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Choosing the right web designer is a crucial decision for any business or individual looking to establish or improve their online presence. Your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers, so it needs to be well-designed, user-friendly, and aligned with your brand. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you choose a web designer that meets your needs. 1. Define Your Goals and Needs Before you start looking for a web designer, it's essential to have a clear understanding of what you want your website to achieve. Are you looking to sell products, generate leads, showcase a portfolio, or provide information? Knowing your goals will help you communicate your needs effectively to potential designers and ensure they understand the scope of your project. 2. Set a Budget Web design costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the site, the designer's experience, and the level of customisation you require. Setting a budget beforehand will help you narrow down your options and prevent you from overspending. Be clear about what you can afford, but also remember that you often get what you pay for in terms of quality. 3. Look at Portfolios One of the best ways to assess a web designer's capabilities is by reviewing their portfolio. Most designers showcase their previous work on their websites, allowing you to see the range of their skills and the types of projects they've worked on. Look for diversity in design styles, creativity, and attention to detail. Pay special attention to websites they've designed for businesses similar to yours. 4. Check Client Testimonials and Reviews Client testimonials and online reviews provide valuable insights into a designer’s reliability, professionalism, and ability to deliver on promises. Look for feedback that highlights the designer’s communication skills, adherence to deadlines, and overall client satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to reach out to past clients to ask about their experiences. 5. Assess Their Technical Expertise Web design isn't just about aesthetics; it's also about functionality. A good web designer should have a solid understanding of web development, including coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as experience with content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Silverstripe, Shopify, or any SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms.. Ask about their technical skills and ensure they’re capable of building a site that meets your technical requirements. 6. Evaluate Their Design Process A well-defined design process is a sign of a professional web designer. Ask potential designers about how they approach a project, from the initial consultation to the final launch. Understanding their process will give you insight into how they work, how they handle revisions, and how they ensure the final product aligns with your vision. 7. Consider Their Communication Skills Don't underestimate this one. Effective communication is key to a successful web design project. You want to work with someone who listens to your ideas, understands your goals, and keeps you informed throughout the process. During initial discussions, assess how well the designer communicates, how responsive they are to your inquiries, and how comfortable you feel discussing your project with them. 8. Ensure They Understand SEO A beautiful website is of little use if it doesn’t attract visitors. Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for driving organic traffic to your site. Make sure your web designer understands the basics of SEO, such as optimizing page load speeds, using proper header tags, and creating SEO-friendly URLs. While they may not be SEO experts, they should at least build a site that’s easy for search engines to crawl and index. 9. Ask About Ongoing Support and Maintenance Websites require ongoing maintenance to ensure they remain secure, up-to-date, and functional. Ask potential designers if they offer ongoing support and maintenance services after the site goes live. Some designers provide this as part of their package, while others may charge extra. Clarify what’s included in their services and whether they’ll be available to make updates or fix issues in the future. 10. Trust Your Instincts Finally, trust your instincts. The relationship between you and your web designer is essential for the success of the project. Choose someone who not only has the skills and experience but also someone you feel comfortable working with. If something feels off during the initial interactions, it might be a sign to look elsewhere. Conclusion Choosing the right web designer is a critical step in creating a website that represents your brand and meets your business objectives. By clearly defining your needs, setting a realistic budget, and carefully evaluating potential designers based on their portfolios, technical skills, and communication, you can find the right partner to bring your vision to life. Remember, a well-designed website is an investment in your business’s future, so take the time to choose wisely.

In the world of e-commerce, security is a paramount concern for both businesses and customers. With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, ensuring that an online store is secure is not just an option; it’s a necessity. One recent example highlighting the critical need for robust security measures is the Comic Sting vulnerability in Magento, a widely-used open-source e-commerce platform. This article explores the importance of upgrading to the latest version of Magento, with a specific focus on addressing vulnerabilities like Comic Sting. Understanding the Comic Sting Vulnerability Comic Sting is a recently identified vulnerability in older versions of Magento. It allows attackers to exploit weaknesses in the system, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive customer information, payment details, and even administrative control of the online store. Such a breach could result in significant financial loss, reputational damage, and legal repercussions for the affected business. The vulnerability exploits a flaw in Magento’s backend that was not adequately secured. Attackers can inject malicious code through this flaw, leading to data breaches and other security compromises. The risks associated with Comic Sting highlight the broader dangers of running outdated software, especially in environments handling sensitive data like e-commerce platforms. The Imperative to Upgrade Enhanced Security Features: Each new release of Magento comes with critical security updates that address known vulnerabilities. Upgrading to the latest version ensures that the platform is protected against the most recent threats, including those like Comic Sting. Developers continually work on identifying and patching security loopholes, making new versions significantly more secure. Improved Performance and Functionality: Besides security enhancements, newer Magento versions often include performance improvements and new features. These updates can streamline operations, enhance user experience, and provide better tools for managing the online store. A faster, more efficient website not only improves customer satisfaction but also positively impacts SEO rankings. Compliance with Industry Standards: The e-commerce landscape is governed by various regulations and standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Keeping software up-to-date is crucial for compliance with these standards. Running an outdated version of Magento might not meet the necessary security requirements, potentially leading to fines and penalties. Reduced Maintenance Costs: While upgrading may involve some initial investment, it reduces the long-term costs associated with maintaining outdated software. Older versions are more prone to bugs and security vulnerabilities, requiring frequent patches and custom fixes. Up-to-date systems are more stable and easier to support, leading to lower maintenance costs. Access to Official Support: Magento, like many other platforms, typically provides support for only the latest versions of their software. Using an outdated version means missing out on official support and resources, which can be crucial when facing technical issues or security incidents. Overcoming Common Challenges in Upgrading Many businesses hesitate to upgrade their Magento installations due to concerns about compatibility with existing extensions, customisations, and themes. However, the risks of not upgrading far outweigh these challenges. It is advisable to work with experienced Magento developers or agencies who can ensure a smooth transition. Testing the new version in a staging environment before going live can also help identify and resolve potential issues. Conclusion The Comic Sting vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of keeping software up-to-date. For Magento users, upgrading to the latest version is not just about accessing new features and better performance; it’s a crucial step in safeguarding their online stores against emerging threats. By prioritizing regular updates and following best practices in security, businesses can protect themselves and their customers from the potentially devastating consequences of cyberattacks. In the ever-evolving digital landscape, staying current with technology is an ongoing responsibility. For Magento store owners, this means being proactive about upgrades and maintaining a vigilant approach to security. The investment in upgrading to the latest version is a small price to pay compared to the potential losses from a security breach.

Selecting a website host is a crucial decision for anyone looking to establish an online presence, whether for a personal blog, an e-commerce store, or a business website. The hosting service you choose can significantly impact your site's performance, security, and reliability. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a website host. 1. Type of Hosting There are several types of hosting services, each catering to different needs: Shared Hosting: This is the most economical option, where multiple websites share a single server's resources. It's ideal for small websites or blogs with low traffic. VPS Hosting: Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting offers more resources and better performance by partitioning a single server into multiple virtual servers. It’s suitable for medium-sized websites. Dedicated Hosting: With dedicated hosting, you have an entire server to yourself, providing maximum performance and security. This is best for large websites with high traffic. Cloud Hosting: This hosting uses a network of servers to ensure high availability and scalability. It’s great for websites that experience fluctuating traffic. Managed Hosting: This service includes technical management of your server, which is ideal for those who lack the technical expertise to manage their servers. 2. Reliability and Uptime Uptime refers to the amount of time your website is operational and accessible to users. Look for a host that guarantees at least 99.9% uptime. Reviews and uptime monitoring tools can help verify these claims. A reliable host ensures your website is available whenever users try to access it. 3. Performance and Speed Website loading speed is critical for user experience and SEO. Consider hosts that offer SSD storage, high-speed data transfer, and content delivery networks (CDNs) to ensure fast load times. Performance can also be influenced by the server location; choose a host with data centers close to your target audience. 4. Security Features Security should be a top priority. Look for hosts that offer robust security features, such as SSL certificates, DDoS protection, malware scanning, and automated backups. Regular updates and security patches are also essential to protect your website from vulnerabilities. 5. Scalability As your website grows, your hosting needs may change. Choose a host that offers scalable solutions, allowing you to upgrade your plan seamlessly as your traffic and resource requirements increase. 6. Customer Support Good customer support is invaluable, especially if you encounter technical issues. Opt for hosts that provide 24/7 support through various channels, such as live chat, phone, and email. Check reviews for responsiveness and effectiveness of their support team. 7. Pricing and Value for Money While cost shouldn't be the sole deciding factor, it’s important to find a hosting plan that offers good value for money. Compare what’s included in the price, such as storage, bandwidth, and additional features. Be wary of hidden fees and understand the renewal rates, as they can sometimes be significantly higher than the initial offer. 8. Control Panel and Ease of Use A user-friendly control panel, like cPanel or Plesk, makes managing your website easier, especially for beginners. It should provide intuitive tools for managing files, emails, databases, and other aspects of your hosting environment. 9. Reputation and Reviews Research the host’s reputation by reading reviews from current and past customers. Independent review sites and forums can provide insights into the reliability, performance, and customer service of various hosting providers. 10. Additional Features Consider any additional features that may be important to you, such as one-click installations for CMS platforms (like WordPress), email hosting, domain registration, and e-commerce capabilities.  Conclusion Choosing the right website host requires careful consideration of various factors. By evaluating your specific needs and comparing different hosting providers based on the criteria outlined above, you can make an informed decision that will provide a solid foundation for your website’s success. Remember, the right host not only ensures a smooth and secure operation of your website but also enhances the overall user experience, contributing to the growth and reputation of your online presence.

In today's digital age, having a secure website is paramount. With the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks, website security is not just a technical issue but a critical business concern. A breach can lead to severe consequences, including loss of sensitive data, damaged reputation, and financial losses. To safeguard your website, it's essential to implement robust security measures. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your website secure. 1. Keep Your Software Up to Date One of the simplest yet most crucial steps in website security is ensuring that all software is up to date. This includes the content management system (CMS), plugins, themes, and server software. Developers regularly release updates to patch security vulnerabilities. Ignoring these updates can leave your site exposed to attacks. 2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication Weak passwords are an easy target for hackers. Ensure that all passwords are strong, unique, and regularly updated. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to gain access. 3. Secure Your Website with HTTPS HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts the data transferred between the user’s browser and your website. This encryption helps protect sensitive information such as login credentials and credit card details. Obtain an SSL certificate and ensure your website is accessible via HTTPS to build trust with your users and improve your search engine ranking. 4. Regularly Back Up Your Data Regular backups are essential in the event of a security breach or data loss. Ensure that backups are stored in a secure location and that they include all critical data. Automated backup solutions can help maintain regularity without manual intervention. Test your backups periodically to ensure they can be restored successfully. 5. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAF) A Web Application Firewall (WAF) helps filter and monitor HTTP traffic between a web application and the Internet. It protects against various types of attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more. By blocking malicious traffic, a WAF serves as a critical defense layer for your website. 6. Limit User Access and Permissions Not all users need full access to your website. Implement the principle of least privilege, where users are given the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks. Regularly review user permissions and remove access for individuals who no longer need it. 7. Protect Against SQL Injection SQL injection attacks are a common method hackers use to gain unauthorized access to your database. To protect against SQL injection, use prepared statements and parameterized queries. This approach ensures that SQL code is separated from data inputs, preventing attackers from injecting malicious SQL code. 8. Monitor and Audit Your Website Continuous monitoring and regular security audits are essential to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly. Use security tools to scan your website for potential threats and review security logs regularly. Keeping an eye on your website’s activity can help you detect and respond to suspicious behavior quickly. 9. Educate Your Team Security is a collective responsibility. Educate your team about the latest security threats and best practices. Regular training sessions can help ensure that everyone understands their role in maintaining website security.  10. Use Security Plugins For websites built on popular CMS platforms like WordPress, there are numerous security plugins available. These plugins can provide various security features such as malware scanning, brute force protection, and more. Choose reputable plugins with good reviews and regular updates. Conclusion Website security is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactive measures. By implementing these best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and ensure that your website remains a safe and secure environment for your users. Remember, the cost of a security breach far outweighs the investment in preventive measures. Stay informed, stay updated, and prioritize security to protect your digital presence.

Learn the key differences between web designers and web developers to determine which professional you need for your website project. This guide helps you decide based on your focus on aesthetics, functionality, or both.

We started our business in 2006 from a Director's house between Derby and Burton on Trent in the East Midlands. A few years later, we expanded and moved to an office in Derby city centre. In 2019 we relocated to Pride Park, Derby's main business park. Whilst our team spend much of their time working from home, and in fact, post-covid some of our people live in different parts of the UK, we maintain our office in Derby and are proud to be a Derby business servicing customers in the city and across the country. Derby is nestled in the East Midlands of England where it offers a vibrant and strategic location for businesses of all sizes. With its rich industrial heritage, modern infrastructure, and a supportive business environment, Derby presents numerous advantages for entrepreneurs and established enterprises alike. Here are some key benefits of why we set up a business in Derby, and if you are thinking of relocating, maybe you should too. 1. Strategic Location and Connectivity Derby’s central location makes it an ideal hub for businesses looking to reach markets across the UK and beyond. The city is well-connected by road, rail, and air: Road: Situated near the M1 motorway, Derby provides easy access to major cities such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Rail: Derby is a major railway centre with direct links to London St Pancras in under 90 minutes, as well as connections to key cities like Nottingham, Leicester, and Sheffield. Air: East Midlands Airport, located just 20 minutes away, offers both domestic and international flights, facilitating global business connections. 2. Thriving Industrial and Business Sectors Derby is renowned for its strong industrial base, particularly in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and rail industries. The city is home to global giants like Rolls-Royce, Bombardier, and Toyota: Aerospace: Rolls-Royce’s aerospace division is a major employer and a driver of innovation in the city. Rail: Bombardier’s UK headquarters and primary production facility are located in Derby, making it a key player in the rail industry. Automotive: Toyota Manufacturing UK has its car production plant nearby in Burnaston, reinforcing Derby’s automotive sector. 3. Skilled Workforce and Education Derby boasts a highly skilled workforce, thanks to its strong educational institutions and training programs: University of Derby: The university offers a range of business, engineering, and technology courses, producing graduates who are ready to meet the needs of local industries. Apprenticeship Programs: Numerous apprenticeship schemes, often in partnership with leading companies, help develop specialized skills tailored to industry requirements. 4. Supportive Business Environment Derby offers a supportive environment for businesses through various initiatives and organizations: Marketing Derby: This public-private partnership promotes Derby as a business destination and offers support to investors. D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership: The partnership works to drive economic growth and create jobs in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire area. Business Parks and Incubators: There are several business parks and incubators, such as the Derby Business Park and Connect Derby, providing flexible office spaces and support services. 5. Quality of Life Beyond business, Derby offers a high quality of life for residents and employees: Cost of Living: Compared to larger UK cities, Derby has a more affordable cost of living, including housing and amenities. Cultural and Recreational Activities: The city boasts a rich cultural scene with museums, theatres, and sports facilities. The nearby Peak District National Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. 6. Innovation and Research Derby is at the forefront of innovation, driven by collaboration between industry and academia: Derby Innovation Centre: A hub for start-ups and innovators, offering resources and networking opportunities. Collaborative Projects: Partnerships between the University of Derby and local industries foster research and development, particularly in engineering and technology. Conclusion Derby’s strategic location, thriving industrial sectors, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment make it an attractive destination for businesses. Coupled with a high quality of life and a focus on innovation, Derby offers a compelling proposition for entrepreneurs and established enterprises looking to grow and succeed in the UK market. Whether you're a start-up or a multinational corporation, Derby provides the resources and opportunities to thrive. 

In 2024, the cost of creating a website in the UK can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the complexity of the site, the expertise of the developers, and the specific requirements of the business. This article will break down these factors and provide a comprehensive look at the current costs associated with website development in the UK. Basic Costs Domain Name and Hosting: Domain Name : A domain name in the UK typically costs between £10 to £20 per year. Premium domains can be significantly more expensive, ranging from £100 to several thousand pounds annually depending on their desirability and uniqueness. Web Hosting : The cost of web hosting can vary based on the type of hosting service required. Shared hosting, suitable for small websites, generally costs between £3 to £10 per month. More robust solutions like Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting can range from £20 to £100 per month, while dedicated hosting may cost upwards of £100 per month. Customer service levels from the host company is normally a significant factor in the cost. We have some clients paying a four-figure sum monthly for hosting as their eCommerce service requires an always-up solution with zero downtime with load balancing across different servers. We offer a paid monthly hosting package for sites built by us on Open Source platforms, or can happily help advise the client on other options. Our YourSmartWebsite platform is hosting with Amazon Web Servers (AWS). Design and Development: Template-Based Websites : Sometimes called SAAS (software as a service), platforms like WordPress, Wix, YourSmartWebsite or Squarespace use pre-made templates as a cost-effective way to create a website. These are free to use and build. They are not Open Source so, whilst free to build, the platform makes its money by tying the website to their hosting. You cannot build a site for example in Wix and then host in somewhere else. This is not necessarily a problem, but it should be taken into account when deciding if SAAS websites are the right option. Our low-cost web site building service, www.yoursmart.website is a way to bridge the gap between doing-it-yourself and having a bespoke build. We use the power of the SAAS website builder, but you have the work done for you. Custom Websites : For businesses requiring bespoke solutions, the costs can be much higher. A custom website designed and developed by a professional agency can start from £2,000 and can easily go beyond £10,000 for more complex needs such as e-commerce functionality or advanced interactive features. There are many Open Source platforms that may be used by a web developer. The most commonly known one is WordPress. We build mostly in Silverstripe. E-commerce Websites: Basic E-commerce Sites : For small to medium-sized businesses, a basic e-commerce site using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce can cost between £1,000 to £5,000. This includes essential features such as product listings, shopping carts, and payment gateways. Shopify is a SAAS site so can be built for free. Advanced E-commerce Sites : Larger e-commerce sites with advanced features such as multi-vendor setups, custom integrations, and extensive product catalogs can range from £10,000 to £50,000 or more. Magento is our platform of choice for meore complex eCommerce solutions. Maintenance and Updates: Ongoing maintenance, including updates, security patches, and content management, generally costs between £50 to £200 per month. More comprehensive maintenance packages offered by agencies can cost between £500 to £2,000 annually, depending on the level of service required. Additional Costs SEO and Digital Marketing: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for improving a website's visibility. SEO services can cost from £500 to £2,000 per month depending on the competitiveness of the industry and the scope of work. Digital marketing services, including content marketing, social media management, and PPC advertising, can range from £1,000 to £10,000 per month . Content Creation: Professional content creation, including copywriting, photography, and videography, can add to the overall cost. Content writing services might cost between £50 to £200 per page, while professional photography and video production can range from £500 to £5,000 per project . Special Features and Integrations: Websites requiring special features such as booking systems, custom APIs, or bespoke functionalities will incur additional costs. These can range from a few hundred pounds for simple integrations to several thousand pounds for complex custom features . Conclusion The cost of building a website in the UK in 2024 varies widely based on the needs and ambitions of the business. A small business can opt to build their own using an SAAS website builder, might be able to get a simple website up and running for between £1000 and £3000, while a large enterprise with complex requirements could spend upwards of £50,000. It is essential for businesses to carefully assess their needs, budget, and goals when planning their website development to ensure they achieve the best return on investment. We start all our customer conversations with an assessment of needs. We work on the rule that any advice we give should not be biased towards our products, but to what the client needs. For some free impartial advice call us on 01332 477575 or drop us a line at sales@devmac.co.uk

In today's digital age, the way we consume content is evolving rapidly. With the rise of high-speed internet and the ubiquity of smartphones, video content has emerged as a dominant force online. For businesses and website owners, incorporating video into your web presence is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Here’s why adding video content to your website can significantly boost engagement, conversion rates, and overall user experience. 1. Enhanced Engagement and User Retention Videos are inherently more engaging than text or static images. They combine visuals, audio, and motion to create a dynamic experience that captures attention. According to studies, websites that use video content see higher levels of engagement and increased time spent on the site. A well-crafted video can quickly convey complex messages and tell compelling stories, making visitors more likely to stay and explore your offerings. 2. Improved SEO Performance Search engines love video content. Including videos on your website can improve your search engine ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Google, in particular, prioritizes websites with video content, as it often leads to lower bounce rates and higher on-page time. Additionally, videos can be optimized with keywords, titles, and descriptions to further enhance your SEO efforts. 3. Higher Conversion Rates Video content can significantly impact your conversion rates. Whether it's a product demonstration, a customer testimonial, or an explainer video, seeing a product or service in action builds trust and credibility. According to research, consumers are more likely to purchase a product after watching a video about it. Videos can also include clear calls to action, guiding viewers towards making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting your business. 4. Increased Social Sharing Videos are highly shareable, making them a powerful tool for reaching a broader audience. Engaging and entertaining videos are more likely to be shared on social media platforms, increasing your brand's visibility and driving traffic back to your website. This viral potential amplifies your marketing efforts, turning your audience into brand advocates. 5. Better Communication and Clarity Some concepts and products are difficult to explain through text alone. Videos allow you to demonstrate features, benefits, and uses in a way that is easy to understand. A well-produced video can break down complex information into digestible chunks, ensuring your message is clear and concise. This clarity can reduce customer inquiries and support requests, as users are better informed. 6. Enhanced Emotional Connection Videos have the unique ability to evoke emotions, creating a deeper connection between your brand and your audience. Through music, visuals, and storytelling, videos can make your audience feel more connected to your message. This emotional engagement can lead to increased loyalty and a stronger relationship with your customers. 7. Flexibility and Versatility The versatility of video content is another significant advantage. Videos can be used across various platforms and purposes, from website banners and product pages to social media posts and email campaigns. This adaptability allows you to maintain a consistent brand message while reaching your audience in different contexts. 8. Measurable Impact One of the greatest benefits of video content is its trackability. With advanced analytics, you can measure the performance of your videos, gaining insights into how viewers interact with your content. Metrics such as view counts, play rates, and engagement levels help you understand what works and what doesn't, allowing you to refine your strategy for maximum impact.  Conclusion Incorporating video content into your website is a strategic move that can drive engagement, enhance user experience, and boost your overall online presence. By leveraging the power of video, you can effectively communicate your message, connect with your audience on a deeper level, and achieve your business goals. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, video content will remain a cornerstone of successful online strategies. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your website and stand out in a crowded market.

Discover the compelling reasons to upgrade from SilverStripe 4 to SilverStripe 5, including improved performance, enhanced security, modern development environment, and new features that future-proof your website

In today’s digital age, capturing the attention of your audience is more challenging than ever. With the sheer volume of information available online, standing out from the competition requires innovative strategies. One such strategy that has proven to be highly effective is the use of explainer videos. These short, engaging, and informative videos are more than just a trend—they are a powerful tool that can transform your website and elevate your brand. Here are the key benefits of having an explainer video on your website. 1. Simplifies Complex Information One of the primary advantages of explainer videos is their ability to break down complex ideas into easily digestible content. Whether you’re launching a new product, explaining a complicated process, or providing an overview of your services, an explainer video can convey your message clearly and concisely. Visual aids, animations, and a well-crafted script work together to ensure your audience understands your offering quickly and effortlessly. 2. Increases Engagement and Retention Studies have shown that people are more likely to engage with video content than with text alone. According to HubSpot, 54% of consumers want to see more video content from brands they support. An explainer video captures attention with dynamic visuals and storytelling, making it more likely that visitors will stay on your site longer. Additionally, viewers tend to retain information better when it’s presented in a video format. This increased retention can lead to better brand recall and a higher likelihood of conversion. 3. Boosts Conversion Rates An explainer video can be a powerful driver of conversions. Research by Unbounce indicates that including a video on your landing page can increase conversion rates by up to 80%. Explainer videos build trust and credibility by providing clear and concise information, which helps potential customers feel more confident in making a purchase or inquiry. They can also address common objections and questions, further smoothing the path to conversion. 4. Enhances SEO Performance Search engines love video content. Websites with video are 53 times more likely to rank on the first page of Google search results, according to a report by Forrester. By incorporating an explainer video, you not only engage your audience but also improve your website’s SEO performance. Videos increase the time visitors spend on your site, reduce bounce rates, and can generate backlinks—all of which contribute to better search engine rankings. 5. Facilitates Social Sharing Explainer videos are highly shareable, making them an excellent tool for expanding your reach on social media. A compelling video can quickly go viral, spreading your brand message to a broader audience. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are optimized for video content, and users are more likely to share videos that they find informative or entertaining. This increased visibility can drive more traffic to your website and attract new customers. 6. Showcases Brand Personality An explainer video is an opportunity to showcase your brand’s personality and values. Through the use of tone, style, and storytelling, you can create a video that resonates with your target audience and reflects your brand identity. Whether you opt for a fun and quirky animation or a more serious and professional approach, your video can convey the essence of your brand in a way that text and static images cannot. 7. Improves Customer Experience A well-crafted explainer video enhances the overall customer experience by providing valuable information in an engaging format. Customers appreciate content that is easy to consume and helps them make informed decisions. By addressing their needs and concerns through a video, you show that you understand and care about their experience, which can foster loyalty and positive word-of-mouth. Conclusion Incorporating an explainer video into your website is a smart investment that can yield significant returns. From simplifying complex information and increasing engagement to boosting conversion rates and enhancing SEO performance, the benefits are substantial. In a competitive digital landscape, an explainer video can be the differentiator that sets your brand apart and drives your business forward. If you haven’t yet embraced this powerful tool, now is the time to start reaping the rewards of explainer videos.

In today's digital age, maintaining a strong online presence is crucial for any business. One effective way to achieve this is by regularly publishing articles on your website. This practice not only keeps your audience engaged but also offers a myriad of benefits that can significantly enhance your brand's visibility and credibility. Boost Your SEO One of the most compelling reasons to write regular articles is the boost it gives to your search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines, like Google, favor websites that consistently produce fresh, relevant content. By regularly adding new articles, you increase your chances of appearing higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), driving more organic traffic to your site. Establish Authority and Trust Publishing informative and well-researched articles positions your business as an authority in your industry. When potential customers see that you regularly share valuable insights, they are more likely to trust your brand and view you as a thought leader. This trust can significantly influence their purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. Engage Your Audience Regular articles keep your audience engaged by providing them with valuable information that addresses their needs and interests. Engaging content encourages repeat visits to your website, fostering a loyal customer base. Additionally, it provides a platform for interaction, where readers can leave comments and feedback, creating a sense of community around your brand. Enhance Social Media Presence Quality articles serve as excellent content for your social media channels. Sharing your articles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can drive more traffic to your website. It also provides your followers with valuable content to engage with and share, further expanding your reach and influence. Support Your Marketing Efforts Articles can be a key component of your broader marketing strategy. They can be used in email newsletters, repurposed into other formats like eBooks or whitepapers, and serve as landing page content for specific campaigns. Regularly published articles help keep your marketing efforts cohesive and aligned with your overall business goals. Why Choose Devmac for Your Article Writing Needs? At Devmac, we understand the importance of maintaining a consistent and high-quality content strategy. That's why we offer a comprehensive article writing service designed to meet your business's unique needs. Here's how we make it easy for you: Monthly Consultation: At the start of every month, we call our clients to discuss and outline article subjects. This ensures that the content is always relevant and aligned with your current business objectives and market trends. Expert Writing: Our team of experienced writers crafts engaging, informative, and SEO-friendly articles tailored to your target audience. Publication: We handle the entire publication process, ensuring that your articles are published on your website at optimal times for maximum impact. Meta Titles and Descriptions: To maximize SEO benefits, we write all meta titles and descriptions for your articles. This helps improve your search engine rankings and increases the likelihood of your content being clicked on in search results.  Get Started Today Don't miss out on the numerous benefits of regular article writing. Let Devmac take the hassle out of content creation and publication, so you can focus on what you do best—running your business. Contact us today to learn more about our article writing services and how we can help you achieve your content marketing goals. Regularly publishing high-quality articles can transform your online presence, establish your brand as an authority, and drive significant traffic to your website. Partner with Devmac and watch your content strategy flourish.

Like many companies and individuals, we are very aware of our impact on the World. We have always striven to be paperless as much as possible and to be conscious of things like of keeping usage of electricity to a minimum. In light of the evidence highlighted by Sir David Attenborough and many others in the last few months, we have decided to take some more moves to lessen any impact of operating and running our business on climate change.

Selecting a Content management system can be intimidating, not only for new developers but also for clients and users. If you are making an investment in a brand new website you want to make sure that the platform it will be running on is suitable and easy to use.

As we all know, images have a power over our attention span. We are more likely to spend more time on a page if there are relevant, high-quality images.

Embedded maps are often used on the contact us page to show the customer exactly where you are. Not only is this helpful for them to see your location visually, but it also builds credibility and security knowing that you are located in a physical building. This can be the tipping point for the customer to trust you and go ahead with contacting your business.

If you have contact forms on your website, it is likely that they are secured via the 'I am not a robot' reCAPTCHA. This method enables additional protection against robot spam and misuse of your contact forms.

When setting up your emails on your local device(s), you may come across a setting regarding IMAP or POP. Understanding what each is and their effects will help you decide which you should use. Neither has the edge over the other; it entirely depends on your circumstance and how you use your emails. Below we cover both in more detail but if you’re looking for a quick synopsis -

Setting up an email account can sometimes be confusing, especially when you need the correct port information. If you are less experienced with managing emails, this can be daunting.

Our update system plays a crucial role for both us and our clients. The system allows you to put work directly into our workflow which follows a first come first served process. This is powerful as it elevates the need for direct communication in order for the work to be started.

If you've been surfing the digital world for some time you will have no doubt heard the phrase "content is king". Web best practises change regularly. Each new year a different method or element takes the spotlight and shifts how businesses function in the digital space. However, content still remains as one of the most important elements and will do so unless something drastic changes.

A Content delivery network (CDN) is a geographically distributed network of data centres. CDN's are the backbone of content delivery on the internet and it's likely a CDN is behind every piece of content you consume, be it a video, this article and so on. These are designed to solve the global issue of latency; the delay that occurs when you request to load a web-page to the point it becomes visible.

Denial-of-Service (DOS) & Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDOS) attacks focus on attacking a network with the intention of rendering it difficult or impossible for normal use.

It's no secret that Google has been pushing for a secure web for a number of years. In their upcoming July security update, they are making further strides to make their dream come true.

Which content management system (CMS) should my website be built on? A common question we get asked here at Devmac. Without prior knowledge of the options open to you, it can be quite daunting, which we fully understand. The online world is vastly becoming denser by the day with many newer systems appearing on the market each year.

During the middle of January, Google released information regarding what they are calling their "Speed" update. This will focus solely on mobile load speed and may impact how your website ranks. This algorithm will only impact a small percentage of queries. Google has announced that this update will take effect starting in July 2018

It has been said that our attention span is now shorter than a goldfish .

Your businesses website is one of the most important assets you can own. Has it been recently updated? There is a bigger cause for concern if you don't currently have one. We see a lot of outdated websites and more often than not, the business owner doesn’t realise how damaging it is to their brand perception and sales.

Many people overlook the need to create an engaging, unique Meta description. Often not realising the impact it can have on the traffic to that specific page. In this article, we cover what the purpose of a Meta description is, best practices and go through some examples.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are undoubtedly two of the most important dates in the year for online eCommerce stores. 2016’s Black Friday resulted in an estimated £1.23bn in online retail purchases, exceeding over £6.45bn over the weekend peak period; including Cyber Monday.