In the digital age, small businesses thrive on innovation, creativity, and cost-effective solutions. Amidst the array of tools available, open-source software stands out as a game-changer for small business owners. Programs like GIMP, Inkscape, Krita, LibreOffice, and Kdenlive offer a treasure trove of benefits that can elevate operations, streamline workflows, and empower entrepreneurs without breaking the bank. While there is a plethora of open source applications which can be useful to just about any business, in this article we will highlight a few that we use and can be particularly useful for small businesses.
-
Empowering Small Businesses with Open Source Software
-
SEO or SEM – Which is Which?
Like ham and cheese are two components of a delightful sandwich, SEO and SEM are complementary factors of a great website. They can work alone, but the outcome is better when put together.
By definition, SEO stands for “Search Engine Optimization.” It drives organic traffic to your website by improving your ranking on the search engine results page (SERP). SEO actions affect your website’s content, structure, and social media efforts. SEM is “Search Engine Marketing.” It increases your site’s visibility and traffic through paid ads. Each practice is an essential part of a successful business website.
-
Elementor vs. Divi: A Comprehensive Comparison of WordPress Page Builders
In the dynamic world of website design and development, creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites is crucial. Two popular page builders for WordPress, Elementor and Divi, have emerged as leading tools in this domain. Both offer powerful features such as WooCommerce, Advanced Custom Fields and AI content development integration, yet they have distinct advantages and disadvantages. This article delves into the differences between Elementor and Divi, providing an in-depth analysis of their respective strengths and weaknesses.
-
Divi 5 Update Promises Blazing Fast Builder Experience
If you have a website, there is a good chance it was created using WordPress. This is due largely because of its ease of use and versatility. In fact, according to a 2023 review, there are 810 million WordPress sites, whichcomprises around 43% of all websites. And that number is growing daily, as over 500 sites are built using WordPress daily.
A long list of plugins and themes for WordPress makes the platform even more powerful. One of the most popular themes is Divi by Elegant Themes. Since its introduction by Nick Roach and Co. in 2013, Divi has undergone several iterations. The most recent is a complete overhaul named simply, Divi 5. The theme and visual page builder is available through Elegant Themes and offers many advantages in website building and design.
-
Demystifying DNS Records: The Backbone of Websites and Email
In the vast realm of the internet, where websites and email communication reign supreme, the Domain Name System (DNS) serves as the unsung hero. DNS records are the invisible architects that translate human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses, facilitating the seamless operation of websites and email services. In this article, we will embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of DNS records and their crucial role in making the digital world accessible.
-
Small Business SEO Checklist
How many of these statements resonate with you?
- Your website is getting minimal traffic.
- The conversion rate has a lot of room for improvement.
- Your website doesn’t show up in search results, even if your keywords are used.
- Your website isn’t responsive.
- You haven’t secured your website with HTTPs.
- Your site has a poor user experience.
- You site isn’t ranking like your competition.
If even a few of these statements sound familiar, then it may be time to secure the services of a competent Search Engine Optimization (SEO) team. But how do you know who to hire? With just a quick web search, a myriad of consults show up- all claiming to take your website to the first page of results.
-
9 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Marketing Budget
Sticker shock has, unfortunately, become the norm. It seems no matter where you go, prices are going up. Consequently, budgets at both home and work are being stretched like an out of shape rubber band. However, when it comes to the business world the old adage is still true, “You have to spend money to make money”.
If you are looking for ways to boost your business, cutting out marketing expenses is not the answer. After all, how can you build your business’ bottom line if people don’t know who you are or what you have to offer?
-
13 Tips to Perform Smooth Website Migrations
Has your current website or domain outgrown its original purpose? Maybe, you have made -or need to make- some significant changes to your branding or want to change your URL but don’t want to rewrite content or redesign anything. If this sounds familiar, or maybe you are just considering a change, then a website migration may be the perfect solution.
By definition, a website migration is “the process of making significant feature changes to a website that can affect its online visibility.” (Online Marketing Guru) This process plays an important part in how your website will then be viewed and can affect your site’s Search Engine Ranking and marketing efforts. These effects can be quite disastrous if the site migration is not done correctly. As such, it is recommended that if considering a website migration, you work with a professional who will implement all the steps involved for success.
