Diversifying Your Online Presence

Published March 10, 2025
A digital graphic with the headline "DIVERSIFYING YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE" in bold, colorful letters. Below, a subtext reads, "If you are already successful on one platform, you will at least have the basic knowledge of how to expand and grow on another!" To the right, a large blue megaphone emits colorful icons representing social media, including speech bubbles, hearts, stars, cameras, and video play buttons. The "True Fit Marketing" logo is displayed at the bottom.

If there is one thing everyone can learn from the TikTok shutdown of 2025, it is that we all need to diversify our online presence. Just like when financial people say to diversify your money, we all need to diversify where our income streams are. This means we need to flexible about where our content lives, what the content is (videos versus blogs for example) and how we share out information. There are many lessons we can all learn from this, which begins with obtaining your own space on the Internet.

Create Your Own Website

Many major companies and brands have websites that correlate with their social media, but if you are a social media influencer or a small business that uses just social media, you may not currently have a website. It would behoove you to build something sooner rather than later.

Sure, building and maintaining your own website might be an expense, and initially a major time sucker, but if all social media platforms were to shut down, at least you would still have all of your content posted to your website. 

A website can also help build your credibility, help with SEO when people are searching for you or something you have posted about, provide a space for you to sell, and give you the space to share what you want without the threat of the ever-changing algorithms or rules of social media. 

While you most certainly can try to build your own website, we suggest working with a team who can help to bring your vision to life and tie all of your current Internet spaces together.

Speaker with social media images coming out of it. If you are already successful on one platform, you will at least have the basic knowledge of how to expand and grow on another!

Start a Newsletter

An important part of your website should be a space for people to provide their information to you to stay connected. A great way to stay connected with your followers is to create a newsletter. Building your own email list will allow you to share anything you want with your followers, and it will go directly to them. Sure our inboxes are cluttered, but at least you know it is getting to them and they have the choice to open it!

A newsletter could also be monetized and allow you the opportunity to share exclusive content, updates, sales, promotions, or whatever else you’d like to have seen by your followers. Constant Contact, MailChimp, and Substack have great platforms and are very user-friendly.

Find Where Else Your Followers Go For Content

This goes along with the saying, “Don’t put all of your eggs into one basket.” There are plenty of social media platforms and user-generated content websites like Substack or Reddit, on which people can follow you. And new ones are popping up daily (hello Rednote). This is where diversifying your content helps. 

Make sure you let your followers know where else you are. That way, if a social media site gets shut down, your followers can still follow you elsewhere. And if you are starting from scratch on a new platform, try to collaborate with people who already have a large following in your same niche so you can grow your following faster. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Diversify and Try Something New

There are so many different ways to be found on the Internet. Beyond social media like TikTok, Facebook, X and Instagram, there are podcasting sites, YouTube platforms, sites like Etsy to sell your products on, and many other ways to get your name, brand and products out there.

The Bottom Line

If you are already successful on one platform, you will at least have the basic knowledge of how to expand and grow on another. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other influencers or small businesses to see how they are diversifying, what is working for them, and most certainly, what is not working. Building relationships offline can help you maintain those online relationships too!

Why Your Business Needs a Website Redesign Every 3-5 Years

Published February 25, 2025
An illustration of a laptop displaying a modern website design, surrounded by icons representing web development, SEO, and user experience. The title "Why Your Business Needs a Website Redesign Every 3-5 Years" is prominently displayed. The background includes abstract digital elements symbolizing technology and innovation.

Your website is the digital storefront of your business, and just like a physical store, it needs regular updates to remain appealing, functional, and competitive. Technology evolves, user expectations change and businesses grow, making it essential to revisit and refresh your website every three to five years. This blog explores why a website redesign is a wise investment, the changes websites undergo over time, and the critical role of maintenance in keeping your online presence strong.

Keeping Up with Technological Advances

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with new tools, frameworks, and best practices emerging every year. A website built five years ago may lack the responsiveness, speed, or functionality expected by today’s users.  

  • Mobile Optimization: In recent years, mobile usage has overtaken desktop, making mobile-friendly designs essential. A site that isn’t responsive will frustrate users and hurt your SEO rankings.  
  • Security Enhancements: Cyber threats have grown exponentially, and outdated websites are more vulnerable to attacks. Regular redesigns ensure your website benefits from the latest security features.  
  • Page Speed: New technologies optimize load times, which is critical for user experience and search engine rankings. 

Adapting to Changing User Expectations

Trends in design and functionality change rapidly. What looked modern and professional a few years ago might now appear outdated, affecting how your brand is perceived.  

  • Improved User Experience (UX): Websites today prioritize intuitive navigation, clean layouts, and fast access to information. Redesigning ensures your site aligns with modern usability standards.  
  • Integration with Modern Tools: Customers expect integrated tools like chatbots or advanced search functionality. A redesign can help implement these features seamlessly.  

Reflecting Business Growth and Goals  

Your business doesn’t stay static, and neither should your website. As your company grows or pivots, your website must reflect your latest offerings, values, and branding.  

  • Rebranding Efforts: Whether you’ve updated your logo, colors, or messaging, your website should consistently mirror your brand.  
  • New Services or Products: If your offerings have expanded, your website needs to showcase them effectively.  
  • Audience Targeting: Your target audience may have shifted, requiring new strategies to attract and engage visitors.  

Maintenance Challenges with Aging Websites

Older websites are harder to maintain, leading to increased costs and headaches.  

  • Compatibility Issues: Software updates and browser changes can make outdated websites buggy or even non-functional.  
  • Lack of Support: Platforms, plugins, or themes used in your original build may no longer be supported, leaving your site vulnerable or inefficient.  
  • SEO Performance Declines: Search engine algorithms prioritize modern, fast, and secure websites. If yours is outdated, your rankings will suffer.  

The ROI of Investing in a Functional Website  

A well-designed website is more than a business expense—it’s an investment that delivers measurable returns.  

  • Attracting More Visitors: A visually appealing, fast, and user-friendly website draws in more traffic and keeps users engaged longer.  
  • Boosting Conversions: Updated designs with clear calls-to-action (CTAs) and streamlined purchase paths lead to higher conversion rates.  
  • Enhancing Credibility: An outdated website can make even the best business seem unreliable. A fresh, modern site builds trust with your audience.  
  • Streamlining Operations: Modern websites can automate processes like appointment booking, form submissions, or customer inquiries, saving you time and resources.  

How to Approach a Website Redesign  

Planning your redesign doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these steps to ensure success:  

  • Audit Your Current Site: Identify what works, what doesn’t, and what’s missing.  
  • Understand Your Audience: Redesign with your target users in mind, prioritizing their needs and preferences.  
  • Set Clear Goals: Define what you want your website to achieve, whether it’s generating leads, showcasing products, or building brand awareness.  
  • Partner with Experts: A professional web designer or agency can ensure your site is built to meet current standards and future-proofed for years to come.  

The Bottom Line

Your website is one of your most powerful marketing tools, but to remain effective, it needs to evolve alongside your business and the ever-changing digital world. By investing in a website redesign every three to five years, you ensure your online presence is not only relevant but also optimized to deliver results.  

Don’t wait until your website is an obstacle to growth. Start planning your redesign today and see how a modern, functional website can elevate your business to new heights.  

Need help with your redesign? Whether you’re looking for a complete overhaul or a fresh new look, our team is here to help. Let’s bring your vision to life—contact us today!

Building Your SEO Strategy from the Ground Up

Published February 3, 2025
Building Your SEO Strategy from the Ground Up

If you’re a business owner or marketer looking to improve your website’s visibility, understanding and implementing SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is key. SEO involves techniques that help search engines like Google rank your website higher in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Let’s walk through the basics of SEO and how you can build a strategy from the ground up.

What is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. In simple terms, it’s the process of making your website more attractive to search engines. When someone searches for a topic related to your business, search engines like Google analyze websites to show the most relevant and high-quality results. SEO involves a mix of technical, creative, and strategic elements to ensure your website is among those top results.

SEO is essential for increasing organic (non-paid) traffic to your website. Imagine a potential client searching for services like yours – if your site is optimized correctly, you’re more likely to be found, giving you a significant advantage over competitors.

How SEO Works

Search engines use algorithms to analyze and rank web pages based on several factors, including keyword relevance, website speed, content quality, and more. Here are the main components of how SEO works:

  1. Keywords: These are the words and phrases potential clients use in searches. For example, if you own a landscaping business, relevant keywords might include “landscaping services,” “garden design,” or “landscape maintenance.” By incorporating these keywords naturally into your content, search engines can identify the relevancy of your site to these search terms.
  2. Content Quality: Content is a major ranking factor. Search engines reward websites with high-quality, informative, and engaging content. Regularly updating your site with valuable blog posts, guides, or videos signals to search engines that your website is a reliable resource.
  3. On-Page Optimization: This includes optimizing page elements like titles, headers, meta descriptions, and images. Properly structured pages make it easier for search engines to understand your content and index it effectively.
  4. Off-Page SEO: This aspect of SEO involves external factors like backlinks. Backlinks are links from other websites to your site. When reputable sites link to yours, it boosts your site’s authority and credibility, signaling to search engines that your content is valuable.
  1. Technical SEO: Technical aspects, such as site speed, mobile-friendliness, and secure connections (HTTPS), all influence your ranking. A well-optimized website provides a seamless user experience, which helps retain visitors and encourages them to engage further with your content.
  2. User Experience (UX): Search engines consider how people interact with your site. If people quickly leave your page (high bounce rate) or don’t engage with your content, search engines may interpret that your site isn’t providing relevant or engaging information.

Building Your SEO Strategy from the Ground Up

Steps to Build Your SEO from Scratch

  1. Keyword Research

   Start by identifying keywords that potential clients might use when searching for your services. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find popular search terms. Focus on a mix of high-volume and long-tail keywords (more specific phrases) that fit your business.

  1. Create Quality Content

   Content is one of the most critical parts of SEO. Your goal should be to produce valuable content that answers questions, solves problems, or provides insights to your audience. Aim for a regular content schedule, such as posting blogs once a week or twice a month, to keep your site fresh and relevant.

  1. Optimize On-Page Elements

   Each page on your website should have a unique title, meta description, and header tags (H1, H2, H3) that include your primary keywords. Optimize images with descriptive file names and alt text. These on-page elements help search engines understand what each page is about, increasing your chances of ranking well.

  1. Focus on Link Building

   Build relationships with other reputable sites and industry blogs. Offer to write guest posts, collaborate on content, or share links to valuable resources. High-quality backlinks from other sites show search engines that your site is trustworthy.

  1. Optimize Technical Aspects

   Ensure that your site loads quickly, is mobile-friendly, and uses HTTPS for security. A slow, unsecured, or hard-to-navigate website can discourage visitors and negatively impact your ranking. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to test and improve your site’s technical performance.

  1. Monitor and Adjust Your Strategy

   SEO is an ongoing process. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your website’s traffic, user behavior, and keyword performance. Regularly updating your content, analyzing trends, and tweaking your strategy based on performance data can help keep your site ranking well.

The Bottom Line

SEO is a powerful tool for growing your online presence and attracting potential customers. By understanding keywords, creating quality content, optimizing your pages, and ensuring a positive user experience, you can build a strong SEO foundation. While SEO takes time to show results, consistency and strategic adjustments will help your business stay visible, competitive, and ready to attract the clients you’re looking for.

If you’re looking to improve your website’s SEO and attract more traffic, we’d be happy to help create a tailored strategy that works for your business! Reach out to us today to start building your SEO from the ground up.

The Countdown is On: Preparing for the Biggest Shopping Time of the Year

Published November 7, 2024

With Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season just around the corner, brands and consumers alike are gearing up for what promises to be the most competitive retail period of 2024. While holiday shopping always brings a rush, this year’s trends show that financial concerns and early shopping are key factors in shaping consumer behavior. As we approach the holidays, it’s crucial for businesses to understand these shifts to make the most of the shopping frenzy.

3 Shopping Trends We Are Seeing in 2024

As we look at the forecast for the 2024 holiday season, several emerging trends stand out. These trends are driven by both economic pressures and changes in consumer expectations, offering brands an opportunity to tailor their strategies.

  1. Budget-Conscious Shopping
  2. Early Shoppers Are On the Rise
  3. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

1. Brands Must Be Mindful of Pricing and Consumer Financial Difficulties

While it’s tempting to push for high-margin products during the holidays, brands need to be conscious of the financial strains many consumers are facing. Shoppers are more aware than ever of their spending habits, particularly when their budgets are stretched. Offering a range of price points is key. Brands that can provide affordable options alongside premium ones are more likely to retain customers.

Discounts and promotions are expected, but they shouldn’t sacrifice perceived value. Instead, focus on highlighting how your products are worth the investment—whether it’s through quality, durability, or added benefits such as extended warranties or sustainable features.

Additionally, offering flexible payment options like buy-now-pay-later can make your products more accessible to consumers facing financial challenges. This gives shoppers the confidence to make purchases without feeling the immediate financial strain, increasing the likelihood of completing the sale.

2. Shopping Early: The Best Move for Everyone

Encouraging early shopping is beneficial for both brands and consumers. For consumers, shopping early means having access to the best deals and avoiding the holiday rush, while brands benefit from smoother inventory management and reduced pressure on fulfillment systems.

We’ve all heard the stories of shoppers waiting anxiously for UPS deliveries on Christmas Eve, hoping their gifts arrive on time. Shopping early helps avoid the headaches of shipping delays, out-of-stock items, or settling for something less than perfect because your original gift idea wasn’t available. Brands that promote early shopping through reminders, countdowns, or early access deals will position themselves as helpful partners in reducing holiday stress.

From a brand perspective, early shopping allows for better logistical planning. Businesses can spread out orders, reducing the risk of bottlenecks and shipping delays that often plague the holiday season. Promoting early bird deals or exclusive pre-holiday offers also creates excitement and drives early conversions, reducing the reliance on steep last-minute discounts.

3. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

Consumers are expecting a smooth transition between online and in-store shopping. Brands that can blend digital and physical shopping experiences, offering flexible pickup and return options, will capture the attention of customers seeking convenience. Personalized recommendations based on browsing and purchase history will also play a significant role in increasing sales.

Additionally, integrating mobile technology into the shopping experience is becoming essential for brands aiming to enhance omnichannel experiences. Mobile apps that offer features like in-store navigation, real-time inventory checks, and mobile payment options bridge the gap between digital and physical interactions. By enabling customers to easily switch between browsing on their devices and shopping in-store, brands can offer a seamless, consistent experience that keeps shoppers engaged and satisfied.

The Bottom Line

The 2024 holiday shopping season is set to be unique, shaped by emerging consumer trends and ongoing economic pressures. Brands that recognize the importance of budget-conscious shopping, sustainability, and omnichannel experiences will stand out from the crowd. By encouraging early shopping, businesses can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable shopping season for everyone involved. The countdown is on—are you ready for the biggest shopping time of the year?

The Rise of Bad Bots: A Growing Threat to Your Website

Published September 10, 2024
The Rise of Bad Bots: A Growing Threat to Your Website

As an expert in creating and managing websites for clients, we understand the challenges posed by the ever-evolving digital landscape of bad bots. One of the most pressing concerns we hear the most about is the constant threat of these bad bots, which have been dominating internet traffic this year. While bots can be beneficial, such as those used by search engines to index websites, bad bots are malicious and can cause significant harm to your website and business. This blog post aims to shed light on what bad bots are, how they affect your website, and what you can do to protect your website.

What Are Bots?

Bots, short for robots, are software applications programmed to perform automated tasks over the internet. Good bots, like those used by search engines and digital assistants, help improve user experience and website functionality. However, bad bots are designed with malicious intent, and their activities can range from data theft to website disruption.

The Surge of Bad Bots in 2024

In 2024, the internet landscape has seen a staggering increase in bad bot traffic. The everyday internet user has probably received a message or post from a bad bot on their social media accounts. According to recent reports, bad bots now account for a significant portion of overall internet traffic. While some bad bots are easy to spot, more are becoming eerily sophisticated and harder to detect, posing a serious threat to website owners and users.

How Do Bad Bots Affect Your Website?

  1. Data Theft and Scraping: Bad bots can steal sensitive data from your website, such as personal information, pricing details, and proprietary content. This information can be used for malicious purposes or sold on the dark web.
  2. Website Performance: Bad bots can overwhelm your website with excessive requests, leading to slower load times and a poor user experience. In severe cases, this can result in your website crashing, causing downtime and potential loss of revenue.
  3. Fraud and Account Takeovers: Bots can be used to carry out fraudulent activities, such as creating fake accounts, making unauthorized transactions, and hijacking legitimate user accounts. This not only harms your users but also damages your brand’s reputation.
  4. Search Engine Manipulation: Bad bots can skew your website’s analytics by generating fake traffic, leading to inaccurate data. They can also manipulate search engine rankings by engaging in practices like click fraud, negatively impacting your website’s SEO.

The Rise of Bad Bots: A Growing Threat to Your Website

4 Ways to Protect Your Website from Bad Bots

Protecting your website from bad bots requires a multi-layered approach. Here are some effective strategies that we use:

  1. Implement Bot Management Solutions: Use specialized bot management tools that can identify and block malicious bots while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through. These tools use advanced algorithms and machine learning to distinguish between good and bad bots.
  2. Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAF): A WAF can help protect your website by filtering out malicious traffic and blocking bad bots before they reach your server. It acts as a shield, preventing harmful requests from affecting your website.
  3. Monitor Traffic Patterns: Regularly analyze your website’s traffic to identify unusual patterns that may indicate bot activity. Sudden spikes in traffic, an increase in failed login attempts, or high bounce rates can be signs of bad bot attacks.
  4. Use CAPTCHA and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing CAPTCHA challenges can help differentiate between human users and bots. Additionally, MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to access their accounts.

The Bottom Line

The rise of bad bots in 2024 is a clear indication of the growing threat they pose to website owners and internet users. By implementing robust security solutions, staying vigilant, and keeping abreast of the latest trends and developments in bot activity, you can help deter bad bots. Ask our team for help and more information on protecting your website and its important information.