Resknow

Water-tight online security has become an important expectation for website users across the world as more of us than ever before share our personal information and financial details across cyber space.

As such, ensuring your website is as secure as possible should be a key consideration; it could mean the difference between gaining new business and losing it to a competitor. So, what can you do to give your potential customers the confidence they need to feel safe when doing business with you?

Alarmingly, web pages are not secure by default, which means any data is potentially at risk of being stolen by attackers. Here’s where obtaining an SSL Certificate can help with your website security. SSL stands for ‘secure sockets layer’ and is a form of security for websites that handle sensitive information such as visitors’ personal information and credit card numbers. It creates a secure connection between a visitor’s web browser and the server of the company they’re interacting with. Essentially, the usage of SSL technology ensures that all data transmitted between the web server and browser remains encrypted and protected from attackers.

Technically, SSL is a transparent protocol which requires little interaction from the end user when establishing a secure session. In the case of a browser, you can tell if a site is using SSL when a padlock is displayed, or the address bar shows the URL as HTTPS instead of HTTP.

HTTP is not secure and is subject to spying because the data being transferred from the web browser to the web server is transmitted in plain text. This means attackers can intercept and view sensitive data, such as credit card details and account logins. When information and data is sent or posted through a browser using HTTPS, SSL makes sure that the information is encrypted and secure from interception.

As of October 2018, Google started displaying a “not secure” warning beside the padlock in our browsers on websites without SSL certificates. If a site doesn’t have an SSL certificate then the padlock turns red displaying as ‘not secure’, making it easier to know whether your personal information is safe or not.

With all this in mind, it makes more sense than ever before to ensure an SSL Certificate is incorporated into your website. Not only does it protect your customers’ information and data, it also offers a visible sign that you are a responsible business.  

Speak to the team at Resknow to find out more about how an SSL Certificate can make your website more secure and attractive to potential customers.

Most business owners know why they should have a website, but lack understanding of how to promote it once they actually have one.

In today’s blog we’re going to share a few simple ways you can (and should) market your new website once it goes live.

Announce it on social media

Social Media Marketing is an invaluable tool that you should already be utilising as a way to communicate with both current and potential audiences. The likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn are the perfect places to let people know about the launch of a new website. Offer an incentive or run a competition, asking people to share your link for something in cool return. 

Let your email contacts / subscribers know

A simple yet well put together email letting your contacts and subscribers know that you’ve got a new website is a must! It takes a matter of minutes to write and as for the technical/design element, there’s always Mail Chimp. An email like this acts as a reminder that you’re a progressing company and most importantly, ensures customers know how best to contact you.

Put it in your email signature

You should also add a link to your new website to your email signature, alongside your social media channels and phone number. This way anyone you have direct communication with is made aware of your updated details.

Print it on your business cards / leaflets

The offline and online world has merged. Showcase you’re a modern company by including your website address on all marketing materials. Those who are interested in your products or services will visit for more information before contacting you. Consumers do their research before parting with their money these days – and quite rightly so! 

Start blogging regularly

To make the most of your website, you must update it consistently. The best way to do this without constantly rewriting your existing website content is to start up a blog. Not only will this improve the SEO of your site, but it will also give you something of value to share on social media and in turn attract website traffic.

Promote it via PPC

If you’re looking to really heighten your reach, you should consider investing in some search engine advertising. The most popular (and effective) method is PPC, which stands for Pay Per Click. PPC Campaigns can be developed by online marketing specialists (like us) to promote your new website to targeted audiences. This technique is proven to increase traffic.

Have you found this blog useful? Which method will you be using to promote your new website? Tweet your answers to @Resknow to join in on the conversation or contact us directly for advice and extra information. 

 

 

 

 

When you run a business, it can feel like all you’re ever asked to do is spend more money. Progression comes at a price, but what do you do when your pockets are empty? It’s easy to stay stuck, and really hard to find useful tools that actually work without breaking the bank! Luckily, we’ve got some recommendations.

Though some aspects, like web design and digital marketing, are unavoidable investments, there are areas you can cut costs. Our team have trailed a variety of FREE tools and resources to ensure we utilise and suggest only the very best, and below are five of our faves:

Canva

OK, so Canva will never replace a graphic designer. But it will help you to create high quality custom images, memes, banners, ads and presentations for social media on demand with absolute ease, and without spending a penny! With an easy drag-and-drop feature and thousands of pre-sized templates, layouts, graphics and icons, you don’t need any design experience to throw together something that looks branded and bespoke. Simply upload your logo and drag it onto your image! If you want to add some text, click “add text” – you get the idea, it’s basically fool proof!

Slack

We took up Slack as a way to keep all of our team connected and haven’t looked back since. Our productivity has gone through the roof, as housekeeping is better managed and communication is more responsive. Slack allows us to send and receive large files as well as instant messages, and lets users separate notifications and discussions by purpose, topic or department. There’s a desktop version and an app, so you can use it on-the-go or just leave it up in a tab while you’re on the clock. Collaborating has never been easier!

Todoist

Scrappy bits of paper no longer working for you? Whether you’re struggling with the organisation of your daily tasks or overwhelmed by the duty of delegation, allow Todoist to step in and save the day. As a list-based task manager, this tool is any busy business owner’s dream. It allows you to store notes, distribute tasks, set reminders, prioritise jobs and keep track of reoccurring events. It’s really clearly set out and intuitive to use. No chance of your to-do list getting lost anymore! 

MailChimp

MailChimp is the answer to all of your email marketing needs. This free piece of software allows you to create beautiful email marketing campaigns and manage automated messages seamlessly. There are various built-in design templates to work from and an editor to customise campaigns. Simply import your contact list, create a campaign, click send (or schedule) and start building your audience.

Hootsuite

There are various Social Media Management Systems that help you to keep all of your accounts up to date from one place but not many of them are free. Hootsuite’s lowest level plan is completely free and enables you to connect up to 4 accounts. Our Social Media Manager uses Hootsuite to keep our Facebook and Twitter accounts up to date and track activity. It’s got intelligent scheduling options, automated report functions and tracking features… what’s not to love?

What tool do you think your business could benefit from? Give it a go and let us know your thoughts by tweeting to @Resknow!

If you’re reading this, you either really, really love booze (to the extent that just the word “drunk” entices you) or you own a website, that you worry just isn’t quite up to scratch yet. Whatever reason you’re here today, we’ve got something that will surely be of interest to you…

Allow us to introduce you to a creative service (or new career path) that could make all the difference to your business or professional life: Drunk User Testing.

Yup, you read that right. There’s a service – in fact, plenty of services – that will test your website for usability and function and tell you how it performs in the wild! Initially it may sound like a bit of a joke, but there’s actually a lot of merit to it.

Not convinced? Well, we figured that might be the case at this point, so next hear us out as we share 3 thought-provoking reasons why a drunk person should be able to use your website without next to no difficulty:

Simplicity

The best websites are a breeze to use ­– they are, simply put, idiot proof! Whatever product, service or message you are selling, you need to contemplate the customer. That much is a given. However, what many website owners fail to do is test their website for ease of use properly before launching.

When you have been heavily (or even slightly) involved in the design or development of a website yourself, it is always going to be real easy for you to find things… but will a new visitor feel the same way?

It’s scientifically proven that the brain prefers to think about things that are easy to think about, so cognitive fluency is definitely an element to consider if you want visitors to instinctively know how to navigate your site and which actions they should take.

Inclusivity

There’s another reason why simplistic web design works, and that’s because it is inclusive – everyone, no matter their level of education (or intoxication), can use it. This not only broadens your reach, but it also ensures you are catering to an important percentage of your current client-base.

Message

Your message should be strong, but this doesn’t mean lengthy. Long copy has its place, but it’s not on the front page or in a description of what you do. A great way of writing copy that conveys your message quickly and efficiently is, of course, to imagine a drunk person were to read it… what else?!

Now, we’re not saying that the entire web-world is drunk, or that your clients are alcoholics. Instead, what we are saying is that most people either don’t have the time or capacity to process large quantities of information when simply searching for a plumber, pet sitter or takeaway service. Make it straightforward and you’re likely to see your conversion rate go up.

And so all this brings us to one simple conclusion: your website should be so simple, even a drunk person could use it. Convinced now? We thought so…

When you live in a heavily Westernised part of the world, you’re exposed to an abundance of logos each and every hour, let alone day! Here, in the 21st Century, branding is everything – dictating it all – from our food choices to our holiday destinations.

Logos are such a seemingly small aspect in the marketing mix because we often forget how they actually play the greatest role in terms of brand recognition. Not only do they need to stand the test of time and attract the right audience, they also need to communicate what the business does and symbolise how it operates.

If we ask you to think of three major brands and their logos, what comes to mind? Analyse the different logos and you’ll find that they all give off a different ‘feel’. Some will give off a fun and quirky vibe, others will be simple and sleek, bold and beautiful or intriguing and intricate…

It is safe to say there’s a huge variety of logo types out there, but if you take an even closer look you will notice that there are trends and patterns that can be broken down into sectors and styles. Today we’re going to run you through 7 different logo types, exploring what types of industries use them and more importantly, why.

This article will assist you in curating the perfect brief for your logo, ensuring a graphic designer can bring it to life. So, if you want to know how to choose the best logo type/combination for your business get ready to take notes – we’re about to give you some serious food for thought!

Lettermarks 

Ah, the lettermark. Otherwise known as monogram logos, this is favoured by businesses with lengthy names. It’s basically just initialisms that are jazzed up for brand identification purposes. Well, we say ‘jazzed up’ but the trick to making lettermarks work is actually simplicity. As this design type is typography-based, the focus is all on clear but clever lettering. Take HBO and NASA, as two great examples. Both are readable and easily distinguishable yet very unique and distinct.

Wordmarks 

Similar to lettermarks, wordmarks are also typography-based. The only real difference is the way the design incorporates the entire business/brand name, instead of just the initials. This logo type works really well for companies that have short, succinct names. Take Google and Coca-Cola as two elite examples – both have memorable names and eye-catching logos. The use of strong colour and custom typography has helped them to deliver their message coherently and obtain brand recognition worldwide.

Pictorial marks 

The graphic based design, referred to ask pictorial marks, logo symbols and brand marks (pick your favourite!) is basically an icon. Chances are, when we asked you to think of some major brand logo’s in the intro earlier, at least one Pictorial mark came to mind. For us the most obvious are the Twitter bird and of course, iconic Apple logo. Both are instantly recognisable and super quirky, but it’s tricky for start-ups to pull this off without establishing themselves first.

Pictorial marks are usually a phase-2 (or 3, or 4) only to be carried out once you’ve developed an influential presence in a particular sector, but can also act as a nice add-on to wordmarks (they look fabulous on social media memes and make great favicoms).

Abstract logo marks 

Abstract logos poses a truly unique way to represent your brand. The idea behind them is to develop a bespoke geometric form that symbolises your brand, condensing what you do into one single image. Absract logo marks often have text to accompany, either brand initials or the company name – but are designed to work just as well on their own, as a separate entity. The most famous examples of abstract logo marks have got to be Pepsi (you know, the distinctive divided circle), BP (with it’s cool bursting star, or whatever it is – it works…) and Adidas (sporting the freshest flower around).

Abstract logos have proven not to date quickly and instead, blossom over the years. They have become stable signs of home for many, yet cut down language barriers and minimise cultural differences by not relying on text, characters or photos. They’re great for global businesses with a wide audience.

Brand Mascots 

As we mentioned characters briefly above, it’s worth mentioning how dynamic, interactive and effective brand mascots can be when used in the correct way by the right company. Brand mascots are ideal for those wanting to appeal to families and children, but not so great for corporate cooperations like banks, looking to secure the public’s trust. Places like car washes, food chains and football teams (and people like digital freelancers and self-employed beauty therapists)  use this logo type to resemble an ambassador of their business – showcasing personality and encouraging a relationship.

Take KFC’s Colonel as the perfect example. His smart chef attire complete with a bow tie and friendly face with ‘wise man’ features walks the perfect line of professionalism and wholesomeness. He looks approachable but equally knowledgeable. If you’re aiming to present an equal balance of quality and authenticity, a mascot may be the way to go.

Logo Emblems

Logo Emblems tend to have a traditional, entwined appearance. Usually used by schools, government agencies and the auto industry, this logo can make a striking, professional impact. Companies like Starbucks and Harley-Davidson have successfully modernised the classical emblem look to ensure its versatile (/simplistic) enough to be used across boards, on all branding mediums. The key is not to make the emblem too intricate, or it’ll be impossible to see or read when shrunk down and replicated on business cards and letterheads.

Combination Marks

You guessed it – the name is self-explanatory really, but for the sake of rounding this post up properly, a combination mark is a logo encompassing a workmark or lettermark and a mascot, pictorial mark abstract or mark. There are various ways of laying combination marks out – with the text over the picture, next to the picture, stacked on top of one another, fully integrated to become one… you name it – the options are endless. If you’re looking for inspiration, think Doritos, Burger King and Lacoste, to name just a few…

Combination Marks are probably the most popular of all, as they allow for clarity and creativity, which in turn makes them far easier to trademark than a pictorial or lettermark alone!

With all that in mind, we hope you feel better equipped to make the right choices when it comes to curating the best brief for your logo design. However, if you do feel you need further assistance in terms of professional opinion, head on over to Twitter or contact us directly – we’re more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

If you’ve been with us for some time, you’ll know that the Resknow team attends Brighton SEO every spring. There’s no better place to top up on industry insights and rub shoulders with the UK’s leading Digital Marketers – it’s a seaside sensation attracting over 4000 people from all across the nation.

We choose Brighton SEO over other conferences and training events because it prides itself on providing practical points that you can actually implement when you get back into the office. The organisers say, “the idea was to share ideas and chat about all the interesting stuff we can’t really talk about with anyone outside of the industry for fear of them falling asleep”, and we think it’s safe to say that they’ve achieved this.

As web designers, developers and online marketing specialists, we know better than most what it is like to explain technical aspects of a job to someone who doesn’t have a Scooby. We take great pride in simplifying the complexities of our job(s), so that clients are able to follow, but admittedly it is a real nice change to be able to use proper terminology without being looked at like an alien!

That being said, the conference is over and our clients are calling – it’s time to get back to what we do best, and that is helping you market your website online. Many of the talks at Brighton SEO were targeted towards this, with reviews a reoccurring theme of focus. Today we wanted to share our learnings, exploring the importance of online reviews for small, local businesses. Ready? Let’s go!

They have the ability to increase local search rankings

If you’ve connected your social media accounts and embedded links into your website, which you should have done a long time ago, you may have noticed that your local search rankings have gone up. This is because reviews contribute to your local SEO, not only due to unique content and keywords but also the way in which Google can retrieve information like the reviewers location, following and influence.

Activity from real people is viewed as authentic by search engines. This means that each review factors into your organic reach, so the more you can receive, the better you’ll be perceived. Interestingly, microformats are said to put you above the fold of normal search results, as they provide “rich answers” for popular search terms.

It’ll improve your off-site ranking

Having reviews on external websites or platforms is a great way to add credibility and improve off-site rankings, as Google’s local search algorithm includes data from all approved third-party directories, such as Yelp, TripAdvisor and CrowdReviews. Copying reviews from an email and pasting them onto your site isn’t going to cut it anymore – after all, who’s to say you didn’t just make it up?

Internet users are savvy and they don’t trust reviews unless they’re listed elsewhere, on an authoritative site. There’s no downside to using an array of different digital platforms to obtain reviews – most are transferrable anyway! Just like you are more likely to be noticed by your target audience if you’re in more places, Google is more likely to rank you if you’re fully integrated and cohesive across the board.

You’ll see more conversions

No one likes to be the first. The more people you are seen to supply a successful service or quality product to, the more traction you will get in terms of generating new leads. Reviews don’t just increase SEO and attract traffic – they actually convert! You may think no one can sell your business better than you but think again, because a happy customer who takes the time to acknowledge your work is the most powerful marketing tool you’ll ever find!

People are increasingly using reviews as a way to make a decision about whether or not a product or service is worth buying into. They want real information, from real people and it must be unbiased to make an impact.

They act as micro-marketing campaigns

Reviews are the new word-of-mouth, and therefore do what no other online marketing campaign can really do – connect with audiences on a consumer-to-consumer level. They stick in people’s minds, encouraging others to voice their opinion and increasing the crowd behaviours of your business.

In addition, reviews hardly ever go out of date. They can be used in your marketing mix for years to come. Tweet them, plaster them on your TV ads, share them on your Facebook Page… the options are endless!

 You’ll learn how to serve customers better

Of course, it’s not just sales that should drive your mission to obtain real reviews. Feedback is an integral part in the growth of any business, and bettering your offerings is something you should never stop looking to do.

Getting to know both the good and bad sides of your business helps you learn how to better serve your customers in the future. Take note of suggestions and frequently asked questions, and don’t make promises to change if you don’t plan to upkeep them.

Are you using Google reviews as a way to improve SEO, enhance off-site ranking and increase sales? How do you go about getting your customers to make time for a written review? Join the conversation by tweeting to @Resknow!

At Resknow, we keep a keen eye on industry updates. The nature of our job means that we are often some of the very first people in the industry to notice trends in web design and development surface and evolve. But unlike many designers, we believe in using such trends as inspiration rather than simply following them like a religion ruled by checkboxes.

It’s never productive to get stuck in a rut – doing the same things over and over again just because you’ve proven that they work. It’s always best to try to see things from another angle. A new perspective doesn’t mean you have to overlook all of the knowledge you have previously obtained – it simply means that you can venture outside of your usual design habits and ultimately enrich results.

Today we’d like to share a few forward-thinking trends we’ve already spotted making waves in the digital sphere this year, to help inspire a fresh take on your latest web design project(s).

Five New (And Awesome) Web Design Trends to Watch in 2017

1. Stacked block colours

Creating texture that doesn’t look crowed and busy is tricky. Recently we’ve seen a few websites make great use of block colours, layered on top of one another. It adds depth and is a really simple way to incorporate brand colours into a simple landing page or site layout.

2. Bespoke illustrations

Nothing says ‘unique’ more than distinctive, branded illustrations to accompany content on a website. Companies that are looking to add a personal touch to their website are really favouring this at the moment, as no two have to be the same. Plus, gives designers a chance to get a bit arty!

3. Overlapping Copy & Images

For a long time websites have stuck to traditional publishing methods. Surges of bloggers and freelancers have set out to change this though, adopting the overlapping copy & images trend for themselves. The response from visitors is positive. It’s new, and people like something that hasn’t really been done before. It shakes things up a bit. And again, the options are endless. We keep saying it, but get creative!!

4. Decorative Typography

Not so long ago the Internet was dominated by simple neo-grotesque typography styles. Helvetica, Roboto, Lato and Open Sans ‘most-readable’ at some point or another and for a long time that was an unspoken rule most designers stuck by. Nevertheless, the revolution has begun. Digital designers are being bold with their use of typefaces – working with contrasts, breaking down individual letters and even animating them.

5. Cinemagraphs

First, for those of you that don’t already know, cinemagraph is the term used for a high-quality video (like a GIF) that runs on a continuous loop. Instagram’s Boomerang feature is probably what drew new attention to what is actually fairly old technology. However, you cannot deny that it is a stunning way to add movement to what would otherwise be static pages. And it’s also proven to help visitors stay longer on your site (which we all know is more likely to lead to a conversion).

Similar to the fashion industry, web design is such a fast-paced sector that it really can change overnight. What is trendy one moment can look outdated the next, so it is our advice to put a unique spin on everything. Templates are temporary. Bespoke design has the ability to adjust to the times. And style lasts (sells) forever…

Are you likely to incorporate any of the elements above into your website(s)? Have your say on this subject by tweeting your thoughts to @Resknow! Thanks for reading 🙂 

Much like any business sector, the area of web design and development is filled with a whole host of industry jargon that the everyday individual may find difficult to understand. Though we explain the details of each project to our client in layman’s terms, there are words and expressions that cannot be replaced.

However, they can be defined. Today we thought we would give you a basic introduction to the most common web design definitions and terms used by web studios and developers worldwide to ensure you are able to understand vital technical aspects related to the build of your business site.

Grab a notepad and pen, because you’ll want to take notes before visiting us or any other prospective agencies for help and advice on your web design project.

Web Terms to Know & Understand

Term: 404

Explanation: A 404 error page is displayed when a URL is mistyped or website page has been deleted. The 404 page will often communicate why the page does not exist, detail the issue if there is one and explain what users can do next.

Term: Content Management System (CMS)

Explanation: A CMS is the software system used to access the backend of your website. It is designed to control the content on your website and is where you go to upload, edit and remove text, videos and images.

Term: Domain

Explanation: The domain is simply the name of your website. For example, our domain is Resknow.co.uk. These usually have to be bought and vary in price.

Term: Hosting

Explanation: A web server is a computer that runs a clever piece of software that is able to connect to the Internet and allow visitors to access a website through their desktop browser or chosen mobile device. Web servers are where your website files are housed, serviced and maintained.

Term: Favicon

Explanation: Helping to make your website look professional, reputable and memorable, the favicon is a small icon image (usually logo) displayed in the tab or title bar of any browser. It appears in bookmarks, helping sites to standout.

Term: Registrar

Explanation: When a web designer asks you who your domain name registrar is, don’t be confused. Simply recall the company you used to register your domain name and provide them with this information. Popular registrars include GoDaddy, 1and1, Name.com, BlueHost, HostGator and iPage.

Term: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

Explanation: The HTML is the markup language used to construct and display web sites, pages and elements. It is often unaccompanied and commonly used in conjunction with other languages, such as JavaScript, CSS and PHP, for added functionality.

Term: Cookies

Explanation: Cookies are able to retrieve valuable data from websites and visitors. When you enable cookies, a small text file is sent to a browser from a website and then stored on your computer hard drive. The text file logs your preferences using an anonymous unique identifier and stores information about your activity on the site.

Term: Cascading Style Sheets CSS

Explanation: As briefly mentioned above, CSS is a code used alongside HTML. It is used to determine how a web page should look to the end user. It can format, styles, colours and ultimately brand your entire site (including detailed components, such as the menu and fonts).

Term: Conversion

Explanation: Every website has a purpose. A conversion is when a desired action is taken related to this purpose. For example, this could be when a visitor submits a quote request, completes a web form, makes an ecommerce purchase or subscribes to a newsletter.

And there you have it. 10 web design definitions you no longer need to learn. You can thank us by tweeting your thoughts and comments to @Resknow or simply sharing this article with your network.

Happiness is something we endlessly strive to achieve. Though we know it is not a state we can attain all the time, it is the overriding emotion we wish to experience in both our professional and personal lives. Here at Resknow we pride ourselves on our friendly attitude and cheerful approach to work. With this in mind, we thought it necessary to share our top tips with you. Read on if you’re ready to make your workplace a kinder, happier place.

Swap Pleasantries

After years working alongside the same people it can seem boring and mundane to swap samey pleasantries but it is in fact more important than ever to continue to do so. Greet the team with a cheery “Hello” each morning and make time for a quick chat in the kitchen in-between jobs. Offering a cup of tea or coffee is a little courtesy with a big ability to improve chilly workplace relations. Could we be more British?

Ask Questions

There’s an art to small talk and that’s asking questions, listening and replying. It’s really simple but massively underrated. When you take the time to get to know someone you are always able to work better alongside them. You may find that you have a different personality to your co-workers but it’s likely you have at least one thing in common and that is that you want to work in a harmonious environment. Who doesn’t?

Give Credit

The more you get to know your co-workers the more likely you are to bounce ideas off of one another. This is when it becomes important to give credits where they are deserved and return favours whenever you can. A supportive structure can work wonders, as all team members feel appreciated and appropriately acknowledged. After all, wouldn’t you expect a close college to give you recognition for something you contributed to?

Express Gratitude

Whether you’re a boss or an intern, expressing gratitude when someone has carried out a task, done a good job or simply made you a cuppa is a must. “Please” and “thank-you” ‘s aren’t just part of workplace etiquette, they are everyday life etiquette. Appreciate the little things in life and your gratitude will give both yourself and others that feel-good feeling that keeps us going, day after day, year after year… Nothing beats the fabulous feedback, does it?

Sidestep Gossip

Getting friendly with your co-workers will open up a line of communication that may not have been there before. You may (or may not) learn that they like to gossip. Gossiping is never productive and almost always causes confusion, group dysfunctions and a bad atmosphere. Avoid it like the plague. And if you hear something you shouldn’t (or don’t want to) know, what is the harm in letting your colleague know where you stand?

Be Responsive

When working in a team, you should put in what you expect to get out. If you want your team members to reply to your emails in a timely manner you must remember that this should work both ways. Be responsive and you are likely to benefit from the same great treatment back. Not convinced? Why not improve your communications for a week and see if the results are of any value to you?

Smile

Smiling is contagious. Even if you don’t feel like smiling, someone else bearing a warm beam at you is likely to trigger a fake grin back, at the very least. The simple act of smiling, whether forced or not, releases neuropeptides in the brain, incidentally making you happy. Well, you can’t argue with science can you?

We hope this article has given you some fresh ideas and a new perspective on the basic yet fundamental components of a happy work and head space! If you have any advice of your own to share on this topic, tweet your tips to @Resknow! Looking forward to hearing from you.

If you’re a small business on a budget, chances are you’re well aware of the benefits investing in a professional website can have in terms of increased visibility, reach and sales. Nevertheless, knowing something and being able to afford something are two very different things.

Today we thought we’d help you filter through the often unnecessary, somewhat excruciatingly expensive features and elements (such as custom CMS, bespoke quoting forms, appointment schedulers etc.) and pinpoint budget-friendly business website essentials, in the hope that it’ll save those of you reading a few (likely more) pennies. So, grab a pen and paper and let the lesson commence!

Fully Responsive

It no longer makes any sense to have two separate websites designed to ensure you cater to users of all devices. Mobile-friendly, fully responsive websites may cost more than your standard but you will undoubtedly save money, attract more customers and improve SEO by opting for such an inclusive, modern route.

Home Page

Whatever the purpose of your website is, it absolutely requires a introductory homepage to welcome visitors. A homepage is one of the most crucial element to any site, as it ultimately determines conversions and bounce rates. You can include a lot or little information on your homepage – and if you choose a lot and are clever about the design, you may not even require many other pages, cutting costs further.

Service Page

If you aren’t able to properly display and describe what it is you do or sell, then a service page is vital. Business websites are similar to a shop front. In order to attract people, you must first show them what it is you are offering. Be clear and engaging, and include prices and any other relevant information visitors looking to hire or buy from you will expect or need to know.

Contact Us Form

Selling yourself and your services/products is pointless if you leave visitors with no way of contacting you. A contact form can be placed anywhere on a website and should be utilised wherever appropriate. The homepage should always have a contact number on display. An individual contact us page is not always necessary but often preferred due to its fundamentally important function.

Highly Quality Visuals

Whether you have a landing page or a basic 4-page website, high quality visuals are a must. Not only can a picture speak 1000 words, but it can also showcase your work, bring pages to life, entice visitors and increase trust due to a look of professionalism. Images and pictures cost very little to take and stock images are incredibly affordable to purchase (some are even FREE).

Social Media Icons

Social Media is free to use and you can provide an unlimited amount of information by posting regularly. Connecting your accounts to your website will improve SEO, enrich your information and engagement element and allow you to build-up trust with visitors. It’s budget-friendly and effortless for a web designer to do.

And there you have it, 6 affordable must-have features & elements to include in your business website.

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