In this project, the task required creating a picture, highlighting the importance of the service, showing the advantages of hiring the company, providing a list and description of the types of services, a summary of the job, and a call to action. While some information were given for me to organize, I had to be creative on my wording and keyword insertions. Of course, since they are landing pages, I needed strong selling skills for a call to action!
In this project, I have posted screenshots of the write-ups since the online store is currently operational. The project owner retains the copyrights and the text posted here serve as samples of website copy I have produced in collaboration with JerkyWholesale dot com.
Written under the pen name Gerri Bryce
Should Texas small business owners learn SEO?
First and foremost, what on earth is SEO? SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, the strategy of designing a website and creating content that will rank high in the major search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing. The popularity of optimization techniques started around early 2000s. However, even until now, a lot of Texas small business owners still don't have any idea what it is and how it will improve their business.
Components of SEO
Search Engine Optimization is a step by step process that has evolved technically over time. It involves an understanding of the following major concepts:
Notice that I didn't mention Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or blogging? That's because they are part of Search Engine Marketing. SEO, on the other hand, focuses on how to strategically position your website and your brand so does online searchers will easily find you on Google, Yahoo, or Bing.
At first, it looks like a heck of a lot of hard work, but if you study diligently or discuss with an experienced SEO professional, all the pieces will fall together. And yes, plenty of “nobodys” became “somebodys” on the Internet because of successful SEO techniques.
Understanding how search engines work will make you realize that a brand new website or domain won't make it to the top of Google until after several months. If you know what keywords to choose for your website, you will stand out among your competitors in similar niche. When you hire a web designer, make sure that they are aware of optimizing graphics so they will be search engine friendly. Same goes with the text of your website. It is also possible to rank high in the search engines if you network online and monitor which marketing techniques work for you.
Even Texas small business owners who have no clue what SEO is can learn how to optimize their website. You don't have to earn a degree to understand that you shouldn't post irrelevant material in your online store or spam your subscribers. Remember that even though you're trying to make it high on the search engine rankings, you still need to look after the reason why you're in business: your customers.
To learn more, read our blog for more SEO techniques specifically targeted for your Texas small business!
Linux or Windows Hosting?
Choosing which type of web hosting you should subscribe for online depends on several factors. Some of them include:
1. Database
2. Script software
3. FTP access
I know it this may sound too technical to you, but I'll explain further.
If you're wondering whether choosing Linux hosting instead of Windows hosting is better because the former is more compatible to the operating system you are using, then here's the answer. The truth is, whatever operating system that your computer is using right now (Windows XP, Windows 2007?, etc.) does not really matter. Based on my experience, many office networks who rely on stability prefer working on Linux operating system. And majority of personal, individual computer users just opt for Windows. As I have mentioned, this has nothing to do with whether you should choose Linux or Windows-based web hosting.
So what's the real difference?
The major difference is on the three factors I have listed above. First, the database. If you plan to sell products online, then you probably should worry about your database, how you can change and update your files, add more products, and have your web developer create a dynamic website. There is often more limitation in using Windows, except for Microsoft Access. Most Linux hosting use mySQL, which is the best and most popular database programs.
Second, the script software your web designer is using. If you're using Microsoft software such as ASP, or Visual Basic Scripts, then you should go for Windows hosting. Since Linux does not support Microsoft technologies, then it is not compatible with these software scripts. On the other hand, Linux has a wider range of compatibility with script language, applications, database and systems.
Third, you want to look into the FTP access. File Transfer Protocol access allows web developers to transfer files from the computer hard drive to the web server. Even though both Linux and Windows servers are able to transfer files, only Linux can help web developers manipulate files straight on the web server using ssh or telnet access.
Of course, there are other reasons. Many users believe that Linux is a lot more stable and faster than Windows hosting servers. And since Linux is an open source system (the codes are accessible to anybody who can develop it), it will cost you a lot cheaper than Windows hosting. This does not mean that Linux is not as secure as Windows, because anyone can access it. Both Linux and Windows web hosting servers face security vulnerabilities. It is just a matter of how good your server administrator is in dealing with this problem.
So, does it really matter if you choose Windows or Linux-based web hosting? The web hosting services listed online show that there is hardly any difference in pricing and features.
