Today’s blog post is dedicated to new start-ups, SEO and web design. Many of the calls we are receiving in the past month are from smaller start-up companies. We find it unusual for a new start-up company to ask us about SEO (Search engine submission) techniques before finding out about web design, or logo development. We have discovered that many callers are receiving a plethora of calls and emails offering them SEO solutions. Not understanding what SEO is about, and never owning a website, they are calling around to find out more.
Should I take advantage of offers by phone, email or snail mail?
As a legitimate business and one that cares strongly about our clients, we are constantly concerned about these callers (many who have fallen victim to internet scammers through email, snail mail and phone). We warn first time website owners to beware of bad actors offering SEO products which are questionable and have no value. It is easy to be taken advantage of and it is “what you don’t know” that can get you into big trouble.
Tarps, Etc. is a company who has provided custom tarps to Central Florida residents for the past twenty years. They informed us that they were receiving many calls daily about SEO and Search Engine Optimization. They were confused and felt these calls could be dubious.
Our suggestion was for them to meet in person with at least two companies offering web services. This will help them to determine how long the company has been in business and will also give you time to check references and talk to others that have hired them in the past. Search engine optimization should be included in all design packages. Many clients find they can manage their SEO on their own with better control and less cost.
What is blogging?
Another frequently asked question which always comes up is regarding blogging. Most new start-up companies have no idea what this is and are wondering why so many websites are including this page. Blogging is all about writing articles of interest consistently to attract search engines. If the website owner is a creative writer or if he or she is familiar with article writing, they can do the work themselves, but will still need to learn the rules for publishing content on the web and how to operate the software.
A good rule of thumb when you are deciding whether or not to hire an outside blogger is to ask yourself the following:
Do I really have the time required to develop a well though out and interesting article each week? If your answer is “no” …you may want to consider hiring a professional. It could take up to ten hours researching information and developing an article worth reading. If writing is your passion, go ahead and take on the task yourself. Consistent and regular blogging requires a commitment which is ongoing. You don’t want this task to become a drudgery. The blogging fee is well worth it if you feel this will take more of your time than you are willing to offer. It will also save your precious time for a more profitable endeavor such as running and growing your business.
Blogging cannot be ignored if you are expecting to grow and keep a permanent flow of traffic to your website. Social media alone will not get the job done. Competition is fierce and the top sites stay current with blogging techniques. Contact us to learn more about this skill and to request a list of professionals available to blog for you.
Do your due diligence when searching for the perfect design partner. There are pitfalls that must be avoided to keep you safe on the web. Take notes, compare companies and prices. We’re all different and all companies are not perfect for all. Your research will pay off.
New Design Work In Progress:
Our new client, Vermi Technology is underway and Brain Wave Technology is coming along nicely. Ludo Godet, Ph.D was just launched. Delancey Transportation’s new site is due to launch in the coming week. Good luck to all of our site owners and thanks for trusting us with your website vision for success. Hurry back for more from the Design Wizards at Inside Design Orlando.
Visitors: Please visit our site to read about our Valentine’s Design Special. We could be the perfect design partner for your next project.
Jean HollandRose
Chief Creative Officer and SEO Professional
