by becky | Jul 14, 2023 | Blog Posts
In today’s digital age, setting up an e-commerce website has become easier than ever. Two popular platforms that many entrepreneurs consider are Etsy and WordPress. Both have their own unique features and benefits, but which one is the right choice for your online business? In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between Etsy and WordPress to help you make an informed decision.
1. Ease of Use:
Etsy: Known as a marketplace platform, Etsy provides a user-friendly interface specifically designed for selling handmade or vintage items. It offers pre-built templates and a straightforward setup process that allows sellers to quickly list products.
WordPress: As a content management system (CMS), WordPress offers more flexibility in terms of design and functionality but requires some technical knowledge to set up initially. However, once familiarized with its interface, managing products becomes relatively easy.
2. Customization Options:
Etsy: While Etsy provides limited customization options compared to WordPress, it does offer various themes and templates that allow sellers to personalize their shop’s appearance within certain boundaries.
WordPress: One of the biggest advantages of using WordPress is its extensive customization capabilities. With thousands of themes and plugins available, you can create a unique e-commerce website tailored precisely to your brand’s identity.
3. Cost Considerations:
Etsy: Setting up an online store on Etsy involves minimal upfront costs since they charge listing fees per item along with transaction fees upon sale completion. However, these fees can add up over time if you have numerous listings or high sales volumes.
WordPress: The core software itself is free; however, there are costs associated with hosting services (which vary depending on your needs) as well as premium themes or plugins if desired. Despite potential expenses, using WordPress gives you more control over your budget in the long run.
4. Marketing Opportunities:
Etsy: Being part of the Etsy marketplace provides immediate exposure to a large customer base, making it easier for sellers to gain visibility. Additionally, Etsy handles some marketing aspects, such as search engine optimization (SEO) and advertising.
WordPress: With WordPress, you have complete control over your marketing efforts. You can optimize your website for search engines, integrate with various social media platforms, and utilize email marketing campaigns to drive traffic and increase sales.
Conclusion:
Choosing between Etsy and WordPress ultimately depends on your specific business needs and goals. If you’re looking for a simple setup process with built-in exposure to a large customer base, Etsy might be the right choice. On the other hand, if you prefer more customization options and control over your online store’s branding and functionality while being willing to invest time in learning the platform’s ins-and-outs, WordPress could be the better option.
Remember that both platforms have their own advantages and disadvantages; it’s essential to evaluate them based on factors like ease of use, customization options, cost considerations, and marketing opportunities before making a decision. Good luck with your e-commerce journey!
by becky | Feb 19, 2023 | Blog Posts
When setting up your online presence, picking a web designer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Competent high-quality web designers make the difference between a website that looks sleek and efficient, and one which seems confused and dysfunctional – and given that your website is likely to be the main platform through which consumers will interface with your brand, first impressions really do matter.
What do you need from your website?
The first step when picking a web designer is to think about what you need from your website. Are you looking for a highly complex digital retail site, complete with marketing analytics, constantly changing content and other sophisticated functionality? Or is your need for a simpler and less active page, maybe with a few subpages guiding clients to a phone number or physical store? This will determine the sort of web designer you engage – not all designers will specialise in the same type of sites, and getting an inappropriate designer to set up a simple site can not only lead to user experience overkill but can be excessively costly too.
What style are you looking for?
Another question to ask yourself is what the aesthetic you’re looking for is. A common mistake with people beginning their digital journey is to add too much and make their sites look too busy, often with excessive images or pop-ups. This can look sloppy and messy – but equally, an excessively minimalist page can be difficult to use and leave users cold. Consider in broad terms what you’d like your website to look like, and then approach designers based on what their specialisms are.
Check out different designers
Once you’ve got a concept in your head, the next step is to investigate designers. Essentially all designers will have a portfolio of work on their websites – start by taking a look at this, but also find the sites they’ve worked on and click around them. Keep an eye out for a few factors; user experience (is it easy to find what you’re looking for?), bugs (are there any obvious issues with using the site?) and aesthetics (does it look like you envision your site looking?)
This should help you to narrow the field. Once you’ve done that, a vital step is to talk at length with the designers you’re considering. See whether they understand your vision and have a plausible plan for translating it into an actual website – this shouldn’t just be an interview, but a conversation where you listen to the questions they ask and try to assess whether they’ve understood what you’re looking for.
Hire an expert web design agency today.
E2TS are a leading web design agency with experience across a range of industries and business types – we not only work on design but search engine optimisation, social media marketing and general design principles, meaning we can offer a holistic and highly-rated service. Contact us online to discuss how we can work with you to bring your ideas to life.
by becky | May 20, 2022 | Blog Posts
The world of online marketing is changing fast. Once upon a time companies could get away with a really amateur web presence, but those days are gone. With more and more businesses taking their online marketing more seriously, you need to have a professional looking website if you want to stand a chance in the marketplace.
Like fashion, websites change. As technology moves on and Google changes its search engine ranking criteria, your website needs to keep pace. With creative web design and a dynamic website full of fresh and interesting content, you’ll really help your business to stand out online.
Here are 5 reasons why you should update your website…
1. Your website is your online business card – it gives customers an impression of you before you have a chance to sell yourself. If you have an amateur-looking website, you risk putting off potential customers at the first hurdle. It’s hard to convince people you’re a professional outfit if your website looks like a child built it!
2. Technology changes and your website has to keep up – google places a very high importance on site loading speed and responsive design. This means if your website takes a long time to load or looks terrible on a phone or tablet, it’ll knock you down the search rankings.
3. A website can show off your best work – if you haven’t updated your website in years, you’re missing a great chance to show off your work to potential clients and customers. Refresh your website and put a gallery of your best work up there! Show people what you can do.
4. Google loves dynamic data – fresh content is applauded by google, so regularly updating your site with your work, products, availability, any exciting news etc will boost you in the search engines, resulting in more traffic and more customers.
5. It gets your name out in the market – when you have a new website built, you’ll tell people about it. Your social media shares, friends sharing it and a general announcement will get more eyes on your business. With a fresh website full of new content and your best work, you’ll be sure to pick up some new business.
A fresh website is one of the best moves you can make in business. Contact https://creative.e2ts.co.uk to see how we can help you.
by becky | May 3, 2022 | Blog Posts
In today’s digital age, a business website is one of the most important factors of success. To design a good website, you need the right web designer(s) with the skills, knowledge, and experience to create a site that not only works well and easily, but that looks great and is a pleasure to use.
It’s an investment, but your website is a vital component in the success of your business. It’s important to choose a good designer from a credible company that you can trust. Here are some factors that make a good website:
Provide informative content
A good website design should include plenty of informative and credible content. This should conform to advertising standards by not making unsubstantiated claims. The copy should also be original and not plagiarised. All website content should stand out from the competition, and be useful to the reader.
Links to other websites
Links to other websites (though not competitors’ websites, obviously) can help to boost your SEO optimisation and the user experience by providing a network of useful products or services that will enhance your user’s trust in your brand.
Connect with your audience
Rather than bland marketing jargon or a summary of the services you provide, one way of standing out from the competition is to provide a personal touch. Perhaps on your ‘About Us’ page, you can include a story about how your organisation started? It’s also good to include photos of your staff so people can visualise who they are interacting with when they contact your company.
Build trust
An excellent feature of websites is to include customer testimonials, as this helps to reassure the user and build trust in your organisation.
SEO Optimisation
This ensures you have an audience for your website. By using the right keywords in your copy and your meta-details, you help Google place you well if anyone types in those keywords. Check out our Search Engine Optimisation page if you would like support in this area.
A web designer can be described as either a ‘UX’ (User Experience) or a ‘UI’ (User Interface) designer, though they are often used interchangeably, or the same person may perform both functions.
Definitions of UX and UI
A UX designer will:
• know the goal of your website and conduct market research to know your target audience.
• ensure your website loads quickly and easily on different devices.
• make sure your website is well organised and has a good structure.
• ensure your website is simple and easy to navigate.
• make sure that the website search engine visibility isn’t compromised by outdated or incorrect code.
• use a tracking monitor.
User Interface (UI)
UI refers to ‘User Interface’ – this is how the digital product interacts with the customer, how it looks and how interactive it is to use.
A UI designer will:
• work all visual aspects of the website, from the colour scheme to the typography, to any animations.
• ensure the website is easy to read, as most users will scan a page rather than read it. It needs to be eye-catching and easy to follow and absorb.
• ensure that the website enhances the company brand and follows the colour scheme and style.
To learn more about how you can create a great website, contact E2TS today.
by becky | Feb 7, 2022 | Blog Posts
In the modern era, every business needs a website.
A website acts as a business’ shop window; it showcases the company’s core products or services, displays costs, and details how it is possible to reach out and get in touch should it be required.
However, what is equally important is ensuring that said website is not vulnerable to hackers. Not only is this essential because it will keep your business operational at all times, but it will also ensure that your customers’ vital data is not vulnerable.
So, how can you go about keeping your website safe, and why is it important?
Why you need to do it
As technology continues to update and evolve, it becomes absolutely essential for businesses to keep on top of their website security. This is important because, quite simply, it keeps information and data secure. Hackers and cybercriminals relish the opportunity to attack vulnerable websites and steal data that they can sell, or can use for other nefarious deeds.
How to do it
1. Keep software continually updated
This seems like an obvious first step to take, and that’s because it really is. By keeping all of your software updated, and by ensuring that all patches are installed as soon as they become available, you’ll be best prepared to deter would-be hackers.
2. Change your passwords routinely
One of the key aspects of keeping a website safe and secure is ensuring that you don’t keep your passwords the same for an extended period of time. Every couple of months or so you need to change your passwords, and ensure that everyone who needs access is aware of the change.
3. Keep file uploads to a minimum
Allowing files to be uploaded to your website by too many different people is a recipe for disaster. It is probably best that only trusted admins are allowed to upload files, and it is also vital that all files come from verified sources.
4. Utilise firewalls
Firewalls sound a bit old hat, but they are still incredibly useful. Once a firewall is installed, it will help to protect your website from any hackers, and will also ensure that no viruses are able to get through an infect your coding.
5. Get some security tools
Once you think that your website is as safe as possible, you should get some tools to test out the levels of security. Such tools are often referred to as ‘penetration tests’, and are designed to see how easy it would be for hackers to bypass your security protocols.
If you would like to know more about how E2TS can assist you then contact us.
by becky | Jan 24, 2022 | Blog Posts
Many businesses, particularly start-ups with one eye on their budget, frequently think that a thriving Facebook page for their business is all they need to prosper. Add to that an Instagram and Twitter account and surely you’ve got all your marketing bases covered, right? After all, over three-quarters of the 4 billion-plus global internet users are signed up to at least one social media site.
Websites still matter
Social media may be king when it comes to internet use, but websites still deliver for business owners. If you’re just starting out, there’s a range of great reasons why you can’t afford to overlook a professional website.
Websites give your brand legitimacy
A website helps to reassure potential customers that your business is legitimate. Setting up a Facebook page takes seconds, whereas investing in professional web design that reflects your brand values and identity is a more involved process. Consumers take brands that can back up their social media with their own website more seriously.
You own your website
Your social media accounts are owned by global tech companies who can dictate terms to their users. Infringe any of their regulations, even by accident, and you could find yourself without an online presence. A website is your online castle, giving you security and allowing you to adapt to changing circumstances.
A website lets you communicate your brand identity
With social media, the opportunities for personalisation are limited, whereas a website allows you to create your own online presence from scratch. You have very few restrictions on the logo, layout and colour schemes, allowing you to perfect and communicate your brand identity.
Get noticed
Content on a website is more likely to secure a high ranking on Google’s organic search results. This means that when someone is searching for goods or services, a business without a website is more likely to be overlooked when compared to one with an SEO optimised website. Social media talks to existing customers, websites help you find new ones.
Websites support social media
Your social media marketing strategy is much more likely to be effective if it’s supported by a website. You can host content, be that video or blogs, on your website and then use social media to share it. When used together, you have a much broader toolbox to help you get your marketing message across.
by becky | Jan 14, 2022 | Blog Posts
Attracting visitors to your site should be a key goal in your online marketing strategy. Your website is your opportunity to give the people who visit more information about your company, products and services and if designed effectively, work as a place where potential customers are converted into buyers. When you’re designing your website, whether it’s a brand new site or an update to an existing one, a key element of the design should consider how user friendly your site is.
If you fail to design a site in which your visitors can quickly reach the information you want them to, you will miss out on potentially lucrative online opportunities. It is so important to have a professionally designed website in today’s economy, so that you beat your competition by attracting and engaging potential customers on your site. Below we’ve listed out some key reasons it’s so important to have your website professional designed.
Navigation
Visitors to your website should be able to find what they’re looking for quickly, with little effort on their part. If they don’t, they are likely to click off your site and onto another website which is easier to navigate. You need to work with a professional who has expertise in designing websites and can build you an easy-to-navigate website, so that your site visitors reach the pages you want them to and don’t go to your competitor instead. Adding a search box to your site offers your visitors an extremely quick and easy way to find exactly what they’re looking for, so be sure to work with your designer to add this tool.
Load time
A webpage that is slow to load will result in a high bounce rate of visitors exiting your site on the same page they entered it. It is imperative you design your website to be highly efficient, in order to retain traffic on your site. Adding masses of video and photography can really slow down your site performance, so a professional will help you be selective about the content you want on your site, so as not to impact your site load time negatively.
At E2TS, we are experts in effective web design, but we understand that you are experts in your customers. We believe in partnering with you to gain your insight into your clients, so that we can provide the most effective online solutions for your business needs.
by becky | Oct 12, 2021 | Blog Posts
Wonky Veg Boxes approached us last year to help them improve the look of their website. Their business is a fantastic operation that sells fruit and veg on a subscription basis to your home. They offer weekly and fortnightly bags and boxes delivered straight to your door. The fruit and veg is sourced from local markets and is the food that the supermarkets don’t want. Anything that looks out of shape, or is too big or small is generally thrown away! Wonky rescue that fruit and veg and package it up for delivery to you!
The original site was built using a site builder that is primarily for subscription websites. The problem was that there just wasn’t the functionality to grow the site. Customers couldnt control their own subscriptions, for instance should they need to skip a week as they were going on holiday, they wouldn’t be able to as they didnt have that ability in their account. Consequently the Wonky team were spending a long time trawling through emails to ensure customers demands were met.
After we had redesigned their front end in WordPress we looked at a solution for their admin as well to solve the problems that the current system couldnt handle. We decided to add in Woocommerce Subscriptions to handle their subscriptions. Creating the site with those additions was fairly straight forward however we also needed to handle the 12000 odd subscriptions that were already created within their existing solution. These all needed to be migrated across along with their Stripe payment Id’s to ensure a continuous service to the clients and their customers. We achieved this after pain stakingly mapping data to the new tables within the Woocommerce set up.
The results are visible to both clients and customers. The customers can not just sign up, they can manage their accounts, skip weeks, cancel and reactivate their subscriptions, add another box to their subscription or simply reduce one. The result on the Wonky team is that they aren’t so bogged down on their weekends with emails, and are able to spend more time with their family. Perfect!
Customers are now finding the site easier to navigate, they are managing to sign up to more than one subscription at a time (the old system didnt allow this) and they are able to find what they want in a much clearer way. The sites organic visits are up and they converting more visits to sales!
All in all we are proud of the Wonky Veg Boxes project. If you’d like to know more contact us here. If you’d like to sign up to Wonky Veg and recieve your veg or fruit box then sign up here.
