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How Website Accessibility Can Label Your Brand as Inclusive

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Website Accessibility is a Hot Topic & One to Take Seriously

Website accessibility is an important aspect of website design. Accessible sites present users with information through a variety of sensory channels, such a visual, auditory, speech, cognitive, neurological and physical. These accessible designs improves the overall user experience and satisfaction.

This is true in a variety of situations and across all types of devices. Digital accessibility means a full range of users, including those with disabilities, can readily navigate, understand and interact with your website.

WATCH OR LISTEN WHY WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY
IS ESSENTIAL FOR SOME, USEFUL FOR ALL
WHY WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY IS ESSENTIAL

Twenty Six Percent of the US Adult Population has a Disability

Many of these disabilities include blindness, color blindness, epilepsy, dyslexia, deafness or the visually impaired. That means that those websites with low color contrasts, missing alt text on images, ambiguous descriptive links text or no keyboard accessibility will lock a significant percentage of individuals out of its website.

How Website Accessibility Can Label Your Brand as Inclusive
Website Accessibility is Important for Individuals, Businesses and Society as a Whole

The Web is a massive resource for all types of reasons — business, educational and personal. It is important that the Web is accessible to all types of people with diverse abilities. According to the UN CRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities), access to the Web for all is a basic human right.

Accessibility is easily addressed through web technologies that remove all types of barriers. Whether through print, visual media or audio. Luckily, these solutions allow an unprecedented access to information and interaction for many struggling with disabilities.

Almost 60% of US Households with Internet Have Someone with a Disability under their Roof

Making a website accessible ensures that all visitors, including those with some form of disability, have a positive user experience. Oddly, this often translate into an overall improvement for all site visitors. Also, a website that takes accessibility seriously goes beyond a typical navigation experience. In addition, it goes well beyond the point-and-click interface to include keyboard-based control and voice-based control.

6.5 Million of US Population Have Intellectual Disabilities

According to W3C, web accessibility encompasses websites, tools and technologies. Hence, these all need designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them. That means people should be able to perceive, understand, navigate, interact and contribute to the Web no matter their disability.

Fifteen Percent of the World’s Population has Some Form of Disability

Various forms of accessibility is important. Because there are a vast number of potential visitors to your site that will have a disability of some sort. While it is hard to tell what form of disability your visitors may have, addressing all forms can help with your site’s user interface. Likely keeping ‘ambulance chasing’ lawyer types at bay.

Lawsuits against Non-Compliant Websites are up 50% in the Last 2 Years

One major advantage of designing an accessible website is the reduced in legal exposure. Sadly, many businesses, large and small, have found themselves on the wrong side of ADA lawsuits. Interestingly, US courts are overwhelmingly ruling in favor of accessible websites.

Website Accessibility Improves SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Not only does an accessible website improve usability and make its services or goods more readily available to millions more potential customers. Also, it improve SEO rankings. In addition, search engines reward websites with relevant content and a positive visitor experience. Consequentially, the better the user interface, the better a website ranking. Making website accessibility a win-win for all.

How to Improve Website Accessibility

Many accessible measures are easy to implement, such as ensuring your website has alt text for all images. Also, a high contrast of colors and easy to read graphics makes for a better experience. However, others are more complex and take technical knowledge to implement.

There are evaluation tools that can help to identify problem areas of a website. Yet, knowledgeable human evaluations and continued monitoring of a website is required to determine if a website is accessible and to keep it that way.

If you are looking to improve your website accessibility, have your website evaluated by a professional. In addition, take the suggested steps to mitigate the issues. Keep in mind, keeping compliant with accessibility and providing a better overall user experience takes continual effort.

If you need help, get in touch with Advertising Is Simple. We have some quality solutions and products that can help improve your brand’s inclusiveness and make your website accessible to all.

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Advertising Is Simple

At Advertising is Simple, we consistently stay up-to-date on the most effective methods of SEO, that’s why we call it Adaptive SEO. What works today, may not work a few months down the road. We monitor your advertising results through A/B testing and in-depth analytics to get you the highest rate of return on your advertising dollars.

Advertising Is Simple | 302.407.0431 | info@AdvertisingIsSimple.com

Cybercriminals Target All Businesses – Large or Small

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5 Tips on Protecting Your SMB from Cybercriminals

There are many business that are ensconced in a faulty reasoning that smaller companies or organizations are immune to cybercriminals.

One reason cybercriminals are so prevalent and successful is that many of their targets feel like they are too small with really nothing to steal, so it will never happen to them. They fail to take even the most basic safeguards to protect their data and thus become an easy mark.

The reality is that every individual and business has sensitive information that needs safeguarded. Whether you are a large global company or a small town mom and pop store, you are a potential cybercrime victim.

Once it’s Gone – There is no Way to Get it Back

The harsh reality of cybercrime is once your sensitive data is breached, it is gone. There’s nothing or no one to track and no way of getting it back.

Any business has an obligation to protect their online accounts, data and the personal information of their clients. Organizations that do not take cybersecurity seriously will not only lose sensitive data, they will lose their business too.

If you are a business owner and want to become proactive about cybercrime in order to avoid having your data stolen or held for ransom, here are a few ways to protect your business and your clients.

cybercriminals & cybersecurity victim

Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Business:

Password Security & Two-Factor Authentication

Create strong passwords and change them regularly. Also, have in place two-factor authentication that confirms a user’s identity by a combination of two factors, such as password and text message sent to their phone, fingerprint or voice verification. In addition, require all devices to have automatic lockout should it be lost or stolen.

Antivirus & Antispyware

Protect against spyware and viruses with up-to-date and the most effective antivirus and antispyware software.

Automatic ‘Off-Site’ Backups and Restore Capabilities

Have a regular automatic backup of ALL critical data consistently with capabilities of instant restore.

Secure Networks

Make sure your internet connections are secure by using a firewall and encryption. Also validate that your Wi-Fi network is secure and hidden via a ‘Service Set Identifier (SSID) and password protect access to router.

Monitor Systems

Best line of defense is to quickly identify any security issues as early as possible. This can only happen if your system is monitored to detect security breaches quickly in order shut down the compromised device(s) and mitigate further infiltration.

Employee Training

Educate employees about cyber threats and hold them accountable. Two-thirds of data breaches occur through human error such as weak passwords, leaving laptop or using unprotected wifi in a public area. One way to mitigate the danger of lax employees accidentally causing a data breach is to ensure that all employees be trained in data security.

Payment Security

Use best practices when handling credit cards and banking processes by using the most trusted and validated tools, as well as, anti-fraud procedures.

Limited Access

Establish data protocols that grant access levels to sensitive data, computers, devices and other network components that is appropriate according to an employee’s duties and responsibilities.

Question the Messenger

Your employees may receive an email from what appears to be a co-worker or even superior.  This email may have an odd request like asking for an invoice or to send the company’s credit card information to pay a vendor. Teach employees to be aware and alert with ALL emails.

Question Authority

Cybercriminals may attempt to target you by posing as an authoritative figure in the digital world, such as your bank or Google, requesting you to update password due to an alleged compromise.  Do not click that reset link. Go to your regular login link to verify its authenticity.

Do not let a cybercriminal into your digital properties to wreak havoc and destruction. Compromised data and security could be the end of your business. Be diligent, alert and proactive to keep your business safe and running

Establish the suggested safety protocols within the office and consult with an IT security company to help you avoid costly restore efforts. Comprehensive Data Security Strategies and Data Backup Protocols is a proactive way to avoid disastrous effects on your productivity and compromise of personal data.

Cybersecurity eBook 

If you want to protect your sensitive accounts and information – and the data of your clients and partners – this cybersecurity eBook can help you do that. 

Download the WSI eBook: 

5 Cybersecurity Threats Your Business Can’t Afford to Ignore!

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Why Make Video Content Part of Your Marketing Strategy?

Advertising Is Simple Logo

At Advertising is Simple, we consistently stay up-to-date on the most effective methods of SEO, that’s why we call it Adaptive SEO. What works today, may not work a few months down the road. We monitor your advertising results through A/B testing and in-depth analytics to get you the highest rate of return on your advertising dollars.

Advertising Is Simple | 302.407.0431 | info@AdvertisingIsSimple.com

Why Make Video Content Part of Your Marketing Strategy?

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Many marketers are waking up to the revelation that video content is a way more effective way to get the message across.

Simply put, video content is what your audience wants and expects. Spend time observing commuters on a train or in coffee shops. Most will be sporting ear buds, avidly fixated on some video playing on their device. This should tell marketers all they need to know about reaching the masses.

Video content is presently one of the biggest trends across the nation and consumed at an amazingly rapid rate. Engaging video content is necessary to make digital marketing efforts a success. Many corporations are using video for content marketing in innovative ways to get their message to their target audience.

make video part of your content marketing strategy

Here are 7 Ways to Use Video Content in Order to Reach Your Audience:

1) Highlight the Main Points of Your Message Using Video

Consumers are reading less and watching more. Video is the most demanded form of accruing news, trends and product research. Too much written content makes it hard for an audience to digest. While a short video with the main points highlight makes for a nice ‘appetizer’ of sorts that enables viewers to decide which morsels they would like to explore more in the written content below.

2) Make a Lasting Impression

People are more likely to grasp visual content and remember it long after reading an article or blog. Video helps your audience absorb your message by visually seeing and hearing your story. Visual messaging is more likely to grab and hold onto your target markets attention.

3) Make Your Message More Entertaining & More Likely to be Shared

Video is more sharable and inspirational than written content or still images. Creating video that is both informative and entertaining can build brand awareness.

Publishing new and engaging content is every marketer’s goal. It turns out video is a big part of consumer’s decision making process, in fact over 90% claim that video makes their purchasing decisions easier.

4) Cultivate Your Brand

Developing a relationship with your audience is an important way of connecting to them on a personal level. Video helps to humanize your brand and to establish a lasting rapport with the consumer. Posting informative videos on Youtube, Vimeo, Linked In and Facebook helps a brand create a deep relationship with viewers.

5) Create Higher Conversion Rates

Because consumers are more enticed by visual effects, video on landing pages are eighty percent more likely to convert than texts or graphics. For one, they keep viewers on the page longer and make it more likely they will explore the rest of your website.

6) Solve Problems

Video content that helps viewers solve problems, such as technical issues, product assembly or how to use a product are in high demand. A consumer will have a positive view of a company that makes it easier to use, install, assemble and learn about their product’s features.

How to video, product descriptions, specs and highlights of the benefits of purchasing your product are all good ways to utilize videos.

7) Product Reviews and Testimonials

Many buyers thirst for other opinions or consumer experience with products before making that final decision. Creating videos of verified customers to back up your product or service can be helpful in nudging potential customers further down the marketing pipeline.

As if often the case, time moves on and there is little chance of going back to traditional advertising. Video is now mainstream and needed to capture attention in the cacophony of online marketing. Your content need to brand and captivate its audience. Video is the most likely way to achieve that.

Get creative and have fun with your marketing videos. Viewers will appreciate your efforts and reward you accordingly. It doesn’t matter what industry or professional service you offer, video marketing your content will greatly impact your conversion rates and marketing strategy.

Related Articles:

5 Reasons You Need to Start Creating Video Blogs

4 Tips for Getting Your Videos Ranked on YouTube

Beginner’s Guide to YouTube Optimization

Advertising Is Simple Logo

At Advertising is Simple, we consistently stay up-to-date on the most effective methods of SEO, that’s why we call it Adaptive SEO. What works today, may not work a few months down the road. We monitor your advertising results through A/B testing and in-depth analytics to get you the highest rate of return on your advertising dollars.

Advertising Is Simple | 302.407.0431 | info@AdvertisingIsSimple.com

How to Get Client Testimonials to Up Your Marketing Game

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How to Get Client Testimonials to Up Your Marketing Game

One of the most powerful and cost-effective marketing tools for your business are client testimonials. Why? Because they deliver value from the people that know your services or products best.

If you’re wondering how to ask your clients to provide feedback about your work, we have great ideas that bring quick results. Check them out below!

 

8 Ways to Get Client Testimonials

  1. Ask Immediately – Timing is everything! You should reach out right after completing a project for your client. If they’re happy with your service, they will surely want to share feedback with you right away.
  2. Create a Review Sheet – Create your own document to solicit review on your Google My Business, Facebook and Yelp business listing to encourage your clients to leave reviews. Have the links go directly to your reviews page.
  3. Make it Easy – It’s important to provide simple ways for your clients to leave a testimonial. Whether it’s linking a specific page you want your reviews on in the initial email request or bringing a camera to the meeting for a video testimonial, make sure it’s all clear to follow!
  4. Ask the Right Questions – This is especially important if you’re asking your clients to provide a video testimonial. Having a set of questions to answer by your clients will help you get the information you need fast and efficiently. Not to mention, it will be much easier for your clients to provide specific feedback!
  5. Offer Different Ways to Provide Testimonials – If your clients are not comfortable with providing a review in front of a camera, ask them for a written testimonial. Also, determine whether you need more feedback left on your Business Facebook Page, Google Listing or any other local directory. Make sure your clients know how to leave a review on each platform!
  6. Look Out for Testimonials – Sometimes you don’t even have to ask for reviews. If you received a complimentary email from your clients or they left a great comment about your work/ products on social media, ask them if you can share it on your website. Just remember to put all screenshots in a separate folder to keep it organized before sharing.
  7. Create a Testimonials Page – Encourage your clients to provide a video testimonial so you can share it on your website. It will help your business with ranking higher in search, which equals to capturing more leads in the future.
  8. Use an Automated Service – There are certain platforms that will do the work for you. Just set up an account and customize your review request to start gathering those reviews. Customer Lobby is a great place to start.

 

See examples of our client testimonials below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKf1XegdbGw

https://youtu.be/KKf1XegdbGw

 

Related article: 10 Steps to a Stellar Online Reputation

 

What’s your most effective way for getting client testimonials?

Advertising Is Simple is a full-service marketing agency located in Wilmington, Delaware helping small to mid-sized businesses with all their digital marketing, radio and television advertising needs. Call us now.

 

Advertising Is Simple | 302.407.0431 | info@AdvertisingIsSimple.com

 

Is Your Website on Par with Legal Compliance and User Trust?

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legal compliance and user trust

So far, 2018 has been a big year for enforcing legal compliance (GDPR) and user trust (HTTPS), which are both critical elements to running your business online these days. The important question to ask now is: When was the last time you updated your website? 

If lately you’ve been noticing less traffic and conversions, it’s time to make changes. Without these important updates to your website’s functionality, you’re doing your own business a disservice. Here’s what you need to take care of immediately. 

 

GDPR (legal compliance) 

The sooner you get your business GDPR compliant the better.  According to this regulation approved by the EU Parliament, any company in the world that stores or processes data of people who live in the European Union needs to be in compliance with GDPR by May 25th 2018. Otherwise, you might face hefty fines – up to $24million (20m Euros) or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.  

Now, how to get your business compliant with GDPR? First, assign someone on your team responsible for reading the provisions of the GDPR to fully understand the requirements and specific circumstances your business might be involved with. Then make sure all your employees are aware of the new laws.   

Bottom line is, you need to immediately update your Privacy Policy and have it visibly displayed and easily accessible on your website. See our example here.  

Next, you need to inform your online visitors of the cookies available on your website and give them a choice to opt in or out. 

It should look similar to this: 

user trust cookies 

User Trust and Data Security  

Data security has been the top concern in 2018, and it all comes down to establishing and maintaining user trust. Google Chrome announced a lot of changes to their online functionalities, especially regarding old http websites. The question is: Have you implemented the SSL Certificate on your website yet? 

What is SSL Certificate? 

According to Go Daddy, a certificate serves as an electronic “passport” that establishes an online entity’s credentials when doing business on the Web. When an Internet user attempts to send confidential information to a Web server, the user’s browser accesses the server’s digital certificate and establishes a secure connection. 

 Benefits-of-Upgrading-to-HTTPS

(what you see when you enter old http websites) 

 

In other words, if being authentic and making your customers feel well taken care of is your top priority, this update is crucial to running your business online. Trust, confidentiality, protection and better search (SEO) are some of the major benefits of upgrading your old http website to https.  

 

Need assistance with implementing all necessary changes to your website? Contact Advertising Is Simple today! 

 

Advertising Is Simple is a full-service marketing agency located in Wilmington, Delaware helping small to mid-sized businesses with all their digital marketing, radio and television advertising needs. Call us now. 

Advertising Is Simple | 302.407.0431 | info@AdvertisingIsSimple.com 

 

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