Wieting Design

The Importance of Website Development / Programming for a Lasting Site

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Your website is the foundation of your Connecticut business’ online presence, which is why it’s so important to work with a reliable website developer (AKA programmer) for long term success. 

At the end of the day, every business wants more business by reaching more clients, educating more leads, and providing valuable solutions. And in today’s competitive market, one of the best ways to accomplish this is through a strong digital marketing strategy with website development. At Wieting Design based in Fairfield County CT, we can help!

Why is website development so important?

The core of your CT business on the internet is your website. The way the site is displayed and the way it functions depends on how it’s built on the backend – this is where the vital role of a website developer / website programmer comes in.

The code on the backend gives instructions for how the site looks and performs on the front end. The layout, colors, fonts, images, speed, user friendliness, responsiveness to different devices, security, and search engine ranking all depend on how the website is built. The better a site’s user experience and SEO ranking – the more likely it is to convert visitors into customers.

Should you hire a website developer?

If you’re building the first website for your Connecticut business or need a new one for an existing, a website developer can create the tools and solutions needed for optimal performance. Step one is to define the goals of the site and the functions needed to aid in business success (capturing leads, appointment setting, online purchases, etc).

Setting up customized website tools is key for both the business owner and clients. In addition, ask yourself – “How many times have I left a site because it just wasn’t loading or displaying correctly?” – You can prevent problems like these on your own website with a developer who codes the site properly and tests its functionality.

How can website development make a site last longer?

A well built site by a website developer makes maintenance easy and will make any website last for years to come. In addition to creating the site, a website developer can teach the owner to manage and update the site as needed. If any issues or bugs occur, a good developer will be available to help in a timely manner, preventing interruption in web presence.

Site updates, changes to content (text, photos, videos, blogs, services & offerings), and adding additional pages or features is easier with a well built site. It’d be a shame to spend time and money on creating a website ideal for your CT business, only for it to become useless gradually because of a poor content management system and an inability to keep up with technology. 

Hire a developer / programmer in CT:

First impressions matter – your web presence is a reflection of your company and the website needs to work correctly. Hire a website designer & developer who can create a reliable site that accurately represents your Connecticut business. Here are a few quick tips from Forbes on hiring an agency for website development.

Click here to contact us and schedule a consultation for your digital marketing. 

Wieting Design | Website Development in CT | Connecticut Website Designer

Wieting Design is a full-service website design agency based in Fairfield County, CT and serving all of Connecticut (CT), bringing together form and function in website creation.

We are committed to sharing our experience and expertise in website development, website design, graphic design, social media marketing, search engine marketing (SEM & SEO), and video production to help build powerful tools that work for your Connecticut business. Whether your objective is to grow your reputation, create client loyalty, drive traffic to your website, or set up a marketing strategy, we will adapt our approach to get you the results you need with the services we provide. View our services here or Contact us to learn more.

 

Wieting Design launches CT Organic Pasta in West Hartford, CT

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There are a few types of projects and clients that we get lucky to work with. Projects like Connecticut Organic Pasta and owner Chef Don Pinger has been a pleasure to work with not to mention the great food we get to taste!! After all who doesn’t love GOOD FOOD!

Last year Don contacted us and wanted to talk about designing his new website. After a couple of months of copywriting, photography and meetings we launched Connecticut Organic Pasta in West Hartford, CT. A small site with the potential to expand in the future. He offers a wide variety of house-made fresh organic, non-GMO pasta and sauces along with an extensive selection of exceptional prepared salads, meals and desserts. Its been about 6 months and now he has expanded his offerings to catering and a menu that offers a wide variety of selections. While Don recognizes that some events require full-service catering, others may not and he has designed a menu that provides effortless solutions for every entertaining need.

CT Organic Pasta is a business that is tucked away in West Hartford, CT but has some big ideas and is going places! With the kind of homemade food he puts out he can’t miss! We look forward to the ride and are excited to the continued work with CT Organic Pasta.

I can personally say that the offerings he has are always fresh, healthy and tasty! Everything is cooked in his kitchen and he is always on hand to greet his customers. STOP IN AND SAY HELLO at 1142 NEW BRITAIN AVE., WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06110

Take a look at his website at www.ctorganicpasta.com and see for yourself!

Wieting Design | Website Designer| Connecticut

Wieting Design is a full-service, graphic and website design agency based in Fairfield County, CT and serving all of Connecticut (CT). We are committed to sharing our experience and expertise in website design, graphic design, social media marketing, search engine marketing (SEM & SEO), and video production to help build powerful tools and campaigns that work for your Connecticut business. Whether your objective is to grow your reputation, create client loyalty, drive traffic to your website, or set up a marketing strategy, we will adapt our approach to get you the results you need with the services we provide.

Add Google My Business and Linkedin to Your SEO + Social Media Strategy

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Creative flat design for web banner, marketing material, business presentation, online advertising.

Social Media Platforms for Business

We all know the power of a business’ social media presence for search engine marketing and brand awareness, but which sites should you be posting on to leverage this power?

While it may seem simple – just go where your target market is, you should also consider other platforms that may have hidden powers (for example search engine optimization and opportunities for new connections). You may already be utilizing Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach your audience, but other platforms you should consider posting regularly on include Google My Business and Linkedin.

Google My Business

Google My Business can greatly increase your local impressions and offers web users a quick glimpse of your offerings. If you’ve got a complete business listing, searchers don’t have to take the extra step of clicking into your site because your company’s information and posts will be displayed directly in Google search results. Searchers no longer have to visit your website to learn more, which means you’re one step closer to being discovered.

First, claim your free listing in Google My Business and completely fill in the requested information – location, contact info, hours, photos, etc. Most business owners create their free listing and stop there, thinking they’ve done all that’s required. Creating the business profile is just the beginning though. The true key to maximizing Google My Business SEO capabilities is to regularly post on the platform.

Posting updates here is similar to other social media platforms with the option to add photos, videos, text, and links. In all that we do, the call to action (CTA) is vital so that potential clients know the next step to take. Google My Business makes CTA’s easy with optional buttons that include the opportunity to book online, learn more, sign up, call, and more.

In addition, past clients can post reviews for your business which will be displayed directly in search results. So take the time to ask for testimonials because we all know that what others say about us is infinitely more powerful than what we say about ourselves. Don’t underestimate the power of your Google business listing for SEO and brand awareness – try it and check your results using Google My Business Insights which will help you understand impressions and completed calls to action.

Linkedin

Years ago you may have used Linkedin solely for the purpose of displaying your resume and logging in occasionally to the site as a job resource. Today, users are active on Linkedin on a regular basis and the site has turned into a popular social media platform for professionals.

If you haven’t already done so, create a personal account and from this account create your Linkedin company page. On the company page be sure to completely fill out all information and include keywords related to your business that users may be searching for. Once completed, incorporate Linkedin to your social media strategy by posting regularly on your company page.

Posts can include text, links, photos, videos, and sharing of others’ content. To maximize your organic reach, incorporate hashtags for the chance to be discovered by your target market. In addition to posting on the company page, you can share these post updates to your personal account so that your existing network can also learn more about your business.

A feature that really sets Linkedin apart from other platforms is the ability to publish articles on the site, which are great for increasing exposure. If you’ve got an active blog on your own website, you can even republish the content directly to Linkedin to reach a larger audience. The incorporation of relevant hashtags will make your content easily discoverable and opens the door to new connections.

Marketing Your Business on Google and Linkedin

While both Google My Business and Linkedin are free to use, there are also paid options available. Try the free option first, analyze results, and move forward as needed.

At Wieting Design, a marketing & design agency based in Fairfield County CT, we’ve successfully set up and managed many SEO & social media strategies for businesses throughout Connecticut. Contact us to schedule a free consultation for your local CT search engine marketing and CT social media. Click to view all of our marketing services here.

Wieting Design | SEO Marketing Specialist in CT | CT Social Media Marketing

Wieting Design is a full-service, graphic and website design agency based in Fairfield County, CT and serving all of Connecticut (CT). We are committed to sharing our experience and expertise in website design, graphic design, social media marketing, search engine marketing (SEM & SEO), and video production to help build powerful tools and campaigns that work for your Connecticut business. Whether your objective is to grow your reputation, create client loyalty, drive traffic to your website, or set up a marketing strategy, we will adapt our approach to get you the results you need with the services we provide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: SEO

How to Use Video Stories For Social Media Marketing

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How to Use Video Stories For Social Media Marketing

Short, captivating videos on social media allow businesses to connect with potential, new, and existing clients. Millions of viewers are engaging online with short video clips and temporary video stories, so if your business hasn’t created videos on social media yet then you may be missing out. Create them on your own or partner with a CT marketing & design agency like Wieting Design.

The truth is, if your target market is on Instagram or Facebook then you should be too, and one of the best ways to be discovered is through videos.

These clips may only last a few seconds but they make an impression – they’re captivating, clever, and straight to the point. Often created to look more raw and personal than videos you find on a company’s website or Youtube channel, these videos are made to build brand awareness and are typically low cost and easy to create.

A few things to remember when creating videos for social media:

-Use this opportunity to make a connection before making a sale. Social media is for sharing content with peers, so work on producing interesting and valuable content specifically for your audience, rather than straight out promoting or selling your business.

-Don’t be boring. Stay true to your brand guidelines but don’t be afraid to be bold and make an impression. When creating videos, know what your audience likes and interests them – use this as the basis of content to peak interest.

-These videos are short so keep them simple with one main focus per clip. Also remember that many videos are viewed with the sound off so include text or graphics for reference, but be sure not to overdo it.

-Define a goal for the video and have a clear call to action (CTA). It’s great if your audience tunes in to watch your video but make sure it’s clear what the next step is. Is it to contact you, sign up, visit your website, make a purchase, etc?

-Social media is a place of discovery and sharing, so be sure your company can be found. Use appropriate hashtags for your content and tag your location when posting especially on Instagram.

There are different ways to utilize short videos on Facebook and Instagram. You can post directly on your feed, create an ad to maximize reach, post previously edited videos, create live videos, or post an Instagram story (check out this Techboomers tutorial on creating and posting Instagram Stories; it’s much easier than you think and extremely popular among social media users).

According to Adweek “One of the things the proliferation of Stories has proven is the value of real, uncut content in the eyes of audiences, so documenting your journey with Stories make your brand approachable.”

While social media platforms are overloaded with posts, photos, and ads; short videos offer a breath of fresh air and authenticity for businesses. This form of marketing works for social media because these platforms were created for sharing, connecting, and entertaining one another – short videos do exactly that. After all we’re all human so use this chance to show the human side of your company.

Be authentic and give viewers a glimpse into who the company is, what it offers, and what it stands for. You can utilize videos for product releases, company news, discounts, education, streaming of events, and more. It’s a chance to make a real connection with your target market.

Take the first step & craft a social media plan.

We know that running your business takes a lot of work and marketing often gets pushed back. While time and budget constraints may be holding you back, an active social media presence doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. Try it yourself or partner with a professional marketing agency with a history of successful social media campaigns.

Wieting Design is a design & marketing agency based in Fairfield County CT and serving all of Connecticut with the experience to help improve your social media strategy. Contact us to schedule a consultation, or view our past projects including video production services.

Wieting Design | Social Media Marketing CT

Wieting Design is a full-service, graphic and website design agency based in Fairfield County, CT and serving all of Connecticut (CT). We are committed to sharing our experience and expertise in website design, graphic design, social media marketing, search engine marketing (SEM & SEO), and video production to help build powerful tools and campaigns that work for your Connecticut business. Whether your objective is to grow your reputation, create client loyalty, drive traffic to your website or set up a marketing strategy, we will adapt our approach to get you the results you need with the services we provide.

 

 

 

Marketing & Design for Different Generations

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The first rule of marketing – understand your target audience so that you know the best way to connect. For marketing and design, a simple demographic to consider is age.

Obviously different generations have different experiences, memories, and often different interests because of where they’re at in life, so it’s no wonder these groups may find different marketing designs appealing. Consider the following design trends when marketing to different age groups.

Baby Boomers

(Born approximately 1946 – 1964)

Baby boomers have wisdom that only comes with age, and at this point they’ve got a keen eye for finding the best solutions. When marketing to baby boomers, make sure your design and messaging is straight to the point. Exude a sense of familiarity but don’t be boring, and build trust right away. Incorporate a clean design with images and text that are neatly presented with lots of white space to separate the two, and make sure your font size is appropriate (especially for mobile). The AARP website and its Facebook page are great examples of designing for baby boomers and the preceding generation.

Generation X

(Born approximately 1965 – 1980)

Generation X individuals are in the peak of their careers. This busy lifestyle means they’re seeking less fluff and more answers with an honest and responsible feel from companies. Remember this generation grew up during a huge technology shift, so they’re a mix of traditional and modern. Transitional design is best to balance the two. Use transparency in messaging and imagery to showcase what this group is looking for: a company that’s conscious yet cool; for example Whole Foods.

Millennials

(Born approximately 1981 – 1996)

Millennials are optimistic and constantly looking for the next big thing. Connect with them by incorporating a vibrant look, bold colors, and excitement to give them the instant gratification they seek. With social media playing a great role in their lives, the opinion of their peers is front and center on a daily basis and influencers often are the ones who reinforce a brand’s value. Together this daring design and influencer marketing approach join creativity and authenticity to make millennials feel good and inspired about a company. View our social media services.

Generation Z

(Born approximately 1997 and beyond)

Generation Z grew up with technology so they’re accustomed to having access to global views and answers at their fingertips. Connected to the world from an early age, this group is looking for a strong, powerful presence and isn’t afraid of fluidity in design that changes as quickly as their interests do. Much of this group is still growing up, which in itself is a time of change and openness to experiencing new things. Incorporate dynamic, adventurous, and innovative design but be sure to maintain consistency in your messaging across all platforms.

Customize Your Marketing & Design

Whether your CT business has clients of baby boomers, generation x, millennials, or generation z, choose a customized design and marketing strategy that will be most effective. View our past design projects in Fairfield County and Connecticut.

By understanding your audience now, you’ll be able to cultivate a relationship that spans generations. Contact us to discuss your local business’ marketing strategy.

Wieting Design | Website Design CT

Wieting Design is a full-service, graphic and website design agency based in Fairfield County, CT and serving all of Connecticut (CT). We are committed to sharing our experience and expertise in website design, graphic design, social media marketing, search engine marketing (SEO), and video production to help build powerful tools and campaigns that work for your Connecticut business. Whether your objective is to grow your reputation, create client loyalty, drive traffic to your website or set up a marketing strategy, we will adapt our approach to get you the results you need with the services we provide.

 

Practices That Could Be Hurting Your SEO

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We all know the importance of using SEO (search engine optimization) best strategies, but are you familiar with practices that may be hurting your SEO? These may often be done unintentionally yet can have a big impact on your website’s ranking.

The following can negatively affect your SEO:

Bad Website Links

Inactive links or broken links go nowhere, and should be fixed or removed as needed. You can manually search for these, or easier ways include using Google Analytics or the plugin MonsterInsights for WordPress. While auditing, also check for nofollow links and redirects – if they exist, ensure they’re correctly placed where needed. Inactive links can stop web crawlers in their tracks resulting in a page not being indexed for search engines.

Spam Blog Comments

Spam links in your blog’s comment section can affect how you’re ranked; watch out for spam bots inserting irrelevant links like these. Using bad SEO strategies, these spambots try creating their own backlinks by commenting on others’ posts but this can hurt your ranking in the process. Links on your page help Google understand what kind of page you are, so a bad or irrelevant link can give Google the wrong impression. Have a good spam filter or monitor your comments to ensure no bad links exist in comments.

Slow Site Speed

You may have tons of awesome content on your page, including videos and high resolution images, but make sure your page is not overloaded. Watch out for oversized images, embedded videos, bad code, and overdue theme or plugin updates. A slow site speed leads to a longer load time that negatively impacts user experience, leading to increased bounce rates. Additionally, search engines may not be able to crawl all your pages when your site is slow (as to not overload). Use Pingdom to check your site speed and see if it needs improvement.

Not Using HTTPS

Safety online is important – users know this and so does Google. Search engines will rank safe sites higher because they want to send visitors to pages worthy of trust. Switch to HTTPS if you haven’t already; an SSL certificate ensures secure data transmission with encrypted data between the server and your site. Check if your hosting package includes this or if you need to purchase a security certificate.

Low Visitor Engagement

Posting quality content can improve your SEO, but there’s much more to it including how users engage. How are visitors interacting with your website? Are they engaged, completing calls to action (CTA’s) or sharing? How much time are visitors spending on the page? Google ranks sites based on how relevant they are, and if you have a high bounce rate it may lower your relevancy score.

Non Responsive Design

Searches being done on tablets and phones are increasing, which means your website needs to be responsive to these different devices. If not, visitors may leave quickly when the page doesn’t load or show correctly, in turn increasing your bounce rate and potentially hurting your SEO. Google is aware of the device trend and has even started indexing the mobile version of sites to make sure that users get the best access to what they’re looking for on phones. AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) can help with mobile speed.

Irrelevant Keywords

Keyword stuffing and using irrelevant words in the hope that your page gets noticed can backfire. Words that don’t match the content on the page will most likely result in a higher bounce rate when visitors realize they haven’t found what they were looking for on the site. Stay true to what your page is about without overdoing it; remember that it’s quality content that counts. (Note: Are you noticing a trend here? It’s all about being pertinent to the subject matter.)

Duplicate Tags and Descriptions

Make sure Google can successfully index your website; factors that may affect this are duplicate content tags or noindex tags. One can confuse search engines while the other will prevent the page from being indexed. Make tags relevant and also remember to tag your images correctly by describing what’s actually on them vs just listing the words you’re hoping to rank for. Be relevant for your topic and Google will reward you rather than penalize.

At the core of SEO rankings is the question – is my site relevant for what I offer and working properly? Keep this question in mind because Google is constantly analyzing this to sort pages in search engine results. At the end of the day, search engines exist to provide users with the best results and this is based on many factors. Some are easy to do on your own while others may require help from a search engine marketing expert like Wieting Design. View our SEO services.

With more than 20 years experience in marketing for local businesses in CT (Connecticut), we can work with you to improve and maintain your search engine ranking. View our past projects or contact us to discuss your local business marketing needs.

Wieting Design | Website Design CT

Wieting Design is a full-service, graphic and website design agency based in Fairfield County, CT and serving all of Connecticut (CT). We are committed to sharing our experience and expertise in website design, graphic design, social media marketing, search engine marketing (SEO), and video production to help build powerful tools and campaigns that work for your Connecticut business. Whether your objective is to grow your reputation, create client loyalty, drive traffic to your website or set up a marketing strategy, we will adapt our approach to get you the results you need with the services we provide.

 

CONTACT US

Wieting Design, LLC
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o: 203.414.9692
e: cindy@wietingdesign.com

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Serving: CT, Fairfield County CT
Hartford  CT, New Haven County CT