Passwords

May 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

LockOver the past several months I have encountered at least half a dozen (if not more) prospective clients who have found out the hard way that failing to know your passwords can translate into having no way to access your website (and in some cases having to abandon a domain and start over).  And yes, you know what is coming . . . my recommendations:

  1. Always, always, always have all the passwords for your domain, hosting, ftp access, cms website access, social media sites and email marketing account.  You may have the best web person ever and what happens if something happens to them or they leave the business? (None of us like to think like this, and yes, it happens).  Even if you don’t know exactly how to use the passwords yourself, having them allows someone who does to assist.
  2. Your own account – Whenever possible be sure your domain, hosting, website, etc is in its own separate account with your name on it.  You don’t want to be left unable to access your account if something happens to the main account holder or payment becomes an issue.
  3. And if you find yourself in this situation, most reputable registrars provide a way to prove ownership – although you may not appreciate the hoops you’ll be jumping through.

This simple safeguard can save you time, money and headaches – know your passwords.

Filed Under: The Basics Tagged With: , , , ,

The Mysteries of SEO

March 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment

WebWith the possible exception of overall marketing, search engine optimization is probably the topic most written and speculated about online.  Carefully guarded by the search engines themselves, and changing all the time, there is clearly an evolution taking place that includes social media and attempts to interpret what we’re looking for beyond the keywords we actually use to search.  (Read more about Google’s Semantic Search here).

The best overall advice I can provide is to think organically – and remember what a web looks like:  the more connections you have, the stronger and more staying power you have (why do you think we picked this as part of our logo).

Basic SEO tips:

  1. Consider the search engines as well as name recognition as you choose your domain
  2. Add links to (and from) your blog/website everywhere you can – this should include all your social media pages, your email signatures, blogs you comment or guest post on, and all printed media – anywhere you can
  3. Use alternate text for all images to increase keyword density (as well as keeping your site available for the site impaired)
  4. Create listings and submit your website with all the search engines:  getlisted.org
  5. Create a listing with DMOZ – Learn more about DMOZ
  6. Keep information current – blog posts are a great way to do this
  7. Add (valuable) resources

SEO Resources:

SEO Checklist

Google Adwords Keyword Tool – free tool to research Google keyword usage

Filed Under: Resources, The Basics, The Plan Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Domains: How Do You Choose?

March 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment

DomainsConfused about selecting a domain? Consider that you want more than one.

Just because you want your name and/or your business name recognizable, neither of these may convey what you actually do to the search engines – a key factor.  So consider using a domain that does just exactly that for your main domain and hosting (for the search engines) and then forward (and use) other domains (your name and/or your business name) for marketing and name recognition.

Totally confused?  Let me give you an example:  my friend and color expert, Luanne Stovall, just began the web journey for her color business.  She purchased www.fieldguidetocolor.com as the main domain/hosting for the search engines (to tell what she does overall) as well as www.luannestovall.com (for name recognition) and www.meetingroygbiv.com (her blog title) for marketing purposes.  You may or may not ever see www.fieldguidetocolor.com “publicly” – however, the search engines will love it.

Tips for domain selection:

  1. Pick more than one (see above)
  2. Never use hyphens or combinations of numbers and letters that are difficult to convey – remember you’ll be saying this over and over again – don’t make it difficult for you or them
  3. Short is almost always better than long
  4. Easy to remember is good too

Weborization recommends Godaddy or Hostgator for domains and Hostgator for hosting – (the Hatchling Hosting Plan is perfect for most of what you’ll do)

Filed Under: Resources, The Basics, The Plan Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Domain, hosting . . . what does it all mean?

February 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

HouseThink of your website like you would a piece of property and it becomes very simple:

  • The domain is like the street address
  • The hosting is like the land on which your home sits
  • And the website (or files themselves) are like the property improvements, i.e. the house, garage, etc.

Weborization recommends Godaddy or Hostgator for domains, Hostgator for hosting, and Studiopress/Genesis Themes for WordPress for your website.

Filed Under: Resources, The Basics Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,