March 6, 2012 in Blog by admin

Why use an Online Business Directory

Do you need to list your website with an online business directory? There are many benefits of doing so.

Only a few years ago, most people were relying on the good old telephone book to find a particular company or service. Although people still rely on the telephone book, there is a new type of consumer nowadays – the “Modern Consumer”. The modern consumer often turns to an online business directory rather than dragging out that big old book; so the obvious benefit to Online Directories is that it inevitably increases your sales.

How Online Business Directories Can Increase Sales

A Key Benefit of an Online Business directory listing is that it will increase your website’s exposure to
a larger demographic. Not only will it increase the number of people who are able to find your
business and its products or services, but they are considered qualified traffic. This is simply because
they are looking specifically for something you offer and that’s why they performed a search based
on your industry, product, or keyword. This is just one more way to increase visibility to humans and
search engines alike, and in the world of Online Advertising (or any other form of advertising really),
the simple rule is “the more exposure, the merrier”

An Online Business directory can be accessed by nearly anyone, anywhere – from home, or work, at
school, or even via a mobile phone (particularly SmartPhones). You have to ask yourself, in today’s
modern age, how many customers looking for a local company are lugging along a telephone book?
Online directories are quick and convenient, which makes them the preferred method of finding a
business by consumers worldwide.

Your Business directory listing also adds legitimacy to your website. In a general internet search,
there is little difference between the sites that are displayed on the results page. When someone
uses a directory, their perception of the listed companies is that they are professional and
recommended.

There is an SEO benefit to Business directory listings as well. Each one creates a new and valid
inbound link to your website. Increased links results in increased page ranking.

How to List Your Business

There are many Online Business directories available, some of which are free while others charge a
fee. You don’t necessarily need to sign up with each of them. We found that the majority of
consumers are looking for local services and major search engines also tend to be pushing towards
this idea (as they can now track the location of where the user is searching from). This might be
something you may want to consider and start with a local directory to possibly expand from there.

It isn’t uncommon for there to be an extra charge for an SEO enhanced listing and adding graphics or
features such as an interactive map. The cost is usually worthwhile because potential clients tend to
be drawn to colourful listings that make it easy for them to determine what you sell and how to
reach you. Including additional text that allows you to use your main target keywords will help
internet users and bots find you a lot easier.

XCEL Web Design uses a local Online Business directory called Best Yorkshire, which features the best Yorkshire companies and has quite a competitive pricing structure as well. You can access the directory by clicking here

Consider the cost of a business directory listing in comparison to other forms of advertising and you
will more than likely determine it is quite cheap. On top of the value for money, there is also the
added benefit of being able to make changes to your listing as often as necessary so you are not
stuck with paying for an ad that contains wrong information, as opposed to traditional print media.

To get the most out of our Business Directory listing, make sure that you include all the information
visitors are seeking such as your location, contact information, a clear description of your products
or services, and at least one or two customer testimonials.

Clearly it makes sense to utilise the benefits of listing your website with several online business
directories. If you have an advertising budget, make sure you opt for an enhanced listing to gain the
most benefit. You should see increased traffic, at a minimum, and increased sales, at the optimum.

January 12, 2012 in Blog by admin

Why Do I Need a Blog with my Internet Business?

A simple question really – if you have an eCommerce website (online shop), then why do you need a blog? Not really an uncommon question if you have an internet business.

Well, that depends on what your eCommerce website allows you to do – if you’re customers can leave reviews about products and for you as the business owner to interact with clients about your products and services, or any special offers you have on, then effectively, you already have a blog.

On the other hand however, if your eCommerce site doesn’t allow you to do this, then blogging is a cost effective (often free, other than time investment) way of interacting with your customers, which has many benefits – one of these benefits being that it constantly updates your website with customer feedback; and as such, acts as ‘word of mouth’ advertising for your product or service.

Having a blog, is actually a great idea for other reasons as well. For example, it also allows you to also drive traffic to your website for purchases; when you’re having discussions with clients on your blog.

A good blog also gives you the opportunity to teach people more about your product line, which has the potential of your brand developing as somewhat of a “product expert”.

“Great, but I don’t have an internet business yet”, you might be thinking…

If you’re a ‘local’ business that has never had a website to sell your products or services from, then blogging can be a great way to start adding your business on to the net.

In today’s ‘technical’ society, its virtually critical to have a website of some kind – a blog can act as your business website.

Having a presence on the internet can drive customers into your business as well as allowing potential customers to find your phone number and business address when searching for your business type.

With the increase in Smartphones and Mobile Internet, today’s customers are constantly using the internet (on their handheld devices) to search for local businesses. This is leading to phone directories becoming almost extinct; which begs the question, “if you do not have a presence on the web, how are you going to be found?”

Blogging is a great way to get your business seen on the internet. You can do lots with a blog, such publish sales information, product information and articles that pertain to your niche, be a great source of rich content, increase your business exposure, make you accessible to local searches as well as many more benefits.

I don’t want a blog, I’d much rather have an Online Shop

If you’re selling products or services that can be purchased on the internet, then an eCommerce website is probably a better solution for you, as this streamlines the activity on your website.

Basically, what we mean is that it allows for all your orders to be processed from one central control panel, manage your transactions, add or remove new products, offer discounts and promotions, promote your discount vouchers on other websites (such as Discount for Students) as well as giving you the flexibility to turn Customer Reviews on or off, and responding to any feedback you get on your eCommerce Website – all from the same control panel.

If that’s your preferred option, then this is different to blogging, and you might need some help getting that off the ground. XCEL Web Design can help with setting up internet businesses and promoting them in local business directories as well as other aspects of the Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

We can develop your eCommerce website for a fixed price so there’s no hidden costs, which includes getting your marketing campaign off to a good start with £50 Google AdWords vouchers, so you can start promoting your website, and see the sales increasing as the traffic increase.

For a no obligation quote, please contact XCEL Web Design or click here to read about our eCommerce Web Design service

On the other hand

If you just want to create a blog, and need assistance with it, please feel free to contact one of our web designers how we can help you get started!

January 11, 2012 in Blog by admin

20% OFF your new Website

XCEL Web Design is welcoming 2012 with a fantastic 20% discount on your new website

For a limited period, XCEL Web Design are offering all new customers a massive 20% discount on their new website.

What’s more, this offer is extended to businesses with existing websites, but wanting a redesign for a new look.

It maybe a more professional website for your business you’re after, or even a simple brochure website to increase your online exposure – whatever you want your website to do, XCEL Web Design will knock 20% off the fee.

Now, with 20% knocked off your new website, a Price Promise that offers to match any other Web Design quote, AND £50 worth of FREE Google Adwords Vouchers, can you afford not to use XCEL Web Design?

In other words, you’re new website can cost you as little as £199, which also includes the £50 worth of Google Adwords Vouchers (while stocks last) - say hello to more business through your new website, and contact one of our Web Designers for a no obligation, plain English consultation  TODAY.

Are you looking to start a new business?

XCEL Web Design offers free Online Marketing advice and tips. Please contact us for more information.

We can promote your new website in our network of Directories, attracting an average of over 100,000 hits per month – in some cases, this service is offered free to new web design customers.

January 11, 2012 in Blog by admin

Why do I need a Website

Not sure why you need a web site?

Many Small Business owners ask us whether or not it is beneficial for them to have a website. Of course, as a Web Design company, we feel it is beneficial for all businesses to have an online presence at least, regardless of the size; but we have to back that up with “why you should have a website” as well; otherwise our advice wouldn’t be impartial.

There are lots of reasons why your business should have a website, but for now, we’ve listed some key ones here.

The following seven web site advantages will tell you why web sites are important to small businesses.

1. Plenty of space

If you’re printing ads or leaflets, it can be hard to choose what to say in the limited space. By having a web site on the other hand, you have enough space to market all your services, announce your events and any offers, display product photos, show maps and directions, list staff education and credentials, post client testimonials and industry awards—anything that might help a potential customer make an informed decision to buy your product or service.

2. Available 24/7

Another advantage of having a web site is that it’s available even when your business is closed or no one is available to answer your phone. You can encourage callers who’ve missed you to visit your web site for more information while they wait for your return call; as well as potentially continuing to make sales while your business is closed.

3. Easy to update

Although printed material may still be very necessary, it can often be expensive and troublesome to keep updated. With a website you can easily let the public know of any changes to your opening hours, product or service offerings, business address or phone number, staff, any offers and/or sales etc.

4. Adds credibility

One of the best benefits of a having a web site is that if it is a well-thought-out, professionally designed website, it can add credibility to your small business—regardless of how young or small your business is. A web site can also convey a sense of stability—especially important if your small business operates without a storefront, as it reassures potential customers that they can contact you if they ever lose your information.

5. Great word-of-mouth marketing

Another benefit of having a web site (one that is often overlooked!) is that’s it’s easy for someone to share your web site address with a friend in an email, a text message, phone conversation or a meeting where none of your brochures or business cards are available.

6. Adds value

Your web site can become a valuable resource to both potential and current customers. It allows you to post information on how to care for products you sell, referrals to related services, interesting facts, how-to’s, tips, trends, mistakes to avoid or a glossary of industry terms; which effectively becomes a ‘resource point’ and gives your business a positive image.

7. Keep up with competition, or even surpass it

People use the internet to research everything from furniture to limousine service to preschools.

If your competitor has a web site listed in their ads and leaflets, and you don’t, those online savvy people may check out your competitor’s offerings first. That’s especially true if you advertise in online business directories (like BestYorkshire.Co) and don’t have a web site.

Think about it – Your target customer is already online! If your competitor is just a click away, who do you think will get the first opportunity to serve that customer?

Given the rise in use of Smartphones, and the internet being available in peoples’ pockets in today’s fast paced society, it’s almost vital for every business to be on the internet if they are to compete.

That’s it for now on the benefits of having a website, but do bookmark this page – we’ll be sharing more website benefits in our web design blog.

December 31, 2011 in Blog by admin

FREE Google Vouchers

XCEL Web Design is proud to announce it will be issuing £50 worth of Google Adwords Vouchers to its customers in the first 6 months of 2012, subject to stock.

Get more visitors for free!

XCEL Web Design is offering all its customers a FREE £50 Google AdWords Voucher, which means YOU can get more visitors to your website, without paying a penny for the extra service.

Advertise your website on Google with our FREE £50 Google AdWords Voucher promotion, or let us go the extra mile and even set it up for you with Google Adwords (which is also free for our web design and SEO customers).

If you want to manage your own Adwords Campaigns, you can do that quite easily through Google Adwords. Setting up your account only takes a few minutes, and you will quickly start to see your adverts online; bringing new, targeted visitors to your website.

What is Google Adwords

Google Adwords is Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising. Every day, millions of people type keywords into search engines to find the products and services they’re looking for. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising lets you put YOUR products or services, on their screen, allowing your website to be seen by the people who ask to see them, which generates more customers for YOUR business.

Whether you just want to test the waters or are interested in setting up a long-term advertising campaign, a free Google Adwords voucher from XCEL Web Design will go a long way towards helping you increase website traffic and sales.