Web Design Devon: What Is A Domain Name? - Updated for July 2016

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A domain is a name that identifies IP addresses on the internet. The domain name Yahoo.com represents about fifteen (15) IP addresses. Domain names are used to identify Web pages. For example, in the URL http://www.gohome.com/index.html, the domain name is gohome.com.

You register a domain name by registering with a domain name services registrar. The domain name industry is regulated and overseen by ICANN, which is an organization responsible for providing standards and procedures for certifying companies as domain name registrars.

Domain name registration has grown over the years. Network Solutions was the first domain name registrar to ever provide such a service. That was over ten years ago but today there are many accredited registrars. Only a domain name registrar is permitted to access and modify the master database domains that are on InterNIC servers. The fee is determined by the registrar as far as getting a domain name and some registers have special domain name packages.

Do You Really Need a Domain Name?

You use a domain name to create an identity on the World Wide Web and domain names can also be used for branding purposes, such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc. In picking a domain name, the title shouldn’t stray far from what your company is all about. This will allow you to market your web-site as a subsidiary of your business and put your domain name on business cards and advertisements.

Once you select a domain name, you must register it with a domain name registrar. This is a task you can do easily. Many ISPs offer a complete package that includes hosting and the registering of the domain name for you. Fees probably will include a one time set-up fee for all of the backend technical work that needs to be accomplished. Then pay your service provider a monthly, semi-annual or annual fee for Web site hosting services.

Many domain registrar services have competent online tools to help you get your domain name and hosting site up and running.

What Next?

If you have been thinking about setting up a new website, or your existing site doesn’t work for you (or just needs updating), call us on 01271 324 841 or get in touch with us without any obligation at http://rightclickseo.co.uk/company/contact/.

We’ll do our level best to answer your questions without resorting to complicated jargon and industry-speak and then you can decide for yourself whether this service is something you would be interested in.

Web Design Devon: What Is A Mobile App? - Updated for July 2016

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You’ve probably heard the term APP over the last couple years and may have felt “out of the loop” so to speak. Well that’s probably because you don’t own a smart phone, because if you did, you would have a lot of “APPs” on it. APPs is an abbreviated term for applications, or formerly known as software programs. The term “APPs” became widely accepted after Apple opened their APP Store that offered for sale – games, music, and software programs for its iPhone and iPod devices. But now “APPs” is ubiquitous among all smart phone producers and software designers.

As far as a mobile app is concerned they are generally smaller, less intensive programs that can be installed on a user’s smart phone. Many smart phone users have dozens of these APPs installed on their smart phone. Because of the streamlined programming for these apps, quickly opening and closing them, one after the other is a common practice and is inherently characteristic of all OS platforms.

Let’s take the iPhone for example. When you first purchase one there are actually a few mobile apps installed already. A browser for example, which will allow you to surf the Internet. Apple owns their own browser called Safari and it’s on all iPhones. There are also other standard APPs on the iPhone such as the calendar, a clock, a YouTube browser, a compass, and a calculator. The world of APPs is really pushed by the software programmers that develop new applications based on one or more OS platforms. The most popular mobile APPs work on all mobile platforms including the iPhone, blackberry, and Android smart phones.

Some of the more popular mobile APPs come from existing online businesses that create APPs that help with traffic and usage of their website. Twitter and Facebook each have their own APP that you can download on any phone, which will allow a more simplistic user interface specifically designed for use on small touch screens. There are also book reading APPs from Apple itself called iBooks, and Kindle has its own APP as well allowing you to read books from Amazon on your cell phone!

You could probably go to any of your favorite websites, news organizations, or games and find an application for them. CNN, NBC, the New York Times, they all have one. And it’s not just reading because a lot of these APPs are real tools. Some of which you can talk to, draw or paint on – at least in a digital sense – create music, and learn from via video training or other online courses. Need a recipe? Yep – you can download recipe programs that help you decide what to make based on what’s in your fridge. Need to squeeze in a quick practice game of chess before your next class? There’s lots of chess games in the APPs store, and the business of creating games for mobile APPs is actually a massive industry unto itself.

One of the reasons why these apps are so popular is because they’re usually pretty inexpensive to buy, some of them even free. Sure you can spend maybe £20 – £30 for a few of them but most are around £0.69 to £5. That makes it pretty easy for the consumer to buy these mobile APPs thus creating more sales and consistent profits for smart phone manufacturers.

What Next?

If you have been thinking about taking advantage of the huge mobile market, then do call us on 01271 324 841 – or for more information visit our website at http://rightclickseo.co.uk/company/contact/.

We’ll do our level best to answer your questions without resorting to complicated jargon and industry-speak and then you can decide for yourself whether this service is something you would be interested in.

Web Design Devon: What is Web Hosting? - Updated for July 2016

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A web hosting service provides a service that allows individuals and businesses to post web pages to the internet. A web hosting service provider sells or for free (with advertisements on the web page) is a business that provides the servers and technologies to view web-sites on the internet.

Web hosting services are services that customers can utilize after they have purchased monthly dial up or broadband services that allow them access to the internet. Web hosting services use hosting and client architecture to load content to the server so web pages and information can be viewed on the internet in its original HTML format.

A web hosting company will offer clients access to a server that will provide the clients’ content to individuals on the World Wide Web after they make a URL or domain name request. To view pages on the web, you must have a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator to request the web page from the server after you have purchased internet access.

Web sites are pages that are stored on a computer called a server. The server is a part of a network of computers on the internet or World Wide Web that allows users of the internet to reach your site anywhere in the world at anytime. The internet is open 24 hours, seven days a week around the clock.

Host computers are configured so that when your URL or domain name is typed in, the address will use a pointer routine (look for the address from terminal to terminal) until it reaches the computer that hosts your web-site. Then, if all is okay, your web site should display itself on the users screen.

Hosting companies require that you buy your URL or domain name first before you purchase hosting services. Most hosting companies have a package that will allow you to buy the domain name and hosting at the same time.

Social Media Devon: Five Ways to Market Your Social Media Management Services - Updated for July 2016

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Marketing your social media management services to decision makers is one of the toughest things you may face. Being a social media manager should give you some insight on successful ways to sell your services to those potential clients that may still be “on the fence” as to whether or not they want to “take the plunge.”

First of all, you need to have a portfolio. In that portfolio, you need to make sure it’s detailed. Make sure it is neat and ready for presenting to those that you plan on marketing your services to. Ensure you include some examples of statistics for previous clients. This would need to be similar to a comparative analysis. You want to show potential clients what you can do for their business. These decision makers want to understand why your services are valuable. You will have to prove yourself to them by showing them statistics that are real, and results of your work.

Sad but true – even some of the largest executives in corporations are not going to immediately understand how valuable social media can be to their business. Much of this is due to the fact that they do not understand how it all works. It’s not because these people are not well-educated. Many times it’s just simply the unknown. They may be an expert in their field, but they have no idea how, when or where to begin a successful social media campaign.

Some great ways to market your social media management services are:

1. Design a website that contains current statistics and data related to your ongoing projects. Include information about competitors as well. You also need to make sure you completely understand metrics and analytics of websites. Include success stories and testimonials in your sites content.

2. Do what you do and sell what you sell. This simply means that you need to turn to the social media sites in order to help funnel those prospects into customers.

3. Webinars are a great way to sell your services. Invite prospects to attend. This is a great way to display your data, speak with them and let them know what you can do for their company.

4. Place ads online or in the local news publications. When you are first getting started, this is a great way to spread the word. Word of mouth is also a good way to let others know what you are involved in.

5. Put your creativity in action and use your knowledge to market your skills. Think in terms of how you handle social media campaigns for clients and put those proven methods to work for you. If it works for them, most likely it will begin to work for you.

Marketing is never an easy task and as time goes on, it becomes more competitive. Making that first connection with a prospect is where it all begins. Make it count! It’s the initial step that will open the door and allow you the opportunity to turn those prospects into paying clients.

What Next?

If you have been thinking about getting onto Facebook or Twitter, but don’t know what the first steps should be, call us on 01271 324 841 or get in touch with us without any obligation at http://rightclickseo.co.uk/company/contact/.

We’ll do our level best to answer your questions without resorting to complicated jargon and industry-speak and then you can decide for yourself whether this service is something you would be interested in.

Social Media Devon: Pros and Cons of Being a Social Media Manager - Updated for July 2016

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Being a social media manager has its share of benefits and rewards, but on the other hand, you will quickly discover the job itself has a few challenges. There are pros and cons in every job. The job of social media manager is no different. Let’s start with the bad news first, and take a look at some of the cons when it comes to being a social media manager.

First of all, you want to make sure you have a method of keeping your clients’ information safe. Sometimes too much information on social networks can cause sensitive information to be compromised. The last thing you want to do is create an unsafe environment for any of your clients. Use strategy and don’t give out too much confidential information. Keep your anti-virus software up to date.

It’s not always easy to track information online. Actually it can be quite a challenge when dealing with multiple social media sites. You are most likely going to have to invest in a modern day social media monitoring tool. This is going to be an initial investment that is going to require constant updates.

Complaints, bad reviews and inaccurate information are things you will most likely have to deal with on a routine basis. Even the best-known companies with the best consumer reviews are going to have issues with some customers. One negative statement about a client can harm their reputation. You need to make sure you have armed yourself and can tactfully deal with these situations as they arise.

Profit-driven social media isn’t easy. Developing a social media campaign that is profitable can be quite the challenge.

Being a social media manager can be very time-consuming. You must be “on top” of your campaign and be routinely active. Be ready to devote a great deal of time and effort to get your campaign off the ground and running smoothly.

Now that we’ve taken a look at the cons, let’s get some positivity going, because after all is said and done, that’s what social media is all about, right? As a social media manager, you want to help your client shine online!

Social media activity, when done correctly, will help make your client’s presence known online. Properly done, social media marketing can help a business rank higher in the search engine results.

Turning prospects into customers is another great benefit when working on social media campaigns. A good social media manager will devote a great deal of time interacting with and exchanging conversation with potential and current customers.

As you can see, there are a few pros and a few cons, but there are ways to overcome the challenges involved. Social media is a great way to interact with others and is becoming increasing popular. Social media is a great way to tune in to what society wants. It is also a great way to find new customers. Through your efforts, you will discover that you are building relationships for your clients that could possibly last a lifetime.

What Next?

If you have been thinking about getting onto Facebook or Twitter, but don’t know what the first steps should be, call us on 01271 324 841 or get in touch with us without any obligation at http://rightclickseo.co.uk/company/contact/.

We’ll do our level best to answer your questions without resorting to complicated jargon and industry-speak and then you can decide for yourself whether this service is something you would be interested in.

Web Design Devon: Mobile Marketing – Ways To Reach Your Customers On Their Mobile Devices - Updated for July 2016

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Marketing is ever evolving, and so must you. Know how to bring technology to your advantage. Here are some of the top ways to reach customers on their mobile device;

1. SMS and MMS Marketing.

Since the introduction of mobile phones back in early 2000s, SMS or text marketing has evolved as another important medium of direct advertising. SMS marketing mainly involves the collection of consumer mobile phone numbers usually by registration of the customer using a ‘keyword’ sent to a ‘short code.’ Upon registration, the customer mobile phone number is added to a messaging platform database which sends mass messages of special promotions or updates. Because SMS marketing provides some sort of a personalized update system from a firm, it does not only help in convincing potential repeat customers but also builds the foundation for a customer ‘brand loyalty.’

MMS (Multimedia Message Service) marketing is almost the same as SMS marketing in terms of its function. The main difference is perhaps MMS messages are ‘media rich.’ With higher functionalities, this type of advertising is generally more interactive. MMS messages may even contain links that can drive traffic to websites.

2. Mobile Web Marketing

Mobile devices are frequently connected to the web, and this has always been one the key features that consumers always ask for. Most of them purchase theirs primarily for the privilege of accessing the web anytime and anywhere. And this is where you must take advantage. Common yet powerful means of mobile web marketing include mobile search advertising programs, social media marketing, and even e-mail newsletters.

3. Mobile Apps

Mobile games and other applications are already a growing market, and a potential growing market is always an opportunity for a marketer. Sponsoring a few apps is always a good idea, but as a rule of thumb, these apps should be specific to your target niche. App-advertising is still relatively new, and developers are still seeking more ways to integrate ads without disrupting overall customer experience. Sponsoring apps may be expensive, but when properly done, rewards sure are promising.

4. QR Codes

QR, or Quick Response codes is a type of a matrix bar code originally created for tracking purposes. They however, became popular for other uses such as storing information. Mobile devices nowadays have the ability to read and save quick response codes by simply ‘swapping them.’ These QRs codes may store important information such as addresses, contact details and website URLs. They may be placed in any form of advertising media such as banners, newsletters, and even magazines. In addition to advertising platforms, QR codes can also be strategically placed on places or objects where users might need information. The convenience of using QR codes to store information on the consumer’s part makes it a very appealing form of mobile marketing technique.

5. User Controlled Means

Bluetooth, infrared, WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), and other means of data transfer can provide the pipeline of an effective viral marketing. In this type of mobile marketing, it is the users themselves that introduce new potential customers for you. Mobile content can be virally promoted most effectively by referrals. Here, users encourage their friends to try a service in exchange for some points or other benefits. Users themselves are your marketing tools. Cunning as it can be, this marketing technique has already been proven effective.

What Next?

If you have been thinking about taking advantage of the huge mobile market, then do call us on 01271 324 841 – or for more information visit our website at http://rightclickseo.co.uk/company/contact/.

We’ll do our level best to answer your questions without resorting to complicated jargon and industry-speak and then you can decide for yourself whether this service is something you would be interested in.