Your site has been updated automatically to the latest version of Wordpress

Wordpress software is quite user friendly. It even provides an automatic update feature, so you don't have to think abut it at all. Pretty cool, huh?! Or is it?

I received a call from a client today who had received one of those automatic update alert from her website, which is built on Wordpress. She had decided that her son was capable of handing the simple maintenance of her site, and she was working with on on her other internet marketing and presence. He son has set Wordpress to automatically update. In the last week alone, there has been three updates.

The problem is, that the update had a conflict something else that was installed on her website and now her website wasn't working. Some pages were goobly gook and others were totally crashed.

In a panic, she called and begged hoping there was a simple fix. The answer was maybe and sort of.

I asked a very important question - "When was the last time you did a full backup of your site?"  Her answer was the key to how easily (or not) her site could be restored.  Her website had been backed up only a month ago. Good.
However, since that time her son had made several updates to plugins, changed a few settings and then set Wordpress to automatically update. Not so good. In short, her update was outdated.

She was advised that it was still possible to restore her website to that previous backup, however, any changes her son had made since that date would not be included. And she would still have to  update Wordpress.

It's not uncommon for a conflict to occur between on outdated plug in and Wordpress. It's also not uncommon for two plugins to dislike each other. Some developers never update their plugin or offer support once it's been released.

Putting her site back online also meant she needed to troubleshoot what may have caused the conflict so it didn't happen again.

Fortunately for her we were able to get her back online in a few hours and our regular rush fee. The glitch was a conflict between an outdated plugin and the new version of Wordpress.  All it takes is one line of code to cause a conflict.  We found a few other questionable areas in the code of her old theme (we didn't design) that also prevent her site from converting well on mobile devices. That's an entirely different fix.

It's all good for her now. Her son now knows that although automatic updates can be convenient, they can also be costly.  He will be doing more backups now.

Your website is your brand online.  Regardless of how someone may have heard of your, they will attempt to learn more about you from your online presence.

 For assistance, training or consultation with your internet presence, call 800-569-8279

FBI warns, Wordpress sites are a target for malicious code and hackers

This is not a joke, but a serious warning for persons with Wordpress sites that are not being managed well. Like many modern software packages, WordPress is updated regularly to address new security issues that may arise, however some websites do not allow for automatic, or do not check often for necessary updates, and are left running old, potentially vulnerable versions.

WordPress hacking is not new. WordPress is attractive to hackers simply by virtue of being so popular. Studies show that over 60% of websites are build on a WordPress platform, and less than half of those are updated on any regular basis. Not only is it bad for marketing to have an old website, it is a security breech waiting to happen.

If you delegate the management of your website to a company or person outside of your organization, you may not be aware of how much protection you need, and if you are getting it. If you work on a WordPress platform, you are aware of how many times a plug in or theme needs an update. If you are running security software on your site, you may also see how many times an attempted hack has been thwarted. If you are not running security software on your site, you are simply opening yourself up to trouble.

Although you may think your site is too small or not important enough to hackers to be a target, you could find that some hackers get a kick out of hacking small sites for practice, fun and bragging rights. If you are hacked it is disruptive and often costly in terms of lost business revenue and expenditures on technical services to repair infected computer systems. 

Keeping your site secure may seem complex and tedious, however, it is important.

The solution:
1. Check your site daily and update themes, plug-ins and software..
2. Use an administrative log-in other than "Admin"
3. Use strong passwords and change them often
4. Install and keep updated security software on your computer and your website
5. Use a plug-in that limits the amount of log-ins
6. Keep all your plug-ins updated.
7. Be proactive about protecting your website
8. Use a security software/plug-in that alerts you when someone attempts to hack your site
9. Make sure the computers you use are free of spyware, malware, and virus infections.
10. Always keep your operating system and the software on it, especially your web browser, up to date to protect you from security vulnerabilities.
11. Make sure you are running secure, stable versions of your web server and the software on it.
12. Update the firewall rules on your home router
13. Be careful about what networks you work from, ie: free WIFi is NOT secure and neither are the passwords you use when on these free networks.
14. Work with a competent internet management person or firm who will stay on top of all this for you.

eCommerce sites need to be extra aware of potential hacks, so as not to lose customers and/or revenue.

Two recent vulnerabilities in shopping cart plugins/software were reported:
     X-Cart contains multiple vulnerabilities. Read the alert here
     In March a serious SQL injection vulnerability was discovered in WooCommerce. If you use WooCommerce, it should be updated ASAP.

A strong recommendation: ecommerce sites should follow PCI compliance and always be https regardless of how many products and regardless of whether you are using a plug-in or special links directly to your payment processor.

If you don't know the status of the internal workings and code of your website, now is the time. Either consult with your webmaster for a full report, get educated and check for yourself or seek a consultation with a person or firm that can help you.

FYI: the link to the FBI press release: http://1.usa.gov/1NUgobq

If you think your internet presence or your website needs an checkup, let's talk. Click to email us. We'll listen first, look at your online presence and then offer our recommendations. One size does not fit all.The solution for you should be unique to your business and goals. 

Is your website mobile friendly? Did you get an email from Google asking you to fit it?

What does it mean for a site to be mobile friendly? The top three things are:
1.) Test that can be read without having to scroll
2.) Images that automatically resize
3.) No Flash software use.

As mobile devices are fast becoming the #1 method of accessing the internet, Google has started to send emails to non-mobile website owners to advise them that it't time for a facelift, if not a full redesign. Just because you think your site is attractive,doesn't mean that Google agrees.

An email from Google seen below:

 Some people found out by accident, or are still in the dark, because this notice is usually sent to the webmaster of the site.

Visit your own website on the internet. Do you have to scroll to read the test? Go through each page. How easy is it to read by someone who doesn't know what it should be saying?

A website that hasn't been redesigned for over 4 years is not only out of date in design, it is out of date in functionality - two things that hurt your SEO and potential new clients.

If your website is not delivering the results you need or it's in need of a face-lift to become mobile friendly, let's talk. Click to email us.   We'll listen first to your goals, research your Internet presence and provide our solutions to meet your unique objectives.

Photos can either boost your marketing efforts or cost you.

Using photos to market your business is very effective when done properly.  Photos can give your message "reach". In marketing terms "reach" is how far and how long your marketing message will travel on your behalf.

When posting photos on Social Media, they have stronger marketing value when a quote is on the photo and even more so, when your web address is on the photo. This way when people share your photo, they are sharing your attitude and web address.  

If you have a cache of photos (not necessarily product image photos) that you are planning on using online, please consider the following:

 

1.) Just because you find a photo online does not make it public domain. Be aware of any copyrights, or use photos that you have obtained from verifiable public domain sources. Keep a record of where you obtain photos to prevent a huge legal problem coming from the copyright owner in the future. This includes stills from old TV shows, logos and professional (and paparazzi) photos of entertainers.

To make it easy, we use spreadsheet.

 

 

As example, Getty Images sends out threatening letters and an invoices when they find one of their photos being used. They are not always right, however. If you have record of your source and you can prove you obtained it legally, it can prevent fines from Getty and other similar photo suppliers.  "Somebody else posted it first and I did what they did" is not a defense. This reminds me of what a judge said in traffic court when one driver attempted to use as a defense , " other people were speeding on the road, some going faster than him. Why didn't the cops ticket them? The judge simply answered " The police officer caught you."

 

2.) Quotes and cute quips get "liked" and shared most often. Sales pitches attached to photos rarely do.  If you have a favorite saying  or quip by a well know person, that supports your business, ie: health related, incorporate that into your photo. Be careful not to use copyright material here as well.  You can also boost your professional image by writing your own original quotes and using them on your photos.

 

3.) When posting, keep your posts in an album (ie: Facebook, G+) or a specific board (ie: Pinterest). This way when someone likes one photos, they can also view the others more easily. The more they view, the more they often they will like and share.

The best results are achieved when your content is UNIQUE, CLEAR, CURRENT, EDUCATIONAL, CONCISE, RELEVANT, ENGAGING and CONSISTENT.

If you think your marketing needs an overhaul, let's talk. Click to email us. We'll listen first, look at your online presence and then offer our recommendations. One size does not fit all.The solution for you should be unique to your business and goals.

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WIIFM What's In It For Me?

Are you answering the all important question being asked by your customers/prospects/clients?

Everyday I receive calls from prospective clients telling me their site needs better SEO because they are not getting enough traffic, sales or new clients.  When I ask for more information, I seldom hear an answer that indicates that they understand what really makes their website provide the results they are seeking, their definition of success.

To begin with, the overused acronym SEO is seldom understood, and unfortunately is not the holy grail.  Just adding keywords (same used by your competitors) is not enough. Copying content from other sites, even manufacturers of your products, or content from affiliates can cause your page to lose rank, or not show up at all. The new search algorithms were designed to ignore duplicate content sites, and even penalize those that are entirely copies. See my post from last week: How to Kill Your Website with Duplicate Content

You have two sources of customers - those that already know you and those that find you through your marketing.  To get the best results from your website, your content and appearance MUST appeal to your target market, your desired customer. Those that know  you will usually place less focus on your marketing appearance, whereas, those that don't know you are always looking for  WIIFM - What's in in for me? It's similar to a radio signal being set to one priority channel. They are listening (reading) to see why they should hire you, do business with you or refer to you. They want that answered immediately upon visiting your website.

What about your business sets you apart from competition?
1) Do  you have the best service? Everyone says that. What makes you different that tells your prospective customer/client What's In It For Them?
2.) Is it all about money? Everyone says that. What makes you different and better?
3.) What do you give your customers that is unique about you, and satisfies WIIFM?

Are you marketing to your clients according to your customer/clients seasons and needs?
     Have you noticed what is being advertised during various times of the year? During the holidays, it's price, as well as drugs for stress, anxiety and overeating. November and December are two of the most highly traveled months. This causes need for travel accommodations, stress control and car accidents increase. Can you solve any of those?
     January is the month you will see ads for weight loss - why? Because over 60% of the population puts "lose weight" on their New Years Resolutions.
     Every month has a holiday or special event that you can use to increase awareness to you and your offerings. Be proactive and plan your marketing around events and activities that appeal to your prospective customer/client.

Content should be UNIQUE, CLEAR, CURRENT, EDUCATIONAL, CONCISE, RELEVANT, ENGAGING and CONSISTENT.

Do you have a marketing strategy that addresses these questions? If not, December is know as "Write a Business Plan Month"


If you think your website needs an overhaul, let's talk. Click to email us. We'll listen first, look at your online presence and then offer our recommendations. One size does not fit all.The solution for you should be unique to your business and goals.


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How to Kill Your Website With Duplicate Content

It happened again this week. A potential client came to us to find out why their website wasn't drawing traffic. When we ran his site though our software and manual research we discovered his site was over 60% duplicate content. The sites that carried the same content had additional unique and fresh content, plus other SEO activities, making them more desirable to search engines. To change the results he was getting would require a rewrite of the majority of his website. To change the results, you have to change what you are currently doing. Something he is still pondering.

 How many times have you visited a website and thought "Have I been here before?" That feeling of Déjà vu may just be that you are reading content that someone copied from someone else, who copied it from someone else and so on......

 This happens for one of a few reasons:
1.) Lazy webmasters who do a web search for content and simply copy and paste.
 2.) Content is deliberately duplicated in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings or win more traffic.
3.) Site owners are carrying popular products and have difficulty creating unique content.
 4.) Site owners are publishing articles on their site an then copying the same articles onto blogs and several article sites.

Duplicate content can hurt your website. It will hurt your ranking, and couple potentially cause negative user experience. 

According to Google, somewhere between 25% to 30% of the content on the web is duplicative.

Search engines prefer to show one of those pages of content in their search results. Google, for example, takes all the duplicates and groups them into a cluster. They will then show the best of the results in that cluster. Which may or may not be your website. If you search for the content on your site, and your website isn't the one that appears, you may be included in the cluster and without other unique content and SEO, your site may not rank high enough to be seen.

 The solution is to
1.) Consider what results you want to receive when doing a search for something.
2.) Create unique, useful and quality content.
3.) Add testimonials to add unique content.
4.) If you are writing articles limit the exposure of the full article to your website and/or blog. Post excerpts or comments on other genuinely authoritative sites with links back to your website.

With the new updates in search algorithms, it has become even more important to take the time to make your website uniquely yours.

Content should be UNIQUE, CLEAR, CURRENT, EDUCATIONAL, CONCISE,  RELEVANT, ENGAGING and CONSISTENT.


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Keeping the content on your website current and updated regularly with helpful and relevant information is very important. So if your website hasn't been updated in a while, regardless of how attractive it might be or how important you think that information is, it may be time to tweak, add to, change or restructure your website for better results.

If you think your website needs an overhaul, let's talk. Click to email us. We'll listen first, look at your online presence and then offer our recommendations. One size does not fit all.The solution for you should be unique to your business and goals.

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