We’re not merely nodding to Prince’s iconic album “Sign o’ the Times”; we’re talking about the timely evolution your website needs to keep the party alive. So let’s get straight to the point and delve into the five key signs your site needs a revamp, all whilst channelling the Purple One’s undeniable panache.
Feel as though your website’s lost its rhythm? When visitors are more likely to click “exit” than “explore,” it’s a sign changes are in order.
Is your site caught in a ‘Purple Rain’ time warp? As iconic as that era was, websites, like Prince himself, need to adapt and evolve. Get on board with a sleek, modern design that resonates with today’s online audience.
It’s no longer the millennium; your website must adapt to screens of all sizes. Avoid any ‘controversy’—ensure your site is as versatile as it is eye-catching.
Slow load times can ruin the user experience quicker than you can say “Let’s Go Crazy.” Optimise your assets and put the zip back into your site’s performance. After all, a delay of even a few seconds can drive people away.
Google loves speed, and so will your search rankings. Fine-tune your SEO game, and you’ll soon find your site shining like a gem at the top of the search results.
Confusing menus and broken links? If your visitors are getting lost, it’s a clear sign your user experience needs a tune-up. Guide them smoothly through your site, so they leave feeling delighted, not bewildered.
Your visitors want information, not a riddle. Keep your site content as crisp as the intro to “Kiss” and make navigation a breeze.
If your site feels dated, it’s time to introduce some modern functionality. Remember, broken links are not only detrimental to user experience but also a no-go for SEO. Keep things running smoothly.
A site without social media is like a guitar without strings. Integrate platforms like Instagram and X (the Social Formerly Known as Twitter) to keep your content fresh and relatable.
Lead your visitors where you want them to go. Clear, effective calls to action can make all the difference in achieving your site’s goals.
Understanding your site’s analytics is key to giving your audience what they desire. Keep track, refine, and improve.
Revamping your website isn’t just a task—it’s an opportunity to reinvigorate your online presence and set the stage for future successes. If any of these signs resonate with you, don’t dither. Let’s make your website the next chart-topper.
For those about to web
Ah, evergreen content. Just like the roots of rock n’ roll, it’s here to stay, making its mark throughout time. Dive in, and let’s jam out on this topic together!
You ever hear a classic rock song and think, “Man, this never gets old”? That’s evergreen content for ya – always relevant, always fresh.
Characteristics of Evergreen Content
Timelessness: Just like our love for old school rock, it never expires.
Relevance: Keeps the audience engaged, no matter when they stumble upon it.
Authority: Positions you as the “rockstar” in your niche.
Imagine evergreen content as The Beatles and time-sensitive content as the one-hit wonders. Both have their moments, but only one truly stands the test of time. “I’m too sexy for my shirt…” (see what I mean).
Cue the guitar solos, folks! Here’s the main chorus of why evergreen content is the real headliner for your business.
SEO Benefits
Search engines love them some evergreen. It’s like having a permanent spot on the top charts. “Greetings pop pickers…Not ‘arf mate!”
Consistent Traffic Flow
Keeps the audience coming back for encores. More eyeballs, more applause!
Builds Authority and Trust
You’re not just any band; you’re the one with the timeless hits. Evergreen content positions you as a thought leader.
Let’s get the amps turned up to 11 and understand why evergreen content is the real rock n’ roll of the digital world – your content will ‘keep on rockin’ in the free world’.
Everlasting Like Legendary Rock Music
From Elvis to Zeppelin, some tunes never fade away. Similarly, evergreen content remains in the spotlight.
The Unchanging Beat of Evergreen
While trends may come and go, the rhythm of evergreen content remains steady, drawing in listeners—erm, I mean readers—for years.
Personal Story alert: When Facebook Went Offbeat
Alright, alright, alright…gather round. Storytime with a twist of personal woe and a sprinkle of rock n’ roll. I recently faced the digital version of a stage dive gone wrong – my Facebook got broken into when in Bali!
“Tonight there’s gonna be a jailbreak, somewhere in this town” (I’d probably check the Jail, Phil).
The Hacking Incident
So I’ve now lost access to my business page. Feels like someone stole my favourite guitar! How can I connect with my ‘fans’ now? (did somebody shout ‘what fans’? You Judas).
The Role of Evergreen Content in Recovery
Well, thanks to the evergreen content on my website, the show must go on! My readers still have a place to turn on, tune in and vibe out, even after the main stage went dark. Hurrah.
Want to join the hall of fame of digital rockstars? Here’s your ticket to the top.
Timeless Topics
Choose subjects that are always in vogue. Think “Stairway to Heaven” and not just the summer hit of ’94. (‘Saturday Night’ by Wigfield if you really wanna know).
Keep It Updated
Rock may never die, but it does evolve. Refresh your content, give it a new beat now and then.
Engage Your Audience
Invite them to sing along! Use relatable anecdotes, sprinkle some wit, and make it a two-way concert. We all know the best gigs require some crowd participation. “Ay-Oh!” Indeed Freddie
So, there we have it folks. Evergreen is golden.
Evergreen content is the unsung hero, the legendary guitar riff, the timeless beat in the cacophony of digital content. It endures, it engages, and it establishes you as the rockstar you are. So, are you ready to roll?
For those about to web…
Bust those pesky Google ghosts and make your website visible with our SEO essentials!
Welcome to the first instalment of our Ghostbusters Guide to Bustin’ Google Ghosts! If you’re a business owner, blogger, or online marketer, you know that having a strong online presence is essential for success. But with so many Google ghosts lurking around, it can be challenging to know how to get your website to rank higher and stand out from the crowd. Fear not, for we have the ultimate guide to help you bust those ghosts with ease. In this first part, we’ll give you the lowdown on SEO basics.
I. Spotting Google Ghosts
Before you can start busting those ghosts, you need to be able to spot them. Google ghosts are factors that prevent your website from being easily found and indexed by search engines. Some common ghosts include:
II. Keyword Research: The Proton Pack of SEO
Keywords are essential tools in your SEO arsenal. Here’s how to harness them:
III. Meta Tags: The Ghost Trap
Ensure search engines grasp your page’s essence:
IV. Quality Content: The Ecto-1
Drive your website’s success with stellar content:
Busting Google ghosts can be challenging, but armed with the right tools, it’s entirely feasible. With effective keyword research, meta tag optimization, and captivating content, you’re set to gain better visibility.
When you think SEO, remind yourself: “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!” Regular updates will keep those ghosts at bay, boosting your search engine ranks and attracting more visitors.
Stay with us for more Ghostbusters Guide editions, offering advanced SEO techniques to elevate your online presence.
So for those about to SEO… who you gonna call?
Welcome to the digital stadium, where the stage is your website, and your audience spans across the globe. Just as rockstars electrify the crowd with killer guitar solos and catchy lyrics, you need to keep your visitors hooked with a web design that’s both visually compelling and user-friendly. Make your website into your ‘Hotel California’ – once visitors check-in, they can’t ever leave.
Let’s kick off this concert with the heart and soul of your website – the User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design. Just like the pulsating rhythm section of a band, UX/UI design lays the groundwork for a smooth, intuitive experience, making your website as easy to navigate as the lyrics sheet of a Beatles song. Nah, nah nah, nananana, nananana, hey… it’s UX Dude! Sorry Paul.
UX/UI design is all about harmony. The key is to make the user’s journey as effortless as possible, just like the flow of a well-arranged setlist. Interactive elements should be strategically placed, easy to find, and satisfying to use, turning every click into a foot-tapping beat.
Visual design is the lead vocalist of your website – it’s the first thing people notice and the most memorable part of the experience. To ensure your website hits the high notes, use captivating images, catchy headers, and a colour scheme that’s as harmonious as a Queen harmony. Ay-oh.
And like any good frontman/woman, your visual design should resonate with your audience. Think of the legendary Bowie, an outer planetary chameleon of style, constantly adapting to meet the taste and expectations of his fans. Your visual design should be a reflection of your target audience’s preferences and sensibilities. You don’t need to don your thunderbolt make-up, but be prepared to make some ch-ch-ch-changes.
Now, what’s a rock concert without an audience? And for your website, that’s where Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) comes in – it’s the radio play that gets you the crowd. SEO, with its keywords and backlinks, is like the drummer, providing the steady beat that keeps your website visible and relevant in the vast digital concert of the internet.
Blogs, as discussed in our previous piece, are a fantastic way to improve your SEO. They’re like the prolific songwriting of Lennon & McCartney, constantly delivering fresh content that keeps your site active and Google happy. To the toppermost of the poppermost.
Just as The Grateful Dead cultivated a massive, loyal fanbase with their Deadheads, your website needs a dedicated following. Social media is the modern day fan club – it’s where you engage with your audience, share your content, and spread your brand’s message.
Having shareable content on your website, such as blogs or videos, allows your audience to promote your site on their social channels, further boosting your reach. Just like the way fans used to make mixtapes to share their favourite tracks, social shares can bring new visitors to your site, turning them into fans, one post at a time. And you’re not limited to a c90 tape!
Last but not least, interactive elements are the final encore that leaves your audience begging for more. They’re the Hendrix guitar solos that turn a good concert into a legendary experience. Quizzes, polls, feedback forms – these are your solos, transforming your website from a passive experience into an engaging jam session.
Interactive design promotes user engagement and increases dwell time, signalling to search engines that your website offers value – it’s the standing ovation that tells Google your site deserves the spotlight.
Designing a website that rocks in 2023 is like organising the ultimate concert. It requires a harmonious blend of UX/UI design, visually captivating elements, SEO-optimised content, an active social media presence, and interactive features to keep your audience engaged.
When these elements come together, you create a digital experience that’s as unforgettable as a live concert – a website that not only draws in visitors but keeps them coming back for more. Just like the enduring appeal of rock and roll, a well-designed website never goes out of style. Let’s keep the design world rocking, one site at a time.
“I see dead links,” whispered in my best Sixth Sense impression, as I stare at the ghostly remains of a once thriving web page. That’s right, folks, today we’re diving into the spine-chilling realm of dead and broken links that haunt websites like digital poltergeists, wreaking havoc on user experience and search engine rankings. So grab your Ouija boards and EMF meters, and let’s get started on this supernatural adventure.
Picture yourself exploring a haunted mansion, but instead of malevolent spirits, you’re greeted by broken links at every turn. You try to navigate from room to room, only to find doorways leading to the great abyss. Talk about a webmaster’s nightmare!
Dead links are more than just an annoyance; they’re like the ectoplasm that stains your website’s reputation. They spook away potential customers and even cause search engines like Google to rethink their relationship with you. Nobody wants to be ghosted by Google, right?
Fear not, brave web dude, for there are tools to aid you in your quest to rid your site of these phantasmal pests. Here are a few of my favourite paranormal investigators in the link-checking world:
Once you’ve identified the otherworldly culprits, you must perform an exorcism by either replacing them with functioning links, removing them completely, or redirecting them to relevant content. With the power of these tools combined, you’ll send those dead links back to the digital afterlife!
To avoid your website becoming a hotspot for paranormal link activity, perform regular link audits. Quarterly sweeps are fine, but monthly investigations are even better. Also, when linking to external content, avoid shady websites that look like they belong in a Stephen King novel – they tend to generate dead links more frequently.
Lastly, exercise caution when restructuring or renaming pages on your site, as this can lead to broken internal links. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of exorcism.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll soon turn your website into a dead link-free haven, bustling with lively, engaging content that keeps your visitors coming back for more. As you banish these digital ghosts, you’ll become the Bruce Willis of the online world – minus the whole [spoiler alert] “being dead” part, of course. So, happy hunting, and may your website be forever free from the clutches of the undead!
So for those about to SEO? Who you gonna call?
Ah, website design – the art of creating a digital haven that invites customers to frolic, engage, and ultimately, hand over their hard-earned cash. Sounds easy, right? Well, not so much. Every day, countless businesses fall victim to common web design blunders, like cluttered layouts, slow load times, and, heaven forbid, autoplaying videos (shudder).
But today, we’re not here to discuss the usual suspects. We’re venturing off the beaten path to explore the less-discussed web design mistakes businesses make. Grab your hiking boots, intrepid readers, and let’s dive into the world of uncommon website design faux pas!
Some websites are like a maze designed by a particularly malicious Minotaur. Visitors find themselves in a labyrinth of drop-down menus, hidden pages, and links that lead nowhere. Remember, folks, the back button is a powerful tool and an impatient click away. An intuitive, easy-to-navigate website is the key to keeping users happily browsing and exploring your digital realm.
Infinite scrolling may seem like a nifty idea on paper, but it’s a Pandora’s box of frustration for some users. When done well, it can create a seamless browsing experience. When done poorly, it leaves users desperately seeking that elusive footer or any semblance of a menu. Don’t let your website fall victim to the curse of the infinite scroll – provide clear navigation and a way to escape the abyss.
Imagine strolling into a library, only to find there’s no card catalogue or helpful librarian to guide you. That’s what it’s like to visit a content-rich website with no search bar. A simple search function can save your users from the despair of manually sifting through your website’s treasure trove of content. And remember, a happy user is a loyal user.
We get it, you’re excited about your business – as you should be! But when your website is a cacophony of competing fonts, colours, and sizes, it can feel like you’re yelling at your users. Choose a consistent, easy-to-read font, and avoid the temptation to make everything bold, italicised, or underlined. Your users’ eyes will thank you.
Social media: a double-edged sword for any business. While it’s essential to connect with your audience, smattering your website with social media icons can create a perplexing predicament. Like the Pied Piper’s alluring melody, they entice users away from your meticulously designed content and into the rabbit hole of social media distractions. Keep those icons within reach, but don’t let them overshadow your site’s primary objectives.
Avoiding these uncommon web design mistakes can help your business stand out from the crowd – in a good way! Remember to prioritise user experience, maintain consistency in design, and keep your website’s goals in mind. Now go forth, intrepid business owners, and create websites that are as delightful and well-designed as they are effective!
And remember folks, for those about to web, choose Nettl as your trusted design dude to guide you on this digital journey. Let’s rock the internet together!
If you’re a fan of The Big Lebowski, you’ll know that the Dude abides by his own set of principles. He takes a laid-back approach to life and doesn’t let the small stuff get to him. In the same vein, good User Experience (UX) design is crucial in web design. Just like the Dude, UX has its own set of principles and the goal is to provide users with a smooth and enjoyable experience.
When it comes to UX, it’s all about balance, just like a well-made White Russian. A website with a balanced design and consistent elements will provide users with a smooth and intuitive experience. On the other hand, a poorly designed site with cluttered UX will quickly drive users away. Good UX is key to retaining users and keeping them engaged with your site.
Think of a well-designed header menu as the rug that ties the room (or in this case, the website) together. It should be clear, easy to use, and accessible from every page. A good menu makes the website feel complete and cohesive, much like a good rug can bring a room together. Don’t over-complicate things for your users, they just want to find what they’re looking for. Like the Dude, keep it simple and let the good times roll.
Fast load times are what users expect, dude. You can have the coolest looking website in the world, but if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load, 53% of users will abandon it. That’s a bummer, man. Slow load times can lead to frustration and a decrease in engagement, so make sure your site is as fast as one of Donny’s bowling balls rolling down the lane.
Good UX design involves continuous testing and iteration to improve the user experience. Don’t be a stranger to testing, try out different design elements and gather user feedback to refine and improve your design. You don’t want users to say that your site was made by nihilists. Care about UX, man, and make sure it stays on top.
Clarity and simplicity: Keep the design uncluttered, with a clear visual hierarchy and easy to understand language.
Consistency: Use consistent design elements, such as typography, colour, and spacing, throughout the website.
Accessibility: Ensure that all users, regardless of ability, can access and use the website.
Mobile-friendliness: Design for different screen sizes and devices, with a responsive layout that adjusts to fit.
A Clear Call to Action: The website should clearly communicate what action the user should take, like Walter shouting out his instructions on the lanes, man.
So there we have it… if you abide by these UX design tips, your users will thank you. Good UX design is about balance, simplicity, and user satisfaction. So, like the Dude, take a laid-back approach and let the good times roll…but hey, that’s just like, my opinion, man.
Woah, what’s this? Bodacious dudes, Bill & Ted are here with some most excellent SEO tips for you dude and dudettes. Strap in tight for an excellent SEO adventure. Over to you “Bill” S. Preston Esq. and Ted “Theodore” Logan… Let’s start this adventure and get ready to optimise your website in the most bodacious way possible.
To rank higher on search engines, make sure your keywords are placed in the title, meta description, and throughout your content. Use keywords in a natural and organic way, and don’t stuff them in unnaturally. Also, don’t forget to use variations of your main keywords for a better ranking.
Backlinks are a vote of confidence for your website, and having quality backlinks from credible sources can help you rank higher. Avoid sketchy backlink schemes and focus on getting links from reputable sources that are relevant to your content. Don’t buy or trade links, as it’s a surefire way to get into trouble.
Make sure your website is simple and easy to navigate, as search engines love that. Keep it straightforward and allow surfers to find what they’re looking for quickly. Also, make sure your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly for a better user experience.
Keep your website updated with new and relevant content to attract search engines and keep them coming back for more. Aim to write longer content, as studies have shown that longer content ranks better in Google.
Share your content on various social media platforms to get more visibility and drive more surfers to your site. But make sure your content is worthy of being shared. Content that’s heinous won’t get shared, so make it bodacious!
That’s all folks! Bill & Ted have signed off in their time-travelling SEO machine. Don’t forget to follow these tips to help you create a website that’s excellent, bodacious, and ranks higher on search engines. So, be excellent to your keywords, avoid bogus backlinks, make your site user-friendly, keep your content fresh, and share on social media platforms. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a most triumphant website!
One of the biggest holdups I face in web design is waiting for the copy. And, it’s one of the most important parts.
People make the mistake of thinking they have to sound business like and official. But content doesn’t have to be boring – in fact, the more conversational it is, the easier it will be to keep the reader engaged (and stop them falling asleep at the ‘mouse’).
You’ve got a split second to knock people’s socks off – so use it wisely or they’ll just click off. We recommend an engaging headline then a small burst of text – we’re not talking War & Peace here – summarise what you want to say and if you need to go into more detail, include a ‘read more’ link to allow the reader to go ‘all in’ on a more descriptive page – a specialist landing page is also good for SEO (WTF is SEO? Check out our other video linked below).
Grammar an speelling mistooks are alos rally damaging… right, so that’s a bit overboard, but the main gist is – would you trust a site that is filled with errors? No me neither so make sure your copy reads well, is run through a spell checker and that you’ve read it back out loud – does it makes sense?
The key to turning browsers into buyers, is to gain their trust, make a connection with the person behind the keyboard – personable copy builds unconscious trust. Make them feel like they should buy from you. How can you do this? Just be yourself.
So it’s not just about your brand visuals – a great website needs to sound as good as it looks – and that’s all in the copy and tone of voice.
So, For those about to web… choose Nettl
There are a number of factors that decide whether we’re aiming for a Reliant Robin, or if we’re heading to the Rolls Royce showroom. It’s true that both cars will get you from a to b (most of the time!), but only one will do it with style, turning heads and capturing a jaw dropping gaze.
We’ll keep the car analogy purring along. If you think about the all-sining, all-dancing sites as top of the range sports cars. They’re superfast, always start (load) first time, have all the mod cons, classy features most importantly, wow all those who see them.
Your run-of-the-mill (daily driver) websites might provide a bog standard design and minimum frills, with their bland interiors – you’ll need more than a furry dice and a ‘Steve & Sharon’ window sticker to engage the traffic. Lastly, you’ve got the second hand/used market – with the DIY builders and templates such as Wix & Weebly – unreliable, been around the block and a non starter with (search) engines.
So what do these factors mean for the price of a website? Let’s take a look under the bonnet!
These sites are typically built using standard templates by web-building drag and drop platforms – this means you might share your ‘design’ with 100 other different businesses. Platforms like Wix, Weebly & Squarespace are popular for DIY site creation.
Whilst it’s possible to create your own eye-catching website using these website builders – it’s not for everyone as it requires a bit of skill, knowhow and a little sprinkling of creativity.
If you’re on a very tight budget (under £500) then consider using a DIY site builder.
Small business brochure websites are great to get your online presence started. These sites typically cost between £750 and £5,000 to build; although designers’ costs vary. They tend to be your online version of a brochure (hence the name) – they will display your services, a bit about the business, meet the team, contact information and any specialities of the business. They’d usually have integration with social media sites, Google Maps and Google Analytics.
Can it be done by a DIYer? Sure, but would you mess with the electrics in your house? Not if you want to avoid shocks – the same is true with web design (no shock).
E-commerce websites and custom bespoke connect style websites are perfect for those who want their website to bring in revenue. E-commerce sites need to be slick, fast loading, easy to navigate refined user experience design. The complex cart and order management system is crucial – the easier it is to check out the more sales you’ll receive. Connect sites (booking systems, click and collect options etc) provide a higher level of functionality to your standard brochure site. The cost for webshops start at the £2000 mark. Ready to talk shop? Skip to the bottom.
Bespoke websites that are custom created, fine tuned to the requirements of the individual company. They’re not your run of the mill site as they often require advanced functionality, custom built integration with third party systems.
These websites would be in the region of £10,000 to £50,000+ to build.
So, what’s the factors that can affect how a site it priced?
Ignoring the DIY builders, websites can start from a few hundred pounds and grow in budget as they grow in needs, according to the above list. The best thing to do, is consider your budget and goals – what do you want your website to accomplish. Make a list and a plan and get in touch to start the ball rolling.
Many ‘web designers’ will use pre-made themes and templates, hacking or adapting them to try and your needs – you’ll see similar sites in their portfolio. We’re not like that. We build your site from scratch without any constraints (no standard assembly lines here) – whatever you can dream, we can create. No DIY nightmares with us.