Website Updates: Why 2023 Is the Year to Refresh Your Online Presence

Happy 2023! Warm wishes for a happy and prosperous new year! As you set new goals for your business this year, don’t forget your digital storefront. A professional website is often the first impression potential customers have of your brand. That’s why regular website updates are essential. Search engines like Google reward fresh content, and customers are far more likely to trust a company whose website looks current, relevant, and easy to use.

Why Website Updates Matter

If your website feels outdated, it may be hurting your credibility without you realizing it. In fact, Google uses the freshness of your content as one of many factors in ranking your site on the search results pages. Therefore, regular website updates not only make your site more engaging but also improve your visibility online.

Moreover, keeping your site up to date ensures that your business information, services, and products are accurate. Visitors who land on a site with old content or broken links are more likely to leave immediately, which increases your bounce rate and decreases your chance of converting them into customers.

Common Challenges with Website Updates

Perhaps you have tried doing the updates yourself. Or maybe you’ve handed the task to an employee who already has too much on their plate. As a result, website updates get pushed aside, leaving your site stale and behind the competition.

On the other hand, working with a professional ensures that your site is consistently maintained, secure, and aligned with the latest web standards. At Grateful Web Services, we are attentive, responsive, and easy to work with. We take the stress of updates off your shoulders so you can focus on running your business.

Partner with Grateful Web Services

When you choose us as your website partner, you won’t look back. We provide:

• Regular website updates that keep your site fresh and search engine friendly.

• Security monitoring and technical fixes to prevent downtime or hacks.

• Content and design refreshes that improve user experience.

• SEO-friendly practices that boost visibility.

Don’t let another year go by with an outdated website. Contact us today to discuss your needs. See what our clients have to say in our Grateful Web Services Reviews.

Make 2023 the year your website finally gets the attention it deserves!

 

A New Website

It’s pretty uncommon these days to find any business without some kind of web presence. If you are old school and just haven’t taken the plunge, it’s time. Maybe you think having a Facebook business page is enough, but it isn’t. Most new clients come to us because they need to upgrade their current website. Perhaps you have been putting it off and you know that it’s long overdue. It’s easy to forget about your website since it’s out of sight, out of mind.  Although, this is likely the first impression that you give to potential customers.

Not knowing where to start or maybe feeling overwhelmed about the process is natural. Grateful Web Services is here to help. It’s always recommended to go with a professional who has the experience and can hold your hand throughout the process.

Domain name

Unless this is a brand-new website, you most likely already own the domain name that you want to use. It’s best to keep it simple and use the name of your business. There are a lot of extensions out there like .com, .net, and .store. etc. It’s usually best to stick with the most used .com if possible. This is the industry standard and what most people expect. If this is a brand-new venture and you do not own your domain name yet, go to GoDaddy or another domain registrar and search for your desired name. Once purchased, save the username, password, and 4-digit pin. We will need this information to launch the website.

Choosing a Professional

Just like trying to be your own Realtor when selling your home, it is advisable to hire a professional. Sure, you can see if your cousin’s, boyfriend’s son is available on the side. The cost he quoted sounds affordable. If this is a side hustle, then the chances of your project getting finished promptly, or even at all, is unlikely. This is a get-what-you-pay-for scenario. Many times, these people end up coming to Grateful Web Services frustrated and out some money. Hire someone that you can build a long-term partnership and whom you have a good rapport with. Someone who returns your calls and emails. We have several businesses that have used our services for over twenty-plus years. Check out what some of our clients have to say.

Initial meeting and plan

Understanding what you need your new website to do for your business is important from the start.

• What is the purpose of your website?
• Who is your audience?
• What pages will you need?
• Who is responsible for content?
• What functionality does your website need?
• Are all requirements spelled out and accounted for in the proposal? This is a must so that there aren’t any unforeseen charges. We often hear of companies not vetting the project thoroughly and then adding extra charges. This may be an oversight or perhaps purposeful to get someone to sign the contract. A no-surprise cost policy is what we strive for. Of course, if there are new requests then we may have to add an addendum to the contract.

Timeline

When do you need the new website? We try to work within a client’s timeline if it is realistic. It is better to underpromise and overdeliver. Some companies will promise a quick launch and when it can’t be achieved, it leads to disappointment and losing faith in the web company. We do our best to work within your timeline but we can only guarantee that we will do our best. Many times the main reason that a launch is delayed, is not getting all of the needed content from our client. 

Design Phase

Once we have a logo (do you need one? If so, let us know) and basic design direction such as colors to use or not use, fonts, and the navigation (pages on your website), we can begin. An initial design will be presented to you for feedback and approval. If we need to adjust anything, we will do that and then wait for your approval. A design does not move forward until you have formally approved it. It is labor-intensive to bring the project back to the design phase after it’s been coded for development. We make sure that we have sign-off before we start development. If we need to, we can go back but this will incur extra time, which means an extra charge to do so.

Content Gathering

This is the part that the client needs to work on and send to us. We will provide a content document to help keep you organized. This tool will spell out the content that we will need for each page. It can feel overwhelming but if you start early and tackle one page at a time, it isn’t too bad. If you want to use any of the content of the current website, just let us know. Unless you want to use our copywriting services, we will need you to supply us with the content for each page that is defined in the navigation. 

SEO Plan

SEO – Search engine optimization. We build all websites with SEO in mind. Certain design elements are important to keep within Google’s guidelines and we take that into account when building your website.

• We will do keyword research and make sure that those words are targeted words and are included in the copy.
• Streamlining the pages which are no longer necessary. We will redirect those old pages to a page on the new website. This way, if someone has an old link saved, it will still go to your website.
• Setting up a Google Analytics account to track the traffic on the website.  If you already have a current Analytics account, we will review and see the behavior of your users.  We can see what pages are visited more often and a lot of different data that will help define the behavior of users that come to your website.
• We offer monthly SEO tracking services. Please let us know if you want to add this to your proposal.

Development Phase

This is the coding process that puts your design into a working website. We integrate the approved design into the development site. Once the website is in the development phase, you will see the buttons working and the website is up and viewable but on a link that is not viewable yet to the public. This way you can track the progress but your users can’t just yet.

Testing

Before launch, we perform testing to make sure that we are ready to put the website live.

• We check every button and link to make sure they are all active and working,
• We check to make sure that forms are functioning and emails are sent to the right email address.
• We check the website in different browsers.
• We check the website in different screen sizes. It’s critical to have a mobile-friendly design separate from the desktop version.
• We check the speed. Does it load quickly? This is important to retain your visitors.
• We check to make sure that the copy is easy to understand. Not too long but long enough to be clear. Not too complex so that the average user can understand.

Launch

Grateful Web Services does offer shared hosting but if you prefer to stay with your current host, that’s okay too! We will need the username and password for your current hosting control panel. Once we have that, we will create a database and upload the website. Many times, it will show immediately in your browser. Sometimes, it takes a bit longer for the website to show.  Once it’s showing, we will run through another series of checks to make sure that everything is working perfectly.

Maintenance

After a launch, it is customary for a client to opt-in for a maintenance plan. We can take care of any updates, changes, and WordPress updates as well as plugin updates as needed. If you decide to host with us, we do require mandatory quarterly WordPress/Plugins updates. When you sign up for a maintenance plan, updates are included. It’s super important to keep your website up to date to help against breakages or intrusions. If it’s not kept up to date, it leaves your website vulnerable.

Marketing

When your new website is launched, it’s time to share it with your network of customers, colleagues, and friends. Post it on social media! Include your web address on business cards, letterhead, email signatures, and anywhere else you can post it. 

Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible for you! We want you to love your website and be proud enough to show it off! 

If you need clarity regarding some of the terms used in this blog. please check out this past blog called Cracking the Code

Cyber Security and How to Prevent a Cyberattack

A cyberattack can happen to anyone, from individuals to small businesses and even government organizations. Unfortunately, just like in the real world, there are criminals online hoping to find a weakness and exploit it. That’s why online safety and cybersecurity must be taken seriously. You wouldn’t drive without a seatbelt—likewise, you shouldn’t run your business without protections against a cyberattack.

What Is a Cyberattack?

According to Wikipedia, a cyberattack is any offensive maneuver that targets computer systems, networks, or personal devices. Cybercriminals use these attacks to steal data, disrupt operations, or extort money.

The Most Common Types of Cyberattacks

Malware Attacks

Malware includes worms, spyware, ransomware, adware, and trojans. Attackers install harmful software to damage computers, steal personal information, or spread infections. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides resources on preventing malware.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing is a common cyberattack method that tricks users into sharing sensitive information. The attacker sends fake emails that look legitimate to steal money, passwords, or account details. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers practical guidance on recognizing phishing scams.

Password Attacks

Hackers crack weak passwords using brute force or keylogger tools. NIST outlines standards for creating secure passwords.

Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment to restore access. The FBI warns against paying ransoms, as it does not guarantee file recovery.

Pharming

Pharming redirects users to fake websites designed to mimic real ones. Always double-check URLs before entering personal or financial information. The FTC also provides tips for spotting spoofed websites.

Injection Attacks

Hackers inject malicious code into vulnerable sites, often targeting database-driven websites like WordPress. OWASP explains SQL injection and prevention strategies.

Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

Attackers flood servers with fake traffic, overwhelming bandwidth and causing shutdowns. Cloudflare provides a helpful overview of DDoS attacks.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

A hacker intercepts communication between two parties, stealing or manipulating data. This is often done through a spoofed IP address. Kaspersky explains how MITM attacks work and how to prevent them.

How to Help Prevent a Cyberattack

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use two-step verification for bank accounts and email. Microsoft highlights why MFA is critical.

• Use Strong Passwords: Create unique, long, and complex passwords.

• Keep Software Updated: Always update browsers, operating systems, and apps.

• Install Security Tools: Use anti-virus software, malware detectors, and firewalls. Norton explains why regular updates matter.

• Be Wary of Emails: Avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments.

• Use a VPN: A virtual private network encrypts internet traffic. Google One VPN is one option.

• Protect Mobile Devices: Only install apps from trusted sources and keep devices updated.

• Backup Your Data: Keep multiple backups, including one off-site, to recover after an attack.

The Takeaway on Cyberattacks

The cost of cyberattacks is estimated in the trillions of dollars each year. While no system is 100% safe, taking proactive steps drastically reduces your risks. Protect your website, your devices, and your data by addressing cybersecurity today. For additional guidance, see the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

If you have any questions, please Get in Touch

A Final Goodbye

What Is a Web Browser?

A web browser, also called an Internet browser or simply a browser, is application software used to access the World Wide Web. Whenever a user requests a web page from a website, the browser retrieves the necessary content from a web server. Afterwards, it displays the page on the user’s device, making the information instantly viewable.

In the Beginning

The first web browser, written in 1990, was simply called WorldWideWeb. At the time, it was the only way to view the web. In addition, it functioned as a browser editor, which meant that it could not only be used to create web pages but also to browse websites. As a result, the name was eventually changed to Nexus to avoid confusion between the program itself and the abstract information space known as the World Wide Web.

In the early 90s, meanwhile, Netscape Navigator emerged as a proprietary web browser. At first, it quickly became the dominant browser throughout the decade. However, by 2003, its popularity had almost disappeared. This shift occurred because Microsoft preloaded Internet Explorer on every computer it sold and, in a strategic move, placed it directly on the start-up page. In other words, Microsoft made it nearly unavoidable for everyday users.

Microsoft Steps In

Microsoft was primarily a software company in those early years. It made money by licensing its operating system to computer manufacturers and by selling programs that worked with that system. For example, its most well-known products include Word and Excel. By the early 2000s, Internet Explorer controlled an incredible 95% of the web browsing market.

Browsers Change

Eventually, most people stopped using Internet Explorer as their main browser with the emergence of Firefox and Google Chrome. Of course, there were still a few die-hard holdouts. Over the years, I had many conversations with clients, letting them know it was time to switch browsers. Internet Explorer was outdated, slow, prone to crashing, and vulnerable to hacks. In contrast, competitors like Google Chrome were fast, secure, and frequently updated.

Internet Explorer (often called IE) served from August 1995 until June 2022. After a slow decline, it finally disappeared, closing out a 27-year run.

Browsers Today

These days, Google Chrome dominates the browser market, holding roughly a 65% share worldwide. Meanwhile, Apple’s Safari follows in second place with about 20%.

Of course, the internet is always evolving. For that reason, there are many other browser options available today. Below is the current top ten list, though it could easily change tomorrow:

• Firefox
• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Apple Safari
• Opera
• Brave
• Vivaldi
• DuckDuckgo
• Chromium
• Epic

As always, Grateful Web Services is here to help you get your website on the World Wide Web, or if your website needs updating, we are here to help take the chore off your shoulders. It’s easy to forget that your website is on display 24/7. Even if you aren’t looking at it, potential customers could be. 

How Email Works
Basics and Protocols Explained

Most of us use email every day, often multiple times. But have you ever wondered how email works and why it has become such an important part of daily life? From login passwords to instant delivery, email has become the backbone of modern communication.

The invention of email changed everything, especially in the workplace. Before email, people relied on USPS mail, often called “snail mail,” or even earlier, horse-drawn mail carriers. Eventually, mail trucks delivered messages across towns and cities. Today, an email can arrive within seconds. As a result, technology has completely transformed the way we connect.

A Brief History of Email

The first version of what became email appeared in 1965 at MIT. It was part of the Compatible Time-Sharing System, which let users share files and messages on a central disk while logging in from remote terminals. You can read more about its history on the Computer History Museum.

Later, services such as Hotmail (later purchased by Microsoft), Yahoo, and AOL helped email reach the mainstream. Microsoft Outlook and Gmail eventually became dominant platforms, shaping how we use email today. My own father still uses his @aol.com address!

How Email Works

Email works through a set of rules called protocols that transfer messages between computers. When you send an email, one computer delivers the message to a mail server, and the recipient’s computer then accesses it.

There are four common protocols: IMAP, POP3, SMTP, and Exchange. Each handles storage and access differently.

IMAP and POP

IMAP

The Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) lets you read email directly from the server without downloading it. This means you can check your inbox from anywhere, on any device. For example, whether you are traveling, visiting a friend, or sitting at a soccer game, IMAP keeps your email synced. Learn more from Mozilla Thunderbird’s IMAP guide.

POP

The Post Office Protocol (POP) works differently. It downloads messages to your computer through a mail client such as Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail. Once downloaded, the sent and received messages stay on your device, not on the server. Many internet service providers still rely on POP accounts. More details are available from Google Workspace.

Webmail

Services such as Outlook, Gmail, Hotmail, and iCloud offer webmail, which you access through a browser. Simply log in online and manage your inbox.

Email apps such as Outlook, Thunderbird, and Apple Mail make it easy to manage multiple accounts in one place. When you add a webmail account, the app usually sets it up as IMAP. If it fails, it may default to POP. In that case, you need the POP and SMTP server information from your provider. Example settings might look like this:

• Incoming Mail (IMAP): imap.[provider].com

• Incoming Mail (POP): pop.[provider].com

• Outgoing Mail (SMTP): smtp.[provider].com

SMTP

The Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) handles outgoing messages. Mail servers and message transfer agents use SMTP to send and receive email. Learn more about Cloudflare’s SMTP guide.

Email with Grateful Web Services

Understanding how email works may seem technical, but setting it up doesn’t have to be stressful. At Grateful Web Services, we include email hosting as part of our hosting packages. With your website and email managed under one roof, you can simplify your business operations. Have questions? We’re here to help.

Email Definitions

What is IMAP?

IMAP stands for Internet Message Access Protocol. It lets you read email directly from the server without downloading it, which keeps your inbox synced across devices. Learn more in Mozilla’s IMAP guide.

What is POP?

POP stands for Post Office Protocol. It downloads messages to your computer, where they are stored locally. This is common with accounts set up in programs like Outlook or Apple Mail. See Google’s POP guide.

What is SMTP?

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is the standard method used by mail servers to send and receive email messages. Read more at Cloudflare’s SMTP overview.

What is Webmail?

Webmail is email that you access through a browser, such as Gmail, Outlook.com, or iCloud. You don’t need a mail client, just an internet connection and your login credentials.

Grateful Web Services offers email along with our hosting service. Have questions? Ask us about it!

Business Website Checklist

This blog highlights a few things you need in place to open the door to your new business. Of course, we are not attorneys or tax professionals, so please consult those experts for the official rules and regulations.

Your Business

We love working with businesses—non-profits, for-profits, and organizations of any size. Starting a business requires several key steps. At first, the process may feel overwhelming, but focus on the excitement of building something new.

Starting Your Business

Every business requires paperwork. You must file city and county documents for licensing, permits, and operations tax. If you are not using your own name, you also need a fictitious name filing.

If you have a brick-and-mortar location, you must work with a landlord for leasing and set up utilities at that location. For home-based businesses, most cities require a permit to operate legally. Your city’s official website is a great place to find information about local requirements.

Market Research and a Marketing Plan

Knowledge and preparation are critical. A strong marketing plan and business plan will give you a road map. These can evolve, but you need a clear starting point.

Most of your research can be done online, but books still offer great insights. Nolo Press has a reputation for clear, practical information. Their website also includes online forms and helpful guides.

At this stage, you must also choose a business structure: corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Speak with a tax advisor to determine the best choice for your situation.

Your Business Name

Your name matters. Choose one that tells people what you do, then secure the domain. Renew your domain on time to keep ownership.

Before you decide, make sure the name is available. Use a search engine, or try a registrar like GoDaddy. Their tool lets you check availability and suggests alternatives.

You can also use WhoIs to see who owns a domain and when it expires. Another useful option is the ICANN Lookup Tool.

The Logo

Your logo is the face of your company. You will use it on documents, your website, and social media. If your budget allows, hire a professional designer. A custom logo ensures uniqueness and credibility.

If you need a low-cost option to start, online logo tools exist. However, many are not exclusive, so you may see the same design used by another business. For a custom, one-of-a-kind logo, ask a graphic designer to create one for you. Grateful Web Services can help guide you in the right direction.

Website

Your website is often the first impression people have of your business. It must look professional, function properly, and be easy to navigate. DIY tools like Wix or GoDaddy builders may seem tempting, but they often limit design flexibility and SEO features.

If your site isn’t programmed well or updated often, you risk losing credibility and potential customers. A professional website shows your brand’s value. At Grateful Web Services, we create custom designs that look sharp and are built to be found on Google.

Hosting

Every website needs hosting. Make sure your provider runs updated, secure software. We offer hosting services to keep your website, maintenance, and updates all under one roof.

Receiving Payments

Once your business launches, you need ways to accept payments. Open a business account at your bank to handle transactions. Many businesses also add PayPal and Venmo to offer convenient payment options.

If you run an online store or nonprofit, Grateful Web Services can set up eCommerce for you. This way, customers can pay for products, and nonprofits can receive donations easily.

Ready, Set, Go!

Starting a business is exciting. Take time to celebrate your progress and appreciate the process. Yes, there will be stress, but this is the beginning of something meaningful.

Resources

Here are a few resources mentioned in this blog:

• Nolo Press

• Small Business Administration

• WhoIs

• ICANN Lookup

• PayPal

• Venmo

Cheers to a Happy New Year!

Cheers to a happy new year! Happy 2022 to all of our clients and potential clients. We are all ready for a new year with hopes of combating this pandemic. The last couple of years have been difficult, but it is more important than ever to keep looking forward and do our best to make the most out of what we have.

Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022

Grateful Web Services welcomed the new year with too much to do to sit and type this blog, a little like the gardener who doesn’t do their own lawn. We have lots happening over here, and we are grateful for that. Right now, we are working with several non-profits and truly enjoy helping organizations with a purpose. Of course, we also love helping business owners with their web presence and visibility.

Superior customer service has always been what keeps our clients coming back to us. We care, and our clients know that. Each company or organization is treated as if it were our only client. No matter how much we grow, this is a commitment that we will always honor.

The new year brings hope and new opportunities. We are here to help even more businesses and non-profits with their online presence—whether that means a brand-new website, a revamp of an existing one, reliable maintenance, secure hosting, or SEO support to improve search engine placement. Cheers to a happy new year! We’re excited to make 2022 a year of growth for our clients as well as our community.

We realize that there are many other companies you could choose to work with, and we are grateful to all of our clients who have supported us throughout the years. Visit our Testimonials page and our Google Business Profile to see what clients are saying.

Thank you, and cheers to making 2022 the best year yet!

 

Hosting is necessary, but what is it?

Website hosting is a term that many of our clients find confusing. Hopefully, after reading this, you will have a better understanding!

A website cannot be viewable to anyone on the internet, without hosting. This is a critical piece to launching a new website. A server must hold your website files,so that when someone types in your domain name, the website shows up for them. Imagine trying to get your US Mail without an actual mailbox, it’s impossible.

Your website is comprised of images, files, code, database, and all of this is stored on a computer server. It is “Serving” up the files to be viewed. Without a home to store your files, no one would be able to view your website online. This is essentially rental space for your website files.

It is very important to make sure that your server computer is running the latest versions of software and has security precautions in place in case there is a breach. You need a firewall, backup, and an SSL certificate.

There are different types of Hosting

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is the most common type of web hosting and is acceptable for most website owners. With shared hosting, your website files sit on the same server (Computer) along with multiple other websites.

These are a few examples of hosting providers

• GoDaddy
• Bluehost 
• DreamHost
• SiteGround

Your web company may need to confirm that the host has

• Backups and Security
• Up to date software and equipment
• Good customer service
• Reliability and fast upload 
• Scalability, if your needs change

There are several advantages to shared hosting including:

• Affordability — It’s much cheaper to share the space on a server than to rent the entire computer.
• Ease of use — Your server is preconfigured, well-organized, easy to use, and your hosting company does all the maintenance and security updates for you.

Although,  it is crucial that your host has a firewall, backups (in case your website becomes infected), and security programs. It is also critical that every website on this shared environment is up to date on its own website plugins. You don’t want one website infecting other websites on the server. This is very important!

Dedicated Hosting

Rather than sharing space, you get a server all to yourself. No need to make sure that other websites are up to date. 

Advantages to dedicated hosting include:

• Customized— You can customize the software and hardware to meet your individual needs
• Unlimited Resources — Since you don’t share the server with anyone, all the storage space is yours
• Full control — You can configure the setup however you’d like

Of course, this is a pricier option but may make the most sense for those who are running very large websites, such as e-commerce and other large sites.

Virtual Private Hosting

This is a blend of shared and dedicated hosting, This is designed for users whose website may have outgrown their shared hosting environment but don’t need a server all to themselves. Virtual Private Hosting or VPS for short allows for multiple clients to use a single server.

Each website on a VPS server is partitioned into its own space so that it uses its own allocation of server resources and can run its own operating system and applications.

• Space – Each website has its own allotment of resources
• Safe from other websites on the  server – Users can only access their own control panel and are not affected by malware and other contaminants from other websites on the shared server
• Control –  Each website has its own virtual space and users have complete control over their site files

VPS hosting could be the right choice and makes it less likely that a sudden spike in usage from someone else on the VPS will slowdowns other websites, unlike shared hosting. 

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hosting is often considered the most reliable of all of the services. Rather than relying on the disk space of a single server, it pulls its power from several resources, making sure you never have any downtime. Other benefits include:

• Scalability — You can add to your cloud space at any time.
• Unmetered bandwidth — You don’t have to worry about your site going down due to a server failure.

However, Amazon’s cloud service recently went down. So, when it comes to anything computer-related, things can happen!

WordPress Managed Hosting

Periodically our clients come to us to either build a new website or make updates to their website. If they happen to have WordPress-managed hosting, this limits what files can be edited. Managed WordPress hosting, is an all in one service, where all technical aspects of running WordPress are managed by the host.

• Updates to WordPress — all updates to WordPress core and plugins taken care of for you
• Daily backups included — You don’t have to worry about your site going down due to a server failure.
  

More often than not, our clients ask us to handle their hosting. This way, all of the website services are under one roof, so to speak.  We have a shared server for the convenience of our clients. Many times, we also host our client’s emails as well. If something goes wrong, you just need to reach out to Grateful Web Services and we will handle the situation and get the website up and running! Only one phone call with a live person 😊 We are also very attentive to emails as well if you prefer.

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Website Animation

At the beginning of the year, when planning out ideas for the Grateful Web Services blog, paying homage to Flash was on the list. For me, this was the start of animating the World Wide Web. It made an otherwise static website come alive. Before Flash, it was just animating GIFS. Graphics Interchange Format. We used this as an animation tool for businesses to rotate their logos or specific text. Setting the rotation to 360 degrees gives the illusion of 3D on the screen.

When Flash emerged on November 3, 2002, it was revolutionary and oh so cool. It was first a Macromedia product, and Adobe would go on to acquire Macromedia in 2005 along with its products: Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Director, Cold Fusion, and a few other lesser-known titles. These were my favorite tools from “back in the day” when I first started in this ever-evolving technology industry. This was pretty early on in the Internet’s life span. Of course, before search engine placement was really even a “thing”. Now, of course, it’s everything. Old technologies and website features that are not recognizable by the search bots can’t or shouldn’t be used. As it’s been said so many times, a website can be beautiful, but if no one can find the website and no one visits, it’s close to useless.

Adobe, as well as all web browsers, discontinued supporting Flash back in January of 2021. Of course, this means that Adobe will not issue any more updates or security patches. Web browsers will no longer display Flash content, and any website will just give users a broken experience. This also applies to web games using Flash; after January 1, 2021, they are no longer playable.

This just came into play with the 20th anniversary of 9/11
Journalism is often considered the first draft of history, but what happens when that draft is written on a software program that becomes obsolete? Some of the news coverage of the September 11th attacks and other major events from the early days of online journalism is no longer accessible. For example, The Washington Post and ABC News both have broken experiences within their September 11th coverage. See the full story for more information on this at CNN

Many of us spent a lot of time learning how to use Flash. Technology is always changing, and this is a big part of the reality for those of us who work in this ever-changing technology space. It is fun, exciting, and frustrating all at the same time. These days, we have other ways to use animation in websites that don’t hinder searches, and most are much easier to implement.

There are lots of ways to add movement to your otherwise static website. I will keep this part short so you don’t start to glaze over. This is why you hire someone else to deal with these details! Your developer can use CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to keep your website design consistent. It also works for basic animations, but if you need more than three in a row, CSS alone won’t be enough. So that leads us to JavaScript, which can handle sequential animations and is more powerful and flexible. Another choice would be to use SVG’s, which stand for Scalable Vector Graphics. SVG elements can be animated with CSS.

You can use videos as a background, create button animations, content that slides in, fade-in, and website loading features. Many loading plugins can help keep the ever-impatient human entertained while the website loads. Otherwise, users have to wait while everything loads: website pages, PDF files, maps, videos, and other content. This brightens up the wait and creates the sense that your website is there and loading. You can use an image, or logo, or even progress bars and shape-changing animations.

Animations can be a great addition to a website’s look and feel, but they have to be worked in the right way to fit your style and goals. Animations definitely add to the user-friendliness of a website. When subtly added, animations are capable of building a strong connection between users and the content on the screen. Just use it thoughtfully and sparingly. Too much or careless integration of animations into your website can be a real eyesore – and no one wants that 😊

We have easier and better ways to do things as time moves forward, but it is apropos to honor the official passing of one of the early tools. This was the beginning of giving visual appeal to websites that were no longer just a static, dry place for information. This breathed life and stylized a user-friendly approach. Designers place information in a visually pleasing way so users respond best, and that appeal and psychology matter just as much as the content itself. People naturally seek aesthetics, and our need for beauty is part of the human experience.

Why should I Blog?

The importance of a blog seems like an appropriate subject. I always tell our clients that they need to update their blog at least once a month. I should follow my own advice since GratefulWebServices.com hasn’t been updated in quite a few months. It’s like the analogy that the gardener’s own garden is overgrown with weeds. So much time is spent taking care of other people’s websites that, at the end of the day, the Grateful Web Services blog is put on the back burner.

Yes, a blog is very important to your business. This is probably one of the best things that you can do to help your search engine ranking. Adding new content lets Google know that your website is alive and breathing. Google wants to rank websites that appear to have more activity. Those with the least head to the end of the line.

Blogging is an inexpensive way for small businesses to drive traffic. This means more business, equaling more money!

Increased website traffic, in the form of pageviews from organic and social sources, can help your business. Every time you publish a new post, you get another opportunity for web crawlers to find your website and suggest it to those who are searching Google with relevant keywords.

The amount of traffic that you can earn from your blog depends on the topic, how much you promote the articles, and how good the content is.

According to HubSpot, the average business can get 55 percent more visitors with a blog.

I recommend that our clients make a list of 6 topics so that each month, for the next 6 months, you know what you are going to write about. This makes it much easier to plan. Now, I will take my own advice!