Cyber Bytes :: Web Design | Graphic Design | Print Broker :: Orlando Daytona Tampa http://webwzrd.net Sat, 12 May 2012 00:19:33 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Do you need a Content Management System for your website? http://webwzrd.net/2012/05/12/do-you-need-a-content-management-system/ http://webwzrd.net/2012/05/12/do-you-need-a-content-management-system/#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 00:19:16 +0000 Jennifer Warriner http://webwzrd.net/?p=374 Let’s take a look and compare Static and Content Management System (CMS) websites.

Static Website Design
Normally a “static website” is when the back-end has no CMS integrated. There is usually no dynamic content and all updates are usually completed by a web designer/developer. Updates can take from a few minutes to a few weeks depending on the amount of changes needed from the business.

Static websites are simple to create, therefore are most cost-friendly to small businesses. Some business will elect a static website also if they have their own IT department that has knowledge to update the site for them.

Advantages:

  • Cost effective
  • Simple to create

Disadvantages:

  • Routine maintenance
  • Less flexibility with no dynamic content
  • Time must be scheduled with a web designer

 

CMS Website Design
A website that uses an integrated Content Management System  allows a business to add, modify and delete their content, pretty much instantly on-the-fly. This is a perfect solution for those who would like to pursue an eCommerce website or perhaps want full access to their website content without the aid of a website designer. It allows anyone to make changes via a web-based control panel, and any hour or day of the week.

Cyber Bytes utilizes the technology of WordPress to create CMS websites for their clients who need this sort of “instant gratification”, however there are many software choices available, including custom made systems.

Advantages

  • Access to content without knowledge of coding
  • Long term costs are reduced
  • Updates are immediate (or scheduled) as required
  • Integration of software (or plugins) readily available, several are free (on WordPress)

Disadvantages

  • Initial development cost may take longer
  • In some cases, minimal Training may be required
    (Cyber Bytes has several video tutorials for those who need some basic training, along with 24/7/365 Email Support)

 

Can a Static Website add a CMS later?
This is very possible, depending on what you decide to incorporate. This could be a later phase or perhaps an idea for a company that has a limited budget. However, their is a disadvantage, which is it would take longer to create, meaning the possibility of a higher cost. Cyber Bytes always recommends to integrate a CMS during the build process, or to execute a strategy that will allow easy integration of a CMS at a later date.

We hope this has helped you better understand what a Content Management System is and we look forward to helping you in future with all your web design, graphic design, printing or online marketing needs.

]]> http://webwzrd.net/2012/05/12/do-you-need-a-content-management-system/feed/ 0 Intro to QR Codes http://webwzrd.net/2012/05/02/intro-to-qr-codes/ http://webwzrd.net/2012/05/02/intro-to-qr-codes/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 20:40:42 +0000 Jennifer Warriner http://webwzrd.net/?p=346

QR CodeA QR Code is a 2-dimensional digital symbol that your customers can scan with their mobile phone to get access to specific content via the mobile web for free. Using a free QR Code Reader on most mobile phones, people simply scan the code and are redirected to your awesome mobile web content.

How To Use It?

QR Codes are a great way to share this info, because they don’t require them to remember or enter a long or jumbled web address. Lots of small businesses are beginning to use QR Codes to:

  • Provide special offers or discounts
  • Share exclusive content that complements the in-person experience (often using video)
  • Get instant feedback via a poll or short survey
  • Make it easy for people to join their email list onsite

Four Places To Use QR Codes

  • In Your Store:  If you have a physical location, you can post signage with a QR Code for a website where people can learn more about a featured product or sign up for your mailing list.
  • On Your Business Card
  • At Your Events:  With QR codes on printed materials, customers can access additional content or promotions
  • In your print ads:  QR Codes provide an instant call-to-action that can tell your story beyond what can be included in a small ad, and offer special rewards to those who scan it.

 

Checkout this nice article showing 5 Great QR Code campaigns

 

]]> http://webwzrd.net/2012/05/02/intro-to-qr-codes/feed/ 0 Grow Your Business With Facebook http://webwzrd.net/2012/05/02/grow-your-business-with-facebook/ http://webwzrd.net/2012/05/02/grow-your-business-with-facebook/#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 17:16:24 +0000 Jennifer Warriner http://webwzrd.net/?p=343

Creating a Facebook page for your business is a simple and easy way to get access to thousands of potential customers or clients. People are 51% more likely to buy a product after liking them on Facebook. Well-run ad campaigns that leverage social typically see 3x ROI or greater. Fans report visiting and purchasing an average of 2x more than non-fans.

Having a Facebook page for your business can:

  • Generate Higher sales
  • Generate More in-store traffic
  • Provide customers or clients a new feedback channel
  • Increase participation in promotions you run

Below are the steps you need to take to start uses this valuable tool for your business.

 

STEP 1
Build Your Facebook Page

Everything starts with your Facebook Page. Set your cover & profile photo, Post pictures and information that express your business, Add milestones & key moments, Highlight important dates and key events for your business, Create your first post, Add photos, videos, and company or product updates. Select a vanity URL.

 

STEP 2
Connect to Fans

Get existing customers to Like your Page, Invite customers, friends, & email contacts. You can connect with customers & new fans using multiple well-targeted ads on Facebook Ads. Create an ad and select which people to target. Test out 4 or more ads. Learn which audience responds best to different images and text.

When you run a social media campaign utilizing a tool such as Constant Contact (http://goo.gl/uje5W) you need to create something exclusive. “Like Gate” your offer (they have to like your page to view the reward). Promote it on emails, in ads and on twitter. Finally, encourage sharing. It’s the combination of Facebook Ads and Social Campaigns that has been most beneficial to businesses.The Facebook Ad finds the people and the Social Campaign clinches the ‘Like’.

Try out Social Campaigns from Constant Contact, 60 Day Free Trial – http://goo.gl/uje5W

 

STEP 3
Engage Your Fans with Quality Content

Share your expertise, ask questions, Showcase your work, Showcase their work, Promote your products and say Thank You. Posting quality & exclusive content will engage your fans. Post regularly, at least 1-2x/week to maximize engagement. Post high-quality content. Keep it human, ask questions. Post exclusive offers for your fans. Highlight important posts.

 

STEP 4
Influence the Friends of Your Fans

Promote social activity on your page with Sponsored Stories. See when friends check-in or Like your page. Review Your Ads Manager & Page Insights Regularly – See which ads, page posts, and sponsored stories are working, Determine what content generates the most engagement, Repeat Facebook 4 Steps to Business Success.

 

After you create your Facebook business page, you then need to add a link to it on your website, in your email newsletters and with Facebook ads. You can also let people know your on Facebook on your print collateral items as well.

]]> http://webwzrd.net/2012/05/02/grow-your-business-with-facebook/feed/ 0 Must Have Tools for April http://webwzrd.net/2012/04/01/must-have-tools-for-april/ http://webwzrd.net/2012/04/01/must-have-tools-for-april/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 02:13:09 +0000 Jennifer Warriner http://webwzrd.net/?p=332
  • OpenOffice.org – The Free and Open Productivity Suite, good alternative to Microsoft Office (it’s compatible with it)
  • LastPass - Online Password storage
  • Malwarebytes - Don’t run windows without it
  • GIMP - not exactly Photoshop, but close, and FREE!
  • Inkscape – not exactly Adobe Illustrator, but FREE!
  • Toggl - Time tracking
  • Avast! - Free Anti-virus
  • Audacity - Sound recording and editing
  • TeamViewer - Screen sharing and more.
  • Jing - screen capture program
  • FileZilla - FTP management, a Cyber Bytes FAV!
  • CCleaner - keep your hard drive clean and optimized, another Cyber Bytes FAV!
  • WampServer - best to build beta in local environment.
  • IE Tester – Yes it’s true, some people still use IE6!
  • Any Video Converter - convert any video
    • ]]>     http://webwzrd.net/2012/04/01/must-have-tools-for-april/feed/ 0     Web Design Mistakes Small Business Need to Avoid http://webwzrd.net/2012/03/26/web-design-mistakes-small-business-need-to-avoid/ http://webwzrd.net/2012/03/26/web-design-mistakes-small-business-need-to-avoid/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:48:24 +0000 Jennifer Warriner http://webwzrd.net/?p=326 For most small businesses, websites are critical to the success of their marketing and branding of business services and products. Potential customers coming to the site are looking for meaningful content, good looking appearance, and easy to find information. Making mistakes on the design and messaging can have a negative impact. Here is a great article on 5 common web design mistakes to avoid, and how to create a great user experience to grow your bottom line.

    Here are 5 common web design mistakes you must avoid to create a great user experience and grow your bottom line.

     

    1. Poor Navigation

    Many small businesses fail to make navigation a priority, but without careful attention to how people navigate your site, you could unintentionally be creating a frustrating experience for any potential visitor. People visit your site for specific information, and if they cannot find it they will quickly go elsewhere, leaving with the impression that your business is disorganized in more than just its website.

    A good navigation structure should be seamless and will keep visitors on your site longer, which means potentially more readers, subscribers, sales or leads — whichever is your primary objective.

    Website navigation affects both usability and accessibility, so it’s important to make it a primary concern. Most websites and blogs use common navigational techniques that are expected by the average visitor. The pages and sections of the site should be easy and logical for visitors to maneuver. Don’t make your visitors think about how to navigate your site; it should be effortless and natural.

    There are several principles you can follow to create an effective navigation structure:

    • Use icons to aid navigation. They’re both visually appealing and easy to use and understand.
    • Create logical groups of related links, with the most important links on the top-level navigation bar and functional (dashboard, account, settings, etc.) and legal (copyright, privacy, terms) located elsewhere.
    • Provide location information so users know where they are on any given page and how to proceed to another area of the website. This can be achieved by using Breadcrumb navigation.

     

    Read More

     

    ]]>     http://webwzrd.net/2012/03/26/web-design-mistakes-small-business-need-to-avoid/feed/ 0     Cool Tools for March http://webwzrd.net/2012/03/26/cool-tools-for-march/ http://webwzrd.net/2012/03/26/cool-tools-for-march/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:28:17 +0000 Jennifer Warriner http://webwzrd.net/?p=321 Cool Tools we have found for March:

    • SlimDrivers
      Scan Your PC for missing, broken or out-of-date drivers, Download Updated Drivers Manually for FREE, Restore Your Computer to maximum stability
    • SlimCleaner
      SlimCleaner is the world’s first software that lets you clean and optimize Windows systems using a crowd-sourced approach. SlimCleaner uses aggregated-cloud feedback to recommend optimal settings for programs, start-ups and services.
    • SlimComputer
      If you’ve ever gotten a new PC and it came loaded with promotional programs, toolbars, links to advertising or trial offers, then you know how frustrating these things can be. Community-powered feedback is the key to SlimComputer’s state-of-the-art cleaning.
    • AVG anti virus, a Cyber Bytes FAV!
    • Adobe Browser Lab for website testing
    • WeTransfer – for sending files
    • PrimoPDF is also free PDF converter
    • Hamster - another Free video converter
    • Skype – an obvious one but nevertheless great to keep in touch share files, share screens
    • Free social media icons to use for email, website, business cards, social networks etc
    • DaFont – Free Fonts
    ]]>     http://webwzrd.net/2012/03/26/cool-tools-for-march/feed/ 0     How can a website help your business? http://webwzrd.net/2012/03/21/how-can-a-website-help-your-business/ http://webwzrd.net/2012/03/21/how-can-a-website-help-your-business/#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:30:59 +0000 Jennifer Warriner http://webwzrd.net/?p=196 Don’t have a website, here are some ways it can help for those who haven’t stepped onto the bandwagon yet:

    • A website can help increase sales
    • It’s a very cost-effective way to reach customers
    • They expect to find your business online
    • Help provide all the information your customers need
    • Your customers won’t know you have the amenities they want unless you tell them (for hotels, RV parks, etc)
    • To supplement your other advertising
    • Including your web address in print ads provides far more information at a much lower cost
    • Visual appeal will attract customers to your business

    But we already have a website, how can Cyber Bytes help with a re-design?

    • Does your current website have IMPACT?
      Cyber Bytes can make you stand out!
    • Is your site attractive & easy to navigate?
      With Cyber Bytes, IT WILL BE!
    • Is your website up-to-date?
      Your customers expect current, accurate information.
    • Is your website incomplete?
      If a feature isn’t shown, they’ll assume you don’t have it.
    • Have your website designed by a professional in Marketing, Computers, and an avid RVer!

     

    Benefits of having Cyber Bytes perform your Website Design or Re-Design

    • We custom-design your website with your input and approval, whether we’re on-site or long-distance.
    • 100% satisfaction guaranteed! We work hard to ensure that you’re truly happy with the results.
    • Our extensive experience in Marketing, Computers & Search Engine Optimization will help ensure your business increases online.
    • Fast turnaround — typically 1 – 2 weeks.
    • We are always available for helpful support via e-mail or phone 24/7/365!!!
    ]]>     http://webwzrd.net/2012/03/21/how-can-a-website-help-your-business/feed/ 0