The 10 Best Marketing Books to Skyrocket Your Business Online
The digital world is a vast ocean of information and options, making it challenging to find high-quality content that truly stands out. Moreover, the constant contradictions in online advice can leave you feeling lost and unsure of which path to follow.
We get it – we’ve been there too.
That’s why our list of the top 10 marketing books is based on personal recommendations from individuals who’ve experienced a significant shift in their thinking and online strategies after reading these books.
This compilation of the best marketing books aims to guide you towards valuable reads that may initially seem overly focused on sales but provide profound insights that can transform your approach to online business.
1. Russell Brunson – “Clickfunnels: Secrets Trilogy”
Russell Brunson is a name synonymous with online marketing, and he’s the brains behind ClickFunnels, a company that’s revolutionised sales funnels.
In the “Clickfunnels: Secrets Trilogy,” Brunson not only demystifies sales funnels but also shows you how to implement them effectively to boost your online business.
Beyond his books, Russell Brunson also offers valuable software and courses designed to take your online marketing to the next level. ClickFunnels, the software platform he created, simplifies the process of building high-converting sales funnels.
Moreover, his “One Funnel Away Challenge” is a dynamic, 30-day program where you receive daily lessons and tasks that guide you in creating a profitable sales funnel from scratch. This challenge has been a game-changer for countless entrepreneurs looking to transform their online business.
2. Sabri Suby – “Sell Like Crazy”
Sabri Suby, the founder of King Kong, one of the fastest-growing digital marketing agencies, shares his secrets in “Sell Like Crazy.”
This book isn’t just about sales tactics; it’s a blueprint for crafting a winning marketing strategy.
Suby’s insights into digital marketing, lead generation, and conversion optimisation will propel your online business to new heights.
You might recognise Alex Hormozi for his attention-grabbing Facebook ads with yellow headlines and emojis. In “$100M Offers,” Hormozi unveils the strategies and principles that helped him build a multimillion-dollar fitness empire.
If you want to learn the art of crafting compelling offers that drive massive sales, this book is a game-changer.
4. Seth Godin – “Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable”
Seth Godin’s “Purple Cow” challenges you to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
The book emphasises the importance of being remarkable, of creating products and marketing campaigns so extraordinary that they become the talk of the town.
In a digital world overflowing with mediocrity, Godin’s insights will inspire you to create marketing that truly captivates your audience.
5. Ryan Holiday – “Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator”
Ryan Holiday’s book provides a fascinating look into the world of online media manipulation.
By understanding the tactics and tricks used to generate buzz and coverage, you’ll gain valuable insights into how to leverage the media for your online marketing efforts.
It’s a gripping read that will make you question the authenticity of online news.
6. Gary Vaynerchuk – “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World”
Gary Vaynerchuk, a social media guru, breaks down the art of storytelling in the digital age. In “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook,” he teaches you how to craft compelling narratives and deliver them effectively on various social media platforms.
With Gary’s guidance, you’ll learn to connect with your audience in a noisy online world.
7. Ann Handley – “Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content”
In today’s digital landscape, content is king. Ann Handley’s “Everybody Writes” is your ultimate guide to creating engaging and high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Whether you’re writing blog posts, emails, or social media updates, Handley’s tips and strategies will help you become a more effective content creator.
8. Scott Galloway – “The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google”
In “The Four,” Scott Galloway dissects the dominance of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google in the digital landscape.
By understanding the strategies and tactics employed by these tech giants, you can gain valuable insights into the digital marketing landscape and adapt your own strategies accordingly.
9. Tim Ferriss – “Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers”
While not exclusively a marketing book, Tim Ferriss’s “Tools of Titans” is a treasure trove of wisdom from some of the world’s most successful individuals.
Within its pages, you’ll find valuable marketing insights, productivity hacks, and life lessons that can help you excel in the world of online business.
10. Nir Eyal – “Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products”
Nir Eyal’s “Hooked” takes you deep into the psychology of consumer behaviour and reveals the secrets behind building habit-forming products.
In an era where user engagement and retention are key to online success, Eyal’s book provides invaluable insights into what makes certain products addictive and how you can apply these principles to your online business.
By understanding the psychology behind habit formation, you’ll be better equipped to create products and experiences that keep your customers coming back for more.
Whether you’re developing a new app, website, or online service, “Hooked” is an essential guide to help you create products that users can’t resist.
In conclusion, these 10 marketing books offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone looking to grow their business online.
Whether you’re just starting or seeking to refine your digital marketing strategies, these books will equip you with the tools and insights needed to succeed in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Happy reading!
Website Maintenance: Do I Really Need It?
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, it’s not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have to establish yourself online. Regardless of whether you’re managing an online store, a blog about your personal experiences, or a website for your business, taking care of your digital space has never been more important. This is where our comprehensive website maintenance guide comes in. We’re here to delve into the nitty-gritty of this essential task and address a common query: Is it truly indispensable?
Understanding Website Maintenance
Basically, website maintenance means taking care of a website so it keeps working well. This involves doing regular things to make sure the site runs smoothly.
Website maintenance covers lots of tasks. The goal is to make sure your site stays safe, up to date, and functional for your target audience. This means doing things like fixing any broken links, looking out for any security problems, and updating different tools that help the website work.
Think of website maintenance as the foundation of having a successful online presence. Just like a house needs maintenance to stay in good condition, a website needs regular attention to keep it running smoothly.
7 Benefits of Website Maintenance
The advantages of keeping your website well-maintained go beyond just checking off tasks from a to-do list. It’s a smart decision that brings a many benefits. Let’s dive into why it’s worth considering the maintenance of your website:
1. Enhanced Security
Cyber threats are a real and constant danger in today’s online world. Regular maintenance helps identify and address security vulnerabilities, ensuring your website and its sensitive data remain safe from potential breaches.
2. Improved User Experience
Imagine visiting a website only to find broken links, slow-loading pages, and outdated content. It’s frustrating, right? Website maintenance ensures that your site functions seamlessly, offering visitors a smooth and enjoyable experience. This, in turn, leads to longer page visits, lower bounce rates, and a higher likelihood of conversions.
3. SEO Advantage
Search engines thrive on fresh and relevant content. Regular updates, improvements in site structure, and responsive design can positively impact your website’s search engine rankings. A well-maintained website signals to search engines that your site is valuable and authoritative, potentially boosting your visibility in search results.
4. Increased Website Speed
In today’s fast-paced world, speed matters. Slow-loading websites can drive users away in seconds. With website maintenance, you can optimise your site’s performance, implement caching techniques, and use content delivery networks (CDNs) to ensure that your website loads quickly and efficiently, regardless of the user’s location.
5. Data Backup and Recovery
Accidental data loss, server crashes, or malicious attacks can jeopardise your website’s content and functionality. Regular backups as part of website maintenance give you peace of mind, knowing that your data is secure and can be quickly restored if needed.
6. Strengthened Brand Image
A well-maintained website reflects professionalism and dedication. It’s often the first interaction users have with your brand, and a positive experience can leave a lasting impression. On the flip side, a poorly maintained website can deter potential customers and harm your brand’s credibility.
7. Cost Savings in the Long Run
Neglecting website maintenance might lead to major issues down the line. A security breach or a significant functionality breakdown could cost you not only financially but also damage your brand’s reputation. Regular maintenance helps you catch and address issues early, preventing them from escalating into costly problems.
What’s included in a Website Maintenance Plan?
At 10MILE Studio, we offer a comprehensive Website Care Plan that go beyond routine tasks to ensure your website remains secure, functional, and up-to-date. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from our Website Maintenance Plan:
Premium WordPress Managed Hosting: Our WordPress Managed Hosting provides a fast, secure and optimised environment for your website.
SSL Certificate: we include an SSL Certificate to encrypt data transmitted between your website and its users, giving your visitors the confidence that their information is safe.
Content Delivery Network (CDN): Our CDN ensures that your website’s content is delivered swiftly to users around the world, reducing loading times and enhancing the user experience.
WordPress Core Updates, Theme Updates, Plugin Updates: Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date is essential for security and compatibility. Our regular updates ensure your website is running on the latest, safest, and most efficient versions.
Daily Server and Weekly Cloud Backups: Accidents happen, but with our daily server and weekly cloud backups, your data is secure. In case of any mishaps, we can quickly restore your website to its previous state.
Broken Link Monitoring: Broken links can harm your website’s user experience and SEO. We monitor and fix broken links, ensuring that your visitors can navigate your site without frustration.
Website Security Checks: We conduct routine security checks to identify and address vulnerabilities, keeping malicious entities at bay and safeguarding your website and its visitors.
Functionality Monitoring: A glitchy website can lead to lost opportunities. Our functionality monitoring ensures that all features and functionalities are working as intended, providing a seamless experience to your visitors.
Emergency support and Immediate Response to Critical Issues: Sometimes, emergencies just pop up out of nowhere. It’s in moments like these that having a solid emergency support team really makes a difference. Here at 10MILE Studio, we totally get how pressing these situations can be. That’s why we’ve got your back with our emergency support included in our Website Maintenance Plan.
Conclusion: Do I Really Need Website Maintenance?
So, you’ve been exploring the ins and outs of website maintenance, and now you’re wondering, “Is it really necessary?” The answer, in a nutshell, is a resounding yes. Here’s why.
Your website isn’t just some digital real estate; it’s your virtual HQ, your digital storefront, the place where all the magic happens. Skipping out on proper maintenance? Well, that’s like inviting trouble over for a long stay.
Regular website maintenance is an investment in the smooth operation, security, and success of your online presence. Think of your website as a car – if you don’t change the oil, rotate the tires, and fix any issues that pop up, it won’t be long before your car starts breaking down on the side of the road. Similarly, neglecting website maintenance can lead to a gradual deterioration of your site’s performance, user experience, and security.
If you’ve got any more questions or need a hand with your website, feel free to reach out or book a free website audit below. We’ve got a team of experts ready to take care of all your website needs, so you can kick back and relax.
CDN stands for Content Delivery Network, and it’s a clever solution designed to make websites faster, more reliable, and accessible to users all around the world. Imagine your favorite online store or news website – whenever you click on a link or type a URL, your browser connects to a server hosting that website’s content. The server then sends the required files – like images, text, videos, and scripts – to your browser, which assembles them into the webpage you see.
Here’s where CDNs step in to revolutionise this process.
The Core Concept of CDNs
Imagine you’re a book lover and your favorite author’s new release is about to hit the stores. You could travel all the way to the publisher’s main office to get your copy, or the publisher could distribute the books to various local bookstores, making it much quicker and easier for you to access the book. This distribution network concept is similar to how CDNs work.
In essence, a CDN is a network of servers scattered across different geographical locations. These servers store cached (saved) copies of your website’s content. When a user visits your website, instead of fetching all the content from your main server, the CDN helps by delivering the content from the server nearest to the user’s location. This significantly reduces the distance the data needs to travel, resulting in faster load times.
Most Popular CDNs
Some big players in the CDN game include Cloudflare, Akamai, and Amazon CloudFront. These services have user-friendly setups that guide you through the process. After signing up, you might need to adjust your website’s settings a bit and sync your content with the CDN. It’s not as hard as it sounds!
In Conclusion
In a nutshell, CDNs are website performance boosters. They speed up load times by storing content on servers near users. This global network of servers reduces delays, distributes traffic, and even adds a layer of security. Popular CDN services make it simple to set up, meaning your website can enjoy these benefits without requiring technical know-how. So, next time you experience a fast and seamless website visit, you might just have a CDN to thank!
How to Clear Your Browser Cache on Desktop and Phone
What is cache?
In the digital world, “cache” is a bit like a secret storage spot where your browser tucks away copies of stuff from websites you’ve visited. We’re talking about web pages, images, those little scripts that make sites work smoothly – all saved up to make your browsing quicker. So, when you revisit a site, instead of starting from scratch, your browser can just pull out those cached copies and load faster.
But here’s the twist – this cache stuff can sometimes trip you up. It might make you see outdated content on a site or even hold onto private things like cookies or login details.
How do I clear my cache?
Clearing your browser cache is a quick and effective method to maintain an optimal browsing experience. It comes in handy when you face problems such as slow loading speeds, outdated content, or privacy issues. Here, we provide a guide on how to clear your cache on commonly used desktop and mobile browsers:
Google Chrome
How to Clear Cache on Google Chrome (Desktop)
Open Chrome.
Click the three dots in the top-right corner to open the menu.
Hover over “More tools” and select “Clear browsing data.”
Choose a time range or select “All time” to clear all data.
Check “Cached images and files” and any other data you want to clear.
Click “Clear data.”
How to Clear Cache on Google Chrome (Mobile)
Open Chrome.
Tap the three dots menu in Google Chrome.
Go to “History” and then “Clear browsing data.”
Select a time range or choose “All time.”
Check “Cached images and files” and other desired items.
Tap “Clear data.”
Safari
How to Clear Cache on Safari (Desktop)
Open Safari.
In the top menu, click on “Safari” and select “Preferences.”
Go to the “Privacy” tab.
Click “Manage Website Data.”
A list of websites will appear. Click “Remove All” to delete all cached data, or select specific sites and click “Remove” to delete data for those sites.
Confirm your choice by clicking “Remove Now.”
How to Clear Cache on Google Chrome (Mobile)
Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap on “Safari.”
Scroll down again and tap “Clear History and Website Data.”
Confirm your choice by tapping “Clear History and Data.”
Internet Explorer
How to Clear Cache on Internet Explorer (Desktop)
Open Internet Explorer.
Click the gear icon (Tools) in the top-right corner.
Select “Safety” and then “Delete browsing history.”
Check “Temporary Internet files and website files.”
Click “Delete.”
Firefox
How to Clear Cache on Firefox (Desktop)
Open Firefox.
Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
Select “Library” and then “History.”
Click “Clear Recent History.”
Choose a time range or select “Everything.”
Check “Cache” and any other desired items.
Click “Clear Now.”
How to Clear Cache on Android (Mobile)
Open Firefox.
Tap the three vertical lines in the top-right corner.
Go to “Settings” and then “Clear private data.”
Check “Cache” and any other desired items.
Tap “Clear Data.”
Microsoft Edge
How to Clear Cache on Microsoft Edge (Desktop)
Open Microsoft Edge.
Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
Scroll down and click “Settings.”
Under “Privacy, search, and services,” click “Choose what to clear.”
Check “Cached data and files” and any other desired items.
Click “Clear.”
How to Clear Cache on Microsoft Edge (Mobile)
Open Microsoft Edge.
Tap the three dots in the bottom menu.
Go to “Settings” and then “Privacy.”
Tap “Choose what to clear” under the “Clear browsing data” section.
Check “Cached images and files” and other desired items.
Tap “Clear.”
Clearing your browser cache might seem like a small task, but it can significantly improve your browsing experience by freeing up space and ensuring you have access to the latest website content. With this guide, you’re equipped to keep your browsers running smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices. Happy browsing!
Top Website Builders of 2023 Compared
Have you ever thought about creating your own website? Maybe you’ve got a hot new business idea, want to showcase your portfolio or share your thoughts with the world through a blog. Well, it’s never been easier to set up your digital home, thanks to the world of website builders. But with so many options out there, how do you choose?
Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! Let’s dive into the deep end and explore the top website builders of 2023.
What is a Website Builder?
If you’re new to the game, you might be wondering, “What is a website builder?” 🤔
A website builder is a tool or platform that allows you to create a website without needing to write all the code from scratch. Think of it as a Lego set for websites; you’ve got all these pre-made blocks and can put them together in any way you like.
Some are standalone platforms, while others, known as page builders, are plugins that integrate with a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress.
Standalone vs WordPress Builders
The eternal debate: standalone builders like Wix and Squarespace or WordPress with a page builder like Elementor or Divi.
Standalone builders are perfect for beginners – they’re often easy to use, all-inclusive, and come with hosting. The downside? Less flexibility compared to WordPress.
Standalone website builders generally offer limited flexibility in terms of design and functionality, and unless you’re savvy with coding, you may find yourself bound by the elements and sections they provide.
WordPress, on the other hand, is a world of limitless customisation – pair it with the right page builder and you’re off to the races. But it can be a bit overwhelming for beginners, and you’ll need to handle hosting yourself.
The Top Website Builders of 2023
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top website builders of 2023: Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, Shopify, Divi, Elementor, Oxygen and Bricks.
Standalone Website Builders
Standalone website builders are platforms that enable users to create and manage websites without the need for separate web hosting or content management systems (CMS). These builders provide all the necessary tools and features within a single platform, allowing users to design, customise, and publish their websites without requiring additional technical knowledge or external software.
Standalone website builders often offer drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-designed templates, and a range of built-in functionalities, making it easier for individuals and businesses to create professional-looking websites quickly and efficiently. Some popular standalone website builders include Wix, Squarespace, Webflow and Shopify.
Wix
Wix is a standalone website builder known for its drag-and-drop interface and vast template options. It’s ideal for total beginners looking to build visually appealing sites without touching a line of code.
One of the strongest points of Wix is its wide range of templates, all sorted into categories like business, photography, blogging, and more, making it easier for users to find the perfect design for their site.
Aside from the design aspect, Wix also provides built-in tools for SEO, social media integration, and email marketing, making it easier to manage everything in one place. It also includes hosting in its packages, taking away the hassle of finding and setting up a separate hosting provider.
For those who are interested in selling products or services online, Wix doesn’t disappoint either. Its eCommerce capabilities are robust, allowing you to manage your inventory, track orders, and even send automated tax and shipping calculations.
Despite its seemingly limitless functionalities, Wix is still remarkably user-friendly. Its platform is designed with beginners in mind, providing on-screen prompts and tutorials to guide you throughout the building process. And if you do run into any issues, Wix’s support team is just a few clicks away.
Pros
Cons
✅ Easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor, perfect for beginners. ✅ Wide variety of templates available. ✅ Flexible design allows you to move elements around and place them wherever you want. ✅ Wix’s built-in SEO tools help improve your site’s ranking on search engines. ✅ Free version that enables you to build and publish a website at no cost (though it includes limitations such as Wix branding on your site and no custom domain).
❌ Unable to switch templates once your site is live. ❌ Slower loading times compared to other builders. ❌ Limited design customisation compared to WordPress page builders. ❌ Ads on the free version, which may not give a professional appearance. ❌ SEO limitations in terms of advanced SEO compared to WordPress websites.
Ideal for… Wix is a versatile website builder that caters to various niches and is perfect for individuals with no web skills or basic knowledge. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and wide range of template options make it ideal for small businesses, creative professionals, and anyone looking to create their own website quickly, easily, and without a big investment.
Squarespace is yet another standalone website builder, so everything from building to hosting happens in one place. It’s fantastic for newcomers who’d rather avoid the nitty-gritty of coding.
Squarespace is especially loved for its collection of over 60 gorgeous, award-winning templates. Each one is meticulously designed, focusing on clean lines, stunning visuals, and modern design principles. What’s more, these templates are all mobile-responsive, ensuring your site will look fantastic on any device.
Unlike some of its competitors, Squarespace doesn’t offer a free version. However, the value offered in its premium plans more than makes up for it. These plans include access to 24/7 customer support, unlimited bandwidth and storage, and even a free custom domain (for the first year) – elements that are often paid extras elsewhere.
For businesses, creatives, and retailers, Squarespace provides excellent eCommerce capabilities. Its eCommerce tools are comprehensive, from selling unlimited products or services to having control over discounts and promotions. Squarespace’s eCommerce plans have zero transaction fees, so you keep more of your profits.
Overall, Squarespace is a solid choice if your priority is professional and modern design, and if you’re looking for an easy-to-use platform for website building. However, it’s important to note that unless you have some coding skills, you will need to work within the limitations of their predefined sections and templates when designing your website.
Pros
Cons
✅ Beautiful designs and modern templates. ✅ Great for creatives such as photographers, artists, and designers. ✅ Solid blogging features for content-heavy sites. ✅ eCommerce capabilities for online stores. ✅ Mobile-responsive templates.
❌ Limited customization options without coding knowledge. ❌ No free version is available; paid plans are required, with a 14-day free trial offered. ❌ Restrictive design templates that may not be suitable for all website types or brands. ❌ Higher pricing compared to other builders.
Ideal for… Squarespace is an excellent option for creating minimalist websites, particularly for niches such as photographers, artists, designers, and creative professionals who place a high value on aesthetics. With its sleek templates and robust blogging features, Squarespace provides a great platform for showcasing portfolios and sharing visual content.
Webflow is a standalone platform that bridges the gap between no-code convenience and the flexibility of manual coding. It’s great for businesses looking for more control over their site.
It’s a standalone platform that seamlessly blends the ease of no-code design with the comprehensive flexibility that manual coding affords. Webflow has been particularly embraced by designers and developers who seek granular control over their site’s look and feel.
Webflow’s design flexibility is truly impressive. Unlike many drag-and-drop builders, it allows you to design your website exactly as you want, down to the very pixel. You’re not constrained to a grid or tied to predefined sections or templates. Yet, it presents this freedom in an interface that’s surprisingly user-friendly, with the CSS and HTML handled behind the scenes. You can create and manipulate complex layouts without having to write a single line of code.
Aside from its design prowess, Webflow boasts a built-in CMS that you can customise to suit your content perfectly. You can define your own content types, integrate with other platforms, and even add dynamic content to your site. This level of control makes Webflow a popular choice for blogs, portfolios, and business sites alike.
For those who are e-commerce-inclined, Webflow also offers robust e-commerce functionality. You can customise your entire shopping cart experience, set up secure payments, and even automate tax and shipping calculations. All these happen in the same Webflow interface, making for a seamless user experience.
Webflow’s cons lie in its learning curve. It is a bit more complex than traditional website builders, and it might take some time to get used to its interface. However, considering the level of control and flexibility it offers, many consider it’s worth the investment of time and effort.
In conclusion, Webflow occupies a sweet spot between simplicity and power. It’s perfect for designers seeking more control, businesses that need a powerful CMS, or anyone looking to push the boundaries of their web design without diving into manual code.
Without a doubt, Webflow sits at the top of our list of favourite standalone website builders.
Pros
Cons
✅ Full design customization for complete control over the look and feel of their site. ✅ Integration with various third-party apps. ✅ CMS functionality that makes content management easy. ✅ Advanced features for designing complex animations and interactions. ✅ eCommerce capabilities for creating online stores.
❌ Steeper learning curve compared to other website builders. ❌ Interface lacks the same level of intuitiveness as other builders.
Ideal for… Webflow bridges the gap between the convenience of no-code website builders and the flexibility of manual coding. It is a fantastic choice for any business that want to enjoy the convenience of using a website builder platform while retaining full design flexibility and avoiding limitations on features. With Webflow, you can create highly customised and interactive sites without needing extensive coding knowledge.
Shopify is a standalone eCommerce website builder specifically tailored for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. It’s perfect for those looking to start or scale their online store without getting tangled up in complex coding or technical setup.
Shopify is the go-to choice for many online entrepreneurs for good reason. It offers an all-in-one commerce platform that lets you start, grow, and manage a business. You can customise your online store, sell in multiple places, including web, mobile, social media, and even brick-and-mortar locations, and easily manage products, inventory, and shipping.
But the appeal of Shopify extends far beyond aesthetic customisation and selling capabilities. It offers a comprehensive management tool suite that ensures your online store runs smoothly. You can easily manage your products, keep track of your inventory, and oversee shipping logistics. Shopify’s admin panel provides you a clear snapshot of your business’s performance, with reports and analytics to help you make informed decisions.
For those less confident in their web design skills, Shopify provides a range of pre-made themes – both free and paid. These themes are professionally designed and fully responsive, ensuring your store looks great on any device.
Designing a Shopify store is as simple as choosing (or purchasing) and installing a theme. While the prices of themes might look high, compared to the time and money required to build a custom e-commerce store, they are quite affordable.
In terms of support, Shopify has you covered. With 24/7 access to customer service via email, live chat, and phone, you can get answers to your queries or issues anytime.
While Shopify plans may be more expensive compared to some other website builders, its powerful capabilities and user-friendly interface make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about running a successful online store. In eCommerce, Shopify stands out as a comprehensive, reliable, and powerful platform.
Pros
Cons
✅ Tailored for eCommerce and designed specifically for online stores. ✅ Easy to use – even without coding or web knowledge, you can set up a store quickly. ✅ Extensive App Store to enhance your store’s functionality. ✅ POS system for selling in physical locations. ✅ Dropshipping integration with apps like Oberlo for seamless dropshipping.
❌ Pricing can be high. ❌ Transaction fees may apply (waived or reduced with Shopify’s own payment gateway). ❌ Limited blogging features. ❌ Customisation beyond themes requires coding.
Ideal for… Shopify is the ultimate website builder for online stores. It’s the go-to choice, especially if you’re looking to sell products online. With its eCommerce-focused approach, Shopify is perfect for entrepreneurs, businesses, and individuals wanting to dive into the world of online shopping. It offers a hub of powerful features, smooth integrations, and reliable payment processing capabilities, making it a top pick for online retailers across different industries.
WordPress page builders are like supercharged plugins or themes that take your WordPress content management system (CMS) to the next level. If you’re not familiar with WordPress yet, no worries! You can check out this blog post, “What is WordPress” which explains what WordPress is all about. It’s a great resource to get started and discover the wonders of this powerful platform.
Page builders give you the power to design and customise your website without getting tangled up in code. With these handy tools, you can create stunning layouts and structures with just a few clicks.
The beauty of WordPress page builders lies in their drag-and-drop functionality, ready-made templates, and a wide range of content elements and widgets. They make it a breeze to add text, images, videos, buttons, and other cool stuff to your site. You can unleash your creativity and build a visually striking and dynamic website that truly stands out.
WordPress itself is known for its unrivalled flexibility and control. It’s like a playground for customisation. You can tweak every little detail of your site, from the design and layout to the functionality and features. With its massive collection of themes, plugins, and page builders, the endless possibilities allow you to create a unique and tailored online presence.
However, there’s one thing to keep in mind when it comes to WordPress: regular updates and maintenance. While updates are essential for security and performance improvements, managing them and ensuring compatibility can be a bit time-consuming. Neglecting maintenance tasks like backups and security monitoring can put your website at risk. So, make sure to set aside some time for ongoing maintenance to keep your site running smoothly and securely.
Our top pick of WordPress page builders include Divi, Elementor, Oxygen and Bricks.
Divi
Divi is a popular WordPress theme and page builder created by Elegant Themes. It is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful design capabilities. Divi offers a drag-and-drop builder that allows users to visually design and customise their websites without any coding knowledge.
With Divi, you can choose from a wide range of pre-designed templates or start from scratch to create your own unique website. The theme includes a multitude of design elements, modules, and layouts that can be easily customised and rearranged to create any website design.
One of the standout features of Divi is its real-time visual editing, which means you can see your changes instantly as you make them. This helps streamline the design process and allows for quicker and more efficient website building.
Divi also offers advanced features such as custom CSS control, responsive editing, and global elements that allow you to maintain consistency throughout your website. It integrates seamlessly with popular WordPress plugins, making it a flexible and versatile choice for various types of websites.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced web designer, Divi provides a powerful platform for creating visually stunning and functional websites with ease.
One downside to the Divi page builder is that it causes your website to load a tad slower when compared to other builders, such as Oxygen or Bricks.
Pros
Cons
✅ User-friendly drag-and-drop interface. ✅ Real-time visual editing for instant feedback. ✅ Wide range of design elements and templates. ✅ Custom CSS control for advanced customisation. ✅ Responsive editing options for optimising across devices.
❌ Steep learning curve, especially for beginners. ❌ Potential performance impact if not optimized. ❌ Strong reliance on the Divi theme. ❌ Limited customisation without coding knowledge. ❌ Some limitations in integrating with third-party plugins.
Ideal for… Divi is a good option for businesses across various sectors due to its easy-to-use interface. It lets you simply drag, drop, and fully customise your website design. Plus, if you’re watching your budget, Divi is a real winner as it provides a lifetime license. However, keep in mind that if speed and performance are high on your priority list, this builder might not be your top choice.
Elementor has quickly risen to become one of the top WordPress page builders, revolutionising the website creation process.
Similar to Divi, Elementor makes it effortless for users of all skill levels to design and customise stunning websites. No coding knowledge is required, thanks to its extensive library of pre-built elements and widgets that can be simply dragged onto the canvas and customised to fit your vision. Elementor provides a seamless and interactive design experience, allowing you to see the changes in real-time as you create your website.
From adjusting layouts to fine-tuning colours, typography, and more, Elementor empowers you to have complete control over the visual appearance of your website, resulting in truly unique and captivating online experiences.
Pros
Cons
✅ User-friendly interface with a drag-and-drop editor. ✅ Extensive template library to kickstart your website design process. ✅ Advanced customization options to fine-tune every element of your website’s design. ✅ Responsive design capabilities to customize the layout for different screen sizes. ✅ Third-party integrations: Elementor seamlessly integrates with various plugins and extensions, expanding the functionality of your website. ✅ Free version available.
❌ Small learning curve for mastering all of its features and capabilities. ❌ Potential performance impact due to heavy design elements that may affect page load times.
Ideal for… Elementor is an excellent choice for businesses of all kinds that want to enjoy the flexibility and scalability of WordPress, without the necessity of knowing how to code. It’s the perfect pick for those who appreciate having extensive control and customisation options for their website’s layout. But, similar to Divi, remember that if your focus is on speedy performance, this builder may not be the optimal option for you.
Oxygen is a highly powerful and flexible WordPress builder specifically designed for advanced users who crave complete control over their website’s design.
With Oxygen, you have the power to customise every element of your site to perfection, from the overall layout and typography to the finest design details. Oxygen offers unparalleled level of flexibility, allowing you to create truly unique and highly customised website designs.
One of the major time-saving advantages of Oxygen is its ability to connect and template every element of your website. This feature is an absolute game-changer. Let’s say you want to make changes to a particular section or element that appears across multiple pages. In other builders, this would typically require manually editing each instance, which can be time-consuming. However, with Oxygen, you can create templates and connections, allowing you to make updates in one place and have them automatically applied throughout your website.
This saves you an immense amount of time, ensures consistency, and eliminates the risk of overlooking any elements. Oxygen’s ability to connect and template everything is a MASSIVE time-saver, enabling you to work efficiently and focus on other important aspects of your website design and development.
With Oxygen, you have the freedom to customise every element of your site, from layout and typography to intricate design details. However, due to its extensive capabilities and advanced features, mastering Oxygen may require some time and dedication.
Pros
Cons
✅ Full design control allows you to edit every aspect of your website’s design. ✅ The clean and lightweight tool results in faster loading times and improved website performance. ✅ Theme and plugin compatibility ensures seamless integration with the majority of WordPress themes and plugins. ✅ Code-savvy customisation provides advanced users with the ability to inject custom CSS and JavaScript code, enabling more extensive customisation and integration of third-party libraries or scripts.
❌ Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to other builders. ❌ Limited availability of pre-designed templates.
Ideal for… Oxygen is the perfect choice for individuals or web design agencies who possess a solid understanding of WordPress, HTML, and CSS, and are comfortable writing basic lines of code. It caters to developers and experienced users who want to take their website design and development skills to the next level.
Bricks, a relatively new addition to the WordPress builder landscape, brings a fresh and exciting approach to website creation. This builder stands out for its exceptional speed, providing users with a fast and efficient building experience. With Bricks, you can expect a smooth and seamless visual drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the website design process.
Bricks’ extensive collection of elements and templates is one of its strengths. It offers a wide array of pre-designed elements that can be easily customised and arranged to suit your needs. Whether you’re building a simple landing page or a complex multi-page website, Bricks have all the necessary tools to create stunning and professional-looking designs.
Furthermore, Bricks strongly emphasises user experience, ensuring that the building process is intuitive and enjoyable. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, allowing both beginners and experienced users to easily navigate and utilise its features.
Overall, Bricks is an exciting WordPress builder that offers super-fast performance, a visual drag-and-drop builder, and an extensive collection of elements and templates.
While it may have some learning curve and compatibility considerations, Bricks presents a promising option for users looking for a user-friendly and innovative website building experience.
Pros
Cons
✅ Super-fast performance ensures a smooth and efficient website building experience. ✅ Visual drag-and-drop builder eliminates the need for coding. ✅ Extensive collection of elements and templates kickstart your website design. ✅ User-friendly interface for both beginners and experienced users. ✅ Innovative approach offers users a unique and exciting website building experience. ✅ Lifetime pricing option allows you to enjoy ongoing access to the builder without recurring subscription fees.
❌ Limited market presence may result in a smaller community and fewer available resources. ❌ There is a learning curve for beginners who are new to website building. ❌ Customisation limitations exist for advanced users compared to more developer-oriented builders.
Ideal for… Bricks is ideal for individuals and businesses seeking a fast, flexible, and user-friendly website builder. It caters to both beginners and experienced users, providing a wide range of elements and templates. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or agency, Bricks is an amazing tool that focuses on speed and a user-friendly interface, making it perfect for efficient and enjoyable WordPress website development.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty—yes, we’re talking about pricing. Sure, it’s not the most exciting part of choosing your website builder, but the cost of your platform can greatly impact your profits, especially if you’re a budding small business or a rising freelancer.
We’ve created a pricing comparison table to help you navigate the financial waters. It lays out the starting, mid-tier, and top-tier price points for all the website builders we’ve discussed. But remember, these prices aren’t set in stone—they can change, and many builders have a wider range of plans or packages. So, make sure you hit those linked pricing pages for the freshest, most accurate details.
One last thing before we jump in: don’t get too caught up in the pricing. It’s essential to think about what you’re getting in return for your hard-earned cash. Reflect on your unique needs, your website’s goals, and the features that are non-negotiable for you. Sometimes, shelling out a little more for superior functionality, more storage space, or top-notch support can yield significant returns in the long run.
Choosing Between a Page Builder and a Web Builder: What’s Right for You?
The choice between a page builder and a web builder ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few considerations to help you decide:
Scalability
Are you looking to grow your business/website in the future?
Do you think you will need additional advanced features?
If the answer to these questions is yes and you are looking to grow your business or website in the future and anticipate the need for additional features and functionalities, using a page builder within a WordPress framework is the recommended choice.
On the other hand, if you do not have plans for significant growth or if your website only requires basic features, you can get away with using a web builder like Wix or Squarespace.
Speed and Performance
Are speed and performance at the top of your priority list?
Are you planning to engage in SEO work or already working on it, with speed being a crucial factor for you?
If you answer yes, you can directly turn to builders like Bricks or Oxygen. These builders are renowned for their exceptional speed and performance, ensuring that your website operates smoothly and efficiently.
Design features
Are you looking to fully customise the design of your website?
Do you want overflow elements and eye-catching effects?
If your answer to these questions is yes, and you want complete control over the appearance of your website, using a page builder within the WordPress framework is the optimal choice. For beginners, page builders like Elementor or Divi provide a wide range of design options. If you have more experience with websites, builders like Bricks and Oxygen offer advanced features and customisation capabilities.
On the other hand, if you are happy with using pre-designed templates and don’t require extensive customisation options, a web builder like Wix or Squarespace can provide a simpler solution.
Easy of use
Are you new to website management?
Do you want to be able to handle your website on your own?
Are you looking for a hassle-free and fast solution?
If you answered yes to these questions and you want to have full control over your website without spending hours learning, while being comfortable using a template or predesigned template, then the best options for you are Wix or Squarespace.
However, if you have some coding knowledge and are seeking a more robust platform, and you’re willing to invest some time in learning for a better outcome, our recommendation is Webflow.
Conclusion
So, to sum it all up, picking the right website builder is super important if you want to establish a successful online presence and future-proof your business growth. In this blog post, we’ve talked about some of the best website and page builders of 2023. Each builder has its own strengths and weaknesses, catering to different user needs and skill levels.
If you’re new to website building or just want an easy-to-use experience without the need for extensive website growth, you can’t go wrong with Wix or Squarespace. They have user-friendly drag-and-drop interfaces and a wide range of templates to choose from. If you’re a bit more experienced and want more design flexibility, Webflow is the best option. And if you’re planning to open an online store, Shopify is the way to go.
If your business aims to grow, prioritize SEO, and require greater control and design flexibility, WordPress-based builders such as Elementor, Oxygen, Divi, and Bricks offer powerful features and are your best choice. If you prioritize SEO or want to ensure a smooth user experience, Oxygen or Bricks are the go-to options, thanks to their exceptional speed and performance.
We hope this comparison has helped you make a well-informed decision. Remember to explore further, try out free trials, and consider the features that matter most to you. Happy website building!
What is WordPress? A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
So, you’ve been hearing a lot about WordPress but aren’t quite sure what it’s all about? No worries. We’ve got your back!
WordPress – a term that is essentially the backbone of the digital world, and yet, it might seem overwhelming to many.
If you are someone who has always wondered what WordPress is, how it functions, or how it can benefit you or your business, this blog post is designed specifically for you.
Let’s navigate through the world of WordPress!
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) that gives users the freedom to create and manage their own websites and blogs.
Hold Up, What’s a CMS?
Before we dive any deeper, let’s take a minute to unpack what a CMS is. CMS stands for Content Management System. It might sound like tech jargon, but it’s just a tool that simplifies building and managing a website.
Think of a CMS as your personal digital toolbox for building websites. It’s kind of like using Lego for websites. You can add blocks (like blog posts, photos, or “about us” pages), move them around, or change their colours, and you don’t need to be a coding whizz to do it.
A CMS, like WordPress, takes care of all the complicated coding stuff in the background, so you can focus on the fun stuff, like creating awesome content and making your website look exactly how you want it to. It’s ideal for beginners but also powerful enough for web experts to create pretty much anything they want on the web.
Basically, WordPress is like the skeleton of a building, but for your website. You can build on, customise, and decorate the core structure to create your perfect online space.
WordPress has been around since 2003 and it now powers over 40% of all the websites on the Internet, which is quite impressive.
One of the primary reasons for WordPress’s immense popularity is its versatility. Whether you want to start a personal blog, build a business website, or set up an online store, WordPress can be your all-in-one solution.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org: Understanding the Difference
When we talk about WordPress, it’s important to clarify that there are two different platforms: WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a hosting service created by the co-founder of WordPress, Matt Mullenweg. This platform is user-friendly and requires minimal setup. It takes care of all the hosting aspects, allowing you to focus on the site’s content. However, you have limited control over the customisation and monetisation aspects.
WordPress.org
WordPress.org, often referred to as self-hosted WordPress, gives you complete control over your website. You can add free, paid, and custom WordPress plugins and themes and have complete control over the data and monetisation. The only trade-off is that you must manage your web hosting, which can be a bit complex for beginners.
Conclusion
WordPress is a powerful, flexible, and accessible platform for anyone looking to venture into the digital world. Whether you’re a hobby blogger, an aspiring entrepreneur, or an established business, WordPress provides an efficient way to create and manage your online presence.
Protecting Your Business: Must-Know Website Security Tips for 2023
In this rapidly advancing digital age, safeguarding your business’s online presence has never been more essential. This post will equip you with vital insights into website security—a topic that’s grown even more critical as we tread deeper into the tech-saturated world of 2023. Let’s jump into the nitty-gritty of keeping your website safe!
Why is Website Security Important?
If you’re still wondering why website security is important, imagine coming home one day to find your front door wide open, your belongings messed up, and your personal stuff out in the open. Terrifying, right? Well, that’s pretty much what happens when your website gets hacked.
Having a secure website is critical for protecting your company’s reputation and maintaining the trust of your customers. A compromised website can lead to a leak of sensitive customer information, a drop in website traffic, and potential legal issues. Plus, who wants to see their homepage defaced with a digital graffiti or, worse yet, being rerouted to some dodgy cryptocurrency scam page? I bet that’s a big NO from you!
How Can I Ensure My Website is Safe?
A safe website isn’t a happy accident. It’s a product of thoughtful design, regular maintenance, and a series of good habits. Here are a few quick tips that you can implement right now:
Use strong, unique passwords.
It’s 2023 and “password123” still isn’t a good idea. Make sure to use complex, unique passwords for your website’s admin account and change them regularly.
Keep your website updated.
Regularly update your website’s CMS, plugins, and themes. Each new update usually includes security patches for vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit.
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is the little green padlock you see next to the website URL. It encrypts the data transfer between a user’s browser and the website, keeping it safe from eavesdroppers.
What are the Things to Consider Regarding Website Safety?
Website safety isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Depending on your website’s nature, you might need to consider specific security measures. If you’re running an e-commerce site, you’ll want to ensure that your customers’ payment information is secure. You should look into PCI-DSS compliance for that.
If your website asks for users’ personal information, you should ensure it’s being stored and processed securely to avoid data breaches and comply with regulations like GDPR and CCPA. You should also consider regular security audits to identify any vulnerabilities that need fixing.
What Can I do to Make my Website Safer?
Apart from the steps mentioned above, you can take additional measures to boost your website’s safety. For instance, using a website security platform can provide additional protection. These services scan your website for vulnerabilities, monitor for malicious activity, and sometimes even offer clean-up services if you get hacked.
Also, implement a two-factor authentication (2FA) process for your users and admin. 2FA makes it harder for hackers to gain access to your site, even if they somehow manage to get your password.
Finally, backing up your website regularly can save you a lot of headaches. If your website gets compromised, a recent backup will allow you to restore it quickly.
My Website Got Hacked, What Can I Do?
If your website gets hacked, don’t panic! The first thing you should do is contact a professional who specialises in malware removal and website cleanup. Next, you’ll want to identify how the hackers got in, so you can close the security gap.
Don’t forget to let your users know about the breach, especially if their personal data might have been compromised. It might sting a bit, but honesty goes a long way in maintaining trust.
Can I Take Care of the Website Security Myself?
Whether or not you should handle your website security yourself is a question of knowledge, expertise, and time. You may be tempted to take the DIY route if you’re a small business owner wearing multiple hats. But remember, while there are things you can manage like updating software, changing passwords regularly, and making sure your SSL certificate is current, many elements of website security are complex and can be incredibly time-consuming.
For instance, dealing with malware detection, implementing advanced firewalls, handling data breaches, or staying ahead of the latest hacking techniques requires specialized knowledge. Moreover, keeping up with the constant changes in the cybersecurity landscape is a job in itself.
If you’re comfortable with the tech side of things and have time to spare, you could potentially handle some security aspects. But let’s be honest, for most busy business owners, this is unlikely to be the case.
So, while it might seem like an extra expense, hiring a professional or using a trusted security service can be an investment that saves you a lot of trouble (and potentially money) in the long run. They can handle the technical aspects of website security and stay up-to-date with the latest threats and security trends, helping you maintain a robust defense against potential cyber attacks.
In the end, remember, website maintenance isn’t just about adding new content or updating your site’s look—it’s also about ensuring the digital safety of your business.
So, before you find yourself drowning in lines of code or panicking over a potential data breach, why not consider getting a helping hand? Our team of experts is always ready to take over the wheel. We’re up-to-date with the latest security trends and equipped to handle the nitty-gritty of website maintenance.
With our services, you can focus on what you do best—growing your business. Get in touch with us today and let us ensure that your website isn’t just appealing and functional, but also safe and secure. Your peace of mind is worth it!
Increasing Site Conversion: The Role of Good Web Design
Today, we’re going to talk about something that might sound a bit intimidating, but trust me—it’s not as scary as it seems. We’re talking about good web design and how it plays a role in increasing your site conversion.
When it comes to your website, consider it the digital equivalent of your physical store. If a customer walked into a cluttered, confusing shop where they couldn’t find anything, chances are they’d walk right back out. The same principle applies to your online visitors—if your website’s a hot mess, they’re likely to bounce. But if it’s clean, well-organised, and engaging, they’ll probably stick around. And more importantly, they’ll be more likely to convert.
First Impressions Matter in Web Design
First impressions are a one-shot game, and this is particularly true for websites. You’ve got about 50 milliseconds (that’s 0.05 seconds!) to make a good first impression. If your website looks outdated or is difficult to navigate, visitors might just close that tab faster than a cowboy can draw a pistol.
Remember, a good first impression isn’t just about the visuals—it’s also about usability.
Sure, you want your website to look professional and visually appealing, but you also want it to be easy to use. A user-friendly site with a simple and clear layout, intuitive navigation, and relevant content not only attracts visitors but also keeps them around longer, which increases the chance they’ll convert.
The Power of Good UX
If UX (User Experience) sounds like a complex tech buzzword to you, don’t fret. At its core, it’s just about how a person feels when they use your website. Good UX means your visitors can easily find what they need without pulling their hair out in frustration.
A site with good UX is like a helpful sales associate—it guides your visitors to where they want to go, answers their questions, and makes the process as easy as possible. This ultimately increases customer satisfaction and, you guessed it, boosts conversion rates.
Mobile-First Design Matters
Remember when you could only browse the web from a clunky desktop computer? Those days are long gone. Today, a massive chunk of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website doesn’t perform well on mobile, you’re going to miss out on a heap of potential conversions.
Making your site mobile-friendly doesn’t mean just shrinking it down to fit a smaller screen. It means optimising everything—text, images, buttons, forms, you name it—for a smooth mobile experience. This way, you’re not only expanding your reach to a wider audience but also creating a seamless user experience that encourages conversions.
Clear Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Imagine you walk into a store, find something you love, but can’t figure out where the checkout counter is. Frustrating, right? Well, that’s exactly how your visitors feel if your website doesn’t have clear CTAs.
Whether you want them to sign up for a newsletter, make a purchase, or download a whitepaper, you need to guide your visitors toward that action. Clear, compelling CTAs not only show your visitors the next steps, but they also create a sense of urgency, which can increase your conversion rates.
Speed is Key
Ever clicked on a website and had to wait forever for it to load? It’s a surefire way to send your visitors packing. In the world of the web, every second counts. Improving your site’s speed isn’t just a good practice—it can directly impact your conversion rate.
Content is King (and Queen)
While we’re knee-deep in this conversation about web design, let’s not forget the one thing that glues everything together—your content. Great web design without relevant, engaging content is like a beautifully wrapped box with nothing inside. Whether it’s product descriptions, blog posts, or even your ‘About Us’ page, every word matters.
Keep your content concise, easy to read, and packed with value. Break up large chunks of text with headings and bullet points. Make sure your key messages are front and center. Good content not only grabs attention but also builds trust with your visitors. And guess what? Trust is a massive factor in conversion.
The Beauty of Simplicity
I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating: good web design is not just about being pretty—it’s about being effective. Too many bells and whistles can actually distract visitors from their primary goal. When it comes to design, less is often more.
A clean, minimalistic design with plenty of white space can do wonders. It not only looks modern and professional, but it also focuses your visitors’ attention on the most important elements—your content and CTAs. Remember, the ultimate goal is to guide your visitors toward a conversion, not to dazzle them with your design prowess.
Regular Testing and Optimisation
Last but not least, let’s talk about testing. Creating a well-designed, user-friendly website isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process. Regular testing and optimisation can help you understand what’s working, what’s not, and how you can improve.
A/B testing, where you compare two versions of a web page to see which performs better, is a great place to start. It allows you to tweak everything from your headlines to your images to your CTAs. You can also use heatmaps to see where people are clicking and spending time on your site. This data can inform your design choices and help you create a site that’s not just good-looking, but also conversion-friendly.
So, there you go! While good web design might seem like a massive undertaking, it’s absolutely worth the effort. It’s a powerful tool in your arsenal that can significantly boost your site conversion. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and constantly strive to improve. The digital world is your oyster, and with good web design, the world can truly be your stage!
Remember, your website is a digital representation of your business. Make it shine, make it user-friendly, and most importantly, make it work for you.
Importance of Mobile-First Design for Your Business in 2023
In today’s rapidly-evolving digital world, if there’s one thing that should be on your business priority list (if it’s not already), it’s mobile-first design. Sounds fancy, right? But trust me, it’s not just some buzzword to impress your tech-savvy friends at the next BBQ. This approach can totally transform how your business connects with consumers. Let’s dive into why it’s such a big deal.
What is mobile-first design?
As you might have guessed from the name, it’s all about designing your digital content with mobile devices as your primary target. This is a shift from the traditional approach of creating desktop versions first, then trying to squeeze everything into a smaller mobile screen (often with mixed results).
But why is mobile-first design so crucial? Here are three key reasons:
People are hooked on mobiles.
Did you know that as of 2021, about 54% of all web traffic came from mobile devices? Yeah, that’s right! More than half of all web browsing is happening right from the palms of our hands. By adopting a mobile-first design, you’re meeting your customers where they are, providing a seamless user experience that’s optimized for their favourite devices.
Google loves mobile-friendly websites. In fact, since 2019, Google has been using mobile-first indexing. This means Google predominantly uses the mobile version of the content for indexing and ranking. So, if you’re looking to up your SEO game (and who isn’t?), a mobile-first design is a surefire way to grab Google’s attention.
It makes your website future-proof.
With every passing day, new smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and who-knows-what-else are hitting the market. By embracing mobile-first design, you’re ensuring your website will look great and function smoothly, no matter what kind of device comes out next.
I can almost hear you thinking: “Okay, got it. Mobile-first design is important. But what does it actually look like in practice?” Well, it’s all about keeping things simple, intuitive, and user-friendly.
3 Key Features of Effective Mobile-First Design
Simplicity is key.
Mobile screens are not the place for information overload. You have limited space, so you must figure out what’s essential and ditch the rest.
Finger-friendly design.
People are going to be tapping, swiping, and scrolling on your website, so make sure all your buttons and links are big enough for human fingers and placed where they’re easy to reach.
Speedy loading times.
Mobile users don’t want to wait for slow pages to load. Compress your images, minify your code, and do whatever else you need to do to keep things zipping along.
Intuitive navigation.
Keep your menu and navigation simple and straightforward. Users should be able to find what they need without having to hunt for it.
There you have it. In this mobile age, adopting a mobile-first design isn’t just a trendy move—it’s strategic. It’s all about reaching your audience where they are, providing a stellar user experience, and keeping ahead in the Google game.
And really, in the face of benefits like these, who wouldn’t want to go mobile-first?
Web Design for Accessibility: Meeting WCAG Guidelines
As you’re probably well aware, one of the most critical aspects of web design is ensuring that our content is accessible to everyone. Yes, that’s right – EVERYONE. And when I say everyone, I mean people of all abilities.
So, I thought it would be helpful to talk a little about the WCAG guidelines (that’s the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, for any newcomers out there) and how we can use them to make the internet a better place for all in 2023. So buckle up and let’s dive in!
What are The WCAG Guidelines?
First things first, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page with what the WCAG guidelines actually are. They’re a set of recommendations designed to make web content more accessible, particularly for people with disabilities. Think of it like a handbook for inclusivity on the web.
Since their first version in 1998, the guidelines have gone through a series of updates to accommodate the ever-changing digital landscape. As of my last update, we’re working with WCAG 2.2, which was released in 2021.
The Core Principles of WCAG
The WCAG guidelines revolve around four core principles, often referred to by the acronym POUR: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. Here’s a brief rundown:
Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive. This means that users must be able to perceive the information being presented (it can’t be invisible to all of their senses).
Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable. This means that users must be able to operate the interface (the interface can’t require interaction that a user cannot perform).
Understandable: Information and the operation of user interface must be understandable. This means that users must be able to understand the information as well as the operation of the user interface (the content or operation can’t be beyond their understanding).
Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies. This means that users must be able to access the content as technologies advance (as technologies and user agents evolve, the content should remain accessible).
Your Handy Accessibility Checklist
Now, let’s get to the part you’ve been waiting for: the checklist! Here are a few actionable steps to ensure your website is accessible, following WCAG guidelines.
Use Semantics Correctly: Make sure you’re using the correct HTML elements for their intended purpose. This helps assistive technologies interpret your content correctly.
Provide Text Alternatives for Non-Text Content: This includes using alt text for images and transcripts for videos.
Make Sure Your Site Is Keyboard-Friendly: This should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many sites miss this! All functionality should be accessible using a keyboard.
Avoid Time Limits: Don’t limit how long users have to read content or input information.
Make Sure Text is Readable and Understandable: Use a readable font size and ensure sufficient contrast between text and its background. Also, avoid complex language where possible.
Create Content That’s Predictable: The order in which users navigate your site should make sense. Avoid changing the context of a page unexpectedly.
Help Users Avoid and Correct Mistakes: If users make an error, clearly explain what the error is and how to correct it.
Maximise Compatibility: Your site should be compatible with current and future tools, including assistive technologies and different browsers.
So, there you have it! That’s your crash course in WCAG and web design for accessibility in 2023. It’s up to us as web designers to make the internet a place that’s truly inclusive for everyone. So let’s get out there and make some wonderfully accessible web content! Remember, our designs can open up the world for someone.
