Why Having an eCommerce Website Is So Important

Does your business involve selling products? If so, have you thought about upgrading your website to an eCommerce design from an NYC eCommerce website designer? In a recent article about eCommerce websites, it said: 

The preference for online shopping is the result of convenience, which is more important than ever in today's busy world. And the shift from brick and mortar to click and buy means there is no scarcity of ecommerce platforms or sites that utilize such software.

There are many different eCommerce software packages out there, and some offer more than others. It's up to you to figure out which one is right for your business, and an eCommerce website designer can help you determine that.

Read the entire article: "Why Having an eCommerce Website Is So Important."

SEM: Is It Worth Your Time?

With the Internet firmly established as the global marketplace, it's important that your business have a wise plan of action to get yourself high rankings on the big three search engines (Google, Yahoo! and Bing). To do so, you need to have a search engine marketing strategy (SEM) in place. If you're unsure of what SEM is and how to go about getting a plan into place, there are plenty of NYC search engine marketing companies out there to help you.

We wrote an article a while back about the importance of search engine marketing, and noted:

With the proliferation of internet capable phones and virtually every person having available access to the internet, it only makes sense to focus a company's advertising dollars on website marketing. It is important for the business manager or owner to note the key difference between website marketing and website search engine optimization.

Yes, some people still get the daily newspaper and others still use a telephone book to find a company. However, the use of these traditional advertising tools is dropping sharply with each passing year, while more and more people every day are using the Internet. And don't you want to be where most people are?

Read the entire article: "A Website with the Proper Marketing and Search Engine Optimization Can Greatly Increase Revenue."

SEO Means More Traffic and More Sales

What should SEO mean to you as a business owner? It should be seen as a tool that can increase your website's traffic and your bottom line, as we noted in an article last year.

The household items consumers purchase have not really changed for the past 30 years. Every individual will purchase flowers, real estate, automobiles and even have the need for an attorney at some point in their lifetime. Shopping methods, however, have changed. No longer do the majority of people turn to the phone book when searching for businesses or services. The shift has been to searching online. What has accelerated this situation further is the explosive proliferation of web enabled phones.

As an NYC SEO firm, we've seen the rise of smartphones and mobile SEO. Most of us now pick up our phone to do a quick search before we look in the phonebook or even on our desktop computer. And as a business owner, it's important you're proactive in recognizing patterns of shopping habits and how businesses are located. If you don't, your competition might.

Read the full article: "Successful Websites - SEO and SEM Can Propel Your Website and Profit Margin With Superior Results."

New Search Engine Market Share Data for May 2012

Brand new comScore data has been released for May, and in the world of search engines, Google still reigns supreme. The search giant saw its market share increase by two tenths of a percent, from 66.5 percent to 66.7 percent. Trailing Google is Bing, which held firm at 15.4 percent, and Yahoo, coming in at 13.4 percent -- a one-tenth-of-a-percent loss. Ask and AOL remain at the bottom of the barrel, pulling in 3 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively.

When compared to May of 2011, Google, Bing and Ask have increased market share, while Yahoo has slid and AOL has remained still.

It's important to note that these current numbers don't incorporate mobile search. Google leads in that arena quite handily, controlling approximately 95 percent of the market.

If you're a fan of charts, you can check out the comparison between May 2011 and May 2012 below.



What does this say for SEO? Google is still very much the engine to place the most focus on, but both Bing and Yahoo have slices of market share that can't simply be brushed aside. As far as optimizing for Ask or AOL, it's probably not a worthwhile endeavor in terms of getting a return on the time you invest.

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Stay tuned to this blog for regular updates on the Web industry from 21thirteen, a NYC Web Design company.

Social Media Marketing: How to Properly Utilize an SMM Campaign

A lot of businesses use their social media marketing (SMM) initiatives to submit links to products and solutions and go over new projects. Businesses new to the social media dominion lack the understanding to recognise that social media is actually built on connections. You want to have your Twitter followers and Facebook fans to communicate with you. To return the favor, they really want you to have interaction with them.

You need people to discuss you and your products. But, if you're about to just observe instead of participate in the discourse, then your social media marketing efforts aren't being properly conducted. It's a lot like being at a celebration and everyone is discussing you, and you choose to stay away and check out your surroundings.

What kind of things can you do to properly use SMM? Here are a few hints:

1. Follow your followers. They followed you because they are interested in what you have to say. Make sure you follow them because you want to be interested in what they have to say.

2. Retweet. If a person you're following tweets something exciting, retweet that to your followers. Retweets typically provide some of the greatest online discourse, enabling other folks to chime in on the matter.

3. Acknowledge a post or tweet aimed at you. If an individual posts on your Facebook fan page wall with a problem, you must do everything it is possible to to answer it. This will help to make the asker feel comfortable enough with your business to pass the word along to their family.

4. Interact, interact, interact. This cannot be stressed enough. Social media marketing is dependant on interaction. For your endeavours to be worthy of the time, you should communicate with fans and followers.

5. Be consistent. There are various software programs and web applications (TweetDeck, FutureTweets and Twuffer, to name a few) which you can use to schedule Tweets and Facebook posts. Write your messages beforehand and then set them up to go live on a consistent routine.

6. Post high quality, not high quantity. If you are reliable, then it shouldn't make a difference how much you post. Transmitting out high quality subject matter is what individuals will keep in mind. Don't drench your network in marketing pieces. Sending stellar content will help engage your visitors and far better represent your company.

It takes a lot of time and hard work to carry out an incredible SMM plan. It involves strategic business consultation, preparing, marketing and brand approaches, and editing text. This time and effort is ultimately of great benefit in the end, as SMM offers an improved foothold for researching the market, word-of-mouth marketing and client development.

21thirteen design is an NYC web design company that offers SEO, SEM and SMM services. Online at http://www.2113Web.com.

Professional Web Design

Why should you pay for professional web design services? Or, why does it matter how your website design looks as long as it’s functional?

First, the latter question: when visitors come to your site, they will judge the quality of your services and products based upon the look of your site. If your site isn’t visually pleasing, then you’re bound to lose sales. Your site gives people the first impression of your business.

Now, why should you hire a professional: your website is your business. It’s how you make a living. It’s the image you present to the Internet community. When you a professionally designed website, you will have the foundation to succeed in the Internet marketplace.

Looking for professional NYC website design services? Then contact 21thirteen design at www.2113web.com. 

Web Design Software

The most popular web design software packages include:

• Adobe Dreamweaver
• CoffeeCup
• Alleycode
• Quanta Plus
• Notepaid++

Having trouble with your website design? Contact NYC web design experts 21thirteen design by visiting www.2113web.com. 

Best Website Design

We love website design and like to look for great examples of web design. Here are some links to some of our favorite looks:

http://www.11moissanstoi.com/

http://www.tcm.com/summer/

http://lou-paris.com/

http://www.diesel.com/denim/

http://mini.co.uk/lunatics/

When looking for a NYC website design company, think about 21thirteen design. Learn about all of our services at www.2113web.com. 

Web Design FAQs

Here are some of the more commonly asked questions about our web design services:

How long does it take to design a website?

Your website design timeframe is at your behest. Your website designers should be able to meet whatever deadline you dictate.

Do I need a database?

It depends on the amount of information your website will display, as well as whether you are offering any products and services. Your website designer should be able to fully discuss this with you.

I need a domain. What should I pick?

This depends on how it will be used, the name of your company and the services you provide.

21thirteen design is NYC web design experts. Contact us at www.2113web.com to learn more about our services. 

SEO Facts

You finally got a great website design and you want to showcase it. Well, you’ll need to do a bit of search engine optimization. But, before you decide you can tackle this on your own, there are a few facts you should remember:

• SEO takes time. Don’t expect your efforts to translate into overnight wealth.
• SEO is a full-time job. It takes a lot of effort in order to properly optimize a website, not to mention further search engine marketing efforts.
• SEO is constant. A few hours of work one month and neglect after that isn’t the way it’s done.

21 thirteen design knows SEO. We are a New York City SEO firm that can be found at www.21thirteen.com. 

SEO FAQs

Is SEO one of those things you know your website needs, but you’re not sure what it’s all about? You’ve probably asked one of the questions listed below:

Does my website really need search engine optimization?

The mindset that creating a website will get you listed high on Google, Yahoo and Bing is incorrect. Have a web design firm build you a fantastic look doesn’t mean instant Internet stardom. It takes hard work and effort by competent search engine optimization firm to get you to the top of the results.

Isn’t SEO just a scam?

No. SEO practitioners keep track of what is going in the industry and what the best measures are to get sites found. It’s funny that so many who claim SEO is a scam/worthless/etc. optimize their site with common SEO practices.

Can’t I just do my own SEO?

Do you have a full-time job? If so, do you want another one? If you’re shaking your head no, then you can’t do your SEO. It’s a full-time job, and unless you have someone inhouse who knows SEO, it’s recommended your outsource these duties.

21 thirteen design is a NYC SEO firm. Enlist our services at www.2113Web.com. 

More SEO Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t hide all content in images

This practice has gone largely by the wayside, but it’s still performed by some. You should never make your copy and navigation images, as search engines won’t be able to read it, thereby hindering your SEO efforts.

Don’t automate

There are many software programs out there that will automate directory submissions, forum posts, blog posts, etc. to generate backlinks. You should never use these as you’ll end up with the same titles and descriptions posted everywhere, and this will make the search engines frown on your sites.

Don’t focus on the wrong keywords

You’re a baker in Upper Darby, Pa., but business has been a little slow. So, you decide to invest in a quality website and SEO services. You might be asked what keywords you want to rank high on. You say, “Baker.”

If only it worked like that. It takes good search engine marketing to rank high on any keyword, let alone high-competition ones. Maybe you’ll want to focus on long-tail keywords, like “baker upper darby.” This will generate traffic, while setting you up to compete in time with the big boys.

Is your SEO not getting you traffic? It might need reworked. 21 thirteen design is a Philadelphia SEO and web design firm. Visit us today at www.21thirteen.com.  

SEO Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to your business’ web site, you want to make sure you stand out from the rest. One of the best ways to generate traffic for your services is to optimize your page for search engines. However, many so-called SEO practitioners make mistakes that can cost your business valuable traffic, which means less sales revenue. Here are some SEO mistakes you should avoid:

Don’t build a Flash-based website

With the advent of HTML 5, the days of Flash websites are nearing an end. Most web design firms realize this, but there are some out there who may develop a Flash website. Due to the technologies involved, it’s impossible to properly optimize a Flash-only web presence.

Don’t duplicate content

One of the biggest SEO cardinal sins is to copy content. This is a definite mistake that can get you, and the site from which you lifted the material, kicked off Google’s index. It’s better for you or a hired professional to write all original content.

Don’t keyword stuff

Keyword stuffing is the practice of repeating the same keyword phrases in the meta content and in the page copy. It can result in severe search engine penalization, including the loss of rankings. Write your keyword phrase naturally, as everything should be written first for humans then for search engines.

Need help with your SEO? 21 thirteen design is a Philadelphia SEO and web design firm. Visit us today at www.21thirteen.com.

Summer is a Great Time for Mobile Websites

It used to be difficult to find a restaurant or service provider while you were on vacation. You would have to ask around or find a copy of the Yellow Pages.

Then came the smartphone. Android phones, iPhones and all the rest brought in a new wave of communication and eCommerce. Your products now had another market they could tap into.

Mobile websites are becoming increasingly popular as more consumers gravitate toward smartphone browsing. They offer convenience on the go. Who wants to tirelessly search around to get information when there’s the ability to get what you need in a couple of clicks?

At 21thirteen design, more of our Boston, NYC, Philadelphia and Northern NJ clients are going getting mobile website design, and we understand why. Traditional desktops and laptops are at home, while their clients are at the beach. Here are some other benefits to mobile websites: 

• Vast connectivity
  Nearly half the world is connected to the Internet through a mobile device. This is a huge market you cannot miss.
• Usability
  Desktops and laptops don’t offer the instant ability to click a phone number and call it from the same device. That phone call could be to you.
• Instant Internet marketing
  Your competition most likely has joined the mobile web. If you haven’t, your marketing efforts might be for naught, as you are missing an easy way to market to a sizable demographic.
• Precise information
  There isn’t a lot of space for us to utilize, so it becomes more important that what is utilized is precise, to ensure the visitor navigates to your website.

Have more questions about mobile websites? Visit www.2113web.com.

Take Opportunities from the Summertime Internet Drop

Notice anything different in your website traffic numbers? Yup, it’s summertime.

The warmer months are typically the worst for web traffic. More people are outside, away from their computers. And who can blame them? The weather is gorgeous. But, don’t let that traffic dip discourage you. In fact, take advantage of this time. Here’s what the 21thirteen design staff is thinking about:

• Trying out different advertisements
  Want to try to swimming with big traffic terms? The warm months are the time, as you won’t have to be concerned with spending a lot. Give consideration to those terms you thought you couldn’t get found under, and you might be surprised with the results. 
• Updating
  With not as many people surfing the web, it would be a good use of efforts to tune up your website. Fresh content will give a bump in your rankings, and while it might take some time, the pros far outweigh the cons.
• Building natural backlinks
  Take advantage of summer’s dog days by getting some great links to your website. The blogosphere will have less to post about thanks to slow news days, so build up those links and you’ll build up your rankings.
• Reconsider your SEO and SEM efforts
  Figure out what’s working and what’s not. Is social media marketing not working like you hoped? Maybe a PPC campaign can bring in that traffic. Does your SEO need reworked? Have you spent enough time building backlinks? Now’s the time to reevaluate your efforts before traffic increases in the fall.

Remember not to look at your traffic dip as a setback, but as an opportunity for improvement. We're going to enjoy the weather outside, and so should you. Have a great summer!

Is a Blog Site Right For You?

Is your website design friendly for customer interaction? Does your business depend on hearing from potential buyers?

Blog websites have become more popular as they allow the audience to be part of the conversation. Here are some of the other reasons many choose to use a blog website:

• Easy to update. Blog websites are powered by Content Management Systems (CMS), software packages that do most of the legwork. All the person updating has to do is log in, write their post and hit “submit.” No knowledge of HTML or other website language is needed.
• Easy to design. Many CMS’ come with templates pre-installed, so with a simple click of the mouse, your websites colors, background and other attributes are picked.
• Little costs are involved. WordPress is arguably the most popular CMS used. A major boon to WordPress is that there is no charge for using the software. Google’s Blogger is also free to use.

Whatever your web site design needs might be, contact 21thirteen design at 648.808.0391 to set up a consultation. Or visit www.21thirteen.com to request a free quote. We look forward to helping you attain better customer service.

21thirteen design Portfolio Spotlight: Lucky Bob

21thirteen design is proud to spotlight the following website design:

Left: Lucky Bob's old website. Right: Lucky Bob's new website, designed by 21thirteen design.

www.LuckyShow.net

Lucky Bob is a prop comic that performs at birthdays, festivals, corporate functions and other events. His website didn’t reflect his talents, so we did an overhaul, including a new navigation system and Flash intro.

21thirteen design has offices in NYC, Boston, Philadelphia and Northern NJ. Contact us at 646.808.0391 or visit www.21thirteen.com for a FREE QUOTE!

21thirteen design named one of Top U.S. Web Design Firms for 2011

Article on International Business Times says NYC-based firm gives clients “a competitive advantage in the World Wide Web’s marketplace”

Contact: Perry Yeldham

Tel: 646.808.0391

E-Mail: info@21thirteen.com

New York City-based web design company 21thirteen design was named this week as a Top U.S. Web Design Firm in an article on the International Business Times, the leading provider of business news from the U.S. and abroad.

“We are extremely honored and humbled to be named as a Top U.S. Web Design Firm,” said CEO Perry Yeldham. “This recognition demonstrates our expertise and capabilities in the Internet marketplace.”

Yeldham started 21thirteen design in 1994, expanding the company to branch offices in Boston, Philadelphia and northern New Jersey by offering unique website design and Internet business solutions.

The recognition came because of the company’s “2113 FASTFLOW” website presentation system, which was designed to appeal to all categories of website viewers, as well as its beautiful and innovative website designs.

“We pride ourselves on being unique when it comes to designing our clients’ websites, and this honor from the International Business Times proves we’ve met our aim,” Yeldham said. “21thirteen design will continue to grow and expand our knowledge, and we will continue to be one of the Top U.S. Web Design Firms.”

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Press release written by www.WebDrafter.com on behalf of 21thirteen design. Contact Perry Yeldham of 21thirteen design at info@2113web.com for more information.

Social Media Marketing Is More Than Just Posting Links

Many businesses use their social media marketing (SMM) efforts to post links to products and discuss new ventures. They forget one important detail, as Robert Ball noted in a recent Huffington Post blog:

Small and large businesses alike frequently fail to comprehend how social media can be used to hear the subtle, vital nuances of the market or worse yet, the not-so-subtle screams. They get caught up in amassing huge numbers of Facebook likes, Twitter followers, and high generosity scores. They forget to actually listen to what is being said.

Businesses new to the social media realm lack the understanding to know that social media is essentially built on interaction. You want to your Twitter followers and Facebook fans to interact with you. In return, they want you to interact with them.

Ball says it best: “Just go where people are talking.” You want people to discuss you and your products. But, if you’re going to just observe and not participate in the discourse, then your social media marketing efforts aren’t being properly conducted. It’s kind of like being at a party and people are discussing you, but you choose to stand against the wall and view your surroundings.

It takes a lot of time and effort to execute a great SMM plan. It includes strategic business consultation, planning, marketing and brand strategies, and editing text. This time and effort is ultimately worth it in the end, as SMM gives you a better foothold for market research, word-of-mouth advertising and customer development.

You might not have the time and effort resources needed to properly handle all SMM strategies. Contact 21thirteen design today for a free social media marketing consultation. With offices in NYC, Boston, Philadelphia and Northern New Jersey, we can employ the media, messages and messengers tailored to your company and its needs.

What Is SEO and Why Does It Matter?

In today's world of running a business, there is much to be considered. There are not only the considerations like, "What type(s) of product or services is the public looking for?" but "What is the best way to market the product?" Then, once the product is determined, one must ask, "How can one have a successful online business?" and "How can our business-either the brick and mortar location or the website be found?"

Ironically, these latter questions have the same answer-the use of SEO. SEO or search engine optimization is best defined as, "The process of making one's website more accessible and visible to search engines via natural or unpaid (aka- organic or algorithmic) search results rather than through SEM (search engine marketing) which is paid inclusion". Or, simply put, designing your website to be search engine friendly so that your site will be at the top of the list when someone does a web search for your particular service, product or company. This is done by employing methods such as:

1. Deciding on a list of keywords that represent your site or product. Consider synonyms, phrases, and even mis-spellings that apply to your product or service.
2. Use the Google Adwords Tool to help you determine what words rank the highest.
3. Create the content for your site using the word list you have developed. However, be sure that while you include the words as part of the text that they don't overshadow your content. A good ratio is that keywords should make up no more than 5-8% of the overall content.
4. Once you have developed your site's content, take some time to test the effectiveness of your SEO work by checking with tools such as Google Website Optimizer.

When SEO is done properly, the number of visitors to your website will grow and your sales will increase exponentially. The use of SEO is not something to be afraid of, and with a bit of practice nearly anyone can do it, although to have an effective search engine optimized website it is best to read a few books on the topic, talk to someone with a lot of experience or contact a business that specializes in designing SEO friendly websites.

Despite the fact that SEO is one of the most vital aspects of having an effective business website, there are still people who insist on creating websites that have no value to an online search. However, this mindset is much like deciding to bake a cake but refusing to turn on the oven. If you want to have an effective online business then making use of the tools proven to work is a must! Do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. Either way, taking the time to grow your business through the use of search engine optimization is one the best things you can do if you want to see your customer base increase and your sales reach new heights.

21thirteen Design offers website design and SEO and SEM services. Contact us today at www.21Thirteen.com. 

Article independently authored by Janet M. Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of 21thirteen Design. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.