Internet Marketing Blog
|
Cristina: Posted on Thursday, May 17, 2012 4:47 PM
Many of our customers have been experiencing an issue with
our site activity lately. Our team is currently investigating fixes for the
problem, but the tool is fully functional and updates every four hours. We will be posting updates on this issue as they develop in the Self Help
Forum.
Below are two helpful links to tips on what site stats are,
and how you can use them: Succeed
with Site Statistics
This blog outlines the basics of site statistics, and defines such key
components as “Page Views,” “Visitors” and “Search Engines” to name a few. How
to Manage your Site Statistics
As an internet marketer, understanding and tracking your website activity
is important. Why? You can use your customer metrics to do things like
understand who your customers are, and identify what motivates them to come and
visit your site in the first place. You can use these learnings to make
improvements to your site to drive new visits, return visits, and ultimately
sales. This blog will give you a few key tips on how to manage these stats for
optimal results. If you have additional questions on site statistics, please
call customer support at 866.811.1674. |
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 5:35 PM
Every Wednesday, we choose a Website We Love to feature here, on our blog, and on our Facebook page. This week, we asked our Facebook community how long they've had their site, and why they started it. As always, we received a number of great responses, but we had to pick just one!
The winning website comes from Raymond Bush, of Pittwater Mowing! Raymond says he has had his site for four years, and the response has been positive: "The Website launched on a Sunday night and by Wednesday we had our first client! We now service 100+ homes in Sydney Australia." We thought the site was great overall, but were particularly impressed with the intro video, before and after shots and helpful, relevant educational
What about you? How long have you had YOUR site...and why did you start it? Tell us in the comments section!
|
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2012 5:06 PM
 This week, we received a HUGE Website We Love response! We asked our Facebook community what three words would describe their site...and the comments were amazing! As always, it was difficult to choose just one to feature here, on our blog, and on our Facebook page, but in the end, we went with a site submitted by Amanda Leigh Boykin. When it comes to describing her site in three words, she says Petal Pusher's Wreaths & Designs is a "dream come true." We loved that answer, and her site... especially the beautiful imagery, easy-to-shop homepage, informative blog, and numerous, detailed seasonal wreath categories (on display in the left-hand navigation). We think it's a site well done! Congrats, Amanda! What about you? How would you describe your site in just three words?
|
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 3:38 PM
This week, we asked the Vistaprint Internet Marketing Facebook community about what one word comes to mind first when thinking about their website. As usual, there were some amazing responses and Websites to choose from--which makes choosing just one difficult! In the end, we picked Jessica Peltz and Myst Mobile Spray Tanning as this week's Website We Love. The word Jessica used to describe her site was "resourceful," and we think it's a word that highlights what we liked about the site well. We were impressed by the amount of information found on the site, and how well the navigation pointed to and explained specific services. Whether looking at Frequently Asked Questions or Scheduling An Appointment, the site is well organized, and easy for visitors to use. Congrats, Jessica!
What about you? What is the first word that comes to mind when you think about YOUR site?
|
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Thursday, April 26, 2012 11:41 AM
If you have a website, keeping track
of your site’s statistics is important. Why? Learning things like who is
looking at your site, how they got there and which pages were viewed the most
can help you tailor your content, and monitor how visitors are interacting with
your site. Here, we’ll define the top five stats you should be keeping track
of.
1.
Page Views Page views are the number of times
your web pages have been looked at. Page views are important because they can
help identify what content your customers care about most.
2. Visitors
Keeping track of the number of
visitors your site has, as well as when these people are checking out your pages,
is a great way to figure out when to run particular content. For instance, if
you know that Tuesday is a high-traffic day, that might be when you want to run
a specific sale.
3.
Location Visitors to your site can come from
anywhere — from your hometown to somewhere across the globe – that’s the power
of the Internet. Use the location information to see your site’s popularity in
specific areas, as this insight can help you focus your advertising budget on
these regions.
4.
Search Engine
Identifying these search engines
(Google, Bing, etc.) indicates where your website is being indexed and it can
also help you see the search engines your visitors prefer.
5.
Referring Traffic
Any website that links to your website
is called referring traffic. Knowing what sites drive traffic to your website can
allow you to find out more about your customers’ online activity, which can
help you customize your site to fit their interests and needs. It’s a good idea
to post your website on other sites such as your area’s chamber of commerce,
blogs that apply to your business or review sites to create more referring
traffic. You can also spot users that click to your site from your email
marketing campaigns or local search profile with our click source feature.
It’s
amazing how easy it is to get to know your site visitors. Check your stats on a
regular basis and make sure you use the information to better your website and
strengthen your connection with customers. |
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 4:47 PM
Since each week we pick the sites we love, this week’s Websites We
Love question focused on what, exactly, our Vistaprint Internet
Marketing Facebook community loves about their website. As it turns out, a lot
of you love your sites — and with good reason, since the submissions we
received were all great, and the decision to pick just one to feature was
difficult.
This week’s winner comes from Jamie Benedict, who wrote that there are quite a
few reasons she loves her site. “I love
the business that my site brings in,” she says. “The style and design of the
Vistaprint design center, and how beautiful all my pictures look…I love that I
can change it around and it’s so easy.” We’re big fans of the pictures, too,
especially the My
Brides and More section, where there are short blurbs about each of the
women featured. The images are a creative way to showcase her services, portfolio, and her clients. We’re also impressed by her non-traditional Contact Us page, which features a number of engaging questions. Congrats, Jamie!
What about you? Tell us why you love your site in the comments
section! |
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 5:09 PM
what one word summed up how their sites made them feel. After more than a month of featuring Websites We Love, it comes as no surprise that we received a number of amazing comments--and links to sites! But we had to pick just one...
What about you? How does your site make YOU feel? Tell us in the comments section!
|
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2012 3:56 PM
The Vistaprint
Support Community is a great place to pick up advice from Vistaprint
Internet Marketing specialists, read up-to-date content about all the products
you love, share your ideas, questions, expertise, feedback and much more. Here
are few pointers on how to best use the forum.
1. Ask the Right Question
If you have a specific question in mind when you visit the forum, but you don’t
see an exact answer match after hitting the “ask” button, your very first
instinct might be to simply repost the topic. Wait! Before you do that, click
through a few of the generated responses. There are a number of ways to pose
questions, and sometimes, different often-asked questions can have the same
answers. Hint: Still not seeing your answer? You have a few options: You can try entering a keyword instead, or you can check out the product listings on the lower part of the screen — there, you can search, even if you're not sure what to ask.
2. Read Up
The support forum is FULL of up-to-date, Vistaprint-approved articles. So even
if you don’t have a question, the forum is a perfect place to explore new
tricks of the trade, or just read up on favorite products. Hint: If you don’t know where to begin, look on the
homepage. There, you’ll find the most popular ideas, frequently asked questions
and common problems. It’s a good spot to start exploring.
3. Share Your Ideas
You don’t have to just submit your questions — you can also share your ideas!
If you have an idea for a brand-new product, or an innovative way to improve
one we already offer, we’d love to hear from you. Hint: No idea is a bad one — even the tiniest thought can lead to a big
outcome, so don’t hesitate to share.
4. Talk to the Community
The forum is a quick way to reach Vistaprint employees, of course, but it’s
also a great way to connect with other Internet Marketing enthusiasts. Answer
other people’s questions, ask for advice, and more! Hint: Other members of the
forum are probably experiencing many of the same things you are — it’s a great
place to reach out and connect with others.
5. Be an Expert
If you know an answer, pass it on! You don’t have to be a Vistaprint employee
to share expert tips and quick fixes. Hint: If you’re an expert, don’t be shy — you might get
to a question before we do!
|
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 5:15 PM
 Take a look at your site. What do you think is the most important page, to you and to your users? That is the question we asked this week on our Internet Marketing Facebook page, and we received (as always!) a number of great responses--and great websites, too! This week's Website We Love winner, Celine Jacobs, of Rockhampton Happy Hounds Dog Training, thinks her home page is the most important spot on her site. We think it's a great place to welcome visitors--human and canine alike! We also think the About Us page does a great job explaining not only the company's services, but also the history behind the business; it also provides helpful information such as location, hours and more. (Plus there is even a Dog Blog!) Congrats, Celine!
Now it's your turn--tell us what page YOU think is most valuable when it comes to your site, and why.
|
|
|
Rob: Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 10:37 AM
 Storytelling is an important part of who we are as humans. Since the
first hieroglyphics were smeared on the walls of ancient caves, stories have
captured our attention and our imaginations. Here are a few tips to help you connect
with customers by sharing your business’s story in the About Us section of your website.
Think Back
A great story has tremendous value. It catches your attention, it’s
interesting and it’s memorable. Think about how your business came to be.
Perhaps you began in a converted garage. Maybe it was your 3-year-old daughter
who sparked a prolific idea. Or maybe
you lost a job but discovered your calling. Whatever the case, if you’re
passionate about your business, then you have a story to tell!
Be Specific and Use Details
Details bring a story to life and they’re what stick in people’s minds. If
a potential customer is interested in your product or services, they’re going
to be interested in the details of your business. Share the details that make your
business unique and website visitors will feel more connected to you. By
opening up, you’ll allow visitors to become invested in your business.
Show Off
Take the opportunity to show visitors what you do better than anyone else. Explain
what really sets you apart and why you can be trusted to provide better
products or services than the competition. Are you the fastest? Newest?
Friendliest? Maybe you pride yourself in offering free, half-hour consultations
to prospective clients, or maybe you’re the only company in town offering a
specific product. Your story should set an expectation of what it’s like to do
business with you and it should also help to establish brand identity. Even if
you don’t actively managing your brand at all times, your story will.
But I’m Not a Writer!
Don’t worry — no one is expecting your story to rival Charles Dickens. The
most important thing to remember is to provide clear and simple content. Don’t try to sound like something you’re not
and don’t use business-speak. Just tell the truth, in a good way. But, if the
thought of putting pen to paper proves too terrifying, it’s worth hiring a
freelance copywriter. With a little research, you’ll be able to get something
great, at an affordable price.
Think about what makes your business unique and try putting
it on paper. Your story might not win a Pulitzer Prize, but it’s got to be
better than those cave paintings…
|
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2012 4:50 PM
 Another Wednesday, another Website We Love! This week, we asked our Internet Marketing Facebook Community about competition. Specifically, what about their site sets them apart from everyone else? We, as usual, received a number of great responses, but had to choose just one to highlight here on our blog. The winner this week is Tamara Canzater, from Creative Cooking, who writes that her site stands out from the rest because it's "bright,colorful, inviting, and kid friendly." We tend to agree; the vibrant colors tie in the overall theme of the site--fun! We also liked the prominent display of the site's creative tag line ("Where we're cooking up fun, one class at a time.") Congrats, Tamara!
What about you? What sets YOUR site apart from the competition?
|
|
|
Cristina : Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 4:40 PM
It was very difficult for our team to
pick just one Website We Love,
but our winner this week is Prime
Example Events & Wedding Planning, from Durham, North Carolina,
submitted by Elaine Cole Primus! According to Elaine, her site is
special because it helps her highlight her business. “My website is special
because Vistaprint made it easy and affordable for me to showcase and grow my
business,” she says. We think this website is special because of its educational value. With a detailed blog, services list, examples of real weddings and more, it's a great resource for anyone who is planning an event or wedding!
What about you — what makes your website special? Tell us in the comments section!
|
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2012 11:42 AM
When it comes to your Website, adding simple features that translate to big
benefits is always smart…and contact forms are pretty high on the list of
valuable add-ons. These handy tools gather pertinent info from your visitors,
are super-versatile, and can vary based on your specific needs. Typical fields
can include “name,” “address,” “phone number” and “comments,” but again, they
can vary depending on the form’s functionality. Although there are a number of
reasons these forms are useful, keep reading to see our top three.
1. Feedback
If you’re a business owner, it’s no secret that customer opinion is essential;
contact forms are a perfect means for gathering this vital feedback in a
non-obtrusive manner. For instance, if you were interested in soliciting
specific comments about a new service or product, you could use the contact
form to ask pertinent questions, and receive reactions directly via email.
2. Customer Connections
Beyond asking for feedback, contact forms are a good way for customers to not
only reach you, but also establish a relationship with you. Whether it’s a
quick question about a specific product, or a more detailed inquiry about a new
service or biz feature, a simple form can provide customers with an easy way to
reach out.
3. Contacts
It might seem obvious, but one of the most vital reasons to consider adding a
contact form is so you can build — what else — your contact list! A form is an
easy way to ask visitors for basic information, such as their name and email
address. With all the contacts you gather, you’ll be able to send targeted
emails to stay in touch, announce new products or sales, and much more.
Do you have a contact form on YOUR site? If so, do you think
it’s important? Tell us in the comments section!
|
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 5:34 PM
 We had a record number of submissions (over 70 and counting at press time!) for Websites We Love on our Facebook page this week, and it was, as usual, very difficult for us to choose just one winner. We asked our Internet Marketing Community on Facebook to sum up their site in just one word. The winner, Wave Acoustic Duo, said that their site could be described with the word "musicians"--and with good reason. Their site is dedicated to featuring the duo's music and performances. We're big fans of the cool intro video, which showcases the duo performing in front of an audience, and the great demos of new music, also featured on the home page. In addition, the handy contact/bookings form, and prominent social media widgets make it simple for potential customers to get in touch. Congrats, Wave Acoustic Duo! What about you? What do you highlight on your site to set yourself apart from the competition? Tell us in the comments section. |
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 5:15 PM
It’s
Wednesday, so that means yet another edition of Websites We Love! As usual, we received a number
of great Website submissions to choose from on our Facebook page…but we had to
pick just one to feature! Our newest Websites We Love winner is Karen Froggatt, who posted a link to her
site www.tigaliliflowers.com. This week, we asked our Facebook community what the most useful part of their site was, and Froggatt chose
the contact form. Although there are a number of great answers to this question, we agree that a well-placed contact form can
definitely help secure customers, and is a valuable addition to any site! (On Froggatt's site, the contact form is highly visible, and placed directly on her homepage.) We
were also a big fan of her site’s image galleries, which showcase the available
product options nicely.
Do you have a contact form on your
site? If so, do you find it useful? Tell us in the comments section! And don't
forget to keep any eye on our Facebook page for our next Websites We Love
Wednesday! |
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2012 6:01 PM
You might have read our blog about how, when it comes to
your website, 80% of eye traffic is “above the fold.” Here, we’ll provide you
with quick tips on the three aspects of your site to focus on for optimal
ocular attention:
Star of the Show
Your page’s headline is crucial — and is likely the first thing someone will see
when they land on your page. It might sound obvious, but it’s incredibly
important to include your business name and logo in this space, so it’s always
top of mind for your site’s visitors. And remember: Design choice also factors
into your headline space! For one, check that this space isn’t cluttered. Too
much information can detract from your name. Also make sure the colors you pick
for your logo and website complement each other, are easy to read, and make
your headline visible.
Call to Action
Take a few moments to think about WHY you have a Website. Is there
something that you want to make sure people do once they’re on your site? Maybe
it’s to order a product. Or read your blog. Or even to get directions to your
storefront. Whatever the action is, ensuring that it’s in a prominent location,
with easy-to-read text can do wonders for follow-through. You’ll also need to
think of what this call to action says. Our hint? Keep it simple! If your goal
is for people to contact you for more information, a quick “Contact Us!” is
perfect.
Get Social
If you’re hoping to connect with your visitors (and you should be!) one of the
best ways to do so is through Social Media. Make sure your buttons to Like,
Follow and more are placed prominently enough for anyone who visits your site
to see.
These are just a few tips we think will help! Do you have
any to add? Tell us in the comments section! |
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, March 07, 2012 5:47 PM
 It's Wednesday, so that means it's time for Websites We Love! This week, we received so many great responses it was very difficult to narrow down our options to just one! Our choice? Andrea Bodenberg Hoffman's photography site Red Barn Gallery.
According to Hoffman, the main reason she loves her site is its ease of use: "I love that I can update it whenever I want to! [It's] easily manageable and updates quickly," she says. She also mentions an important aspect of site maintenance that can often be overlooked--stats. "I also love being able to see who checks out my site through the statistics."
Do you track your stats? Tell us in the comments section! And don't forget to keep any eye on our Facebook page for our next Websites We Love Wednesday!
|
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 5:50 PM
Our latest edition of Websites We Love highlights a site with engaging content...something that is important when it comes to both your visitor's experience and overall interaction with your site. This week, we were impressed with "world record breaking" DJ Jack Hill's video content in particular. His site features video throughout the pages, including on its Homepage and Contact Us section. Congrats, Jack! How important is great content to you? Tell us in the comments section! |
|
|
Ryan: Posted on Monday, February 27, 2012 5:28 PM
Optimizing your website to improve your search ranking can also help you
create a better website that your visitors will enjoy. Here are our top four ways your optimization efforts can win over search engines AND your visitors.
1. Include search terms.
Search engines will use the search terms throughout your site as a good indication of what your website is about and rank it accordingly.
Your visitors will see your website closer to the top of search results so it will be easier to find.
2. Add your company name to your website header.
Search engines
look at your website header as an important description of your site’s
subject matter and they’ll display your site when a search is calling
for that topic.
Your visitors should know exactly what
your website is about at first sight. Write your company name and add
your tagline to further explain your business.
3. Make updates whenever you can.
Search engines notice frequently updated websites first, which could improve your search rankings.
Your visitors will appreciate seeing fresh content and will be more likely to check back often to see your updates.
4. Describe your images and videos.
Search engines will use your text to determine your relevancy to searches. The more text you add to your website, the better.
Your visitors will like that you’re providing details and telling your story.
Enjoy the process and do a
little bit at a time to make sure you cover all of your bases. And
remember, your primary audience is your site visitors, so cater to their
needs first.
|
|
|
Cristina: Posted on Friday, February 24, 2012 1:00 PM
When it comes to marketing your website or
online business, it can be easy to forget about marketing it offline, too. Although traditional
online methods such as email marketing and having a local search profile are
both vital, think about all the potential customers you might be missing! Here,
we give you three quick tips on how to build your business and create a strong brand
though offline AND online marketing.
1. Keep It Consistent
When it comes to your business, consistency is one of the most important things
to keep in mind, and ultimately, it strengthens your brand identity while
helping customers easily identify your business. So when you want to create
something new to market your biz, whether it’s as small as a postcard or as
large as an email marketing campaign, start off by ask yourself the following
questions:
Will my logo be easy to recognize?
Is my design template memorable?
Does my content match the theme of my business? The answer to all of those questions should be yes, but if it’s not, don’t worry! Vistaprint offers hundreds of
matching design templates so you can create marketing materials to match your
business card, website, brochure and more!
2. Avoid a Marketing Rut
If you find yourself using the same
advertising methods over and over again, it might be time to get creative. Using
a variety of mediums can help you acquire a larger customer base and can have
great returns. For instance, if you run a local business, and have been using
mostly online marketing to generate in-store traffic, you might want to see if
mailing postcards in your area can encourage more people to stop in. Plus, you
can track its success by asking people to bring in their postcard in order to
receive a discount or a free gift. There are other offline marketing products
that can give you great results. Some inventive examples include leaving flyers
in local shops, posting lawn signs to attract passersby and using car magnets
to increase your exposure as you commute.
3.
Get It Together
The more your advertising and marketing tools work together, the more success
they will bring your business. Your offline materials should support your
online efforts and vice-versa. Hint: Make sure your print pieces – such as
business cards, postcards and brochures – contain all of your contact
information. Include your website address and your business email address, and
encourage prospective customers to visit your website or sign up for your
e-newsletters.
Although we’ve just scratched the
surface of this subject, if all of your customer communication is working
together online and offline as one cohesive unit, you will create a
professional look, be viewed as a reputable and trustworthy business and drive
more traffic to your store. Even if customers can’t remember where they put
your flyer, they’ll still remember you – that’s the power of a strong brand
identity.
|
|
|
