures, and third-party outages may occur. We are not liable for any loss of revenue, data, or business opportunities due to downtime or service interruptions. Clients are responsible for maintaining their own backups unless covered under an active Care Plan or Support Agreement that includes backup services. 4. SMS Terms of Service By opting into... --- We Help Growing Businesses Win More Customers Online Old City Web Services, A Division of AnoLogix Dial 904-867-4112 now! Our Story 25 Years of Driving Business Growth Your business deserves more than just another website. You need a digital presence that drives real growth, attracts quality leads, and delivers measurable ROI. OCWSThrough The Years Old City Web Services started with a simple belief: local businesses deserve the same powerful online marketing that big corporations use, but at a price that makes sense and with service that actually cares. Since 1998, we've helped hundreds of businesses across Northeast Florida and beyond transform their online presence from an expense into their most valuable sales tool. 1998 Founded in St. Augustine to serve local businesses 2005 Expanded services to include SEO and digital marketing 2015 Launched enterprise-level solutions for growing companies 2024 Joined AnoLogix to amplify capabilities and resources Why We Do What We Do We know you didn't start your business to wrestle with websites or decode digital marketing. You started it to serve customers, build something meaningful,
and grow your vision. Our mission is simple: remove the complexity from digital marketing and deliver strategies that actually work. We handle the technology, track the metrics, and optimize the campaigns so you can focus on what you do best: running your business. Meet Your Growth Team Chris Nay Co-owner & Design/UI Lead 15+ years creating conversion-focused designs that drive results. Rich Toupin Owner & Head of Development & Marketing 20+ years driving digital growth... --- Get More St Augustine Customers Finding Your Business Online Boost Your Rankings with Expert SEO Services Locally Get FREE SEO Analysis 20+ Years Serving St. Augustine 500+ Successful Projects 100% Transparent Pricing 24/7 Website Monitoring Search Engine Optimization Services
for Local Businesses Get More Local Customers Finding Your St. Augustine Business Online Are you tired of watching potential customers drive past your business to competitors they found online? Our local SEO experts help St. Augustine businesses show up first when customers are actively searching for what you offer. As St. Augustine's premier SEO agency with over 20 years of experience, we understand that successful local SEO requires more than just rankings-it's about turning local searches into paying customers. Benefits of Local SEO for Your St. Augustine Local Business Why local search optimization is critical for St. Augustine business success Why Local SEO Service Matters? Every day, thousands of people use search engines to find local business owners exactly like you. 46% of all searches on search engines are looking for local information. When someone searches "plumber near me" or "St. Augustine restaurants," search engines decide which local business appears first in local search results. 76% of people who do local searches visit a business within 24 hours 28% of local searches result in an immediate purchase 86% of people look up business locations before visiting St. Augustine's Local Market Challenges Running a local business in St. Augustine means competing in a complex local market. You're fighting for attention from both year-round... --- Best SEO Company in St Augustine Boost Your Rankings with Expert SEO Services Locally Get FREE SEO Analysis A Partnership That Delivers I've worked with Rich and Chris for over 20 years. They're thoughtful, responsive, and truly collaborative-not just order-takers. They partner with you to solve problems, like an extension of our team, at a fair price for a startup. That's why we've stuck with them all these years. - Dennis Schaecher, Deal Link Search Engine Optimization Services
for Local Businesses Get Found Online. Attract More Local Customers. Grow Your Business. Are you a small or medium-sized business owner struggling to compete online against larger companies? As the premier SEO agency in St Augustine, we've spent over 20 years helping local businesses dominate search engines and attract more customers. We offer professional SEO strategies that drive ranking improvements and help local businesses dominate search engines. Local Search Dominance When someone searches for "best restaurant near historic district" or "reliable plumber near me," SEO determines whether your business appears at the top of search results or gets buried where no one looks. key statistics: 97% of consumers search online for local businesses 88% of mobile local searches result in action within 24 hours 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results Tourism Industry SEO Solutions St. Augustine's tourism-driven economy makes online visibility even more critical. Visitors research restaurants, attractions, and services before they arrive, and locals increasingly rely on search engines for everything. Without effective SEO strategies, you're... --- Helpful Tips for Your Business Simple Advice to Make Your Life Easier. Get started today! --- THANK YOU for contacting us about your website. We're excited that you've taken the first step toward enhancing your online presence. We assure you, our team is here to help you achieve your goals. We look forward to working together. What's next? We'll be in touch. One of our team members will contact you within one business day to discuss your project in more detail and help you plan the next steps. In the meantime... In the meantime, feel free to browse our portfolio of completed projects or check out client testimonials to see how we've helped businesses like yours. What Our Clients Are Saying Real Stories from Businesses Like Yours August 12, 2025 They rescued my business when my website disappeared. They didn't just build me a new site - they became my marketing partner. I've picked up 4 new dance schools locally, transitioned from DVDs to profitable digital downloads, and launched a membership site. They're responsive, understand what I need, and help me with everything from flyers to email campaigns. That's never happened before with other web companies. They're truly partners in helping me be successful. Wally Faulkner April 28, 2025 The team at Old City Web Services is amazing. They are all very knowledgeable, and extremely friendly! I could not have asked for a better team of people to help design a new logo for my company. Mike Kivlin April 28, 2025 I've been a loyal customer since Old City first started. They've always provided reliable, consistently... --- Comprehensive Website Maintenance At Old City Web Services, we offer monthly website maintenance plans that cover everything you need to keep your website running smoothly and securely. Get started today! What We Offer Stay Online, Secure, & Up-to-Date Whether you're a small business or a larger company in St. Augustine, our maintenance plans ensure your website stays online and up-to-date, so you have peace of mind: web hosting email support content updates website backups seo support + more services! Why Choose OCWS For Your Website Maintenance? 1 1 Flexibility (No Contracts! ) Our website maintenance services come with no contracts, allowing you to cancel anytime without penalties. We aim to build lasting relationships while giving your business the flexibility it needs. 2 Personalized, 1-on-1 Service Your plan includes dedicated 1-on-1 support from a team member during your plan hours. We'll handle your content updates, design improvements, and other tasks to keep your site fresh. 3 Cancel Anytime Cancel your monthly plan anytime with just a simple email and no further payments. We value our client relationships while understanding your need for flexibility with no long-term commitments. 4 Always Guaranteed Support Your website stays protected with guaranteed backups and updates through our monthly support plans. Our team quickly resolves any issues to ensure minimal downtime for your business. Choose A Package! Web Master $99/month Web Hosting & Email 4 hours Support Daily Website Backups WordPress & Plugin Updates Local Search Optimization Reputation & Review Builder Advanced SEO Google Adwords Management Get... --- Take Control of Your WordPress Website Old City Web Services offers customized WordPress training for business owners, staff, and marketing teams in St. Augustine. Get started today! Get started today! What We Offer One-on-One WordPress Consulting Have you ever felt frustrated by the lack of responsiveness from a website designer or agency? 
Do you need additional training to manage your site? Take control of your website
and avoid delays in making important updates and changes. Interactive & Hands-on Our WordPress training is designed to be hands-on and interactive, allowing you to learn while we make real-time changes to your website. This practical approach ensures that you can confidently manage and update your website moving forward. Virtual Training Not located in St. Augustine? No problem! We offer one-on-one virtual WordPress training via screen-share. Whether you're in Jacksonville or anywhere else, we'll guide you through the steps you need to master your WordPress site. Affordable Training Our training is offered at an affordable rate of $125/hour (minimum 2-hour session). You'll also receive a recorded copy of your session along with WordPress training videos installed on your site, so you'll have everything you need for future updates. What Will I Learn? Our WordPress training sessions cover a wide range of topics, customized to meet your specific needs: Installing WordPress Uploading a Theme Customizing Your Theme Working with Widgets How to Use Pages & Posts Images, Videos, and Editors Setting up Menus & Navigation Using Categories & Tags Making Your Site Like the Theme Demo... --- Graphic Design & Printing Services When your business looks good, people are more likely to trust you. Get started today! What We Offer We Help Your Business Look Professional We design logos, flyers, brochures, business cards, and other materials that help you stand out
in a clear and simple way. Our designs are made to match your brand and support your goals-
whether you're just starting or refreshing your look. Logo Design A good logo is more than just a picture. It's often the first thing people notice about your business. We'll create a logo that looks professional, works well in different sizes, and clearly represents your brand. What you get: Multiple logo concepts to choose from Revisions based on your feedback Final files in all the formats you need (print, web, social) Marketing Materials Print materials are still important-especially for events, promotions, and everyday business needs. We design pieces that are clean, easy to read, and make a strong impression. What you get: Business cards Brochures and flyers Postcards and mailers Event banners and signage Rack cards and handouts Online Graphics Online visuals help keep your brand consistent everywhere people see you. Whether it's your website, your social media, or your ads, we'll design graphics that match your brand and are easy to use. What you get: Website banners Social media post templates Email headers Online ad graphics Brand Identity Packages If your business needs a full look-from logo to fonts and colors-we can create a complete brand style guide for... --- Get Found. Get Customers. Grow Your Business. If people can't find your business online, they'll find someone else. We help small businesses like yours show up in search results, stay active on social media, and reach more people! Get started today! What We Offer Simple, Affordable, Yet Powerful Marketing In today's digital world, visibility is key. Enjoy a more prominent presence online
with our affordable marketing solutions! Trusted partners What Our Clients Are Saying Real Stories from Businesses Like Yours They rescued by business They rescued my business when my website disappeared. They didn't just build me a new site - they became my marketing partner. I've picked up 4 new dance schools locally, transitioned from DVDs to profitable digital downloads, and launched a membership site. They're responsive, understand what I need, and help me with everything from flyers to email campaigns. That's never happened before with other web companies. They're truly partners in helping me be successful. Wally Faulkner @Black and Blue Video Productions Local Search Engine Optimization Help people in your area find your business with powerful Search Engine Optimization (SEO). We make sure your business shows up when people search for services near them. What you get: Set up and improve your Google Business Profile Add your business to trusted local directories Use the right keywords for your area Keep your name, address, and phone number consistent across the web Learn more >> Social Media Management Stay active online without doing the work yourself. We create and post... --- Web Design That Grows Your St. Augustine Business Local businesses see 400% more inquiries with websites designed for results, not just looks. Book Your Growth Strategy Call Real Results: From 2 Leads Per Week to 50+ Per Month Jade Violet Wedding Floral was stuck on page 3 of Google getting maybe 1-2 inquiries per week. After we redesigned their website and optimized their local SEO, they now get 1-2 inquiries PER DAY and book weddings 1-2 years in advance Key Results: 400-600% increase in monthly leads Moved from page 3 to page 1 in Google Booking 1-2 years in advance (vs. sporadic before) Streamlined lead qualification process "The website wasn't answering people's questions... Now we have a nice flow of incoming inquiries and we're ranking on the first page. " - Nulita Loder, Owner What We Offer Our Comprehensive Web Services At Old City Web Services, we provide tailored web solutions designed to meet your business needs. Whether it's a sleek informational site or an e-commerce platform, our expert team can bring your vision to life. Custom Website Design Creating unique, brand-aligned designs that captivate visitors. Responsive Development Ensuring seamless experiences across all devices. E-commerce Solutions Building secure and scalable online stores that's intuitive, friendly, and functional. Content Management Systems (CMS) Empowering you to manage your content effortlessly. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Enhancing visibility to attract and retain customers. Ready for the Next Level? Your St. Augustine business is about to soar to the next level. Let's build something amazing... --- Your Local Partner for Business Growth Old City Web Services strives to help you grow by creating
effective online solutions tailored to your needs. Get started today! More Than Just a Pretty Website A great website is more than just beautiful images and engaging text. It's about having the right tools to understand your customers, track your marketing efforts, and continually improve. Our comprehensive digital marketing solutions help St. Augustine businesses achieve lasting success. Web Design & Development Get a Website That Works for Your Business At Old City Web Services, we provide tailored web solutions designed to meet your business needs. Whether it's a sleek informational site or an e-commerce platform, our expert team can bring your vision to life. Custom Website Design Responsive Development E-commerce Solutions Content Management Systems (CMS) Search Engine Optimization Web Design & Development Web Design & Development We Help Your Business Look Professional At Old City Web Services, we provide tailored web solutions designed to meet your business needs. Whether it's a sleek informational site or an e-commerce platform, our expert team can bring your vision to life. Logo Design Marketing Materials Online Graphics Brand Identity Packages Graphic Design Digital marketing Simple, Affordable, Yet Powerful Marketing If people can't find your business online, they'll find someone else. We help small businesses like yours show up in search results, stay active on social media, and reach more people! Local Search Engine Optimization Social Media Management Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising Review Management Email Marketing Digital Marketing Digital Marketing... --- Our Work Bringing satisfaction to clients, one project to another. Get started today! Over 400+ Live Websites, and Counting! Real businesses. Real results. See how we've helped clients across diverse industries grow their digital presence and increase revenue. CondoLogic Website redesign and marketing materials for specialized insurance company. ComXFuel Complete digital transformation for a specialized fuel systems contractor serving mission-critical facilities. Heather Toolin Sophisticated website redesign for Austin’s premier luxury interior designer. McLean Psychological Practice Website, logo, SEO, and Google Ads for clinical psychologist. Kristina Marie Beauty Complete business launch – website, booking system, and SEO for Jacksonville beauty specialist. Silver Bay Luxury Living Marketing strategy for luxury 55+ community – website, SEO, and PPC campaigns. What Our Clients Are Saying Real Stories from Businesses Like Yours August 12, 2025 They rescued my business when my website disappeared. They didn't just build me a new site - they became my marketing partner. I've picked up 4 new dance schools locally, transitioned from DVDs to profitable digital downloads, and launched a membership site. They're responsive, understand what I need, and help me with everything from flyers to email campaigns. That's never happened before with other web companies. They're truly partners in helping me be successful. Wally Faulkner April 28, 2025 The team at Old City Web Services is amazing. They are all very knowledgeable, and extremely friendly! I could not have asked for a better team of people to help design a new logo for my company. Mike Kivlin April 28,... --- Get In Touch Fill out our form or give us a call 904-867-4112. Dial 904-867-4112 now! Contact us We Are Here to Help You
Grow Your Business Our Mailing Address: PO Box 57793 Jacksonville, FL 32241 /* */ How can we help your business? (Required) A new Website Help with existing website Digital Marketing Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Phone(Required)Business Name(Required)Current WebsiteInstagramThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. /* { mutations. forEach( ( mutation ) => { if ( mutation. type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv. offsetParent ! == null ) { debouncedTriggerPostRender; observer. disconnect; } }); }); observer. observe( document. body, { attributes: true, childList: false, subtree: true, attributeFilter: , }); } else { triggerPostRender; } } );} ); /* ]]> */ Frequently Asked Questions Making things easier for you. See more FAQ How long does it take to build my website? Every project is a little different, but most websites take between 4 to 12 weeks from start to finish. We take time to get to know your business, plan out what you need, and build a site that looks great and actually works for your goals. What kind of support do you offer after the site goes live? We don't disappear after launch. You'll have access to real people who are here to help-whether it's fixing an issue, adding something new, or just answering a question. We also offer optional Website Care Plans if you'd like us to handle the updates for you. Will I own... --- Sitemap PagesTerms & ConditionsAboutLocal SEOSearch Engine OptimizationFAQBlogThank YouWeb Maintenance ServicesWordPress TrainingGraphic DesignDigital MarketingWeb Design and DevelopmentSitemapContactPortfolioServicesPrivacy PolicyHome --- St. Augustine's Trusted Web Design Partner for Over 20 Years Professional websites and digital marketing that help established businesses grow Book Strategy Session See our work Call us: 904-867-4112 Professional Websites, Marketing, and Design Services for Small Businesses What We Can Do for You Custom Web Design We build websites that are simple, professional, and easy to use. Whether you're starting fresh or need an upgrade, our team will create a site that reflects your business and makes it easy for customers to find what they need. Learn more SEO & Local Search Marketing Get noticed online and bring more customers to your business with our targeted digital marketing services. We create strategies tailored to your business, including Local SEO, Social Media Management, and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising. Learn more Graphic Design & Branding Your business deserves a look that stands out. From logos to brochures, our graphic design services will give your brand the professional edge it needs. We specialize in logo designs, website graphics, and other marketing materials. Learn more WordPress Training & Maintenance We don't just build websites; we help you take control of them. With our WordPress training and maintenance services, you'll have everything you need to keep your site running smoothly. Learn more Why Choose Old City Web Services? We've been helping small businesses in St. Augustine and beyond for over 20 years. We understand what it takes to get noticed and stay ahead in today's world. At Old City Web Services, we make it easy... --- Privacy Policy Last Updated: September 7, 2025 Old City Web Services ("us", "we", or "our") operates the https://oldcitywebservices. com website (the "Service"). This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data when you use our Service and the choices you have associated with that data. Our Privacy Policy for Old City Web Services is managed internally. We use your data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. Unless otherwise defined in this Privacy Policy, terms used in this Privacy Policy have the same meanings as in our Terms and Conditions, accessible from https://oldcitywebservices. com. INFORMATION COLLECTION AND USE We collect several different types of information for various purposes to provide and improve our Service to you. TYPES OF DATA COLLECTED PERSONAL DATA While using our Service, we may ask you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify you ("Personal Data"). Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to: Email address First name and last name Phone number Cookies and Usage Data USAGE DATA We may also collect information on how the Service is accessed and used ("Usage Data"). This Usage Data may include information such as your computer's Internet Protocol address (e. g. IP address), browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the... --- --- ## Posts Bottom Line: Small businesses implementing these five strategies systematically see average revenue increases of 200 to 400% within their first year, with some generating $40+ return for every marketing dollar spent. The key is starting with local SEO foundations and building up strategically. What's the fastest way for my local business to get found online? Start with Google Business Profile optimization. It's free and delivers results within 60 days. Your Google Business Profile is your digital storefront's front door. 92% of searchers choose businesses from the first page of local results, and businesses with complete profiles receive 7x more clicks than incomplete ones. Here's your 30 day action plan: Week 1: Claim and verify your Google Business Profile if you haven't already. Complete every section with business hours, phone number, address, website, and services. Add your logo and at least 10 high-quality photos showing your work, team, and location. Week 2: Optimize your business description with natural keywords like "best in " without keyword stuffing. Add specific services you offer and areas you serve. Week 3: Start posting weekly updates about your business with behind-the-scenes content, customer projects, or local community involvement. Google rewards active profiles with better visibility. Week 4: Begin monitoring and responding to customer questions through your profile. 46% of consumers expect responses within 4 hours, so quick responses give you a competitive edge. Expected results: Most businesses see improved local search visibility within 30 to 60 days, with significant traffic increases by month three. The investment?... --- I’m delighted to share a significant milestone in the Old City Web Services journey. Today, we officially partner with AnoLogix, a leading web agency based in Jacksonville. This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter as we merge to enhance our service offerings and expand our expertise. As part of this transition, Oldcity. com and Old City Web Services are splitting into two businesses. Old City Web Services is merging with AnoLogix, while Oldcity. com will operate as its own advertising branch. Founded in 2000, AnoLogix has been at the forefront of web and digital marketing innovation. I have worked with AnoLogix for many years, and they have been involved in many of the websites we have built, so they are familiar with our accounts. They have the same high standard for customer service that I have always maintained. Specializing in areas such as social media, branding, SEO, and both Google and Facebook advertising, their extensive experience will complement and enhance the services we provide to you. This merger is driven by our shared commitment to delivering more robust and comprehensive services. We are excited to introduce an expanded suite of capabilities, including advanced web design, enriched digital marketing strategies, and expert SEO services, all designed to elevate your online presence. What does this mean for you? It’s business as usual but with added benefits. You'll continue to receive the great service you've come to expect from us, now with access to additional resources and a broader team of... --- What is a mobile responsive website? A mobile responsive website simply means that the website can be easily navigated on a mobile phone, tablet, and desktop. Responsive websites have the ability to adjust their size, layout, and proportions to be readable across devices. Mobile Responsive: HOW it Affects Your Website The first time we mentioned the importance of a mobile responsive website was nearly one decade ago. Oh, how time flies! All these years later, this topic is more important than ever. Unresponsive websites are at risk of losing half of their traffic. From May of 2019 to May of 2020, roughly 50% of web users were browsing on mobile devices. With this information, we can assume that nearly 50% of the users on our clients' websites are on a mobile device. So, if your website isn't responsive, you are at risk of losing half of your website traffic! Find out how many users are on a mobile device on your website via Google Analytics. Picture this: You are on vacation and headed out for a day of fishing. But first you need to pick up bait, so you do a Google search for 'nearby bait shops'. Among your search results is a locally owned bait shop. Since you would prefer to spend your money locally, you click the link to their website. Next, you head to their Products Page to find out if they carry - wait a minute. You can't find their Products Page. In fact, you can't... --- At the end of the day, we all want to look good and present our best selves. This goes double when you're running a business - and looking professional for your customers starts with your logo. In fact, when a customer visits your website or receives an email from your business, your logo goes a long way towards validating the trustworthiness of your business. On the flip side, a missing logo can cause customers to hesitate to do business with you. So, whether you just had a logo designed or you've had one for years, use our Logo Roll Out Checklist to dot your i's and cross your t's by making sure your logo is on everything that represents your business. How Our Logo Checklist Can Help You We want you to look good for your customers and one way we can help you with that is by making sure your logo is aligned throughout your online and print materials. After all, you wouldn't leave the house missing a shoe or wearing two different shoes, would you? Well, that's exactly why you should never have two logos - or no logo at all - representing your business. Regardless of if you have a new logo or just want to double-check that your current logo is in each place it needs to be, below is our Logo Checklist as well as some quick tips to help you place your logo in the right places! Read our quick tips below before starting... --- Your customers will just love rocking the print materials we have listed below! But you will also love them because they double as an advertisement for your awesome business. In fact, once your customers get their hands on them, they will instantly become a walking advertisement - and who are you to stop them? At the end of the day, we all love taking home a few stickers from our favorite restaurant or receiving a free bag with a purchase or buying a t-shirt with the logo of one of our favorite businesses. While these 'things' may seem insignificant when we receive them, they're actually a business's strategic print materials and we all love accessorizing with them! So, don't miss the opportunity to give your customers a chance to flaunt your business. Use the list of unique print materials below to steal the hearts of your customers and get long-lasting, inexpensive advertising for your business. Bags: Nowadays, communities are moving away from the use of plastic bags. This got us thinking that a custom bag with your logo might be exactly what your customer needs to get their errands done. We can picture it now: a bag with your logo on it hanging off the arm of your customer for all the world to see! Business Cards with A Coupon: Everyone loves a good deal. So, the next time you print your business cards we recommend placing a promotion or coupon on the back of it. This way, it's less... --- The evolution of websites has featured significant advancements since the creation of the world wide web in 1989. In fact, every few years there are enormous technological changes in the way they look and how we use them. While comparing the look of old websites to websites today can be a fun walk down memory lane, it also sheds a light on how quickly websites can go from 'on trend' to outdated. While we hope this blog is interesting, we also hope it highlights how important it is to keep up with the Joneses (and your competitor) by redesigning your website every few years! Evolution of Websites from 1990 to 2000: Having been created in 1989, the world wide web was just starting out when our timeline begins in 1990. In fact, was 1991 when the first website would be created and today, it is hardly recognizable as it only had a single column of text. Once websites became more popular, they would make leaps and jumps in appearances. In fact, two noteworthy advancements between 1990 and 2000 include the creation of table-based sites and a new software called Flash. While table-based sites were substantial because they made it possible to create websites with multiple columns, Flash was equally as unique because it gave websites the ability to have videos, music, and graphics with animation. Both advancements significantly changed the appearance of websites as well as promoted better user-experience and content organization. Websites from the '90s: OldCity. com (1998), Nascar.... --- Check out this list of free SEO tools that we've compiled. Among the tools are a simple checklist, a website grader, and a domain analyzer. Each tool will bring you a little closer to understanding where your website is on the SEO spectrum. Now, don't worry - we know many people find this subject confusing. That's why we've selected free SEO tools that are incredibly easy to use. Keep in mind, these free SEO tools aren't the single solution to an optimized website. Now, you may be confused as to why you're seeing this list of free SEO tools coming from us in the first place. In fact, we often encourage our clients to hire reputable professionals - like us - to optimize their websites for them. However, it never hurts to learn more about a topic that directly affects the success of your business! We can guarantee that the following tools aren't the end-all-be-all to online marketing. But, by experimenting with them you will have a better understanding of SEO in general. That's not such a bad thing since SEO is a topic that many people still find mystical. As promised, here are easy-to-use, free SEO tools: Expand Checklist If the goal is to learn about SEO through these free SEO tools, then this checklist is a great place to start. From the basics such as setting up a Google Account to more extensive optimization like link building, this checklist will make you more familiar with common SEO terminology.... --- Do have good habbits when you're a business on social media. Social media has turned into a major marketing asset for small businesses, but that doesn't mean that each business is getting the most out of it. In fact, businesses with bad social media habits may be losing more followers than they realize. Examples of bad social media etiquette. Imagine that you are scrolling through Instagram and notice the business profile for your doctor's office. You go to their page to follow them but notice that many of their posts are written in slang and promote conflicting personal beliefs. Would you still choose to see this physician? Or, imagine you're on Facebook searching for a new seafood restaurant to try and you come across one named The Seafood Place. You check out a few of their posts and browse the photos of their entrees and think you've hit the jackpot. You then decide to read a few Facebook reviews. After reading the review in Figure 1, you may decide not to dine there. So, what do these two examples have in common? They give clients and potential clients interesting insight into the beliefs of the company - and not in the positive way that a Mission Statement or About Us Page does. In today's day in age, typing a message over a social media platform is sometimes more meaningful than saying it in person. That's why it's so important to have the very best social media habits when you're representing... --- What does it mean to host your email at your domain? Hosting your email at your domain means that instead of an @Gmail or @yahoo address you have an email address with your domain in it. For example, if your domain is www. windowtreatments. com, your email address would look something like john@windowtreatments. com. You may be asking, "Well, why is this so important? " The honest answer is that clients perceive businesses that host their email at their domain as more professional. Although it may seem like a small detail, the bigger picture makes this a worthwhile marketing investment for your company. 3 Reasons to Host Email At Your Domain We can't think of one single reason not to host your email at your domain. On the flip side, there are many pros to taking this step. Below we've broken down what we think are the three biggest motivators to host your email at your domain. It's an integral part of your branding. Your email address is part of your brand because its a method of communication between you and customers. In today's world, fewer people are making phone calls and more people are doing business online. So, if most business interactions happen online versus offline, businesses have to find a practical way to communicate with customers and email is the solution. Since your email address is often incorporated on your business cards, press releases, and website, it becomes a great opportunity to expose your business name and brand... --- Website myths lead people to make wrong decisions for their website. Like most myths, the misinformation spread in website myths can misguide a person into making wrong decisions. Now, we've all heard it before, "You shouldn't believe everything you read on the internet or see on TV. " Yet, we're all guilty of doing this, especially when we aren't experts on the topic. But don't worry, we're here to help. We've debunked the following five website myths so that you can make decisions for your website based on facts rather than myths. Website Myth 1: They sell themselves. Unfortunately, this is simply untrue. While websites are critical for businesses to have, they can't reach your ideal customers on their own. They need a strategic marketing strategy to accomplish that. Typically, enhancing a website with SEO and user-friendly design can help a website gain more traction. Furthermore, by distributing print materials like a rack card or business card that includes your website URL, your site will get more visibility. It also helps to push users to your site through social media and online ads. Website Myth 1: They sell themselves. This isn't entirely a myth. While "You can build your own website," is a true statement, the following sentence is more accurate, "It is difficult to build your own website. " Although DIY website platforms are built for nonprofessionals, many users still face hardships. In fact, a DIY website can eat up hours of your valuable time simply by updating it.... --- The Five Differences Between DIY and Professional Websites It isn't a surprise that there is a challenge or two to face when taking on a DIY project. So when does the challenge outweigh the perks of saving money by doing it yourself? In this blog, we'll run down the five differences between DIY and professional websites and let you decide whether they are a worthwhile investment. We're sure you'll agree that sticking with the professionals is the best route for success. Wait, what is a DIY website? A DIY website is a website that individuals create themselves without the assistance of a professional; a few examples of site builders are Wix, Weebly, and Shopify. The characteristic that makes the sites so likeable is how easy they are to use. Their software incorporates the drag and drop method along with other similar methods that allow users to easily design their site. This eliminates the need to have a website built by professional developers and designers. But they aren't all they're cracked up to be. Note: DIY websites may be easy to use, but professional websites can be too. In fact, websites built on a WordPress platform are easy for the everday business owner to manage - just like they would on a DIY website. Expand 1. You don't own your site. 1. You don't own your site. After the launch of your professionaly built website, the website is then handed over to you. You are free to do what you'd like... --- Wait a minute... What is content? Content is the text, images, video, graphics, as well as every additional element that isn't part of a design. So, if you have a website, brochure, business card, social media platform, etc. , then content writing should be important to you. After all, websites, pamphlets, and other marketing materials tend to have more written content than the other types of content. We offer content writing services and can help you cross off tasks on your to-do list by creating your social media posts, weekly blogs, marketing emails, or the content for your site. Don't hesitate to ask us if you have questions about our content writing services or the free tools for content writing below! Schedule a free consultation by clicking the button below or call us at 904-867-4112. Schedule A Free Consultation Free Tools for Content Writing on A Budget We understand that small businesses have a long list of expenses. While one year, written content might be at the forefront of your mind, the next year your budget may not permit it. Therefore, we've comprised a list of free tools for content writing. This way your content won't suffer if you can't hire a professional just yet. Expand Answer the Public Since good text content should answer the FAQ about your business, Answer the Public is a great writing asset. Think of this content writing tool like you think of Google. For example, if you were to search for "St. Augustine" the... --- Email marketing is likely the right choice for your company... But you may be thinking "Am I the right person to execute it? " While email marketing is very effective, it can be difficult to implement if you're unfamiliar with the process. Luckily, we're here to help. We know everything there is to know about the best email marketing platforms such as Constant Contact and MailChimp. For example, if you don't utilize these platforms it's possible your emails will be marked as spam and never reach the sender. Of course, we're also here to help with the design of the email; you can count on us to create a structure that is mobile responsive, reflective of your brand, and includes at least one prominent call to action. Let's Grow Your Business So, why email marketing? Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to keep the attention of your clients. In fact, an informative message sent to the inbox of your clients will likely lead to better revenue generation than that of other outlets. However, revenue generations aren't the only perks of email marketing. It won't burn a hole in your pocket because it's affordable! Compared to advertising or having a website, email marketing is inexpensive to maintain. This is because it allows companies to reach a large pool of clients with a low cost per message. Particularly for small businesses, this is a way more feasible route than advertising on a billboard, TV, radio, and even through direct... --- The first step in taking inventory of your marketing materials is to pinpoint your marketing budget. Consider last year's budget. Then answer this question: Was this enough to make your marketing strategy successful? Step two is assessing how valuable your marketing materials are by determining which of them have proven successful and which have not. Specifically, consider your website, text on your website, social media outlets, print materials, and online ads. 1: Pinpoint your marketing budget. Download and print our Marketing Budget Quiz to easily determine if you should increase your budget or keep it the same. Marketing Budget Quiz Marketing budgets vary from company to company depending on different variables. For example, if you own an older company you may have older marketing materials and will have to account for that in your budget. On the other hand, if your company has been in business for over five years, you are likely to have a lower budget than a newer company because you have established brand recognition. In fact, marketing firms often encourage older companies to spend 6 to 12 percent of last year's gross revenue on marketing. In the same respect, if you have been in business for fewer than five years, you should spend anywhere from 12 to 20 percent. (Source: Entrepreneur) Step 2: Assess the value of your materials. Download and print our Marketing Materials Checklist to easily determine which of your marketing materials need to be updated. Marketing Materials Checklist So, what should you look... --- There are many ways to grow your business but one of the most effective ways is by getting your message out. If you're having a sale, changing your business hours, or have a new product, how will your customers find out if you don't inform them? Who else will let them know? Maintaining an open line of communication with customers is vital for growing your business. Contrary to popular belief, a complicated marketing strategy or time-consuming plan isn't necessary to stay in touch with existing or potential customers. In fact, advertisements, emails, site updates, and social media posts are straight-forward cost-effective methods of communication. Better yet, we can ensure the process stays simple by doing the work for you. You provide the content and we'll get your message out! Advertising Just think. If online ads weren't a fantastic way to convey a message, would renowned brands like Hershey's and Marriott still do it? Since many online advertising contracts last for months or even years, they are a popular approach for businesses that want to stay in touch with customers on a long-term basis. Additionally, most ads on OldCity. com allow for a few lines of text as well as images, unlike the standard image-only ads. This allows for ample opportunity for you to share information with your customers. Read: FAQ About Advertising on OldCity. com What We Do Design and optimize your advertisement with your message Optimize the placement of your advertisement Send you monthly statistics Your message will reach:... --- Why Do Listings & Reviews Boost My SEO? More times than not, people research a business before making a purchase. A huge part of that research is checking their listings and online reviews. In fact, online reviews have been proven to affect 67. 5% of purchasing decisions. Furthermore, search engines understand that consumers take online reviews seriously and therefore consider it when deciding where your website should end up in the search engine result pages. As a result, having business listings on multiple sites should be part of your SEO strategy. So how can you optimize where you end up in the search engine results with your listings and reviews? That's easy! Use the following websites to set up your business listing: Google, Angie's List, Yelp, Yellow Pages, White Pages, and Super Pages. After all, having your listing on multiple sites is similar to having multiple trustworthy people recommend your business. Additionally, listings on these sites are usually free of charge and are helpful with SEO in two ways. The first is that Google trusts sites with reviews; the second is that it's another way to backlink to your site. But, it's important that your listings and reviews are helping your SEO and not hurting it. Don't know where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Tips on Getting the Most Out of Your Listings and Reviews First things first, add your business listing to multiple outlets. The sites listed above are a great place to start. Remember, more... --- The Importance of an SSL certificate. An SSL certificate is a technology that encrypts information traveling from a website's server to a visitors browser and vice versa. Nowadays, it isn't unusual for people to choose to manage their finances or keep sensitive information saved on their computer. The heightened popularity of sending this type of information through emails, online forms, and online purchases has set in motion the need for a higher level of cybersecurity. As a business owner, the best way to protect the data of your website's visitors is by purchasing an SSL certificate. It adds security to your website. First and foremost, the greatest importance of an SSL certificate is that it protects the information transmitted to and from your computer. It does this by encrypting the information. In other words, it turns it into a code that hackers can't read it. The result is that all information provided through online signup forms, logins, addresses, and payments is private. It helps with SEO. Of course, an SSL certificate isn't the be-all-end-all as far as SEO (search engine optimization) strategies go, but it does help. In fact, it was Google (one of the top search engines) that advocated the importance of an SSL certificate. Similar to how responsive websites became vital a few years ago, SSL certificates are now the new standard. It provides a sense of security to users. Most search engines now mark websites without an SSL certificate as not secure. At first, online users may... --- Preparing Your Business for the New Year The New Year often prompts businesses to reflect on the past fiscal year. On the other hand, it's also an opportune time to prepare for the months to come. Use January to realign your marketing, security, and customer service strategies. Below is a general outline of questions to ask yourself in order to succeed in preparing your business for the New Year! Online Marketing Online Advertising What does every business have in common? That's right, advertising. Consider your online advertising strategy for the previous year. Are you happy with the results? If you aren't, it may be time to switch up your method. Where and how did you advertise? Have you met your goals? Did you overspend or underspend? Was the outlet you chose to advertise through the best option for your business? If you're looking for a new outlet to advertise through, you may want to consider advertising on OldCity. com. Website Maintenance Don't forget, your website is a form of online advertising too; it serves as your online storefront. Your website should be clean, welcoming, and up to date - just like your physical storefront. Does it need a redesign? Is it responsive and easy to navigate? Is the content (text, images, videos) up to date and accurate? How old is your website and its content? Since technology and SEO requirements are always evolving, content and websites should never go longer than two or three years without being tweaked. Print Materials... --- A website is an important marketing tool because it is a business' online storefront. When people are surfing the web and come across a website, they judge it and determine whether that business is a good fit for them. There are quite a few reasons that might deter someone away from a website only to go to their competitors. One of the biggest reasons is that the site is out of date and needs a redesign. Additionally, there is more than one factor at play that can put a website into this category. Below, we've described two of the biggest telltale signs that a website needs a redesign. It isn't responsive. Time and time again we've stressed the importance of having a responsive website. A responsive website has a flexible layout that is adaptable to different screen sizes and devices. For example, take a look at the three images below, each image has the same image, titles, and text despite being on three different devices. Mobile Version Desktop Version Tablet Version Now more than ever, people are using mobile devices and tablets to surf the web as much as a desktop, if not more. When users have a bad mobile experience on a website, they're less likely to shop with that business. The proof is in the pudding, check out the statistics below to see how important a responsive website truly is. 46% of people will not shop with a brand again if they had a bad mobile experience (Google,... --- Facebook for businesses is a proven way to get your brand noticed by an array of audiences! From CTA (call to action) buttons to advertising options, the tools and resources provided by the social media platform are endless! But, to really optimize your presence and spice up your strategy, consider these three cool tips for Facebook - that you may not know about! Keep track of your competitor's activity with "Pages to Watch". Arguably so, Pages to Watch is one of Facebook's top analytic tools. If your Page has 100 to 10,000 followers, it allows you to track the progress of up to 100 pages. With information like the number of engagements a Page received in a week and what percentage their likes are up by, the Pages to Watch tool allows you to compare your Page to other Pages even if you don't follow them! A screenshot of Facebook's Insight tool, Pages to Watch. This can be extremely useful when you're thinking about your Facebook strategy. You can follow Pages in your industry and measure their success week by week. If they prove to be successful, it may be worth checking out their page to see what they're doing right! In the same respect, you can see which Pages are doing poorly and check out their Page as an example of what not to do. To add to and find your Pages to Watch section, click the Insights tab on the top of your Page and scroll to the... --- Most businesses hire a web firm to navigate the enigma that is the web world. From registering your domain to ensuring responsiveness, web firms take care of the nuances of your website. However, it's important that the information they give you is translated correctly. To help you understand your web firm better, we've created a list of frequently used terms in the web world. Website Terms CMS (Content Management System) - A CMS is software that is used to manage your website content for your website. It may allow multiple people to manage a website's content and is usually internet based. One example is WordPress. Development - This is the act of programming or coding that creates features and functions so that a design concept can be built into a website. Development Site - An alias website with a different domain than that of the actual website. While a site is being built or undergoing a redesign, a development site is used. The purpose of a development site is to have a private space to build a website. Design - The overall appearance of a website including colors, fonts, images, spacing, and style. Domain Name - A domain is the name of your website and where users can access your site on the internet. IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) - An IP address is a unique set of numbers that are separated by periods. Each series of numbers identifies the computer or server that a website is hosted on; think... --- St Johns County Lane Closures for September 22-28, 2018 Every effort has been made to make your travel as safe and worry free as possible, but sometimes there is a need for lane closures from time to time to make repairs. Below is a list of roads that are scheduled to be worked on by the Florida Department of Transportation for the week of September 22-28, 2018 in St. Johns County. Weather or unforeseen conditions may arise that will impair the scheduled workings and they will need to be rescheduled. St Johns County A1A (Anastasia Boulevard) just south of the Bridge of Lions Daytime lane closures Monday through Friday from 9 a. m. to 3:30 p. m. for construction of a new hotel. A1A - Matanzas Inlet Bridge Southbound and northbound lanes are narrowed and shifted through fall 2018 for St. Johns County water utility work. Daytime lane closure Monday through Friday from 7 a. m. to 5 p. m. for water main and force main pipe replacement. State Road A1A from North of King Street to Picolata Road (436161-1-52-01) Nighttime lane closures Sunday through Thursday from 9:30 p. m. to 6:30 a. m. for work related to a resurfacing project. State Road A1A South Daytime lane closures with flaggers Monday from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. at 8266 State Road A1A for drainage pipe replacement. San Marco Avenue from May Street to Nelmar Avenue (434556-1 & 210452-4) Nighttime lane closures Sunday through Friday from 9:30 p. m.... --- Websites are a marketing piece that consumers use to learn about products and services. But, what if your website isn't accessible to everyone? For example, what if your website isn't user-friendly to American's with disabilities that use screen readers to navigate the internet? Although many businesses are not in spaces that require ADA compliant websites, SEO and accessibility are imperative for every website. Optimizing your images, videos, and other non-text elements for screen readers is a sure way to make your website more accessible. But, many times the way you optimize for a screen reader can conflict with the way you optimize for search engines. So, we've devised a list of do's and don'ts to help you navigate improving the accessibility of your images, videos, and non-text elements without compromising SEO. Do This Do write alt attributes for people and not just for search engine robots. This way, when a person using a screen reader visits your site, the description of the image makes sense. See Figure 1's caption for an example. Figure 1: An appropriate alt attribute for this photo is, "A photo of a tan french bulldog laying down. " This is a good alt attribute because it is short and accurately describes the image. Do keep alt attributes short, sweet, and to the point. If you have a detailed photo and would like to add more information put it in a caption or in the body text. Most screen readers are programmed to read up to 125... --- St. Augustine locals have a little secret, can you guess what it is? That's right, it's Easy Season. Years ago, Easy Season didn't exist. But as the number of tourists who visit the City rises each year, many businesses are relieved at the thought of easy living. A time when visitors go home for a few months and locals get to enjoy the endeavors and nuances of the city they adore! Don't get us wrong, we love visitors and sharing our beautiful city with them. But, while visitors are on vacation the hotels, bed and breakfasts, attractions, boutiques, gift shops, museums, galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and other local services are hard at work making sure these visitors have the best vacation of their lives. Now, you can choose to plan your staycation during Easy Season and take advantage of the quaint St. George Street and that school is back in session. In fact, if you're a St. Johns County resident you can even visit many of the area's best attractions free of charge. While this may be greatly needed after the hustle and bustle of the Summer months, we have a more productive idea. We challenge you to take advantage of Easy Season in a different way. Prepare for St. Augustine's next busy season, the holidays - better known as Nights of Lights. To make your Easy Season productive, we've conducted a list of things to review before the holidays. Hurricane Preparations The good news is, the 2018 Atlantic... --- Terms to Know Open source - Software that's built and added to by the public. Open source CMS' don't have owners. A community of developers, programmers, businesses, individuals work on it simultaneously and have rights to the plugins and themes they create. Themes - A theme is the underlying functionality of a website. CMS (Content Management System) - A platform for your website that allows multiple users to manage website content, such as WordPress. Plugins - Plugins are functions that you can add to your website such as a calendar, a reservation bar, a scheduling bar, or to convert to an eCommerce site. Let's Get Started Credit: First Site Guide So, how did we decide which builders to compare? We chose WordPress because of its long-standing reliability - which is also why we recommend it to customers. We chose Squarespace for its growing popularity. Before we get into the major differences between Squarespace and WordPress, it's important for you to know the context in which we're comparing the two CMS'. Businesses that use WordPress hire a company (like Old City Web Services) to manage their site. In the same respect, businesses that use Squarespace for their site manage it on their own, without ownership or the expertise of search engine optimizers and designers. Limited Design Capabilities with Squarespace WordPress Businesses depend on designers and developers to create a website that accurately portrays their business, even if that owner knows how to work their way through a WordPress site. Designers have... --- There are three overall reasons to conduct an online campaign. In the text below, we'll explain each scenario for you. Then, we'll give you an example of a successful local campaign that you can follow when it comes time for your business to launch a campaign of its own. Note: Social media is only one of the methods you can use to promote your product, brand, or launch. A few other methods include optimizing your website and content, SEO, and pay per click ads on Google and other search engines. Monetization Campaign Chick-fil-A fans may not know it, but this is a method of word-of-mouth advertising. A monetization campaign's intent is to get your customers to generate sales from existing customers or fans. The best way to do this is by encouraging your ideal customers to promote and advocate for your business. Chick-fil-A If you haven't heard by now, cows around the world want you to eat more chicken, or so says Chick-fil-A. On Cow Appreciation Day, Chick-fil-A promised a free entree to any customer dressed like a cow. Hundreds of people witnessed posts of diners dressed up on social media as did hundreds of people witness their costumes in public. The core of a monetization campaign is to generate revenue from existing leads. Although Chick-fil-A may have lost money on that day by giving away free entrees, customers along with people who noticed their customers dressed as cows, are likely to come back and spend money at the restaurant.... --- Let's face it, the days of checking your inbox once a week are long gone. Communication is a huge component of every business and emailing is a simple way to communicate efficiently. But why does it have to be so complicated? ! No worries, we've answered some of our clients most FAQ about email for your convenience. What is an email client and how do I set it up? An email client is a software program that you download to your desktop, phone, or tablet. It allows you to receive, send, compose, and read emails. The most popular clients include Windows Live, Thunderbird, Gmail, and Microsoft Outlook. Your email address (example@domain. com) will look different depending on your email client. For example, domains registered with Gmail often end in @gmail. com or at @google. com. Setting up your email client is easy! Go to the app store on your device and type in the name of the client you need. Download it and enter your information! If you host your email with us, watch the tutorials from our Help Desk and read this blog to learn how to setup your email in a browser and on a desktop or device. What is an alias? With an alias email, nobody has to know what your actual email address is. An alias email address has no username, password, or means for storage, it is only an address. Essentially, it is used to forward messages to other email addresses. These are two scenarios... --- Where will you place your ad? What will the title be? What image will you use to showcase your business? Since the text in a listing is limited, how will you describe your business in a few words? In this article, we'll walk you through how to get more clicks and improve your existing or recently purchased expanded listing. Note: The following applies to expanded listings as well as super-expanded listings. Advertisement placement is key. If you only have room in your budget to advertise on one or two pages, you must narrow down your options by considering your ideal customer. Ask yourself, which pages are they going to visit? For example, a hotel in the Historic District whose ideal customers are typically married is not likely to need to advertise on the Weddings Page. However, if that same hotel sees an influx of wedding bookings during a specific time of year, they should place an ad on the Weddings Page during that time. Don't forget about the Calendar Page! Locals, travelers, and all types of ideal customers travel to this page to find events. Note: Expanded listings and super expanding listings are not permitted on the Calendar Page, but button and banner ads are. Choose from Where to Stay, Things to Do, Where to Eat, The Community, and all of our subpages. Keep the title of your expanded listing short and sweet. You have a few seconds to get the attention of users on a website. In these seconds,... --- Can I advertise on OldCity. com on a budget? Any budget, no matter how small, can afford to advertise on OldCity. com. In fact, advertising on a website tends to be less costly than other methods such as mail-delivered advertisements, billboards, or commercials. Advertising services on OldCity. com range from $25. 00 to $600. 00 per month. What is an advertorial? An advertorial is a method of advertising in blog form which is published on our City Blog Page; the blog's purpose is to promote your business. Each advertorial is a little different and varies in the topic, the number of words, and the number of photos. Advertorials are unique because they are permanently in our blog feed, they give your business a backlink to our high-ranking page (which is good for SEO), and we also promote them through our social media outlets. You can sign up for an advertorial here. Check out the advertorials we created for Guy Harvey Resort, Coast Home Watch, and Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf: [ Can I advertise with a video? Yes, and in fact, we suggest you do! Each of our Super Expanded Listings can display a video, check out the one at the top of our Historic District Page of St. Francis Inn Bed and Breakfast. Video advertisements are twofold; they capture the attention of potential customers for longer and they provide unique insight into your business. If a photo is worth 1000 words, how many is a video worth? How do I... --- These social media tips are key to keeping your social media strategy stress-free. In 2018, everyone from your ideal customer to family members are on social media. We all do it a little differently, but when it comes down to it, these social media tips will save you time and keep you relevant. Ditch the filter apps, Excel spreadsheets, Photoshop and Word documents and get organized with these tools. First, create an editorial calendar. An editorial calendar is essentially a calendar of current and future productions (blogs, photos, memes, or forms). They usually mimic that of a calendar year, so that your content will align with major holidays and days that are important for your business! Since content is one of the biggest factors to a good SEO strategy, many businesses find that this shortcut makes organizing and creating content super easy. Check out this list of free editorial calendar templates by Curata. Next, use free photo stock sites to find images. Images from a free photo stock site. So, you've finished organizing your editorial calendar and are ready to create compelling blogs and posts for social media! But, you have no images. Instead of paying for photography or going out and taking photos yourself, save time and use one of the dozens of free photo stock sites. Nearly every image from this list of free photo stock sites is professional and crisp! While some of what you present on social media needs to be authentic and true to your... --- Branding is an imperative element of every marketing strategy. Without a well-developed brand your web presence, customer service, and products are at risk of being overshadowed by other businesses in your market. If it isn't time for your company to rebrand, stay competitive and further develop your brand with these four tips. Identify your ideal customer Ideal customers play a primitive role in branding. Knowing your target market can directly impact the success of your brand - after all, most marketing strategies are based on appealing to a company's dedicated customers. Once you identify your ideal customers, you can easily develop a social media presence and voice based on your findings. Find your brand's voice Businesses that take the road less traveled when building their brand's voice are more successful. Brands, especially those of small businesses, need to stand out from competitors by creating a distinguished voice that is unique to their market. Instead of mimicking the voice of big brands, establish what is competitive about your service. Base your voice on the feedback you've received from customers, family, and other businesses. This will help you create a strong and unique voice that accurately depicts your brand. The hashtag #LoveFL is an integral part of VisitFlorida's brand. It's utilized throughout their site and social media platforms and gives users a sense of familiarity. Once you have a solid idea of your branding voice, enforce it across every outlet. This includes social media accounts, print media, web design, and customer service.... --- Identify Your Ideal Customer in 3 Steps Targeting too broad of an audience is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning a marketing strategy. The narrative is "all business is good business". However, targeting your ideal customer is significantly more profitable. As a result, you can develop products and services based on the demands of your most profitable customers; build successful campaigns and marketing strategies; and ensure the growth of your business. Finding your ideal customer can be executed in three easy steps. Once they are identified, building a marketing strategy around them is a piece of cake! Who are your best customers? Identifying your best customers is the first and most important step to pinpointing your ideal customer. Your best customers are dependable and frequent buyers. If you work firsthand with customers, you can likely identify your best customers without much fuss. Consider the type of customer that frequents your establishment. Another way to identify your best customers is by analyzing a year or two of old invoices and receipts. Look for customers who visit your establishment regularly and spend the most. Additionally, if customers can purchase your product or service online, you have access to their order information and can use this to analyze who your best customer is. However, if you don't keep a comprehensive record of customer information, this may be harder to execute. We suggest you begin tracking purchases immediately. Which customers go the extra mile? Now that you know who your... --- Have you ever gone to save a photo and wondered whether you should save it as a JPG or PNG? With so many types of files to choose from, something as simple as saving your logo can become quite a challenge. While there are over 20 common types of files, these are the ones you need to know about! GIF - Graphics Interchange Format Think memes. GIFs are the second most used graphics format on the world wide web, after JPGs of course. A GIF can be a static image, but are usually animated graphics and used for sharp, crisp imagery. Although GIFs don't permit sound, the graphics usually move or are a piece of a video. No quality is lost when you resize a GIF. When to use: Use GIFs on your website for animated buttons or banner ads. GIFs should only be used for online purposes. JPG - Joint Photo Expert Group JPGs are the most recognizable file type and are predominately used for their flexibility. These file sizes are small, which makes it easier to share them through emails and texts. JPGs allow graphics to be compressed into smaller sizes without losing much of the graphic's quality, unlike other types of files. Small graphics come in handy because they can be stored on smaller devices! However, although they retain much of the quality of the original photo, each time you resize or save a JPG, the graphic loses a piece of itself. So, limit the number of... --- A logo must be versatile. Remember, your logo will be used across the board and must be versatile. Store signage, business cards, packaging, and documents are only a few of the items you'll find a company's logo on. Your logo should look as good as a thumbnail as it does on a store sign, but a DIYer will unlikely have the skill set to create a logo that is scalable. This results in a logo that is too busy for small print or too simple for large print.   The logo on the left is too busy at this size. But, Airbnb's logo appears professional as a thumbnail as well as on a larger scale. DIY logos don't translate well. At a glance, your logo should let people know what your company does and represents. If your logo doesn't immediately translate this, you risk losing customers before you've had a chance to tell them about your awesome product. An inexperienced designer will miss the mark when it comes to communicating their message - even if that person owns the business and knows the company like the back of their hand. What a DIYer associates a business with may not necessarily match the general public's idea of the industry. Knowing how to brand and market a company's message into a compelling logo is part of a professional designer's job! Take a look at the logo Old City Web Services designed for Rodbender Fishing Charters, pictured below. Rodbender is a fishing charter... --- 3 Restaurant Plugins All Restaurants Need Years ago, restaurants relied solely on word-of-mouth (one of the most difficult and best ways to advertise,) to promote their business. However, that changed when smartphones became as common as wallets. Now, everyone from teenagers to elders has unlimited access to information at the click of a button, the internet. Since 85% of people search for local businesses online, it is important that your website reflects how great your business is; you can have a supreme product and establishment, but, customers won't visit you unless your site is up to par as well. Each niche is a little different but, when it comes to restaurant plugins these are the three your site needs to give customers a satisfying online experience during the research portion of their path-to-purchase. 1. A Customizable Menu Plugin Panera Bread’s Desktop Menu Restaurant Plugin Panera Bread’s Mobile Menu Restaurant Plugin There are no ifs when's, or buts - the most important restaurant plugin to have is a customizable menu that is mobile-friendly. In fact, 70% of consumers say it's important that they're able to read the menu of a restaurant on their smartphone and 62% of consumers won't visit the restaurant if they can't. Customizable menu restaurant plugins are mobile-friendly, include description spaces, and the option to add several photos to one menu item. Furthermore, you can choose to have your products set up as a grid, one column, or several columns depending on the layout of your site! Note:... --- Should You Purchase Online Banner Ads? St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival Digital BannerAs a small business in a city where tourism is booming, the short answer to this question is yes! In our last blog, Advertising Ideas, we discussed the best ways to advertise during Tourist Season. To no surprise, online banner ads and other ad spaces topped our list! How They Work Online banner ads are eye-catching and use links to push online visitors to business' websites and landing pages. There are several outlets that allow you to advertise your business with a digital banner. But, the best way to reach vacationers with your banner is to place them on sites like OldCity. com. Visitors consider these sites as reputable, in fact, 70% of global respondents, consider websites to be the second-most trusted format to use while they are planning their vacation. These respondents, or vacationers, use websites to browse their options for lodging, activities, and restaurants. Basically, visitors on OldCity. com are using the site as a source of information for St. Augustine. So, what better way for a small business in this region to reach potential customers? How to Get Started with Online Banner Ads Design Online banner ads on OldCity. com come in a variety of designs! The design team at Old City Web Services custom designs each digital banner. Although there may be several online banner ads on one page, each one is compelling and unique. When you hire a designer to create a digital... --- As Summer approaches, businesses who invest in advertising now will optimize their potential revenue during tourist season. Since there are dozens of unique ways to advertise, we've created a list of the most effective advertising ideas for businesses targeting tourists and locals during tourist season. Answer these questions before reading our list of advertising ideas, they will help you determine which method is best for your business! What is your budget? Who is your ideal customer? Note: An 'ideal customer' should mirror the following: loves your brand and region and is proud to associate themselves with it, writes a good review on Yelp, doesn't ask about price and often spends more money on upsells. For example, the ideal customer for a bed and breakfast in St. Augustine is a repeat customer who loves the Old City, purchases upsell items such as champagne, and brags about your bed and breakfast to their friends. How old are they? Are they male or female? Advertising Ideas 1. Website Banners and Ad Space on a Reputable Site It's important to choose advertising spaces on an outlet that will reach your ideal customer and is also trustworthy. Therefore, many businesses choose to advertise via banners and spaces on websites such as OldCity. com. Travelers often use these types of sites to research and plan their vacation making it easy for them to find your ad. In addition, 70% of global respondents, or travelers, consider websites to be the second-most trusted format to use while they... --- What is ransomware? Ransomware is a software designed to block users from accessing their computer, most times by using encryption until a ransom is paid. Of course, victims can opt out of paying cyber-attackers any sum of money. Attackers may then delete data from the infected computers and cause other havoc that will result in a costly damage-control bill. Who does ransomware affect? FedEx chalked up a 300 million dollar loss in 2017 to a computer virus that was inflicted by NotPetya. Merck lost 300 million dollars in the third quarter of their fiscal year of 2017, also due to attacks by NotPetya. A worldwide cyberattack, organized by ransomware WannaCry, infected companies in nearly 100 countries. The attack also targeted the National Health Service of the UK. In this case, the virus jeopardized the wellbeing of hundreds of patients. So, is this a concern for small businesses? The short answer to this question is that we aren't sure to what extent ransomware will affect small businesses. It's natural to assume that cyber terrorists will focus on large corporations because they have more money and more sensitive computer data. However, despite the lack of news coverage, a survey conducted by Malwarebytes (a malware protection software) found that one-third of small businesses were victims of ransomware attacks in 2016. Therefore, we can also assume that the rise of ransomware inevitably puts businesses of all sizes at risk. Ransomware is significantly more detrimental when the focus is on a small business. In fact,... --- When a client asks us which content management system (CMS) is best for their online needs we always recommend WordPress. In fact, we even suggest that clients with a different software convert to WordPress. It is the easiest application for business teams to manage, its user-friendly and powerful software can support a variety of small and large businesses, and it is also cost-effective. WordPress is an Open Source CMS The two most popular types of CMSs are open source and custom. CMS (content management system) - Software for your website that allows multiple users to manage website content. Custom CMS - A CMS that is built from the bottom up by a programmer and is costly. Pricing starts at around $5,000. Open Source CMS - Software that is open to the public to create, edit, and transform. In most cases, no single individual owns an open source CMS, rather, a community of developers and programmers work on it simultaneously. The most popular open source CMSs: WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal WordPress offers more free plugins and themes. Overall it's more popular and has double the downloads than other CMSs. Photo from websitesetup. org. Did you know that 29. 3% of websites run on CMS WordPress? User-Friendly Software Despite the complexity of designing and developing a website, business owners can make updates with ease to WordPress's user-friendly software. Its back-end is structured with business owners in mind, unlike the back-end of Drupal and Joomla, which even developers have a difficult time using.... --- Check out a few highlights from our year in 2017. From website and print designs to new content services, SEO efforts, and pro bono projects - we've been busy! Advertorials Advertising and Content In 2017 we implemented a new type of advertising on OldCity. com, called advertorials. We now offer a 300-word blog, made-to-order for our clients. Advertisers can use advertorials to spread the word on sales, services, general awareness and more. Our first client was the franchisee of the local chain, Dunkin' Donuts. Check it out. Content Writing St. Augustine Historic Inns In other content news, the St. Augustine Historic Inns requested we create intriguing blogs for their customers, which are then published on the bottom of their Home Page. The blogs vary in topic, but all pertain to things-to-do, holidays, and events in St. Augustine. Now, when potential customers navigate to the Inn's website, they are greeted with material that is persuasive, making them more inclined to book a trip to exciting St. Augustine! Print Design Bluewater Adventure Front and back of rack card designed for Bluewater Adventure. Bluewater Adventure's made a big move from the waters of South Carolina to the Old City that prompted them to redesign their rack card, which was no longer accurate. Our team decided the only way to fully capture their quality tours was by taking on the Intercoastal Waterway ourselves! We set up a Bluewater Adventure photo shoot and scored photos of the catamarans in action along with phenomenal photos of... --- As a business owner creating and managing a website can be difficult. Your expertise is in your business and not graphic design. However, a compelling website is just as important as a business manager. With the Christmas approaching, you'll want to be sure that visitors are captivated by your site because they have a limited attention span. While holiday shopping, or preparing their own businesses for the holidays, the chances are that your visitor has a lot on their mind already, just like you! To ease their navigation issues, it is important to eliminate pesky site characteristics. As a web design company, we urge you to consult with us with any of your web design issues. If two of these items are applicable to your site, we insist you call. 1. The site is not responsive. If a website is not responsive visitors will have trouble viewing and searching for information. Text and photos that are designed for a desktop site appear small and difficult to read on a smartphone. Or, worst-case scenario, smartphone visitors will have to scroll up and down AND left to right - this can be frustrating. Responsiveness is not a new concept. For years users have browsed the web using devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. In fact, in November of 2016, mobile browsing surpassed desktop browsing. 2. Contact information is replaced with a form. Did you experience an outage after hurricanes Matthew or Irma? If so, then you understand why it is irritating... --- A customer's first impression of any company is the About Page. It is just as important as a first interview and needs to stand out to wow an audience It is a critical element of each website. Every About Page should include factors such as a description of the company's mission, the company's history, and what makes it unique. However, to grab the attention of an audience use these methods below. 1. Speak to your customers. Every About Page describes the company's purpose, but not every page stands in the shoes of the customer. Further entice an audience by meeting their needs off the bat. To do this it's important to understand what solutions the company provides. A local pub might say, "if you are interested in trying numerous local craft beers and unique beers on tap, head to our pub", versus "our pub offers numerous local craft beers along with unique beers on tap. " Every audience is concerned with their own problems. The sooner their headaches are relieved, the easier it is to earn their trust. 2. Add creative media. There are a few ways to make an About Page visually stand out and media is one of the top methods. Since most pages include a large text and a few photos, consider using videos, charts, and unique employee or customer photos to stand out. A short video (under three minutes), describing the company's mission is unique and visually appealing. Photos of creative workspaces, holiday work parties, or... --- Plan your Holiday Social Media Campaign for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Kick-start Your Holiday Social Media Campaign on Facebook A Facebook event is the perfect way to spread the word about your campaign. First, create an event for your Black Friday sale, Cyber Monday sale and Small Business Saturday. The event feature in Facebook provides every tool you need to spread accurate information to your audience; time, location, and description of the promotion. Whether you are a historic bed and breakfast or trendy boutique you should create a catchy title. Attract attention with a Facebook contest. Get your Facebook page exposure by getting it more likes, views, and interaction with a Facebook contest. Although they don't necessarily enhance a social media campaign they do, in fact, reinforce your campaign efforts because they bring your company to the attention of the public. Small businesses rarely participate in Facebook contests. However, contrary to popular belief, they are straightforward and easy to manage. Click here, to learn more about contests. Follow-Up with Twitter Hashtags Promote your Facebook event on Twitter and decide which hashtags to use throughout your holiday social media campaign. It is important that hashtags stay the same during campaign tweets. Also, keep in mind, "tweets with one hashtag are 69% more likely to be retweeted than those with two" according to Taylor Webster, of Postcron. Poll on Twitter Polls are easy for followers to participate in and encourage engagement. But remember to gear your query towards... --- Social media platforms are essential to most marketing strategies. These three social media updates on Twitter, Instagram, and Hootsuite will easily connect you with customers, help you obtain feedback, and spread product awareness. Instagram Adds Poll Feature On October 3rd, Instagram added new stickers in the Stories section of the app that enable you to poll followers. The polls are limited to a two-answer query. But, there is a catch, the polls expire with your Story which lasts 24 hours. Twitter also has a polling feature that many businesses use to collect feedback and essentially create happy customers. Social media updates made to Instagram, can be used in the same way and will give you a better idea of where you stand when it comes to the relevancy of your product or business. For example, if you are a bakery you can ask something like, "Do you like red velvet cake? " Based on the answers of your followers, you'll know whether to make dozens of red velvet cupcakes, or just a few! Social Media Updates to Hootsuite On October 10th, Hootsuite increased the number of posts a free user can schedule from ten to thirty! This is a game changer for businesses who utilize the social media management tool. Instead of buying an expensive package, they have access to schedule more posts in advance. Hootsuite is constantly making social media updates. With their newest addition you can send more bulk messages, plan more campaigns, and keep your social media... --- Terms you Need to Know HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): how we send and receive information on the web. For example, by typing "fall activities in St. Augustine," in Google's search box, you are actually sending a command to a server. In return the server fetches the information. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer): is the technology that allows information to be encrypted between the web server and browser. An SSL Certificate can vary in cost depending on the level of security needed. If you are in need of an SSL Certificate, contact Old City Web Services today HTTPs (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure): is a secure way to send and receive information. The information you would normally get through HTTP is encrypted through HTTPs. Example of HTTPs URL (Secure) Example of HTTP URL (Not Secure)   Is Google Serious? This past January, Google Chrome decided to become that uncool mom - who is so cautious that it is literally crippling. The number one search engine began marking websites that require sensitive information, like credit cards, social security numbers, and passwords, without the HTTPs in the URL as not-secure. But, this crazy soccer mom, is only getting started. This October, they are taking security to the next level and will mark ANY website you interact with, that does not have HTTPs in the URL, as not-secure. So far they are defining interaction as, anything you enter into a text box, including search boxes. To promote a safer internet they are placing icons at the... --- When it comes to your domain name, there are a few things that you need to know: Who is your domain registered with (Tucows, Network Solutions, GoDaddy, etc. . ) Who, if anyone, is managing it for you or are you responsible for it yourself When is it due to expire/renew By making sure that your domain is renewed in time, you are ensuring that your website remains active and that you'll keep receiving email at your domain name. By not keeping information current on your domain and failing to renew it in a timely manner, you run the risk of paying more to renew and occasionally you may even lose ownership of it altogether. We'd hate to see that happen. When we manage your domain for you, not only will you receive several email renewal notifications, you'll also receive a phone call/calls from us until we make sure we have your authorization to renew. If you are interested in having our team manage your domain, contact us today! --- Fall is just a few days away, and that means the holidays will be here before you know it. While it seems like we're still in the midst of summer, people start prepping for the holidays months in advance. According to the National Retail Foundation, more than half of consumers begin research in September and October or earlier. If you haven't already done so, now is a great time to prepare your business for the biggest shopping days of the year. Small adjustments now could make a big impact when it comes to your overall holiday sales. Just as the number of people shopping will increase drastically, so will your competition. So, how do you stand out? Plan out your holiday advertising. Now is the time to plan out how you are going to spend your holiday advertising budget. Take a look at where your current customer base is coming from. What is the most effective way to reach them? There are a multitude of ways you can advertise including print publications, online advertisements such as Google Ads, advertising through websites such as OldCity. com, social media marketing campaigns, and more.   Take advantage of the biggest shopping days. It goes without saying that there are a few days in the holiday season that seem to have become a holiday of their own. We're talking about Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. What makes these days so popular? Fantastic deals and the appeal of getting most,... --- Hi there! Steve coming at you from Old City Web Services; I lead the SEO efforts for our fine company. In my first addition to the "Tips For Success" series, I'd like to share an important aspect of digital marketing that every business owner or operator can leverage - "NAP consistency. " NAP is an SEO term that represents name, address and phone number. In order to show up effectively in search engines (especially the maps area), you will want to make sure that your name, address and phone number are listed EXACTLY the same, with the same details and format across the web. In other words, if the address you have listed on your website says "suite 4" and the address you on Google Business and Yelp says "ste 4" - this is bad, and it will keep you from reaching your full ranking potential. Want to learn more about how our team can help improve your search engine rankings?   Need help updating your Google Business, Yelp, Yahoo and more?   Contact us today for a FREE consultation! --- Nation-wide we are becoming more enlightened and responsible in caring for our environment - recycling is a staple in every household and business. America has taken strides to be Eco-friendly and in the past few years, electronic recycling and paper shredding has moved to the forefront of our minds! Sensible Recycling Aaron Enos, Veteran and hero, is here to save the day, fighting for our community safety just as he fought to protect America. Aaron invited OCWS to his warehouse where his large electronic recycling company is, Sensible Recycling! He has been part of the scrap metal community for years, and it is clear to me that knows the procedures like the back of his hand. Get this, his service is free! Sensible Recycling accepts most office and home electronics; computers, laptops, printers, flat screen TV's/monitors, stereos, circuit boards and more! Once they bring your electronics to the warehouse a delicate procedure takes place that ensures your electronics are no longer item bearing. The equipment is not refurbished with Aaron and is totally cleansed. The company is interested in providing optimal destruction of hard-drives and the best means of recycling your electronics! In a few months Aaron plans to begin on-site recycling. He will travel to your business or home, with a machine allowing you to watch as your motherboards and peripheral items are destroyed! Neat, right? Did I mention they do this for free? ! Shredding Documents Securely Shredding important client/employee/business data is crucial because they trust that you... --- It's surprising how many times in our first-time client consultations we ask what brought the client to us and their answer is all too often "Google. " Well Google is how you found us, but what made you consider us (or any company for that matter) for your project? So, what is your criteria for choosing a design company? An important decision such as this should not be a game of Google-Eeny, meeny, miny, mo. It should be rooted in a company's skill set, and the best tool to analyze this is their portfolio. It shows their body of work and what they have done for other companies in a variety of industries and how they have helped them to succeed. Design is not just drawing pretty pictures - it is about communication. The audience is the customer looking for what you and your competitors offer. So choose a company wisely that will help set you apart! Stay tuned for more exclusive tips from our experts. Next up Natalie weighs in on social media! --- Social media accounts - they're not just a way to stay connected in our personal lives, but also in our professional lives. All too often I see companies who are missing out on opportunities because they don't invest enough time building their social media presence. Social media isn't just some extra task to hand off to an intern. It requires time, effort, and strategy to get it right. Tips for effective social media management: Define your audience. Determine which platforms will effectively reach your audience. You don't have to be on every platform. Come up with a content creation strategy. What types of content to post What times are best to post Don't post just to post. Quality is more important than quantity. Post with a purpose. Each post should benefit your audience. Post original content. It shows you are a source of information. Don't post the work of others without giving credit. This is the same thing as stealing and can have legal repercussions. Give credit where credit is due! Have fun and show personality! Social media is all about community and genuine connection. Your audience wants to see the real you. If your social media presence could use some improvement, contact us to see how we can help! Check back with us soon for more professional input! --- Chances are you've heard the term eCommerce website thrown around, and if you own a business, you've probably considered having one. But what goes into an eCommerce site? What makes it different than a regular website? And what steps can you take to lead you to success? You've come to the right place! Just as with any other aspect of your business, eCommerce sites are an investment, and it's important to know the basics before getting started. What exactly is an eCommerce site? An eCommerce website we designed for Racer Walsh Co. An eCommerce - electronic commerce - website is a website where you sell products and services online. According to a study by Bigcommerce, 51% of Americans prefer to shop online, and eCommerce is growing 23% year-over-year, yet 46% of American small businesses don't have a website. Let that sink in for a minute. Online shopping websites are a quickly growing part of the business world. The longer you go without one, the longer you miss out on a lucrative investment and a way to get your products and services seen by individuals who might not have the chance to step into your brick and mortar store. What should I do before I start building the site? Define your audience. Know who you're selling to and who your target market is. This is absolutely essential. The more you know about your audience, the more easily you'll be able to reach potential customers. When defining your audience, you should look... --- It's no doubt that we have a talented team here at Old City Web Services, but one of our favorite things about each person on staff is that they all have passions and talents that make them awesome individuals. We're a family here, and when one of our family members achieves accomplishments, we want to tell the world how proud we are of them! Cecile working with the youth. This blog features our President and CEO, Cecile Browning Nusbaum, the backbone of Old City Web Services, Inc. A St. Augustine native, Cecile is extremely passionate about St. Augustine and does everything she can to support our community. When she's not in the office, Cecile enjoys spending time outside, taking part in community events, working with youth and traveling. Her latest travel adventure, this past June, was a mission trip with church youth to Whitewater Express, a camp in Copperhill, Tennessee.   We asked Cecile a few questions about her latest adventure: Who went? I went with the Trinity Episcopal Parish Youth Group. There was a total of 18 of us - 4 adult chaperones and 14 youth. The youth consisted of middle and high school students from various schools in the county. What made you want to go? I go on the mission trips for the fulfillment of watching the youth grow, of seeing them step out of their comfort zone to experience something new and realizing what they can achieve. To watch a young person use a power tool... --- Let's face it. We live in a time where we thrive on connection. Our society focuses on staying connected and the business world is no different. When you have a business, it's essential to stay in touch with your staff, clients, colleagues, and other connections. While there are many forms of communication, email is a popular and efficient way to converse, especially in business. We know that setting up email is a different process for each device, so our team has put together a set of easy-to-follow video tutorials for a stress-free setup! Our video tutorials can be found on our website. After you go to oldcitywebservices. com, hover over the Services tab and click on Help Desk. This will bring you to the page for all tutorials. Types of Tutorials Browser Based Email This tutorial is specific for all emails hosted with Old City Web Services, including aug. com emails. For these emails, you do not have to use a mail program unless you want to. This tutorial teaches you how to check your email by simply using a browser. Desktop Email Setup This tutorial provides assistance in setting up your Old City Web Services hosted email through major email programs such as Outlook, Mac Mail, Windows Live Mail, and Thunderbird. Device Email Setup Want to check your email on the go? This tutorial is specific for setting up email on mobile devices such as Apple and Android products. This is a great option for those wanting to stay... --- Last week, we talked about the importance of preparing your business for hurricane season. In the preparation steps we talked about, we mentioned backing up important documents to an offsite location. No matter the forecast, backing up is an important habit to incorporate into your day-to-day operations. Backing up not only protects your documents in the cases of severe weather but also safeguards you in the case of your computer breaking down with old age, a hacker crashing your operating system, or your computer getting a virus. What should I backup? Work files Important data Email Website Why should I backup? While backing up might seem like one more thing on your to-do list, it really should be a priority. Your computer might be the important piece of equipment that holds all the important data and passwords and business documents, but without the content, what is your computer really worth? Not backing up is the same thing as not having a spare key for your car. We don't make a spare car key because we intend to use them; we make the key as a backup plan. Ask yourself: What are the contents of my computer worth? Value can be determined by how long it would take to recreate the contents or the loss your company will face without them. Think about it: How many files do you create in a day, week or year? Depending on the value of your documents, you should backup regularly - at least once... --- Hurricane season has officially started, and NOAA has predicted this season there is a 10% chance of above normal activity and 60% chance of a below-normal season. Hurricane season is stressful for everyone in at-risk areas, but when you own a business, that stress is doubled. You're not only responsible for yourself, your family, and your home, but also your business and employees. With all of those moving parts, preparation is essential. Having a plan and making decisions now can help prevent you from losing revenue due to building damage, inventory damage, and disruption of day-to-day business operations. Putting a plan into place can be an overwhelming process, so we've put together some information to make preparation as easy as possible. Hurricane Preparation Evaluate your insurance - It's important to make sure you have the right insurance and to sign up for insurance you need as soon as possible. Specifically, to protect for severe weather, it is important to make sure you have property insurance, product liability insurance, business interruption insurance, and flood insurance. Gather contact information for employees - Keep a log of emergency contact information for each employee. Know where everyone lives and where everyone is evacuating to. Make an evacuation plan for each employee - Depending on where employees live and where the hurricane hits, your staff may be scattering in all different directions. It is essential to allow each employee to leave with more than enough time to reach their destination. Photograph the inside and outside... --- As a business owner, you know that having a website is equally as important as having a brick and mortar store. In fact, some businesses rely solely on websites. The truth is, just as every building is susceptible to breaking and entering, so is every website. Just as technology is getting more advanced, so are hackers, and it's more important than ever to stay on top of website security and have a plan if a hacker does get into your site and cause trouble. Ways to tell if your site has been hacked: Unfortunately, every website is vulnerable to being attacked by hackers. You may think you're exempt if you have good security, but hackers love a good challenge. That's why it's so important to stay on top of things from your end. It starts with recognizing when your site may be hacked. Something looks off - When you're looking through your website, do you see content that doesn't belong or doesn't sound like something you wrote? Does it contain weird links? Performance issues - Was a page that originally took a couple of seconds to load taking an exponentially longer time? For example, is your checkout page experiencing major slowdown issues? This could be an indicator something is wrong. Errors - Are you experiencing errors when your pages load or errors on your page? When hackers get into a website, it's possible for them to break the code causing errors. Strange plugins - If you have a website, you're... ---   Let's face it. A lot of our lives take place online these days. We can send a quick email instead of going to the post office. We can do our banking via our phone. We can build an online presence for our businesses people see before they ever set foot in our brick and mortar stores. While our dependence on technology isn't showing any signs of slowing down, it's important to stay safe online. One of the biggest safety concerns with technology is protection against hackers and viruses. Everyone online is susceptible to safety threats. So, how can you prevent these threats and protect yourself? Change your passwords regularly Efficient and carefully constructed passwords help protect your accounts and private information. It's important to change your password at least every 90 days. It might seem inconvenient but could pay off big time. Other important things to remember: Use different password for each of your accounts Make sure password has a variation of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols Make your password lengthy. The more intricate the password, the more difficult it is to guess. Keep passwords stored in a safe place. For more information on password safety, read our blog: Are Your Passwords Safe? Make sure your computer is protected Security software is vital to the protection of your computer and the programs run on it. Not installing the proper security software is the equivalent of leaving your door unlocked. It leaves you vulnerable to thieves getting... --- As a business owner, you know that your website is important, but how often do you update your website? We're not just talking about making sure you have new photos and fresh content. We're talking about website updates for the back end of your website. While updates may seem like a hassle or just another thing taking time away from important projects, they're actually important and vital to the functionality and protection of your site. Updates of any kind can seem like a hassle and waste of time when you could be doing other things. So, often times, we put updates off until later... and later... and later. We've all been there. A notification pops up on our computer or phone saying it needs to update to a new version of the software, and we think, "This software seems to work just fine. " We ignore the notifications or click "Remind me later. " But our devices and websites don't remind us just for fun. Technology companies don't come up with updates unless they're important. So, why is updating your website so important? Security We cannot stress enough how important updating is for your website's security. "With WordPress in particular, the majority of minor-version updates are to fix various security issues that have been discovered," said Jordan Hazen, technical system administrator at Old City Web Services. "WordPress can be configured to keep its core software updated automatically, and it's a good idea to have this enabled. " If you are... --- It's no doubt that we have a talented team here at Old City Web Services, but one of our favorite things about each person on staff is that they all have passions and talents that make them awesome individuals. We're a family here, and when one of our family members achieves accomplishments, we want to tell the world how proud we are of them! We're here to talk about our Art & Design Director, Bobby Jones. If you've ever come to our office or worked with us, you've probably met Bobby and seen his amazing work. He has the talent to take an idea and turn it into something better than you could imagine. But what you might not know about this skilled artist is that in his spare time, he's super passionate about fitness. Bobby has been weight training since college and has continued to push himself since. His most recent accomplishment: Competing in a Spartan Race in Miami this past weekend. Yes, you read that correctly. In between art projects, we caught up with Bobby to ask him about his love of fitness and his race experience: What is your motivation to stay fit? I like challenging myself. It's a feeling of accomplishment when you do something you haven't done before. It challenges you. It pushes you. Being pushed is a good thing - it spills into other parts of your life. What motivated you to enter the Spartan Race? Bobby and his sister Azizi pose with their... --- Your company's name, logo, and brand identity define who you are and how the world perceives you. People associate these things with the quality of your products and services. As we said in our previous blog about the importance of branding your business: Your brand says who you are, what you stand for, why your business matters, and what you contribute to your industry. Just as it takes time to build a brand identity, it takes time for your identity to be recognized in your industry and community. But as time goes by, companies evolve and change and many business owners feel their identity should change as well. Companies choose to rebrand for many reasons. Whether it's their service, products, mission, or vision, any change to the core of a company can lead to a new look. If your company fits into any of the categories below, it might be time for a change. When a company has outgrown its brand Credit: LogoDesignLove. com Growing a company is never a bad thing, but it is important to make sure your brand grows with your company. This doesn't mean you have to completely get rid of your logo and start over. Many of the most iconic brands have simply evolved over the years. For example, Starbucks started out in 1971 in Seattle as just another coffee company. The infamous siren you know on today's Starbucks cups looks quite different if you trace their logos back to the beginning. Over the years,... --- So, you've started a great business. It's something you've worked hard on and can't wait to share with the world. This is where marketing comes in handy. Marketing is how you get the attention of your target audience, how you build a following, and how you make that audience listen to what you're saying and interact with you. Strategic marketing can truly make or break the success of your business. A common mistake among first-time business owners is that they spend a lot of time and money on building their business, website, and brand, and then wait for people to find them. You could have the most innovative business in your industry, but without proper marketing, you could be hard to find. Think of it this way: If someone doesn't know what they're looking for, how will they find you? How can someone find something they've never heard of? It's your job to spread the word about your business and get people to know who you are. How do you do that? Check out our list of 7 ways to start effectively marketing your business: Define your audience When marketing any business, it's vital to know your target audience. When thinking about who your target audience is, it helps to include factors like age group, location, and disposable income. Once you narrow down who your audience is, it will help you to figure out other things such as reasonable costs of your products and services. A 21-year-old college student is... --- You've been preparing for months. You've spent countless hours applying for your business license, filling out and submitting all the legal paperwork, and planning out your budget and inventory. You believe in your business and are ready to share it with the world. But before you do that, it's important to build your brand. Branding is important. When you create a brand, you're creating a name, symbol, or design that is your visual identity. Your brand says who you are, what you stand for, why your business matters, and what you contribute to your industry. A well-done branding gives your company legitimacy, builds consumer trust, and allows you to compete with top businesses in your industry. One mistake among startups is putting off branding until they get settled and get some momentum going. It makes sense - you've invested a significant amount of time and money and you want to see how your company does before investing more. You believe in your company, and other people will too, right? Well, not exactly. You could have the best products or services on the market, but without the right branding, there's a good chance you could be overlooked. Branding can seem like an overwhelming venture, so we've laid out some easy-to-follow steps to help you through the process. Allow enough time to create a brand worthy of your business A brand isn't made overnight. It's a process. Just as it takes time to build a business, it takes time to build a... --- Social media is a great tool to promote your business and connect directly with your niche. It is an extension of your identity and is becoming an essential part of a business' online presence. With competition among businesses at an all-time high, more and more business owners are seeing the importance of social media outlets and signing up for accounts. But all too often, even with a good amount of time and effort invested in posting content, some social media accounts still fall short. If your business is successful, your social media should automatically be, too, right? Not necessarily. Here are 5 ways you could be missing the mark with your social media: Using poor quality photos/videos Social media is a highly visual platform, so it's important to make sure that the way you reach people visually is effective. People relate the quality of what you put on social media to the competency of your business as a whole. While quality photos and videos portray a sense of trust with your audience, subpar content could relay a feeling that your company isn't top-notch. So, take the time to invest your time into making sure what you're putting out there is worthy of your brand. Even if you're taking photos on your phone, there are some great editing apps out there to upgrade your images! Using photos that aren't yours This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Not only does it lack creativity, but it also isn't legal.... --- In the world of social media, consumers are constantly being pulled in different directions. Content is being posted 24/7 which means 2 things: It's easy to get overlooked. It takes attention-grabbing content to stay relevant. Content creation for social media can seem like a daunting task. Or like you have to be a seasoned marketing professional to create posts worthy of your brand and worthy of putting out there for all to see. But the truth is, with the rise of marketing and social media, creating content has never been more accessible or easy. So, here's the first question: What types of content are there? Social media posts Blogs Infographics Videos Why do we create content? When you create content, you are showing that you are a source of information. You are giving something new to people, whether it be information in the form of a blog or infographic or entertainment in the form of videos or pictures. Content creation doesn't have to be difficult or overwhelming. Content can be anything as simple as an Instagram post or as elaborate as a blog or vlog series. It's a great way to keep your audience engaged. When you give your customers content and interesting information, it's a way to interact with them and form a relationship. You can make your business relevant to what your customers care about. Does your business relate to a major event happening in the world or a popular story or trend in your industry? By looping... --- There's no doubt that social media plays a big role in marketing of businesses of all sizes. Social media not only helps you reach those in your community but all around the world. It's a diverse tool which can have mass advantages if done properly. For this blog, we thought we'd recognize some of the businesses within our community who are doing an amazing job at using social media to their advantage. The Kookaburra The Kookaburra, an Aussie-American espresso bar and pie shop, has been a St. Augustine staple since 2012. When you visit one of their now four locations, it's easy to tell that as a business they believe in creating an experience for their customers. They definitely have a knack for making everyone feel welcome, from first-time visitors to the regulars. Their business is thriving, and it's no wonder that they keep people coming back time and time again. But it's not just the impression they make in person that keeps them on the minds of their customers. They're also rock stars at the social media game. Where you can find them: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat What they're doing right: They post quality photos daily. They promote their products in a way that is so enticing, you get the urge to hop on over and grab a hot latte or fresh donut. They interact with their customers and make it a community experience. They show behind-the-scenes pictures of the shops and introduce their staff. Crave Food Truck Crave... --- Email blasts are an effective way of communicating with customers, but it can be a challenge to get someone's attention when their inbox is being flooded on a daily basis. Strategic planning can make the difference between someone opening, reading, and responding to your email and someone deleting it. Whether you send email blasts once in a blue moon or weekly, it's important to have a plan and take the guesswork out of emails. Not sure where to start? Not to worry. We're here to help. Here are 6 quick tips to make your email marketing more effective. Draw them in with a catchy subject line The hardest part of writing an email is writing the subject line. If it doesn't stick out to someone scrolling through their inbox, it will blend in and get overlooked in a heartbeat. So, how do you stand out? Break up the monotony of subject lines by taking chances, being creative and figuring out what entices people to want to know more. Add a list Say something funny Keep it short and sweet Use an emoji Make sure you use a mobile-friendly template In a time when people are becoming dependent on their smartphones and tablets for internet use, it's important to make sure the email you're sending is compatible with all devices. If your email is difficult to navigate and not formatted to someone's device, they're more likely to get frustrated and delete it. Email campaign programs such as Constant Contact and MailChimp... --- Our rack card designed for Animal Emergency Hospital of St. JohnsRack cards have been around for years and have become a staple of hotel lobbies, visitors centers, and, generally, anywhere there is a lot of foot traffic. Remember your last vacation to a new place? Sure, you may have planned out some spots you wanted to visit ahead of time, but as you checked in the hotel, it was probably hard not to stop at the display of brightly colored cards sporting attractions, restaurants, shops, and everything in between. Here's the question: How did you decide which cards to pick up and which ones to ignore? As a business, competition is everywhere. But in the case of rack cards, your competition is literally inches away. It's easy to get lost and looked over if you make a misstep in the design process. So, how do you make your card stand out and get picked up? We're here to help. Just like with any other way of advertising your business, rack cards can be a useful marketing tool if done right and taken seriously. People make their choices in seconds of what they like and don't like - that's how long you have to make an impact. Our rack card designed for Pearl of the Sea Luxury Bed & Breakfast Here are our top qualities for an eye-catching rack card: Make a good first impression Most of the time in a rack card display, very little of the card is actually... --- Business cards - every professional has one, but how many of them actually make an impression? Having business cards is common sense as a professional, but if you're not putting thought into them, you're missing the point. Instead of thinking about a business card as just another thing you have to do in business, think of it this way: Your business card is a visual representation of your company and an extension of your brand. So, answer this question: When you hand someone your card, what reaction will they have? If your card is like all the other ones they've received, it's likely to end up in the trash instead of in their wallet. A business card isn't just a means of giving someone your contact information. If they keep it, they'll likely see it again in the future which will keep you on their mind. So, how do you stand out and utilize your business card as an extension of your company's marketing? Here are our top tips for an eye-catching business card: Think outside of the rectangle The standard business card is a horizontal rectangle. It makes sense. It fits easily into a wallet. But it's become so commonplace, that it can easily get lost among others. An easy fix for this is to play around with different shapes and sizes of cards. A small change in shape can make a big difference. Recently gaining popularity is the square business card - some of which have rounded edges.... --- If you own a small business, you may think that your only competition is fellow small businesses. That couldn't be further from the truth. These days, there are so many options for consumers. This means customers can afford to be picky and shop around. Chances are, there are other businesses doing what you do within a short drive. Customers will most likely read reviews and check out your website or social media before stepping foot in your store. If people are going to give you their business, they want to know that they're making the best choice. And with large corporations out there who obviously have a great marketing plan and national and international followings, this can be intimidating. But it doesn't have to be. So, how do you stand out and prove you're their best choice? Design and Branding You don't have to have a multi-million dollar budget to make a big impact. It isn't about how much money you spend but how you spend it. It's about making your budget work for you and working with the right team to help guide you to success. Investing in a quality logo and clean website can put you on the same level as the sizeable companies you're competing with. When it comes to who to give their business to, first impressions could not matter more. A professional looking brand builds trust with a consumer. They make the correlation between quality of brand and quality of product or service. If your... --- DIY - you hear it all the time. Whether it's on home improvement shows or starting up a business or even building a website. When you have your own business, money is a top priority, so it can make sense to go the "do it yourself" route. The more work you can do yourself saves you money and, in turn, makes you a bigger profit, right? Well, not always. While cutting corners and being frugal are admirable endeavors, there are some scenarios in which hiring a professional will save you from a major headache down the road. One of the scenarios when it's best to leave it to the professionals is when doing graphic design for your business. Why Should You Hire A Graphic Designer? Time is of the essence As a business owner, you know that time has value. While your mind is going in a million directions trying to run your business, it can be hard to give any one area 100 percent of your undivided attention. A lot of business owners who are crafty try to design their logo or website themselves. But what ends up happening is you spend your whole day running your business and then try to work on it a little in your very rare spare time. Running your business is obviously what takes precedence and makes it easy to put your branding on the back burner. Your logo, website, and graphics represent who you are. This is how your business makes its... --- You may think your business makes its first impression when people step foot through your door. Think again. Your website is your first impression In the day of smartphones and ever-changing technology, people often form their opinion of you without even leaving their couch. Think about it - whenever you want to go out to eat, you pull out your phone or laptop and search your options. How do you decide where to go? Usually, the websites highest up on the list are more apt to get your attention. So you go to the potential restaurant's website. If it looks inviting and up-to-date, you're more willing to take it seriously as an option than if the website looks like it was built in 2007 and never updated, right? That's because your website is the face of your business. You may think that a website is just something you have to have as a business owner, but the truth is that an impressive website has the ability to build your customer base and make you stand out among the competition. "Having a well-designed site is just as important as having a well-kept brick and mortar store. " - Bobby Jones, Art & Design Director at Old City Web Services Up-to-date websites build consumer trust When a customer visits your website, they equate the quality of your website with the quality of your products. Although you may provide excellent service and amazing products, if your website doesn't reflect it, you'll have a... --- Does it seem like every time you check your email, you have to wade through the sea of bogus or spam emails to get to the legitimate ones? You're not alone. Spam can not only be annoying but dangerous as well. One wrong click, and you put yourself at risk for a virus. A good bit of the time, a spam email is coming from a reputable domain. A domain name is the naming system for giving addresses to web servers and web pages. For example, The New York Times domain name is nytimes. com. Hackers can spoof legitimate email accounts by using a server and the right mailing software. Certain servers allow hackers to create messages, and input the "to" and "from" addresses, thus resulting in an email that appears as though it is actually from a legitimate address. So, what do you do when this happens? If you get a suspicious-looking email from a friend, family member, or company you normally do business with, you could simply delete that email. Remember, never open anything or click on anything that looks skeptical. It is a good idea to verify with the supposed sender first. If you start receiving unwanted emails from an email address you do not wish to have contact you, you can block it from your email account. And it's a lot easier than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions to block those nuisance email accounts once and for all: Log into the website to get... --- It's a new year, and for many that means New Year's resolutions. Out with the old, in with the new they say. While this can apply to undertaking a new diet or exercise plan, it also applies to updating passwords. While changing passwords might seem inconvenient, it can save you a big headache down the road. Having a simple password or keeping the same password for any account for an extended period leaves you vulnerable for someone to hack into your account. According to a recent article by Forbe's, SplashData, a password management security company, finds the world's most common (and dangerous) passwords each year. This year's list includes some of the tried and true passwords that come up year after year, as well as some new additions. At the top of the list are '123456′ and 'password. ' All but one of the numeric patterns were in last year's top 25 oft-repeated passwords, including '12345,' '12345678,' '1234567890,' '1234567,' and '1234. ' New this year was '121212. ' This year's list included 'Password' and variations 'passw0rd' and the new but predictable 'password1. ' It also had some pretty obvious words: 'qwerty,' 'login,' 'welcome,' and 'admin,' another new one this year. Old favorites include 'football,' 'princess,' 'solo,' 'abc123,' 'dragon,' and 'master. ' Other new words this year: 'hottie,' 'loveme,' 'sunshine,' and 'flower. ' Oh, and 'zaq1zaq1,' which is what you get when you type up on the left column on a standard keyboard. (Yes, other people can figure that out. )... --- In any relationship, it's important to make sure it remains healthy. That doesn't just apply to romantic relationships - it applies to your business relationships as well. Look at your partnership with your web development company. How does one decide if their relationship is ultimately healthy or unhealthy? It could seem like an overwhelming task. Maybe you haven't thought about it. Maybe you've gotten complacent or have just been going on a feeling. To make things easier, we've made a chart with some characteristics of healthy vs. unhealthy relationships. Which side do you identify most with? If the relationship you have with your web development company is mostly in the unhealthy category, it might be time to reevaluate your partnership. The healthiness of a relationship can have a serious impact on your business. The Old City Web Services difference Our motivation at Old City Web Services is the happiness and success of our clients. We believe communication is key to any healthy relationship. We're here for you. How many web development companies do you know that are just a quick phone call or drive away? With us, you'll always talk to a real person. Have a quick question or a serious issue needing immediate attention? We're here to help. We work hard to stay on top of your account to prevent issues from arising. We want to help you build a bright future for your business. We're always here to offer suggestions about how to improve your branding, advertising, and... --- These days, meeting people online is just as common as meeting people in person. You can make friends, build communities, and even connect with a potential mate all without leaving your couch. In a society of convenience, it seems as though everything we need is at our fingertips. But as the saying goes: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Let's take the online dating for example. When you sign up for an account, you're instantly flooded with tons of profiles. It seems simple enough - you compare profiles until you find someone who has everything you want, right? If only it were that easy. Online dating sites are known for having fake accounts or people pretending to be someone they're not. There's no way for you to tell if they are who they say they are. That's the risk you take with attempting to find your match online. So, what about companies you choose to work with? How do you find them? There are many options for web development companies out there. There are a lot of big name companies who have flashy websites with a lengthy list of accomplishments, services, and promises. And while a modern website and impressive list of strengths might make you do a double-take, just remember: What do you really know about them? A company can present any image they like, but even the most accomplished looking company can have its faults. Ask yourself: How does a company interact with... --- The world revolves around relationships. Families, friends, co-workers, the barista who makes your morning (noon and night) latte. Everywhere you look, you see blogs about 10 ways to find love this year, personality tests to determine "your type," books on how to snag your perfect match, and apps for finding your soulmate without leaving your couch. It's like a relationship is a scavenger hunt and everyone is trying to give you a different clue. If there was one surefire secret to flawless relationships, we'd know by now, wouldn't we? Relationships are tricky. They're not cut and dry. Good relationships don't come around every day, so when they do happen, we hold onto them. Your business relationships are just as important as your friendships and romantic relationships. Companies you partner with should be just as committed to your business as you. But it can be difficult to decipher who wants to be committed to you because they believe in your mission and vision and those who are just in it for themselves. So, how can you tell the difference? 6 ways to tell that if a company is right for you: They share your values. Our values are what motivate us. If your company's focus is to help others, you want to partner with a company who has the same mission. If you're a nonprofit whose focus is on serving others, partnering with a company that is only after money probably isn't your best bet. They're persistent, not pushy. So you... --- With a new year comes New Year's resolutions, a time of evaluating your current life choices and seeing where improvements should be made. Whether it's eating healthier, having a new gym routine, putting yourself back into the dating game, or improving relationships, it's all about making the best choices for your life. As we evaluate what brings positivity to our lives, it might be best to look and see which connections make your life better and which ones you could do without. Your relationship might have seemed like something straight out of a movie at the beginning. They might've seemed like your knight in shining armor when you met them, but they could've lost their luster. They've never been perfect, but you've been afraid that you won't find someone who can do what they do. What if we told you there could be someone better out there for you? Reading this you might ask yourself, "Wait a minute, is this a relationship blog or business blog? " We're glad you asked! It's both. Your relationship with your web development company is one of the most important relationships you have as a business owner. While you may be comfortable with your current situation, it might be time to move on to something better. New year, new you as they say. Come along with us in our "Fresh Start" blog series as we show you what a healthy business relationship looks like and all that a reputable web design and development company... --- Reflecting Back on Your Year in Business December is a time of celebration and also a time of reflection. Now is a great time to look back on how your business performed over the past year in order to have a strong start to 2017. The end of the year is one of the busiest times for business owners. You're trying to get everything in order to finish the year strong, but to be able to know where your company is going, it is important to look back and analyze the past. Okay, so you agree you need to take stock of the good and the not so good from 2016 but don't know where to start. Don't worry - we've got you covered. Gather your staff to check in Each person who makes up your company is vital to its success and has a different viewpoint of day-to-day operations. When looking at a business' hits and misses, it's best to start behind the scenes. How your company runs directly impacts its overall performance. Talking points for your meeting: Ask where everyone is at with their jobs. Are they satisfied with the way things are run? Why or why not? Are things running as efficiently as possible? Are there any improvements that can be made? Ask yourself the following questions: How are you getting your company's name out there? Where and how are you advertising? Break down your advertising budget. Should you keep your current advertising schedule or change it... --- 5 Ways to Maintain a Good Online Reputation In a time when technology is in every facet of our lives, your business' online reputation means just as much, if not more, than the impression you make in person. Think about it. Before you go somewhere or try out a new product, what's one of the first things you do? You do an online search. And if that search has positive results, you're more likely to try that product, visit that store or eat at that restaurant, right? You should focus just as much time marketing your business online as you do in other areas of your advertising strategy. Here are five things to keep in mind when you're trying to cultivate an online presence that makes others take note: 1. Sustain cohesion among platforms Repetition across all platforms reinforces who you are as a company. This means your information should be up-to-date and accurate. Take the time to go through your website, social media accounts, and listings and see what information needs updating or improved. A uniform look across your platforms will increase your professionalism among consumers. Your current logo should be represented across all facets of your online presence. People are visual, and seeing your logo in multiple places will keep you on their mind. 2. Keep things current Nothing says you're stuck in the past like a dated website or logo. Although people may be used to seeing the designs you came up with 10 years ago, that... --- Being a new business has its challenges, one of the biggest being establishing yourself in the community. A loyal client base and name recognition are vital to your success. Without the support of those around you, failure comes closer to becoming a reality than a fear. So, how do you make your startup stand out before it sinks? Take advantage of free listings This is a no brainer. Putting your company's name out there as many ways as you can for free should be a top priority. Directory listings and community calendars are great resources for the community and an excellent way to get your name out there. This takes minimal time and effort and helps establish your business among other longstanding companies in the area. Make sure you know your target market Take a second to sit down and really think about who your target demographic is. Who are you marketing to and how are you doing so? Are they more likely to be on social media or flipping through the latest newspaper? Spending all the time and money in the world in marketing won't make a difference if your audience never sees it. Utilize social media Let's face it. Everyone is on social media these days, and as a business, it is becoming an essential way to reach consumers. Luckily for you, social media is a free and effective way to interact with customers from all over. Depending on what your business is and the age group of... --- Unique ways to market your business Marketing seems to be a constantly changing puzzle business owners try to solve. In a world where focus is on what's new, innovative, and different, how can your company stand out from the crowd? We're here to tell you some unique ways to market your business. We've put together a few ideas to make your marketing ventures unique and eye-catching. Business card: Changing the shape or texture of your business card can instantly catch the eye of people in the community. Whether it is changing your card from a rectangle to a square or making your card out of a thicker material, a small change can make all the difference between standing out and blending in. If you have a brochure for your business, adding a map to the inside could be a great way to entice a customer to keep the brochure around for future map use (keeping your logo around as well). Updating or redesigning your company's logo to make it more effectively represent your company. Read our previous blog on the importance of a high quality logo. Rack card for hotels: Many hotels have racks where businesses put cards advertising their services. It is a great way to catch the attention of a customer you might not otherwise reach, the traveler. If you already have a rack card out in the community, upgrading the design is a quick and easy way to improve your company's brand in the community. Reevaluate ads... --- Logos say as much about your business as the name, staff, services, and customer experience. A logo is the first impression customers get before stepping foot in your office or online shop. First impressions are important, especially when it comes to getting new customers. So, is it worth it to budget for a new logo or an upgrade? We at Old City Web Services are here to offer some insight about why a high quality logo is essential to building your business. Good logos build consumer trust It is the first impression a potential customer will have of your company and it becomes the visual representation in the customer's mind. A poorly designed logo can make a company look like the "discount or low cost" option among their competitors. A quality logo can stand on its own; customers will start to recognize your business based on the logo alone. Why invest in logo design? Do it once, do it well Logo design prices that are too good to be true are often a breeding ground for plagiarized work. It can be done so cheaply and quickly because it is stolen work. This costs the client in the end the embarrassment of a legal action against them, the expense of replacing all print, signage, etc. and the cost of having it done again the right way. Consistency is key It seems like a no brainer, but a company's logo should be the same on signage, print, and the web. Every business... --- Why Your Business Needs Social Media & A Blog Social media, Blogs and SEO compliment each other in online marketing. Posting current social media and a blog entries will help search engines recognize your website as relevant. Social media is a great outlet for driving traffic to your website, which helps boost your SEO rank. Even if your social media presence doesn't lead to immediate direct sales, it is excellent for gaining those clicks to you website. This traffic will help boost your SEO rank. Social Media & SEO Whenever someone shares your website or your post on social media, this is link building. Link building shows search engines that your website is relevant and interesting. This is why it's important to keep your social media current with a new post at least once a week. By posting once a week, you are giving users the opportunity to share your content more. The more content of yours that is shared, the higher your ranking will be. Google uses Twitter to discover new content; for example: what's trending. Google loves Google+. Even though Google+ might not be the biggest platform of social media, it can improve your SEO. If you just have a Google+ profile and post on it once a month, it definitely helps. An overlap of social media and SEO is an effective strategy; by using social media in the right way, you will reap a lot of benefits. Blog & SEO The purpose of having a blog for... --- First, What Does Relevant Content Mean? Relevant content means the content on your website is up-to-date and on topic with your business. For example, if you have a business that sells honey in Georgia, you wouldn't want your home page to have content about jams in California. Also, you want the information about your business to be current. Having old or irrelevant information on your website can hurt your search engine optimization. Making your rank on search engines become lower but, how do you write good content for your website? Tips on Writing Good Relevant Content: Valuable Content: Make sure your content has some value to your users. Ask yourself; Do my potential clients need this information? Does this topic pertain to my business? Will my potential clients even want to know this information? Thinking this way can help you make sure your content is relevant and not just filler information. Concise Content: Most users on the web are going to skim your website content. You have the tricky part of making the information as brief as possible but with enough impact to inform the user. Short paragraph or lists are always a good fall back for making sure your content is concise. Stay On Topic: It's important to stay on topic. If you are writing about the company, stick to the company's information. Writing about your services? Make sure to only be mention about your services. Stay focused on one topic at a time. Check and Recheck Grammar and... --- How Does SEO Apply to My Business? SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. Search engine optimization is the action of making your website rank for search keywords & phrases that pertain to your website/business. Knowing the basics of SEO will give you a better understanding of how it will improve your online presence. In plain words, it's quality control for websites by search engines. Search Engines, such as Google, Yahoo, Bing, will scan or crawl your site for keywords and phrases of what viewers are looking for. If your site has the key words and phrases that viewers are searching for and they are installed properly on your, site it can make your website rank higher sending more viewers and increasing your business. How Do Search Engines Rank My Website? Common Search Terms: These are terms that viewers would type into a Search Engine, Google, Yahoo, Bing for example, to find businesses or services. An example would be to type "pizza place" in the search area. "Pizza Place" would be the common phrase you would use to find a business serving pizza. If you are one of those that "serves pizza" you would make sure that it is properly added into your website to increase your ranking instead of hurting your rankings. So it is important to have the key words and phrases in your content as well as other areas of your site. That is where we can help you. How old is your site information: The information on... --- Connect with Fans, Followers or Friends? With all the social media platforms out there it can be difficult to know all the ways to get your customers to connect to your business social media. Here are some guidelines to follow that might shed some light on all the confusion with connecting on social media. Facebook- On Facebook your potential customers will be able to see all of your post by "liking" the business page. When they hit the like button on the main profile page on the right upper hand side it will send you a notification to notify you about the new "like". Since someone has liked the business page they'll now be a fan meaning any future post you make on your business Facebook, the fan will be able to see on their timeline. They can also send you a message, comment on your post or share your post as well. Now if any one visits your business Facebook page they will also be able to see your post on your business profile as well, even if they are not a fan. Being a fan just means now they will get your updates and post on their timeline. Here some hints to help you remember: Facebook likes on profile = Fans Fans= Followers who see your post on their timelines. Clicking the like button on the business profile = Fan.   Twitter- On Twitter customers can "follow" your Tweet which means they become a "follower" and will see... --- Using Photos on Social Media for your Business Example of using images as a post for Facebook Over the years Social Media has shifted to Visual Social Media. This means photos have increased in popularity for social media. This shift happened because our society is drawn to visual content. Photos help your customers relate to your business post and they tell a story. Users are more likely to engage and follow businesses that post more photos or videos. For example, photos on Facebook tend to generate 53% more likes on a post than without photos. What does this mean for you business's social media? It means using images on social networking platforms gets those clients engaged! Overall, photos help break up content overload. Showing your clients rather than telling is what will get you customers interested in your social network. Pictures are worth a thousand words. For example, if you want to introduce a new product, take a picture of it and share it on your social media. Did you hire a new team member or redecorate your office space? Share it! Showing will leave a bigger impact on them as well as others that are following your clients posts will see your new product, team member, etc. All in all, images make connections and social media is all about networking. You don't have to be an expert. Don't be afraid - get creative with your visual content use your smart phone, camera, or clip art online. Here are some... --- Social Media Trends & Businesses Facebook Trends Box A trend is a pattern or general direction of developing. Social Media is filled with all kinds of trends. An example of a trend on Twitter is when you see a post using hashtags like "#TuesdayMotivation". Twitter shows you the most recent hashtag trends in a box called "Trends" located on the left-hand side of your home page. Facebook's trend box is on the right-hand side of your timeline. Using trends will keep your customers engaged in your business and help broaden your network. Trends are very important on social media but, how do you use trends to benefit your business? Here's 5 things to consider with using trends on social media for your business: Twitter Trends Box on Social Media Be creative when using trends for your business. If it's "National Selfie Day", consider taking a selfie with your product or co-workers and using that for a post. Stick with funny or happy trends. "#AllLivesMatter" is an example of a serious trend. Don't get involved with serious trends because of the sensitivity of the topic or associate your business with conflicting topics. Use trends on social media to connect with customers instead of pitching your products or services. If you are having a hard time keeping up with the ever-changing trends, don't be afraid to search the latest trends on Google. Don't spam your customers. After-all, business's don't need to use every trend out there, just use the ones that fit... --- With so many social media platforms out there how do decide on which one is best for your business. The guide below should help with some of the confusion you might have as a business owner. Let's take a look at all the different platforms and how they interact with people. Facebook- Is an open environment where you have the freedom to share and connect. You can upload images, message friends, write post, create events, and share other people's post. Having a business on Facebook you receive a business profile where you can make a post, create events and post things about your business. You also have an "About" section and some nice tools to view how well you are doing on Facebook with your customers. Facebook is for making engaging post so your customers will get involved by liking, commenting or sharing. Twitter- Is an environment where you can make quick short status post. Twitter only allows you to write something that is 140 characters, able to add hashtags and pictures. You can also "retweet" or like someone's tweet. Instead of friends, like Facebook, you have followers who are able to see all your tweets.   Instagram- This platform you can only upload images, comment or like others images. On Instagram you can only use the app version, it does not allow you to use it on a desktop. This platform you have followers, like Twitter. Pinterest- Allows users to visually share, and discover new interests by posting (known... --- Building a website isn't as easy as it looks. There are a lot of things that go into the background of a website, in addition to the design and layout and basic functions. Often, there are things that are overlooked if you don't go with an expert to build your website for you. Making Life Difficult for Mobile Users: Having a website created today that isn't mobile friendly is a surefire way to lose site visitors, along with Google Rank. It may sound easy enough, but it isn't. Our expertise at Old City Web Services can have your current or new site functioning for mobile users quickly and seamlessly. Not Using Google Analytics: You can't possibly know how to drive content to your site or how your web site is performing without having stat tracking set up on your website. Google Analytics is an easy way to track and simple reports can be generated that will help you strategize website updates and changes. We can help you install Analytics and understand your reports. Call us today to get you started! Ignoring WordPress Updates: Having an out of date version of WordPress can leave your website vulnerable. Updating your WordPress version isn't a complicated task, but running a backup before you update can be. We can set you up on a plan to run updates and keep everything running smoothly on your site in the background on a quarterly basis. Contact us today to find out how to get started! Not... --- Social Media can be both fun and good for business. It is a place to be a little more casual, and to let your clients - current and potential - learn a little more about you. There are things you need to know before you get started on social media though, to make sure that you make the most of the time you are spending on it, and to make the most of your customers' time. Spend time on your profile - Don't just open a social media account and go. Everything your business does is sending a message to your current and potential clients. Make sure your logo and branding are consistent, your message is consistent, and that you put thought into thoroughly setting up the details of each social media account. Be useful - You want your account to speak to people. By investing yourself in new, significant content and linking to both your content and the content of other businesses in your niche that will be relevant to followers, you can expand your social media reach and establish a reputation. Be restrained - Don't post anything and everything that you see or hear about. If you post too often, you will become background noise instead of a relevant voice. Consider what you post and how often you post. Add visuals - Photography and graphics attract attention, draw interest, and increase likelihood of your content being shared. Creating great visual content to go with your postings will do... --- Whether you have a website that needs updating or you are creating a new website, the best place to start is with asking yourself what the ultimate objective is. The answer probably falls somewhere along the lines of that you want it to look good and get results. Conversion optimization is all about the action a site visitor takes on your website that will add value to your business. Conversion is anything from signing up for your newsletter, purchasing an item, booking a service, or clicking to call you. Optimization of conversions requires analysis of your website to maximize the leads your website brings in. There are multiple ways you can maximize your website for conversions: High Quality Photography: One of the most basic things with big impact on your website is photography. Whether you are selling a product, a hotel room, or just want to show that your business is professional - nothing will draw viewers in and keep them clicking on your services like well presented photography. Mobile Optimization: Make it easy for viewers to your website to call you, make a purchase, reserve a room or a meal, or to find where you are located so they can walk in. This means making your site work for everyone no matter what device they are using to find your website. Mobile friendliness is absolutely imperative today, and will increase your conversions, improving your bottom line. Call-to-Action Buttons: Give site visitors something to act on. A call-to-action button grabs... --- There are many services that we offer here at Old City Web Services. One that we'd like to feature for you today is helping you to put together email for a large mailing list. We often get asked what a client's options are for sending to their email lists. For many reasons, using a service like Constant Contact or MailChimp is what we will recommend. Beyond the fact that they are free up to certain numbers of subscribers, and easy to use, here are some other reasons why: Customized Campaigns: One of the nice things about using a service like Constant Contact or Mail Chimp is that they have templates that you can format your emails in that make them look professional, aesthetically pleasing, and you can style them to match your company branding. In addition, you are able to view reports including how many people (and who) are reading your emails, and if they are clicking on links. Privacy of Your Email List: When you use one of these services, you can import your subscriber list easily and you don't have to worry about others on the list receiving the email seeing who else is on the list. Replies only go to you and there is no "What if someone hits reply all? " concern. Recipients also have the ability to opt out of receiving your messages (very important to clients), and they can share valuable information right from your customized campaign with friends. Mobile Friendly: More and more... --- It is December and that means it is time for your small business to get serious about promoting your holiday sales and specials that you have going on. Email makes up over a third of the ways that consumers make holiday buying decisions. The most important factor in your promotional emails is that they lead somewhere. In your promotional email, you need to send potential customers to a great landing page. This can mean setting up a new page or editing a current one on your website. The page should be catered to your sale, prices, promotion, or special that you are trying to convert customers with. Some tips: Make it mobile - it is safe to assume that many potential customers are on a mobile device when they are opening their email. The page you send them to telling them about your promotion has to be one they can navigate and read on their mobile device. Keep it simple - the page you send them to should be dedicated to just the sales goal you have. Don't make it more complicated by giving them other distractions. A single page with a single goal will result in the highest conversion. The elements - Stick to an attention grabbing headline and one great image. Clickable call to action - give them one button to click that tells them what to do. That's it. Follow these tips and your holiday sales are bound to increase. Need help creating a great landing page... --- What is responsive design? Responsive web design is an approach that addresses a user's needs based on the environment they are in when viewing your website. Whatever screen size, platform or orientation they are using - as they switch from their phone to their desktop to their ipad, the website adjusts to accommodate for resolution and sizes. Why do you need responsive design?   Customer Expectation It is expected in today's internet world that when a visitor arrives, they be able to navigate easily, find a mobile friendly menu, easy to find contact information, and a website that caters to the device they are using. If your website isn't meeting this expectation, it will look out of date and visitors may find it cumbersome and too difficult to make it worth their while to stay on your website. It Helps Build Your Brand Appealing design and function for a business website will help it grow. Neglecting proper branding will hurt it. Once a client has a bad website experience, it will affect their opinion of you as a business and it can be difficult to repair that image.   Sheer Numbers Mobile websites that respond to the user environment isn't a trend. It is the way things are. It isn't something you can ignore until things go back to the way they were. It is vitally important to your small business that you stay up to date in online needs.   --- October 14, 2015 Just having a website for your small business isn't enough. There are things that your website needs to keep it functioning, current, and able to meet yours and your customer's needs. Here are 5 Things Your Website Needs Today: Easy to Find Contact Information Where you are located, how to email you, and your business phone number should all be prominently displayed on your website's homepage above the fold (where the viewer doesn't need to scroll to find it. Easy to Understand Site Navigation Don't make people guess where your information is. Make your page names obvious so site visitors know how to find just what they need. Customer Testimonials Share good reviews about your business, why people love your products and services, and encourage new potential customers by showing them you are trusted by others. A Call to Action Direct your site visitors. Tell them what you want them to do when they arrive at your site. Whether it is "Click Here" "Book Now" "Shop Now" or any other number of directions, giving site visitors a purpose and helping direct them will keep them there, and grab their business. SEO Your website needs SEO. Having your text content, photos, links, and other elements of your site set up so that people can find you on the internet is absolutely necessary. It is a huge part of directing internet traffic to you when they are searching for a business in your niche. You need to be found... --- October 7, 2015 Today, we are looking at the fourth and final part in our series on Content Marketing. In Part I, we looked at Analytics, in Part II, we looked at Building Your Strategy, in Part III, we addressed Why It's Important. Today, we are going to bring it all together and talk about Implementing Your Content Marketing Plan. Have a Calendar Having a content marketing calendar to guide you in what you are going to post on what platform and when is key. You can see what you need more of, and as always it can be altered based on results that you find through Analyzing your Google Analytics Diversify A content marketing plan is much more than a blog or website homepage, and you want to think of the big picture. In addition to blogging, your website and content should include calls-to-action, social media posts, email, and website changes. Enlist Help --- September 23, 2015 In our series on Content Marketing, last week we looked at Using Analytics. We touched on how to see what your viewers are looking for, what pages they are viewing, and what content is either keeping them at your site or not. With this information, you can begin to build your Content Marketing Strategy. Great Content is Customized to Your Audience Now that you have your customer base and know what they are looking for when they come to your site, you can customize your content accordingly. For most small businesses, the important thing is to remember who your customers are and to make sure that you are sharing information that they are seeking - and, presenting the right information in the right way. You want to inform your customers of what you have to offer. Don't forget, they are customers and potential clients, not business peers. They don't want insider secrets on your business niche, they want to know you are going to be the expert in what they are looking for. You can use the information you've gathered about your customer base to plan your content specifically for your audience. You can share content in a way that your customers are looking for. What you share goes from "How to Build a Website for Your Small Business" to "The Top 10 Things Every Amazing Website Should Have. " Which one do you think is more likely to get your specific target audience to read your... --- We are beginning a new four part series which will be centered around content marketing. This week, we are looking at how to use Google Analytics to improve your content marketing. Believe it or not, there is actually a way to make use of the information you gather from your analytics report - bounce rates, where visitors come from, how long visitors stay on your site, what pages they view, and what page they leave from. It can be difficult to know what data is important enough to track so you can maximize your small business website. Give direction So, you have a page or pages on your site that has high page views, but it also has a high bounce rate. On the one hand, the visitor may just be finding all they were looking for and therefore your page is valuable. But you want to take this a step further and give the viewer something else enticing or compelling to view, keeping them on your site rather than leaving right away. Track Daily By regularly monitoring your top pages of content, you can see what is trending and even go in to those pages and make changes that are more current or link to other places on your site to keep viewers on your site longer. An old blog post or a page about an old event can be updated to link to other relevant content that the viewer would find enticing. Discover viewer intent Even if you... --- In Part I of our series about promoting your website, we discussed the importance of SEO. In part II, we looked at branding. And in Part III we looked at how to use Social Media to promote your website. Today, we are putting email up to the task of website promotion and will be sharing how email done right can work both alongside and for your small business website. Ways to use email to promote your website range from simple to elaborate - and each will be effective in their own way. First, for your business email, have a signature built in that has a link to your website. Each time you contact a customer, they'll see your name and contact information including your website link and this will give them one more way to get to know your business better through your website. In addition, you can take the larger step of creating an email newsletter. An email newsletter will include all of your clients' email addresses and you can reach out to them in a personal yet professional way to lead them to your website to create more business. MailChimp and Constant Contact are both well suited for creating and sending email newsletters. Your newsletter can feed your customers information about what your business is about, what's new, and attract them to your website to seal the deal. Some important things to consider when crafting an email or newsletter to subscribers: Make sure it's mobile friendly - you... --- --- > At Old City Web Services, we make it easy for small businesses to thrive online. Whether you need a professional website, help attracting more customers, or a fresh new look for your brand, we’ve got you covered. With over 20 years of experience, we specialize in simple, affordable solutions that work for businesses like yours. Let us handle the tech so you can focus on what you do best—running your business. ---