by kitzmillermedia | Jun 23, 2020 | Productivity, Websites
Add live chat to your website
Responding faster to online leads means more conversions.
A survey of over 433 businesses suggests only 55% respond to leads within five business days. Imagine how much business is left on the table by not responding quicker.
Chat widgets improve response time by giving your visitors more ways to contact you. It also gives your sales team tools to set appointments, provide quotes, or follow up with more info.
While chatting with website visitors in real-time is ideal, you can also set away messages and integrate AI to answer common questions.
There are dozens of chat widget options you can add to your WordPress website. We like using Hubspot live chat at Kitzmiller Media. You may have even noticed our chatbot in the lower right corner. It integrates with our CRM and has automated messaging to prequalify leads before a live person takes over. It’s perfect for us.
If you’re interested in exploring chat options to improve response time and leads, get in touch!
by kitzmillermedia | Apr 3, 2020 | Business, Websites
Your website is a powerful tool in the online marketplace. It gives you a platform to create awareness of your products or services and attract more traffic to grow your business. Ideally, your website can help gather customer insights to guide you in decision making. It can also improve your credibility and SEO to help monitor your marketing strategies. However, to achieve the best results, you need to invest in features that can give you high returns. Here are some of the best website investments that pay for themselves.
User-Friendly Interaction
According to Brainleaf, a poorly designed website can turn away potential customers. If at all you want to grow your business, make sure your website is user-friendly. Remember that the primary purpose of your site is to generate more leads, but if people find it difficult to interact with it, then you may not achieve the intended goal. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate functions that are customized to suit your specific business to allow potential customers to reach you faster and easier.
Relevant Content
In many cases, customers are searching for helpful and informative content. Similarly, when potential customers visit your website, the first thing they expect is answers to their questions and not read about your story. However, the bottom line about relevant content is to develop content that can engage your audience and change their perception of your brand. That is, to educate, help, entertain, and keep them informed.
Webchat Service
Proper communication is vital for the success of your business. It is essential to connect with your audience using the method that works best for them. Apart from other interaction tools such as email and phone, webchat service is an integral part of your communication strategies, especially in this digital era. Alternatively, using software tools can also be beneficial. For instance, according to Podium, many types of CRM software have a high return on investment that will help your business grow.
Optimized
Online marketing is dynamic and requires businesses to flex to meet ever-changing customer demands. One way to achieve this is to optimize your website and content for different search engines, browsers, devices, data speed, and users. If your website does not support these features, customers may not want to visit your site, which will harm your business.
Building your website is beyond making an online presence. You need to go extra miles to ensure you develop something that cannot only benefit users but also give you a high return on investment. You should incorporate features that can make it likable and easy to use. The investments mentioned above are some of the best that can give high returns.
If you need help building or managing your website, we can help! Request a quote here.
by kitzmillermedia | Jul 25, 2018 | Business, SEO, Websites
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]After researching dozens of accounting firm websites and working directly with a number of them, I noticed a few common problems. The good news is, many of these common accounting firm website issues are overcome with a little planning and some know-how.
The even better news is, once you take care of these common website issues, you start to see huge boosts in performance, conversions, and overall usefulness.
Let’s break down some of the most common issues with accounting firm websites.
- There is no SSL Certificate for security
- The site isn’t mobile-friendly
- The site looks outdated
- Contact info is hard to find
- There is no blog or news section
- The about page needs work
- No on-page SEO
There is no SSL Certificate
I’m not sure about you, but when it comes to my financial information, security is the most important part. Most accounting firm websites have some kind of client portal allowing clients access to important documents or services. How secure is the portal?
When a website does not have an SSL Certificate installed, it not only sends a bad message (Google is now warning visitors) to visitors, but the information is not actually secure.
The website isn’t mobile-friendly
Having a mobile-friendly website is not an option anymore. Your accounting firm website must look good on a mobile device. Pull up your website on a mobile phone or take the Google mobile-friendly test. If your website fails the test, you need to make it mobile a priority.
The website looks outdated
Many of the websites I researched looked outdated. An old, outdated website leaves a bad impression on potential customers. If your site looks outdated, what does that say about your business? In an industry where tax laws change often, looking current and up to date is an important part of your brand. It may be time for a website redesign if it’s too far gone.
Contact information is hard to find
Nothing pains me more than to see a website with hard to find contact information. This is especially true for accounting firm websites. Contact information needs to be upfront and visible on every page. Phone numbers should be large and locations should always include a complete address and a map.
There is no blog or news section
Blogging is important for a number of reasons. For starters, having several recent blog posts demonstrates to potential customers that you are an active and alive business. It’s like putting fresh flowers outside of your retail shop every morning. Another important reason to blog is to demonstrate your authority on the subject of accounting and tax law. Last but not least, it boosts search engine results dramatically. When you are competing with other local tax firms online, having a strong search game will net you big results.
The about page needs work
Many of the accounting firm websites I worked with did have an about page, but they were lackluster. About pages are the best place for potential clients to get to know you. Good looking, professional photos are a must. Professionally written bios help tell your story and expertise. Other than the home page, the about page is the most important page on your accounting website.
No on-page SEO
Search engine optimization is really a long-term marketing strategy, but there are plenty of tactics you can implement in the short-term to improve search results. Every page must have several key elements to be Google-worthy; A strong headline, subheadings, be on topic, internal and external links, good sentence structure and good-looking images with “alt” tags. This is just the tip of the search iceberg, but these small improvements could have big results.
So how does your accounting firm website stack up? Chances are there is room for improvement, but as I mentioned earlier, there are a number of quick ways to make measurable changes to your website and your bottom line.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” enable_gradient=”true” color_overlay=”rgba(30,115,190,0.11)” color_overlay_2=”rgba(238,238,34,0.11)” gradient_direction=”left_t_to_right_b” overlay_strength=”0.8″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]
[icon color=”Accent-Color” animation_speed=”Slow” size=”small” icon_size=”” animation_delay=”” image=”icon-check”] Schedule a Free Website Review
Our website review is comprehensive, informative and provides you with actionable advice to improve your current website. Schedule a review today![/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][contact-form-7 id=”7847″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by kitzmillermedia | May 29, 2018 | Websites
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]It’s understandable why businesses neglect their marketing material. The fact is, many businesses put the grind of daily operations first. Years could go by before a customer finally says something about their cringy, outdated website.
Business owners typically know it’s bad, but haven’t done anything about it.
Complacency is another reason why businesses neglect their website. Perhaps they don’t understand the value of professional design. Dealing with dated marketing material can also be a can of worms. It’s likely the website isn’t the only thing that needs a makeover.
In my line of work, I often see websites that were built when flip phones were popular. Hair bands were climbing the music charts and Grunge was still a fashion statement. Enough is enough! Whatever the reason, putting it off another year is simply out of the question.
That’s why we’re excited to announce our totally free website redesign contest.
From “Meh” to “Amazing” Website Redesign Contest
In the next 45 days (before July 15th, 2018), we will select one business who will receive a complete website redesign and a full year of our WP Care Plan, absolutely free.
The redesign alone is valued at $5000. On top of that, the winner will receive a full year of maintenance and monthly content support. The winning business will also be connected to our full suite of services if they choose to take advantage of that.
How do you know if a site needs a redesign? It will be painfully obvious, but if you need a checklist, we wrote an article called Is it time for a website redesign?
Help us pick the winner
We want you to help us find a cringe-worthy website that needs some love. Maybe it’s your neighborhood butcher, hairstylist or favorite local restaurant. Perhaps it’s an architecture firm, an attorney or a growing family business. If you land on the home page and feel a jump scare coming on, you know it’s time for a website redesign.
Share this article or follow us on social media for an opportunity to tag a business. You may also direct message us with the details.
We can’t do this without you!
The rules
Every website is not created equal, that’s why we want to set some limits on the website redesign contest. Here are the rules and regulations:
- The website must have less than 20 pages
- The website must be owned by an active business
- The website is for businesses located in the U.S.
- The website can not have e-commerce or sell online
- The website must have a WordPress-friendly hosting account*
*If the existing website does not have a modern hosting environment, we can set up a brand new hosting account. This will require an annual fee. We’ll explain everything in greater detail when a winner is selected.
We’re thrilled to be able to make the web a more pleasant experience for all of us. Most of all, we’re excited to help a business step into the 21st Century with a modern, mobile-friendly, fast loading website… for free!
To submit or tag a business for the website redesign contents, please use the following channels.
Comment: Leave a comment below with a link to the website
Email: amazing@kitzmillermedia.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KitzmillerMedia
Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/KitzmillerMedia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitzmiller/
We look forward to hearing from you. May the suckiest website win![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by kitzmillermedia | Feb 9, 2018 | Services, Websites, WordPress
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]WordPress now powers nearly 28% of the internet. That’s a big number. While WordPress is free and open source right out of the box, it is capable of supporting both small and massive websites. Like all software, WordPress requires at least nine essential features to keep run optimally over time.
- Daily backups
- Uptime monitoring
- WordPress core updates
- Theme updates
- Plugin updates
- Disaster recovery
- Security scans
- Content changes
- Support
Let’s dive into each service and how it benefits your WordPress website.
Daily backups
Backups are critical for operating on the internet today. It’s a big place with lots of nasty ways your website can be compromised. It doesn’t happen all that often, but when it does, and you don’t have a recent backup – ouch! Not to mention the embarrassment of receiving an email from a customer letting you know your website is down before you even know.
Every single day we backup all the files associated with your WordPress website including the database that stores all the data.
Uptime monitoring
The WP Care Plan provides 24/7 uptime monitoring. If your WordPress website goes down or offline for any reason, we’ll investigate promptly and help resolve the issue. You won’t have to worry about losing leads or revenue due to lengthy outages.
WordPress core updates
The WordPress framework is a lot like other software you use every day. Updates are released periodically and provide benefits such as increased security, improvements or new features. If you skip an update, your site could become prone to malware attacks and other security risks.
Theme updates
WordPress themes are used to give your website some style and character. It often comes bundled with features that provide WordPress additional functionality. When WordPress releases an update, theme developers typically release a newer version of their theme. This update is essential to implement correctly to avoid any conflict with WordPress
Plugin updates
Plugins are small applications that can add or change how a WordPress website functions or performs. Plugins require just as much attention as themes. When a new plugin version is released, it’s essential to back up the site in case the new plugin conflicts with WordPress or the Theme. We handle all plugin updates for you and perform a comprehensive backup before updating any software.
Disaster recovery
It can happen and has happened to a number of our clients. When this occurs, we put everything else on hold and resolve the problem. Our clients are covered regardless of how extensive the damage is. Fortunately, with the WP Care Plan, you won’t have to worry about any of this.
Security scans
Security is becoming increasingly crucial as WordPress gains popularity. We have an application that scans the site daily for any malware or potential threats. If malware is detected, we act quickly to remove and patch any problem areas.
Content changes
Our clients love this feature. Instead of logging in yourself and sorting through menus, design options, and content boxes, all you have to do is send us the desired update. Most updates can be performed within 24 hours and often include posting a new blog, adding or removing a team member or updating page text and images.
Support
One of the perks of our WordPress care plan is that you always know who to call if have questions or concerns about your site. Calling or chatting online with your hosting company can be time-consuming and quite frustrating if you don’t speak their language. All you have to do is call or email Kitzmiller Media, and we’ll take care of it for you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” enable_gradient=”true” color_overlay=”rgba(30,115,190,0.11)” color_overlay_2=”rgba(238,238,34,0.11)” gradient_direction=”left_t_to_right_b” overlay_strength=”0.8″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]
[icon color=”Accent-Color” animation_speed=”Slow” size=”small” icon_size=”” animation_delay=”” image=”icon-check”] Stop Worrying About Your WordPress Website
Your website is crucial to your business. It generates leads, customers and revenue (or at least it should). It’s a channel through which customers, prospects, suppliers, potential new staff and partners will find and engage you… and judge you for that matter.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by kitzmillermedia | Jan 25, 2018 | Websites, WordPress
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]As you may recall in recent announcements, I mentioned the importance of installing SSL Certificates on your website. New requirements in 2018 essentially require all websites to have an SSL Certificate. If you would like to review what it is and what it does, please refer to this article here.
How do I know if my site needs an SSL Certificate?
Here’s how to determine if you need the certificate.
- Head over to your website and look at the address bar
- Do you see an “s” in the website address? Here’s an example: http://kitzmillermedia.com
- If you only see http://, you will need an SSL Certificate
How important is this?
Pretty important. This change mainly informs website visitors via a pop-up or an icon in the address bar that you do not have a certificate installed. For visitors, it’s an indicator that your website isn’t secure. If you have any form or log in on your site, you need the certificate. If you do e-commerce, you most certainly need it. Long story short, all websites will need this in 2018.
Another determining factor is that Google will start penalizing websites that do not have SSL Certificates, which means you may lose ranking in search results.
My site needs the certificate, what now?
Contact me as soon as possible. Many of my clients are already getting messages about not having the certificate installed, so it’s important to act quickly.
How much does it cost?
Not much. It depends on how your hosting account is set up. The only way to know for sure is to contact your hosting provider, which I will do on your behalf and let you know what the damage is.
As a WP Care Plan member am I covered?
While the WP Care Plan does cover many important website security features such as daily backups, software maintenance, hack prevention and disaster recovery, it does not include SSL Certificates. This is primarily due to the involvement of third-party certificate providers, and certificate costs vary from account to account.
Email or call if you would like to get this taken care of in the coming weeks. I’d be happy to take any questions as well.
Even if I didn’t build your website, I could still coach you through installing an SSL Certificate on your site. Just let me know.
Until next time![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
