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How to sell handicrafts online: website, marketplaces, or social media?

Incomedia — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

“I’m quitting everything and opening a beach bar!” What’s your own “beach bar project”? Your plan B, the one that would turn your hobby or passion into your main business and source of income in life?

For many budding artisans, hobbyists, and amateur crafters, Plan B is to sell the handmade items they make, turning the fruits of their creativity and skills into a profitable business.

Today, selling handmade products online is far simpler than it was a few years ago. Platforms are plentiful, social media amplifies visibility, and creating an e-commerce site no longer requires advanced technical skills.

The real challenge is not figuring out whether you can do it, but how to do it the right way: choosing the most suitable channels, protecting your margins, building a recognizable brand, and transforming a passion into a project that can grow over time.

In this guide, we take a practical look at where to sell handicrafts online, the pros and cons of marketplaces, social media, and a personal website, and what strategy can help you build a truly solid business. We will also show you how WebSite X5 can help you create a professional website in just a few steps.

More specifically, in this article, you will discover:

Where to sell handicrafts online: website, marketplaces, or social media?
Whether you need to register as a business to get started.
How much platform commissions really eat into your earnings.
Which craft products sell the most today.
How to build an effective multi-channel strategy.

Selling handicrafts online vs. offline: advantages and drawbacks

If you are thinking about turning your creations into a real business, you have probably already asked yourself: Is it better to start selling in person, or go straight online?

Very often, the first step is joining a local market, displaying products in a nearby shop, or approaching a small boutique in the area. And that is understandable: seeing people touch what you have made, getting immediate feedback, telling the story of your creative process in person is enormously rewarding.

But anyone who has tried it also knows how unpredictable it can be. A rainy day can wipe out sales entirely. A poorly attended event can mean hours of work, participation costs, and razor-thin margins. On top of that, your audience is limited to whoever happens to be in that place, at that moment.

Selling handicrafts offline offers direct relationships and authenticity, but it has clear limitations in terms of growth and continuity.

Selling handicrafts online changes the picture entirely. It means reaching customers across your whole country (and beyond), having a shop accessible 24 hours a day, and building a stable, lasting presence not tied to a single event or season.

If your goal is to turn a passion into a more structured source of income, the key difference is this: online is scalable.

Extra tip: To extend your local visibility even further, you can also combine your physical presence with an optimized Google Business Profile. This way, you can reach people who are genuinely looking for what you offer in your area, bridging the offline and digital worlds.

Here is a clear comparison of the main differences:

Initial costs

Online: Low to medium: domain, hosting, software, any marketplace commissions, small initial marketing budget.
Offline: High: premises rental, utilities, fixtures, setup, storage, insurance, permits, staff.

Scalability

Online: High - grow sales volumes and expand your offer with no structural limits.
Offline: Limited - expansion is tied to physical space, opening hours, and geographic presence.

Brand control

Online: Very high (with a personal website) - full freedom over design, communication, and customer relationships.
Offline: Medium - control over the in-store experience, but limited to the local context.

Visibility

Online: Global and continuous, open 24/7.
Offline: Local, tied to physical presence and opening hours.

Audience engagement

Online: Ongoing communication via email, social media, and post-sale support.
Offline: Direct interaction, but limited to the moment of purchase.

The web does not replace the experience of selling in person; it can amplify it. You can keep attending fairs and markets, but having an online presence means you never have to start from scratch each time. Above all, it lets you build something that grows over time, not just on individual occasions.

Do you need to register as a business to sell handicrafts online?

One of the most common questions when deciding to sell handicrafts online is: Do you need to be registered as a business from the start?

The answer depends on one key factor: whether the activity is continuous.

Here is a general rule:

Occasional, unstructured selling - no business registration required. If you make craft items sporadically and sell them once in a while, without a stable setup and ongoing promotion, this typically qualifies as occasional activity.
Regular, organized activity - business registration is required. If you sell consistently, promote your products online, maintain a stable catalog, use marketplaces or an e-commerce store, and aim to generate ongoing income, the activity is considered fully commercial.

In other words, what matters is not just how much you earn, but how your activity is structured.

If your goal is to turn your handmade creations into an entrepreneurial project, registration becomes a natural step at some point. In many cases, it is possible to start with a simplified tax regime that offers reduced rates and streamlined administration.

⚠️ Important note: regulations can change, and personal circumstances vary. Before getting started, it is always advisable to consult an accountant to assess your specific situation.

When is the right time to take the plunge?

Many artisans begin by testing the market on a small scale (for example, through marketplaces or social media) and register as a business when:

sales become consistent,
their catalog grows,
they start investing in advertising,
they want to work with shops or resellers.

This gradual approach reduces initial risk and allows you to find out whether your product genuinely has a market.

The best channels for selling handicrafts online

Once it is clear that online selling offers greater growth potential, the next question is inevitable: where is it best to sell handicrafts online?

Today, there are many more options than there were just a few years ago. There is no single path that works for everyone: the choice of channel depends on the type of handmade products you make, the margin you want to achieve, the time you can devote to promotion, and the level of control you want over your brand.

In general, anyone looking to turn their handmade creations into a structured activity can work across three main routes:

Specialist marketplaces: platforms already visited by millions of users searching for craft products.
Social media: increasingly central tools for promoting, showcasing, and selling your handmade creations.
Personal website: building an independent e-commerce store or a professional showcase site.

Each option has different advantages, costs, and dynamics. The real strategy is not to pick “the best one” once and for all, but to understand which channel or combination of channels can help you build a sustainable business over time.

Selling your creations on marketplaces

If you want to start selling handicrafts online quickly, marketplaces are often the first step. These are platforms already visited by millions of users looking for handmade products, original gift ideas, or customized items. In practice, you join a digital marketplace where the traffic already exists.

The main advantage? You do not have to start from zero.

Opening a shop on a marketplace gives you:

Wide visibility thanks to the international traffic already on the platform.
Simple product management: easy upload of listings, order handling, and sales tracking, even without technical skills.
Built-in marketing tools (promotions and advertising) to reach an interested audience.
Automated payment and shipping management.
Review systems to build trust and credibility through positive feedback.
Support and educational resources to improve your performance.

For anyone just starting, this can be an effective way to test the market, find out which products work, and collect your first reviews.

But it is equally important to understand the other side of the coin.

The limitations of marketplaces you need to keep in mind:

Commissions on sales that reduce margins, especially on lower-priced products.
Intense competition among sellers makes it hard to stand out from the crowd.
Limited storefront customization, which makes it difficult to convey the uniqueness and value of your brand.
Rules and policies imposed by the platform that limit your autonomy.
Dependence on algorithms and changes in sales conditions.

In short, the traffic is not yours. The brand is not entirely yours. The margin is not entirely yours.

This becomes significant once sales start to grow. That is why it makes sense to consider using different platforms and, above all, to explore complementary options such as creating your own independent online store.

Sell your handmade products on Etsy

Etsy is currently the most widely used marketplace for selling handmade creations internationally. It is an online marketplace where artisans can open their own shop. The most popular products include jewelry, home decor, gift ideas, and DIY craft kits. Etsy allows you to reach a very broad audience, especially in countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, and Spain. Competition on the platform, however, is very high.

Opening your own shop on Etsy is straightforward and can be managed from both a PC and a smartphone via the dedicated app. Signing up is free, but there are costs to factor in:

Listing fee: $0.20 per product
Transaction fee: 6.5% of the sale price
Payment processing fee: approximately 4% + €0.30 per order

How much do you actually keep on Etsy?

Here is an example. If you sell a product at €40:

6.5% commission: €2.60
4% + €0.30 payment processing: €1.90
Total fees: approximately €4.50

Actual takings: €35.50

And from that sum, you still need to subtract the cost of materials, production time, packaging, and shipping. This is not a problem if your margin has been properly calculated. It becomes a problem if the price is set intuitively rather than based on real numbers.

We mentioned Etsy in another guide too: Selling on Etsy is Good (but not Enough) – https://www.websitex5.com/en/resources/blog/?selling-on-etsy

Sell your handmade products on Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade is Amazon’s dedicated section for handcrafted products. The platform is active in many countries and allows you to reach an enormous audience. Opening a shop is straightforward, and you benefit from the highly efficient backend and logistics system that has made Amazon famous worldwide.

Creating your store on Amazon Handmade is free, but a 12% commission applies to every sale.

This means that on a product priced at €40, the platform retains approximately €4.80, to which logistical costs may be added if you use the integrated shipping service. Traffic is extremely high, but so is the competition.

Other marketplaces for selling handmade products

Alongside these two major players, there are further marketplaces worth exploring.

Platforms dedicated specifically to handcrafted products

TA-DAAN (ta-daan.com): an international marketplace focused on independent design and contemporary craft.
Artemest (artemest.com): a high-end marketplace dedicated to luxury craftsmanship and Made in Italy and international design.
Skillaly (skillaly.com): an Italian marketplace for artistic and creative craftsmanship, designed for artisans and makers who want to sell their handmade creations.

All the marketplaces mentioned so far allow you to sell directly to the end customer. Other platforms allow the sale of craft products wholesale, acting as a bridge between artisans and shops around the world. Here are a few examples:

Italian Artisan (italianartisan.com): a B2B platform that connects producers and craft workshops with brands and designers looking for qualified manufacturing.
Faire (faire.com): a B2B marketplace for wholesale selling that lets you offer your products to independent brick-and-mortar shops and retailers interested in stocking them.
Orderchamp (orderchamp.com): a European B2B platform for presenting your collections to boutiques, independent shops, and selected retailers across Europe.
Fairling (fairling.com): a curated B2B marketplace with a particular focus on quality, design, and sustainability.

How to sell craft products on social media: Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest

While marketplaces give you ready-made traffic, social media lets you build something different: relationships and identity.

Today, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are no longer simple shop windows. They are genuine sales channels, but they work differently from a traditional e-commerce store. The key difference is this: on social media, people are not necessarily looking for a product. They discover a brand. And that completely changes the strategy.

Instagram: community and trust

Instagram is ideal for anyone who works heavily on aesthetics and visual storytelling. It works well when you:

post Reels of your creative process,
show behind-the-scenes content,
tell the story of the product,
use the integrated shop,
actively engage with comments and messages.

Instagram does not just reward the finished product: it rewards consistency and regularity.

TikTok: organic visibility and authenticity

TikTok is ideal for short, authentic, unpolished content. Videos showing:

step-by-step creation,
mistakes and imperfections,
before-and-after transformations,
order packaging,

can achieve very high organic reach even with small accounts. Here, authenticity matters more than perfection.

Pinterest: traffic over time

Pinterest works more like a visual search engine than a traditional social network. It is particularly effective for:

seasonal products,
gift ideas,
well-defined niches,
themed collections.

Pinterest is excellent for intercepting users who are already in the research phase.

Practical strategy for using social media effectively

Having a social media profile is not enough: to sell handicrafts online, you need a clear strategy. The most common mistake is posting only photos of the finished product and hoping that “someone will eventually buy.” In reality, people buy on social media when they develop trust and recognition.

To turn views and interactions into actual sales:

Tell the story of the creative process, not just the final result. Behind-the-scenes content creates a connection.
Always include a clear call to action: link in bio, shop, direct message.
Treat your bio like a mini landing page: who you are, what you do, who you do it for.
Post consistently, even with simple content: regularity pays off more than perfection.
Actually engage: reply to comments, start conversations, ask for opinions.

Social media works when it becomes a space for real relationships, not just exposure. If you manage to build an interested, engaged community, every new product will not be a sale from scratch, but an offer to people who already know you.

Watch out: social media is not your territory

There is one point that is often underestimated. Powerful as they are, social platforms are not a space you can fully control:

Algorithms change.
Organic reach can decrease.
An account can be restricted or suspended.
Platform rules can be modified at any time.

The audience that follows you belongs to the platform, not to you. This does not mean social media is not useful: on the contrary, it is an extraordinary accelerator for visibility. But it is risky to build your entire business on them alone. For this reason, a solid strategy always includes a more stable “landing point”: a structured marketplace, an email list, or, better still, a personal website where you have full control over content, margins, and customer relationships.

How to create a website to sell handmade products

To take your craft business online to the next level, the most strategic choice is to create your own professional website. This is where your project stops being “one among many” and becomes a real brand.

A personal website is not just another sales channel: it is the place where your brand takes full shape. Here, you are no longer competing next to other sellers in the same product listing, and you are not dependent on an algorithm that decides who to show and when. In short, with a personal website, you are in control.

There are different types of websites, but for selling handicrafts online, your main options are:

E-commerce site: ideal if you produce handmade items and want to manage orders, payments, and shipping independently, keeping 100% of the sale price (minus technical running costs).
Showcase site: ideal if you create personalized or made-to-order handmade products. In this case, the site becomes your digital portfolio, a space to present your techniques, materials, and creative process, generating quote requests.

The choice depends on the type of product, the time you can dedicate to management, and the level of automation you want. In either case, having a professional personal website lets you:

express full creative freedom in design and communication,
build a recognizable, professional brand,
integrate a blog and storytelling to showcase your handmade creations,
manage your contact database and customer relationships directly,
be independent of third-party rules, algorithms, or commissions.

Despite understanding these advantages, many artisans delay creating their own site because they fear technical complexity or high costs. Today, however, tools exist that make the process far more accessible.

With software like WebSite X5, you can build a professional website even without programming knowledge.

You can start from a well-designed template such as Crafty Gift, Handmade, or The Vintage Shop, each of which includes all the necessary pages, a pre-configured online shop, and is optimized for mobile browsing. Alternatively, you can get help from MagicSite, the AI-based assistant integrated into the software: by chatting with you, the AI gathers all the information it needs and generates a complete project including graphics, pages, content, and copy tailored to your needs.

Once you have chosen a template or received the AI-generated project, you have a full set of tools to fully customize the design, the content, and then add advanced functions. For example, you can manage your e-commerce completely, activate registration forms, set up password-protected pages, or integrate your social profiles. And it is important to remember that you can also take care of page optimization for good search engine rankings.

The result is a digital space that:

genuinely represents your brand,
protects your margins,
is not dependent on external algorithms,
can grow over time alongside your business.

In other words, your website is not simply one more channel: it is the hub of your online presence, the point where all other activities, marketplaces, and social media included, can converge and reinforce one another.

WebSite X5 is an all-in-one solution: the software license includes an automatic domain and Webspace free for 12 months.

Multi-channel selling: the smartest strategy for growing your craft business online

The most important concept to keep in mind is this: marketplaces, social media, and a personal website are not rigid alternatives from which you must choose one for good. They are different tools that, when combined strategically, can reinforce one another.

Marketplaces offer immediate visibility and let you validate your product.

Social media builds relationships, trust, and brand recognition.

Your website consolidates identity, margins, and control.

The difference does not lie in using all channels, but in defining each one’s role. An effective strategy might follow this path:

Start with a marketplace to test the market, collect reviews, and find out which products actually work.
Use social media to tell the story of your creative process, build a community, and drive traffic to your sales channels.
Build your personal website as the central hub of your online presence, where you strengthen your brand and protect your margins.
Develop a marketing calendar with planned and scheduled posts, launches, and promotions: consistency is what turns visibility into sales.
Incentivize direct traffic back to your site, for example, with a newsletter, personalized packaging, or exclusive previews for subscribers.

You aren’t connected to a single channel, and you can build a more solid business that is less exposed to algorithm changes or platform policy shifts. Multi-channel selling does not mean doing everything everywhere, but orchestrating channels in a smart, coordinated way.

The most common mistakes when you start selling handicrafts online

Starting to sell handmade products is exciting. But that very excitement can lead to poor strategic decisions. Here are the most frequent mistakes many artisans make at the beginning.

Prices set too low. Out of fear of not selling, many lower their prices without properly calculating materials, production time, commissions, and taxes. A price that is too low not only shrinks margins, it can also devalue the perceived quality of the product.
No defined niche. The “I sell a bit of everything” approach rarely works online. The brands that grow fastest are those that speak to a specific audience with a recognizable style.
Neglecting product photography. Online, customers cannot touch what you are selling. Invest in product photos that are well-lit, carefully composed, and professional. Quality images showcase your handmade products and increase buyer confidence.
Depending on a single channel. Putting everything on one marketplace or one social platform can work in the early stages, but it creates vulnerability over the medium term. Diversifying and building your own space reduces risk exposure.
Not building a lasting relationship. Every satisfied customer can become a repeat customer. Collecting contacts, creating a newsletter, and offering exclusive collections: these are all actions that turn a one-off sale into an ongoing relationship.

Start selling your handicrafts online with WebSite X5

Selling handicrafts online today is a real opportunity, but it is not just a matter of platforms or tools. It is a choice.

You can start with a marketplace to test the market, use social media to build a community, and then create your own website to consolidate margins and brand identity. Or you can begin with your own digital space and build all the other channels around it.

The difference is not made by any single tool, but by the strategy with which you use them.

If you want to turn your handmade creations into a stable, recognizable project, having a space you truly control is the first step towards sustainable growth.

With WebSite X5 you can start building your professional website in a simple, guided, and fully personalized way, even from scratch. Because your talent deserves a space that genuinely represents it.

Start now with WebSite X5: https://www.websitex5.com

Domain and hosting: know the difference and avoid confusion

Incomedia — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

You just got an email reminding you that a service is about to expire.

You open the control panel, check the details, and find two entries: domain and hosting.

Which one are you supposed to renew? Do you need both? Are they the same thing?

If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Terms like domain and hosting are often confused, even by those who have been managing websites for several years.

In this article, we’re going to explain the difference in a simple way, so next time you will know exactly what you are doing.

Domains in a nutshell

“Domain” stands for your website address.

It’s what people type to find your website, for instance:

yourcompany.com
yourorganization.org
yourbusiness.net

Technically, it’s a text string registered within a global system called the DNS (Domain Name System), which functions like a phone book: it translates your website’s name into a numerical address (IP) that identifies the server where the site is hosted.

Basically, when someone types your domain into a browser, the DNS looks up the correct address and directs users exactly where they need to go.

Structure of domains

Domains have two main parts:

the name you choose → e.g., “yourcompany.”
the extension (TLD or Top Level Domain) → e.g., .com, .net, .org, etc.

Extensions can be:

Geographic → .it, .de, .fr, etc.
Generic → .com, .net, .org, etc.
Thematic → .shop, .studio, .photography, etc.

What you need to know

Domains:

are unique: when you choose a name for your website, you need to make sure it’s not already in use;
have different costs depending on the extensions: .com and .net have, for instance, different prices;
need to be regularly renewed (usually on a yearly basis);
if they expire and aren’t renewed, someone else might register them.

Do you want to learn how to choose a good domain name? Check out our guide: How to Choose an Efficient Domain Name

Hostings in a nutshell

The hosting is where your website lives.

It’s the service that provides:

a server (a computer that is always on)
the space where you can save the website files
the resources needed to make it visible online

It refers to a server - a computer that is always on and connected to the network - on which all the files that make up your website are stored: HTML pages, images, videos, the content database, and the scripts that power the various features.

How hosting works

As we mentioned before, when someone opens their browser and types in your domain, the DNS redirects them to the correct server, which responds by sending the necessary files for the page to be displayed. All this happens very quickly but requires a reliable infrastructure that is constantly active.

Why hosting is important

The quality of the hosting directly affects:

website loading speed
stability
security
traffic management

This means a poorly performing hosting can slow down your website, generate errors or downtimes during traffic peaks, and even cause security issues.

In short, using a better hosting means having a more reliable and better-performing website.

You can learn more about the importance of loading speed (and its role in SEO and conversion rates) with the dedicated guide: The importance of speed

How to choose the right hosting

The main factors that distinguish one hosting plan from another are:

the available space
computing resources (CPU and RAM)
monthly data allowance
the number of websites you can host
related services such as e-mails, automatic backup, and an SSL certificate
the server software version (specifically PHP, which is the language most websites use)

You don’t necessarily have to go for the most powerful hosting, but rather choose the one that better suits your website. If you’re creating a simple website or a small e-commerce site, a well-configured base plan is often enough.

What really matters is choosing a reliable hosting that is kept up-to-date and compatible with the tools you use. This way, you avoid technical issues and have more time to focus on your project.

What you need to know

The hosting:

needs to be reviewed every year;
unlike a domain name, which is a unique identifier, it can be changed or updated over time to meet the website's needs.

Domain and Hosting: the difference in a sentence

If the domain represents the house address, the hosting stands for the house itself.

You can:

change house (hosting) without changing the address
change the address (domain) without changing the house.

But to live there…you need both. Without a domain, nobody would find your website, and without hosting, your website won’t even exist. Domain and hosting are two separate and differently managed aspects that have to be connected to each other in order for the website to work properly.

Can they be registered on different providers?

Yes, they can be. You can register the domain with a provider while using the hosting from another service. In this case, you need to set up the domain’s DNS so it is “connected” to the correct hosting server. It’s a feasible procedure, but it adds a layer of complexity to the process and creates a potential point of friction when something goes wrong: you end up contacting two different support teams, each convinced that the problem lies with the other.

In most cases, the easiest choice is to keep the same provider for both domain and hosting.

How to understand what you’re renewing

This is the practical part. If you’re looking at an email or a renewal screen and aren’t sure how to distinguish the two entries, here’s how to orient yourself:

The domain usually shows your website’s name followed by the extension (.it, .com, .eu, etc.).
The hosting shows the name of the plan or a label such as “Hosting Plan” or “Web Space.”

If you’re still not sure, contact support before proceeding with the renewal. It’s much better to ask than to renew the wrong item or, worse, let the correct one expire.

Domain and hosting in WebSite X5: why keep them together

If you use WebSite X5 to build and manage your website, there’s an additional reason for activating the hosting and a domain with us.

It’s not just about convenience, although that matters: a single dashboard, a single renewal to keep track of, and a single point of contact if something goes wrong.

The most important factor is the technical compatibility. The included hosting is already set up to work with WebSite X5: the PHP version is always updated to match the software requirements, and advanced features such as the built-in search engine, the e-commerce module, and contact forms are all tested and fully operational without further configuration. You don’t have to worry about compatibility, update it manually, or discover that something went wrong after a server update.

In short: fewer variables, fewer problems, and more time to focus on your website.

If you want to get started without technical hassle, see how to create and publish your website with WebSite X5.

FAQs

I renewed my domain, but my website is down. Why?

The hosting probably expired. The domain is active (the address exists), but the space where the website is stored isn’t. Once you renew your hosting, your website will be back online.

Can I register the domain with you and the hosting elsewhere?

Yes, it’s technically possible. However, you would need to configure the DNS manually. If you don’t have experience with this process, we recommend keeping them together to avoid complications.

What happens if only one expires?

If your domain has expired, the website is no longer accessible, even if your hosting is active and the files are still there. If the hosting expires, the website goes offline even if the domain is active. In both cases, the result is the same: the website doesn’t work.

How much time do I have to renew everything?

It depends on the provider. There is usually a grace period after the expiration date during which you can still renew without losing anything. Once that period has passed, the domain and data may no longer be recoverable. It’s best not to wait. It depends on the provider.

Conclusions

Domain and hosting are two distinct services, and both are necessary to have a website online. The domain is your address, and the hosting is the space where your website lives. Keeping them together with the same provider makes management easier and, if you use WebSite X5, also ensures optimal technical compatibility.

If you’re unsure about what you’re renewing or want to activate both the domain and hosting for your website, our support team is happy to help. Contact us →

Any doubts while working? Now you can ask AI

Incomedia — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

When you work with WebSite X5, in most cases, you already know exactly what to do.

The interface is designed to be clear, and its steps are guided, so creating a website follows a natural flow.

However, now and then, you might have a question, not because the software is complicated, but because there are so many options, and of course, every project is different. It could be something quick: where to find a setting, how to get a certain result, or the best way to move forward in a particular situation.

Up until now, you could check the guides, read the technical documentation, or experiment a bit.

Today, on the other hand, you can simply ask.

Additional support without affecting your workflow

Finding answers has never been difficult, but it could take an extra step. You’d have to pause what you were doing and look for the information in the official guides or search through the WebSite X5 community.

This approach is still useful and fully available.

However, with this update, we’re offering a quicker alternative.

We’ve introduced an AI assistant directly integrated into WebSite X5, trained and designed to support you while you work.

It isn’t a separate tool, and it doesn’t change how you use the software: it’s simply a faster and more immediate way of accessing information.

Whenever you have a question, you can ask directly from the program interface and get a relevant answer without interrupting your workflow.

How it works

Let’s look at some practical examples.

You’re working on a project and want to get a specific result, but you can’t remember how to do it.

You can simply ask the assistant:

“How do I create a drop-down menu?”
“Where are the page SEO settings?”
“How can I add a contact form?”

The assistant interprets your question and provides an answer based on the official WebSite X5 guides, helping you find the right solution.

The AI doesn’t edit your project; it simply clarifies your options so you can move forward more smoothly.

What really changes

Integrating the AI assistant isn’t just about adding a new feature.

It changes, in a subtle but practical way, how you can work with WebSite X5.

You no longer have to interrupt your workflow to find an answer: when needed, you can get it directly while you work. This means fewer steps, less time spent searching for information, and more focus on creating your website.

The guides are still fully available and remain the most comprehensive resource.

The AI assistant complements this system, giving you faster, immediate access to the information you need.

It doesn’t replace experience; it supports it, making your workflow smoother.

A step forward in WebSite X5 development

This update marks a new milestone in WebSite X5's AI journey.

With MagicSite, it helps you create a website from scratch; with MagicText, it supports you in creating text; and now it assists you during your daily work, always available as you plan and customize your projects.

In addition to this new feature, the new update also introduces many improvements: from e-commerce, with enhanced management of comments and ratings and smarter product search, to technical optimizations that make the software faster, more stable, and aligned with the latest standards.

This update isn't just about new features, it's about a smoother, more intuitive experience.

Discover what’s new ➔

MagicSite is growing: What it means to train an AI assistant

Incomedia — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:26:00 GMT

We’ve been developing WebSite X5, the website builder that many of you know and use, for the past 20 years.

Over this time, we’ve learned what it means to make desktop software grow: writing better code, updating the UI, adding useful features, and improving product stability.

However, WebSite X5 now includes something new: MagicSite, the AI-based assistant that generates websites according to the information you provide.

Making an AI grow over time is different from further developing traditional software. It’s like going from building a tool to training a colleague: you don’t tell them what to do step by step, but you provide them with the resources they need to find the right solution.

And that’s what we’re doing behind the scenes to optimize MagicSite, project after project.

“Optimizing an AI assistant doesn’t mean telling it exactly what to do, but providing it with the criteria and tools it needs to make the best decisions.”

A new starting point

We started with a crucial first step: updating the AI engine.

Adopting a more advanced model like GPT-5.1 has been necessary to keep up with the evolution of Artificial Intelligence and provide MagicSite with a foundation for understanding language and connecting the information it receives.

Those who have already tested it during the preview phase immediately perceived the difference: the conversation flows more naturally, answers are more relevant, and the suggested solutions are more consistent with the provided details.

This wasn't the main goal but rather the starting point of a new phase.

Building on this foundation, we were able to extend the capabilities of MagicSite: enriching its set of tools, optimizing how it uses available elements, and ensuring a more natural and continuous dialogue throughout website creation.

The most significant evolution doesn’t affect a single function; it improves how the assistant interprets what you tell it and translates your information into more flexible and customizable solutions.

The chat continues during style selection

When creating a website, choosing the graphic style is a key moment. That’s when you define the tone, the atmosphere, and the visual identity of your project.

That’s why we’ve decided to make this step part of the chat experience with MagicSite.

The chat doesn’t end before the style selection step anymore: now, you can ask for more options, refine the suggested solutions, or combine elements, such as the color palette of one style with the fonts of another.

This doesn’t necessarily mean delegating everything to the AI, but rather keeping an ongoing interaction with it. MagicSite suggests a solution and then adjusts it according to your feedback.

The result isn’t a predefined style; it is shaped through dialogue.

Here, the AI evolution becomes clear: not just in the quality of the answers, but also in its ability to adapt to the needs that emerge during the conversation.

More freedom with a wider vocabulary

When you build a page, the variety of possible results also depends on the elements that can be used.

It’s like relying on a broader or narrower vocabulary: the more resources you have, the more diverse the possibilities of organizing content, highlighting key information, and adapting the page to the project.

In WebSite X5, these elements are the Optional Objects: tools that allow you to add different kinds of content to your pages, such as text, images, galleries, buttons, forms, and much more.

With the latest training cycle, we’ve expanded the range of Optional Objects that MagicSite can use when generating pages. Even with this broader knowledge, it will always select only among the objects you have purchased.

This increases the number of possible combinations. Even in projects with similar requirements or belonging to the same website category, MagicSite now has greater freedom in page creation: it can explore alternatives, avoid repetitions, and increase the variety of websites it generates.

Better tools, better results

Often, a few seconds are enough to form an idea of a website.

Images and icons are among the first elements that convey quality and visual consistency, even before reading content.

For this reason, part of the development of MagicSite has focused on the visual resources it can use during page creation.

Providing the assistant with more suitable material means offering better input: images and icons that integrate more naturally with the project being created and with the message that the page needs to communicate.

That’s why we added the integration with the Lummi image library and introduced new SVG icons.

Lummi provides AI-generated images designed to fit seamlessly into modern digital projects.

The library is directly integrated into WebSite X5, and is therefore available to all users, not only for MagicSite. It can be used both in automatic and manual project creation.

The new SVG icons also help make pages more balanced from the very first result, reducing the need to replace graphic elements in subsequent stages.

When the tools you use improve, the outcome improves too.

An ongoing process

At this point, it should be clear that making MagicSite grow does not simply mean adding one more feature or changing the version number.

It means continuing to work on its training: improving the way it understands you, expanding the tools it can use, and making the dialogue increasingly natural.

The update to a more advanced AI engine, the extension of the range of Objects, and the focus on the quality of the visual resources are all part of this process.

A process that doesn’t end with this update but continues over time, to make MagicSite more and more useful and flexible within WebSite X5.

This is how we envision the evolution of WebSite X5: not as a sequence of isolated versions, but as an ongoing growth, built on solid improvements reflected in the results you achieve.

👉 Discover what MagicSite can do today in WebSite X5

WebSite X5 as an alternative to Squarespace: which to choose and why

Incomedia — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:58:00 GMT

When it comes time to create a website, people often start with a simple thought: I want something that makes my life easier. That’s how many encounter Squarespace, an elegant platform with ready-to-use templates and the promise of getting online quickly.

But then, as you customize a page, try to reorganize content, or simply consider the cost of the subscription, a doubt can arise: am I really building my own website… or just adapting to the platform’s limitations?

Now, the question comes naturally: is there a valid alternative to Squarespace that offers more freedom, more control, and more predictable costs?

The answer is yes. WebSite X5 is an easy-to-use, full-featured website builder that takes a different approach: it lets you work offline, publish wherever you want, avoid subscriptions, and, with the help of AI, significantly lowers the barrier to entry. The result is that you can build a professional website without feeling constrained, following your own pace and way of working.

What do you really need in a website builder?

Before choosing WebSite X5 or any other alternative to Squarespace, it’s worth taking a moment to consider what you really need to build a website that works. Not just “a place to put text and images,” but a tool that supports you without complicating your life.

In general, a good website builder should offer at least five things:

A friendly learning curve
If every change requires learning a new panel or searching for tutorials, there’s a risk of losing motivation before even publishing the first page.
Built-in, ready-to-use features
Blogs, forms, galleries, e-commerce, SEO… the more tools included, the less you’ll have to chase extensions or external solutions to accomplish simple tasks.
Freedom in customization
A nice template is fine for starting, but a truly personal website should adapt to your business, not the other way around.
Clear and sustainable costs over time
Subscriptions, add-on services, premium plugins: now more than ever, it’s important to know not just how much you spend initially, but how much you’ll spend each year.
Support and guidance tools
Having someone to turn to for help, or a process that guides you step by step, can make a real difference, especially if you’re not a tech expert.

This is also where the two main philosophies in the market emerge:

On one side are SaaS platforms, like Squarespace, which operate entirely online and centralize everything: editor, hosting, updates, and recurring costs.
On the other side are installable software solutions, like WebSite X5, which offer more autonomy: you work offline, publish wherever you want, and decide how much to invest over time.

It’s the same crossroads many face when evaluating platforms like Wix or WordPress: fully online services on one side, more autonomous and installable solutions on the other. The best choice always depends on how you prefer to work and the level of freedom you want to maintain over your website.

Squarespace: pros and cons

Squarespace is often the alternative chosen by users looking for an elegant, “worry-free” solution to create a website. Its strength is evident from the very first login: everything is integrated, everything happens online, and the editor is designed to guide you step by step. It’s no wonder it’s highly appreciated by photographers, designers, and anyone wanting a visually flawless website.

The visual editor of Squarespace: an environment designed to offer a linear experience.

But like any “turnkey” platform, Squarespace has a flip side. Knowing it helps you understand whether this philosophy really aligns with what you need.

Strengths

Modern, polished templates: The visual design is one of the main reasons many choose it. It’s hard to end up with a messy result.
All-in-one approach: Editor, hosting, SSL certificates, and updates are handled by the platform.
Linear experience: You always work in the same environment, without having to configure servers or install additional components.
Ready-to-use e-commerce features: Useful for small to medium stores that want uniform design and integrated tools.
AI tools for text and images: Help generate content faster, especially when starting from scratch.

Limitations to consider

Mandatory subscription: The website stays online only as long as you pay. For some, this is an advantage; for others, a constraint.
Limited portability: You can’t fully export or migrate the website; switching platforms requires rebuilding it.
Interface and support mainly in English only: The editor and documentation are in English, even if some parts of the interface are auto-translated. For those who prefer working in other languages, this can be a limitation.
Costs that grow over time: Adding advanced features or managing e-commerce can require more expensive plans.

Squarespace works very well if you’re looking for a sleek, fast, centralized system. But if you prefer more freedom, predictable costs, and the ability to build in your own way, you may soon feel the limits of such a closed environment and want to start exploring the best alternatives to this platform.

WebSite X5 as an alternative to Squarespace

While Squarespace is designed to offer you a fully online, ready-to-go environment, WebSite X5 takes an almost opposite approach: it provides software to create websites that you install on your computer, available in different languages, giving you complete freedom in how you build and publish your website. This philosophy appeals to those who want autonomy, clearer costs, and the peace of mind of working without relying on a monthly subscription.

The WebSite X5 interface with customizable template examples: a visual environment designed for independent work with professional results.

One of the most immediate advantages is the possibility of paying once for a lifetime software which you can use to create as many websites as you want. If you manage multiple projects or build websites professionally, this changes the way you plan your time and budget.

In practical terms, WebSite X5 already integrates all essential functions: blogs, e-commerce, forms, galleries, cookie management, SEO tools. You don’t need to install plugins or add external components; all functions are included in a single environment designed to guide you step by step. And if you prefer to start from a ready-made base, a library of fully customizable templates is available.

Want to see WebSite X5 in action?

Check out the introductory video guide showing how to create a website in 5 simple steps.

Another important difference concerns the working experience. With WebSite X5, you can build your website offline, at your own pace, without the risk of slowdowns or interruptions. When you’re satisfied, you publish the project on the included hosting or wherever you prefer, with full freedom over performance, costs, and data ownership. For many users, this means a level of control that SaaS platforms can’t offer.

And then there’s AI. With MagicText, you can generate or improve text in seconds; with MagicSite, you can get started even faster: describe your project in the chat and get a complete structure ready to customize. For those starting from scratch, this feature really reduces initial stress and speeds up the creation of the first website prototype.

MagicSite’s chat generates a complete, ready-to-customize website structure in seconds: a practical help, especially if you’re not an expert.

In short, WebSite X5 is an alternative to Squarespace designed for anyone looking for a mix of simplicity, independence, and control, with a more predictable economic model over time and tools that support both beginners and those managing more complex projects.

Squarespace vs WebSite X5: The real differences

By now, you might already have an idea of the differences between the two platforms, but placing them side by side helps to understand what it really means to use one or the other solution in everyday work. Because beyond features, what truly matters is how you feel while building your website.

With Squarespace, you always work online.

You get an elegant editor and modern templates. It’s a solution that removes many technical worries: you don’t have to choose hosting, worry about updates, or install anything. This convenience, however, comes at a price: the subscription and, above all, the fact that everything stays within the platform. The website exists as long as you pay and behaves exactly as Squarespace decides it should.

With WebSite X5, the experience is different.

The software installs on your computer, you work offline, and you have more freedom to decide how to organize your project, where to publish it, and how much to spend over time. It’s an equally intuitive environment but more flexible, letting you shape pages the way you want without needing to become a tech expert. And thanks to tools like MagicText and MagicSite, even the first step, which often discourages the most, becomes easier: you can start from a ready-made structure and focus immediately on content.

In summary:

If you’re looking for a preset environment, with clear choices and a recognizable aesthetic, Squarespace offers a linear path. The alternative to Squarespace for those seeking control, independence, and the ability to build a website free from subscriptions is WebSite X5, which gives you more freedom, especially in the long term.

Type of platform

Squarespace: Online SaaS with included hosting
WebSite X5: Installable desktop software

Business model

Squarespace: Monthly/Annual subscription
WebSite X5: One-time purchase, foreseeable costs

Website ownership

Squarespace: Limited portability, website tied to the platform
WebSite X5: Full ownership, publication possible on any hosting service

Ease of use

Squarespace: Intuitive and linear editor
WebSite X5: Flexible but easy 5-step wizard

Design and templates

Squarespace: Modern, consistent style
WebSite X5: Customizable templates and freedom over the layout

Customization

Squarespace: Flexible within the framework limits
WebSite X5: Granular control over structure and layout

SEO

Squarespace: Good integrated features
WebSite X5: Advanced control over structure, tags, and content

E-commerce

Squarespace: Complete, cloud-integrated tools
WebSite X5: Integrated store with no fees (Pro version)

Built-in AI

Squarespace: AI for texts and images
WebSite X5: MagicText + MagicSite to generate a complete website

Support

Squarespace: Support available mainly in English
WebSite X5: Direct support in different languages

Independence

Squarespace: Low (closed environment)
WebSite X5: High (proprietary software, hosting chosen by the user)

Ideal target

Squarespace: Users looking for cloud ease of use and preset layout.
WebSite X5: Users looking for utonomy, control, and predictable costs

If you want an even more detailed comparison, you can explore the full version of the table, with a feature-by-feature analysis of the two platforms.

From this perspective, WebSite X5 presents itself as a CMS alternative to Squarespace, capable of offering a more flexible experience and greater freedom in project management.

A brief checklist to guide you

Do you want to always work online, in a pre-configured environment? → Squarespace
Do you prefer to have the software on your computer and publish wherever you want? → WebSite X5
Do you want templates with a precise and consistent style? → Squarespace
Do you want to freely modify layout and structure? → WebSite X5
Do you prefer an “all-in-one” solution? → Squarespace
Do you want to avoid subscriptions and have predictable costs over time? → WebSite X5
Do you want AI assistance to start from a complete structure? → WebSite X5 (MagicSite)

The differences are not about “better or worse,” but different strategies for the same goal: building a website that best represents your business.

What is the best software to create websites?

Choosing the best software to create websites isn’t just about comparing features or prices: it’s about understanding which tool fits your way of thinking, your pace, and the type of relationship you want to have with your website over the long term.

Every project starts differently: choosing the right tool means finding a workflow that makes you feel comfortable.

Some people prefer immediate solutions, where every decision has already been made: templates with a precise style, an always-online environment, and a highly guided workflow. In this sense, Squarespace offers a linear and consistent experience, ideal for those who want to focus primarily on content and need visually detailed results without diving too much into technical aspects.

But not everyone identifies with this model. Some seek an alternative to Squarespace for creating websites where they have full control over website architecture, hosting choices, and the freedom to manage multiple projects without relying on a monthly subscription for each. Here, the perspective changes. WebSite X5 not only allows you to work offline and retain full ownership of your files, but it also offers an additional advantage: an environment that grows with you.

You can start with a structure generated by MagicSite, modify whatever you want, add advanced functions as needed, and publish wherever you prefer. It’s a model suited to those who value control, continuity, and long-term economic sustainability.

There’s also an often underestimated aspect: language. Receiving support and working in an environment translate in your own language can make a huge difference when you need to resolve a question or understand a more complex function. It’s not just a matter of convenience, it’s a matter of speed and reliability.

Ultimately, the choice doesn’t depend only on “how easy it is to create a website,” but on the type of experience you want while building it. Squarespace tends to optimize for speed in getting the first results; WebSite X5 focuses on giving you a workspace that remains yours, unrestricted, and that you can develop over the years with a more predictable investment.

There’s no better or worse: there’s what allows you to express your project in the best way.

The best choice is the one that truly supports you

Creating a website is a journey that everyone approaches with different expectations and sensibilities. Some look for immediacy, some want an always-ready environment, some want to focus solely on design; and then there are those who prefer to take the time to build something that is truly theirs, in a freer and more customizable environment.

Squarespace and WebSite X5 represent these two visions: one more centralized, the other more independent and flexible. The best choice is the one that allows you to work with peace of mind, avoiding unnecessary complications and enhancing your way of designing.

If you’re considering an alternative to Squarespace that gives you greater control, more freedom to publish, and a less restrictive approach—closer to your needs and supported by AI—you can start by trying WebSite X5. It lets you take the first steps with MagicSite, continue with your own creativity, and publish wherever you like, without constraints or surprises.

Sometimes, simply seeing your project take shape is enough to understand which path is right.

Try it for free and discover how easy it could be to start building your website.

Squarespace vs WebSite X5: Full Comparison Table

Platform Philosophy

Squarespace: Cloud-based SaaS: everything happens online with hosting included.
WebSite X5: Desktop software installed on PC: work offline and publish online whenever you want.

Usage Mode

Squarespace: Used via browser; requires internet connection.
WebSite X5: Work locally; connection needed only to publish or update.

Website Ownership / Portability

Squarespace: The website remains on the platform. Cannot be fully exported.
WebSite X5: Full ownership and portability: files and projects belong to the user. Publish on any hosting.

Business Model

Squarespace: Monthly/annual subscription including hosting, platform, and updates.
WebSite X5: One-time license with no expiration. Updates and hosting optional.

Costs Over Time

Squarespace: Fixed recurring cost. Website goes offline if subscription ends.
WebSite X5: Low recurring costs (only hosting if chosen). Software continues to work even without renewal.

Number of Websites

Squarespace: One website per active subscription.
WebSite X5: Unlimited websites with a single license.

Hosting

Squarespace: Included and mandatory; SSL and optimization managed automatically.
WebSite X5: Included for 12 months; thereafter, hosting chosen freely by the user.

Ease of Use

Squarespace: Intuitive and immediate interface.
WebSite X5: 5-step guided procedure, simple but more structured.

Templates & Design

Squarespace: Modern, curated templates, minimal and consistent design.
WebSite X5: Professional, fully customizable templates with greater layout freedom.

Layout Customization

Squarespace: Flexible but limited by framework to ensure responsive consistency.
WebSite X5: Granular control via grid. More freedom for custom layouts.

Responsive Design

Squarespace: Automatically handled by templates.
WebSite X5: Manually controlled with customizable breakpoints.

Integrated Features

Squarespace: Blog, portfolio, e-commerce, forms, calendars, member areas, email marketing.
WebSite X5: Blog, e-commerce, advanced SEO, forms, galleries, member areas, cookie management, backups, AI tools. All included, no external plugins needed.

E-commerce

Squarespace: Complete, with marketing tools and member areas. Fees in basic plans.
WebSite X5: Integrated in Pro version. No fees. Ideal for small/medium catalogs.

SEO

Squarespace: Built-in and easy-to-use SEO tools. Excellent performance via cloud infrastructure.
WebSite X5: Advanced SEO with detailed control. Static websites are often very fast.

Performance

Squarespace: Consistent, optimized by the system.
WebSite X5: Depends on chosen hosting. Static websites can be extremely fast.

Maintenance & Security

Squarespace: Fully managed by the platform; no user intervention.
WebSite X5: Automatic updates. Static websites reduce risk and offer more control.

Technical Support

Squarespace: English support via ticket/chat; online documentation.
WebSite X5: Direct support in different languages + community + local documentation.

Offline Use

Squarespace: ❌ Not available
WebSite X5: ✅ Fully supported

Integrated AI Tools

Squarespace: AI for generating text, suggesting content, and editing images; useful mainly for copywriting, not website creation.
WebSite X5: MagicText for writing/improving text + MagicSite generates the entire website automatically from guided chat.

Impact on Learning Curve

Squarespace: Very high ease of use; AI mainly aids writing.
WebSite X5: MagicSite significantly lowers the entry barrier: generates structure, pages, and content, simplifying the first steps.

Project Scalability

Squarespace: Ideal for portfolios, creative brands, small/medium business websites, and automated e-commerce.
WebSite X5: Ideal for business websites, blogs, e-commerce, custom projects, and multi-site setups. Scalability depends on chosen hosting.

Ideal Target

Squarespace: Those who prioritize polished design, cloud simplicity, and centralized management.
WebSite X5: Those who want autonomy, control, offline work, and predictable long-term costs.

Motion Design: All you can do with WebSite X5

Incomedia — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Imagine you visit two similar websites: carefully-chosen colors, nice images, clear text. Still, one looks far more appealing, modern, and…just right. It’s not always easy to say why, but they are indeed different: often, there’s a secret ingredient called motion design. Small animations that we don’t even notice consciously, that make the whole navigation smooth, natural, and engaging. Without these elements, websites can appear static and a little outdated; with them, the pages come alive and show personality.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything about motion design, why it has become so popular in modern websites, and, above all, how you can use it in your WebSite X5 projects, even if you don’t have much experience in visual interaction design or coding.

Understanding motion graphic design

Motion graphic design refers to the graphic design of a page that comes alive through movement.

But be careful! It doesn’t simply mean having an image scroll or a text appear with a fancy effect: motion design is much more than that. It’s a design choice that you need to consider early in the UI/UX design process, namely when you’re making decisions about your website’s interface and the user experience you want to provide.

A well-designed micro-interaction guides users without distracting them.

You should, in fact, never use animations for their own sake. They should have a precise objective:

guiding the users to specific content or a particular call-to-action
clarifying a step
conveying brand-consistent emotions

In this sense, motion design is more than mere decoration. It’s a visual language that helps you communicate in a more immediate and intuitive way, integrating with the web page design. A gently pulsing button invites action, a timely moving icon reassures, and a nice transition from one page to the other makes the navigation experience more natural and smoother.

Differences between animation and motion design

These terms are often used interchangeably, but actually, animations and motion design aren’t the same thing.

Animation is an umbrella term that refers to any moving image, from cartoons to 3D graphics and computer-generated films. Its main goal is to tell a story, just as in cinema or videos.

Motion design, on the other hand, is a specialization of animation designed for the digital world and the web. Here, the focus isn’t on making a movie or telling a long story: it’s on communicating an idea in a simpler and more intuitive way. In the context of a website, this translates into micro-interactions, mouse-over effects for buttons, and subtle fade-in transitions for text content.

In short:

Animations attract attention and tell a complex story
Motion design guides navigation to make the experience clearer and more user-friendly.

Benefits of motion design for your website

Animations can charm and, as we mentioned, integrating motion design on a website doesn’t just make it more appealing, it also improves the user experience and the results you can achieve online.

If you’re wondering what benefits it can bring, here are some of the most important ones:

It makes navigation easier → small dynamic effects can guide the users’ attention to the most important content or call-to-actions.
It makes steps clearer → a well-designed transition or movement explains what’s happening on the screen more clearly than words.
It masks waiting time→ animated loaders or transition effects make the loading time seem shorter.
It makes the pages more engaging → micro-animations or Easter eggs (such as confetti appearing after sending out a form) turn a banal action into something memorable.
It increases the time spent on the website → with a smoother and engaging interface, users are more likely to stay longer on the website and explore its pages.

Motion design increases engagement, conversions, and retention rate.

However, too much movement risks having the opposite effect: distracting users or slowing down page loading times. The secret is to find the right balance between aesthetics and performance, choosing truly useful dynamic solutions.

Integrating website animations with WebSite X5

The best part about motion design is that you don’t need to be a professional to use it: with just a few small touches, anyone can make their website more dynamic and engaging. With WebSite X5, you have a set of tools to add effects and transitions easily. And if you want to take it a step further, you can always add HTML code or connect external tools to get more complex, dynamic effects.

Let’s now see some options to integrate dynamic visual elements on your website, from the easiest to the most advanced solutions.

Hover effects: The first step towards interactivity

The most immediate way of animating a website is by using hover effects, namely effects that are triggered when the mouse hovers over an element: a button that changes color or an image that enlarges slightly immediately communicates that the element is interactive.

👉 How to do it: It’s really easy to manage hover effects with WebSite X5. Let’s take buttons as an example. Regardless of the Object you’re using (Button, Animated Button, Hover Button, etc.), you just need to access the settings window and use the options you usually find in the hover effects section. The level of customization ranges from changing the background color to more complex effects on borders and shapes.

The same applies to images: you need to access the settings window and adjust the options for hover effects you can find in the Display section.

💡 Quick tip: choose a subtle effect. An effect that is too conspicuous risks clashing with the style of the website.

Sliders and dynamic galleries: Telling stories through images

Sliders are perfect for displaying different kinds of content within the same space: products, portfolios, or promotional images. Smooth transitions, such as fades or sideways slides, make the experience more elegant and less static.

👉 How to do it: WebStite X5 offers many preset Galleries and Sliders, which are ideal to organize images and videos better, more cleanly, and dynamically. In addition to these options, you can use specific Objects such as Portfolio or Content Slider, both based on slideshows. Each Object has its own peculiarity, but generally, the settings offer options to: set the transition type (fade, slide, zoom), define the effect duration, and choose whether the animation should run automatically or be triggered by the user.

Alternative ways of presenting images with motion design transitions make the experience smoother

💡 Quick tip: Don’t use too many sliders to avoid distracting users and slowing down navigation.

Effects on pages: For smoother transitions

A sudden switch from one page to the other disrupts the navigation flow. Transitions, on the other hand, make everything feel smoother and more professional.

👉 How to do it: go to the Sitemap on Step 3, select the page you want to work on, and click the Effect button. In the window that appears, choose the effect you prefer (fade, slide, zoom, etc.) and customize duration and colors. Repeat these steps to apply the effect consistently across all pages.

💡 Quick tip: choose a single effect and keep it consistent across the whole website. This makes the experience cleaner and less chaotic.

Animations on scroll: guiding the attention

A good way to guide attention and make the navigation more engaging is to have text or images fade in as users scroll down the page.

👉 How to do it: select the wished Object, click the Effect button, and activate the effect in the window that opens. You can choose the visual effect you prefer (fade, slide from top to bottom, etc.) and set it to trigger either when the element appears or on page scroll.

Scroll effects: in WebSite X5 you can easily customize the movement, its duration, and its delay

💡 Quick tip: apply the effect only to key elements. Too many animations on the same page can distract users and slow down loading, especially on mobile.

Parallax effect: Depth and innovation

Parallax is a dynamic scroll technique where the background moves more slowly than the foreground elements. This effect is very popular because it conveys a sense of depth and innovation without being intrusive when used carefully.

The background image moves more slowly than the content, creating a perception of depth

👉 How to do it: Creating a parallax effect in WebSite X5 is very easy. You can apply it in two ways: to individual images, using the Parallax Image Object, or on entire rows, adding depth and movement to the page. In the second case, you need to work on the Row Formats, setting the image as the background and activating the parallax effect: an easy way that guarantees great, full-width results

💡 Quick tip: Use parallax only on short sections. Overusing it can slow down loading times and annoy users viewing your website on mobile devices.

How to create motion design elements with WebSite X5

As we mentioned, WebSite X5 includes some effects that you can easily apply to pages and Objects of your website: hover effects on buttons and text, sliders and dynamic galleries, page transitions, motion design on scroll, and parallax. You can manage all of this directly through the settings windows for Objects and Rows, with no coding required. With just a few clicks, you can make your projects more dynamic.

If you want to take things a step further and achieve more advanced effects, you have two options: use a tool like WebAnimator or work with code.

WebAnimator: HTML5 animations with no code

WebAnimator is Incomedia’s motion-graphic software for creating HTML5 web animations without writing code. You work on a canvas where you add elements, coordinate them on a timeline similar to those used for video editing programs, and manage everything on clear dashboards with well-organized functions and properties. If you want to speed up the workflow, you can also find many ready-to-use preset effects.

Create HTML5 animations visually with WebAnimator: canvas, timelines, and ready-to-use preset effects.

Thanks to its user-friendliness, you can unleash your creativity and create many kinds of animations: from micro-interactions (buttons, icons, CTAs) to interactive presentations, from banners and backgrounds to animated text that makes pages more appealing and engaging.

You can finally export the animation in HTML5 to publish it online, or in popular video formats to use it in presentations and demo sessions.

And, clearly, you can easily integrate the dynamic content you create with WebAnimator into WebSite X5 with just a few clicks using the dedicated Object.

HTML5/CSS: total control over micro-interactions

If you have the needed technical skills, working with HTML5 and CSS is the most flexible way of creating micro-interactions for your web pages. The upside is precision and control: you decide what moves, when, and how much, while maintaining high performance and consistent motion language across the entire website.

As far as the integration i WebSite X5 is concerned, you can easily use your snippets: paste them in the HTML Object when you want to act on a single section, or add them in the code of the website pages for more centralized management.

Bring movement to your WebSite X5 projects

Motion design is an ingredient that we often notice unconsciously, but it marks the difference between a static website and a modern, engaging one. Small effects (a subtle hover effect, a smooth transition, or dynamic scroll) can make navigation more intuitive, strengthen your brand identity, and create a memorable experience for your users.

The good news is you don’t need to be an expert designer or programmer: with the tools built into WebSite X5, and in WebAnimator if you want to go further, you have everything you need to add an extra touch to your projects.

So why not give it a try? Start with a subtle effect, see how it changes the perception of your website, and experiment with new ideas. Even a well-designed detail can turn a regular website into one that leaves a lasting impression.

From idea to website: What really happens when you build a website with MagicSite

Incomedia — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:45:00 GMT

There’s always a moment when you build a new website, where time seems to stop.

You have the ideas, the enthusiasm…then you start the software and find yourself staring at the screen, wondering where to start.

Until recently, the answer was almost automatic: pick a template, empty it, rebuild, test, retest, change everything, start over.

It works, of course. But it’s a somewhat exhausting start, like wanting to set off on a trip and having to assemble the car piece by piece first.

With MagicSite, the WebSite X5 built-in AI assistant, this scenario changes completely. You won’t be starting from a blank page, but from a conversation. And this conversation becomes your starting point.

To really understand how it works, we wanted to put it to the test. We simulated for very different users:

Sarah, a British beekeeper with little web experience but determined to sell her honey online
Luca, a personal trainer with an online presence already, with a clear idea about what he wants to communicate.

In both cases, we did the simplest thing in the world: we opened WebSite X5, selected MagicSite and…started answering its questions, just as they would have.

The result?

Two completely different conversations, two unique journeys. Two websites that looked tailor-made for the people who “inspired” them.

Let’s take a look at what happened with Sarah and Luca, and the interesting insights that emerged from their chat with MagicSite.

Simulation 1 – Sarah: When a novice learns that building a website is surprisingly easy

Sarah’s story begins with a doubt as big as a beehive: “Can I really make a website on my own?”

Simulation 1 - Sarah, the inexperienced beekeeper, starts her first conversation with MagicSite

She is a British beekeeper, produces artisanal honey, and wants to sell it online, but she knows only enough about the web to check email and a little more.

As soon as she starts the chat with MagicSite, however, something unexpected happens: she does not feel out of place.

The questions come one at a time, in a friendly tone, and the conversation begins to take shape. The first big choice concerns the website title.

From the website title to the brand identity: all via chat

The first obstacle is the website title. Sarah is undecided and shyly asks:

“Maybe it sounds simple… can we make it nicer?”

MagicSite suggests valid alternatives for the website title.

And MagicSite does its work: it doesn’t just suggest alternatives, but explains why certain choices work better for an artisanal and local product like hers.

In a few exchanges, Sara ends up with a strong, clear, and… yes, even a little proud title:

“Sarah’s Honey – 100% Local Artisan Honey”

Goals? Strengths? MagicSite helps her understand them while she talks

When the AI asks her what the website’s goals are, Sarah answers as many would:

“I’d like to do a bit of everything…”

MagicSite helps Sara clarify the goals and strengths of her artisanal business

MagicSite doesn’t settle for such a vague answer. It guides her, suggests a clearer way to define herself, and helps her understand what really matters: selling online, yes, but also telling who she is and how she works. It’s almost a mini strategic consultation disguised as a conversation.

Describing products? “You do it.” — “OK!”

The best part?

When she reaches the product catalog, Sarah asks the AI to write the descriptions directly:

“That way I save time, and then I can adjust them myself.”

The product cards on Sarah’s website, are automatically generated by MagicSite.

MagicSite complies and creates consistent, professional text content that showcases her honey without exaggeration.

And when she needs a short introduction for the homepage, the AI suggests one that feels like it came from a story: warm, personal, and absolutely “hers.”

The result: A website that is more than just a template…. it’s her project

In just a few minutes, Sarah goes from “I don’t know where to start” to a complete foundation:

title
clear goals
well-defined strengths
product descriptions
a personal introduction
the website structure is already ready

All created from a simple chat.

And above all: everything consistent with who she is.

MagicSite didn’t take control away from her. It didn’t do it “for her.” It simply turned doubts and uncertainties into a first website that is surprisingly solid.

And this is the final result: a website that truly reflects Sarah’s story, tone, and values.

The homepage of the website was automatically created by MagicSite based on the conversation with Sarah.

Simulation 2 – Luca: When MagicSite becomes a true collaborator for a more experienced user

Luca’s story is different from the very beginning

He doesn’t open WebSite X5, asking, “Where do I start?”

He already has an online presence, knows what he offers, and wants a website that truly represents his working method.

Simulation 2 – Luca, the personal trainer, starts his first conversation with MagicSite.

He is a personal trainer, teaches motor sciences, works with clients with specific needs, and wants a professional, credible, conversion-oriented website.

For him, MagicSite is not a way to “figure out where to start,” but a tool to improve what he already knows he wants to do.

As soon as he starts chatting, something interesting happens: he doesn’t ask what to do, but how to do it better.

Setting the direction for the website: “personal” or “professional”? Both

Luca starts right away with a concrete question:

“I need a personal or a more business-oriented website? What’s best for me?”

MagicSite responds with the confidence of a consultant: it explains the difference, suggests the most effective approach, and guides the final choice.

MagicSite helps Luca identify which type of website is best suited for his business.

This is where the difference with Sarah becomes clear: the conversation is no longer “guided,” it is collaborative.

Integrating what already exists: MagicSite analyzes the online presence

Then, Luca shares a link to his professional profile.

MagicSite analyzes it, understands his style, strengths, and what sets him apart.

MagicSite analyzes Luca’s online profile and adapts the website proposal to his professional style.

This step is crucial: MagicSite doesn’t start from scratch; it begins with Luca.

The tone of the text, the proposed sections, the choices for the sitemap… everything becomes more precise, more consistent, more “professional.”

Creating the perfect message: Luca’s impactful sentence

Luca wants a short, impactful sentence for his homepage.

Not too commercial, not too generic.

Within a few exchanges, the AI proposes several versions; he chooses the one that represents him best, and together they refine it:

“For me, every training starts with the person. Listening, experience, and tailor-made programs to help them feel better.”

Luca and MagicSite work together to define the perfect impactful sentence for his homepage.

It’s a perfect example of co-creation: Luca brings the experience, MagicSite brings the synthesis.

Expanding the project: “I would like a testimonials section.”

It’s not the AI suggesting everything. At a certain point, Luca takes the initiative:

“I’d like a testimonials section. It really helps build trust.”

MagicSite doesn’t just say “okay”: it explains how to structure it, suggests solutions, and provides effective templates.

On the website he gets, Luca finds the testimonials section already laid out, designed for credibility and conversion.

The testimonials section of the website, generated by MagicSite, is designed to inspire trust in new clients

The result: A professional website that feels like it was created with a human consultant

At the end of the conversation, Luca gets:

A structure designed to highlight his identity
An impactful sentence tuned to his voice
Sensible and professional sections (from testimonials to services)
A tone consistent with his real business
A homepage that conveys trust, authority, and method

All of this, without starting from scratch.

The website was automatically created by MagicSite based on the conversation with Luca.

MagicSite didn’t tell him what to do. It gave him the tools to do it better.

It was more a partner than a generator.

What we learned from the two simulations

After following Sarah and Luca’s conversations, one thing becomes very clear: MagicSite never works the same way. It works in the best way for the person using it.

With Sarah, inexperienced and a little uncertain, the AI acted as a patient guide.

It helped her find the right words, clarify goals, and organize her ideas.

With Luca, more experienced and already present online, MagicSite interacted “as a colleague.”

It didn’t tell him what to do: it helped him do it better, refine the message, and enrich the website structure.

In both cases, MagicSite helped gain awareness of the project and the best way to present it.

It became clear and immediate that:

The AI helps you clarify your ideas
Sometimes it’s difficult to explain what you want from your website. You have an idea in your head, but you don’t know where to start to turn it into a project.

MagicSite’s questions (What is your main goal? Who do you want to reach? What makes what you do special?) force you to clarify your thoughts. A very useful exercise for anyone about to communicate.
When it invents, it often gives you new ideas
If MagicSite suggests a page or a section you hadn’t thought of, it’s not a mistake: it’s an opportunity, a way to see your project from a new angle.

It happens to both Sarah and Luca, and it’s like having someone by your side saying, “Have you considered this possibility too?”
The AI shapes what is still raw
Many ideas start out confused: sketches, intuitions, scattered concepts. MagicSite collects them and organizes them into a logical flow:

title → main message → page structure → introduction → services/products

This way, what was once “a feeling” finally becomes something you can read, evaluate, and improve.
And most importantly…it makes everything faster
Where previously hours of trial and error were needed, now just a few minutes are enough to get: a coherent draft, a sensible sitemap, relevant text, and a credible visual style.

It’s not time saved “for convenience.” It’s time to focus on what matters: customization, quality, and your identity.

And the rest of the process? We actually did it.

In our simulation, we focused mainly on the chat part, because it is the heart of the interaction with MagicSite, and where it most clearly shows how it differs in operation.

But of course, we carried the whole flow through to the end:

We chose one of the graphic styles suggested by the AI
We reviewed and approved the sitemap
And in the end, we proudly checked out the automatically generated website

The result had everything: a coherent structure, relevant text, appropriate images, and a tone consistent with Sarah and Luca’s profiles. It was already a real, functional, solid project.

We’ve reached the end of this simulation.

Sarah and Luca, however, would probably have opened the project in WebSite X5 and started the more personal part: edits, tweaks, colors, photos, details, everything that makes a website truly “your own.”

And that is the point: MagicSite accelerates the process, but the final direction is always in your hands.

Discover how to create a complete website with MagicSite, the AI assistant integrated into WebSite X5.

WebSite X5 2025.3: A new way of creating websites with AI

Incomedia — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:32:00 GMT

Every year, with WebSite X5, we ask ourselves the same question: how can we make website creation even easier and more rewarding?

In 2025, we started by focusing on people: with version 2025.1, we worked on accessibility, because an open and inclusive web is also a better web.

Then, with version 2025.2, we broadened our horizons: we introduced PWA (Progressive Web App) for more powerful and easily accessible websites, even from mobile devices, added new effects for objects and pages, and implemented RTL support, making it possible to create websites in right-to-left languages.

Now it’s time to take a bigger step towards artificial intelligence.

With the new version 2025.3, we introduce MagicSite, the AI-assistant integrated in WebSite X5 that helps you turn a simple idea into a complete project in a natural and quick way.

It’s a step that completes one journey and immediately opens another. This marks the beginning of a new way of creating websites with artificial intelligence: natural, guided, and within everyone’s reach.

Check out the launch presentation of WebSite X5 2025.3

In this brief video, we show you how MagicSite works, as well as all the AI-related news of this new version.

MagicSite: The AI that helps you create your website

Behind every website, there’s an idea. But when it’s time to start, many people find themselves staring at the screen, unsure where to begin.

With MagicSite, that moment changes completely.

MagicSite is the new AI feature integrated in WebSite X5 that helps you bring your idea to life right away. Just have a short chat with the assistant: add who you are, what you do, and what kind of website you need. In a matter of minutes, the software generates a complete project tailored to your needs: not just a random template, but a real, logically structured website with content relevant to your field.

The website you get is so well organized that you could almost publish it right away: it already includes pages, content, and images. However, the best part comes next, because every element can be freely customized with the WebSite X5’s tools you’re already familiar with.

Our goal wasn’t in fact to replace your work with the AI, but to provide you with an assistant trained to understand your needs and help you build your project’s foundation.

So you can rely on a smart starting point, the result of years of WebSite X5 development experience, and focus right away on what really matters: personalizing, refining, and giving your website its own character.

How it works: from chat to website

Using MagicSite is very easy: it naturally integrates into the WebSite X5 workflow and guides you step by step.

When starting a new project, you can now choose to start from one of the many preset templates, like you always do, or rely on the AI assistant. In this case, an interactive chat opens: you just need to answer the questions about who you are, what you do, what your goals are and what kind of website you want to create. Think of it as a conversation with a collaborator, rather than a mere interview. Of course, the more details you give, the more closely the generated project will match your needs.

Then, MagicText suggests several graphic styles, with color palettes, tone of voice, fonts, and settings, as well as a complete navigation map reporting the main pages and content already organized. You can select the style you prefer and confirm the pages you want to be generated.

Now the AI has everything it needs to build a complete website that perfectly fits your requests. In a matter of minutes, you can preview the result. It has everything: templates, navigation structure, texts, and images relevant to your field. If you asked for it, you will also find e-commerce and blog, already set up and working.

From chat to complete website: MagicSite, the WebSite X5’s AI, creates a complete and consistent website in minutes.

Here’s why it’s different from other AI builders

Today, many tools promise to create websites with artificial intelligence, but they often follow a very simple process: they gather minimal information online or from short user prompts, pick a generic template, and fill it with standard, inconsistent text.

The result is a site that looks like many others, limited in content and structure, and rarely meets the real needs of its users.

MagicSite was created to overcome exactly these limits.

The AI assistant in WebSite X5 collects and interprets far more information, combining it with its trained knowledge of web design, usability, and SEO best practices to generate a complete, well-structured project with multiple logically connected pages.

It’s not just a one-page site, but a properly organized website where the AI decides how to distribute content, organize sections, and maintain overall coherence.

In this way, MagicSite doesn’t just “fill in” a template—it builds a real website for you, a professional starting point ready to be refined and customized in every detail.

The benefits: more accessibility, more time, more consistency, more freedom

With MagicSite, creating a website has never been easier.

The AI assistant integrated in WebSite X5 lowers the entry barrier even further: even users with no experience or who don’t know how to start can get a complete and consistent website in just a few minutes, without having to start from scratch.

The first benefit is the ease of getting started: you don’t need to know the ideal structure for your website or worry about the text to write. Just share your idea and let the AI turn it into a project ready to be customized.

With MagicSite, you save time, get a consistent site, and customize whatever you want. The AI simplifies things, but you stay in control.

Then, you can save time.

The entire initial phase, where you define pages, content, and style, is reduced to just a few minutes of conversation. Instead of building everything from scratch, you immediately get a solid base to work on.

Content consistency is another key advantage: since MagicSite processes the collected information and applies best practices in web design, usability, and SEO, each page is logically and harmoniously connected to the others. The result is a website that communicates clearly and works well from the start.

Finally, there’s creative freedom. Everything MagicText generates can be customized using WebSite X5’s tools. The AI gives you a solid base, but you’re the one shaping and personalizing the project.

In short, MagicSite helps you overcome the difficulty of getting started, optimize your workflow, and focus on the most rewarding part: bringing your identity online.

The evolution of WebSite X5: the AI Tools family expands

With version 2025.3, WebSite X5 takes an important step forward in its innovation path.

After introducing MagicText, the AI assistant that generates tailored texts, and now MagicSite, which creates complete projects, the AI Tools family gets even more powerful and versatile.

In this new version, MagicText also evolves, gaining a series of smart text-editing features.

In addition to generating new content, it can now:

Expand a text by adding details or sentences to make it longer.
Shorten it, removing unnecessary parts to get a more direct result.
Simplify it by making the language clearer and more immediate.
Make it more engaging with a more appealing, reader-friendly tone.
Optimize it for SEO by improving its ranking potential.
Extract key points, turning a text into a clear, concise list:
Automatically translate content in the project language or another of your choice.

With these updates, WebSite X5 confirms its direction: integrating artificial intelligence in the service of creativity, simplifying processes while keeping users in full control of their work and expression.

Learn more about MagicText and its new text-editing features, or read the complete guide for all the technical details.

Start from a smart foundation

With version 2025.3, WebSite X5 becomes even more complete and intuitive.

MagicSite marks an important step forward: creating a website no longer means starting from scratch, but beginning with an intelligent foundation, already structured and aligned with your goals.

It’s a new, smoother, and more collaborative way of working, where artificial intelligence and creativity come together to bring unique projects to life.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, MagicSite and MagicText offer real support to turn your ideas into professional results, in less time and with greater freedom.

Discover the new WebSite X5 2025.3 today and experience the difference for yourself:

Try MagicSite for free.

Availability of AI features

MagicSite is available in all WebSite X5 editions, including the Trial version, with a different number of included generations depending on the plan.

MagicText, on the other hand, is available in the Pro and Agency editions, and in version 2025.3, it introduces new, smart text-editing features.

To learn more about the number of generations included and how to buy more with credits, visit the Pricing and Licenses page.

In this article, we just mentioned the most relevant new features of version 2025.3: please find the complete list on the New Features page.

Do you have an active WebSite X5 license? Install this new version right away: start the program and follow the instructions to do it in a few clicks only.
Do you have an expired license? Renew it now to get v2025.3 and all the upcoming updates.
Don't have WebSite X5 yet? Now is the perfect time to buy it. The license includes Hosting, Priority Support, and 12 months of updates and new versions.

Planning and scheduling: How to develop a marketing calendar for posts and promotions

Incomedia — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:30:00 GMT

It’s not your job, but you still need to take care of it.

Think about this: you’re a business owner - a shop, a restaurant, a small enterprise, or an association. You have a website, created with WebSite X5, and you know that nowadays being online is crucial.

However, between shipping, phone calls, and a thousand other tasks, you end up on Friday asking yourself the same question: “I had to publish something…but what?”

If this scene looks familiar, you’re not alone.

Communicating online doesn’t only require creativity, but also a good degree of organizational skills. And those who aren’t involved in marketing for their business might need a simple and sustainable strategy more than anything else.

Here’s where two important allies come into play: planning and scheduling. With a good marketing calendar, you will know exactly what to publish, when, where, and why - whether it’s a social post, a seasonal promotion, an e-mail to a customer, or a website update.

The good thing about it is that you spare time, communicate more cohesively, and reach the right people at the right time with the right message.

In this article, we will see:

What planning and scheduling mean (and why you need both).
How to build a simple yet efficient calendar.
Which content should you plan (even if you’re out of ideas)
and what tools can help you communicate better, with less stress and more results.

Planning and scheduling: What they are and why they are important

Now that you know how useful it is to have a method for managing online communication, let’s get to the heart of the matter: what exactly is a marketing calendar?

And more importantly, how do you build one?

It all starts with two key concepts: planning and scheduling.

They may sound like synonyms, but they’re not. To create effective communication—even if you’re not a marketing professional—it’s important to know what sets them apart and how they work together.

Planning: deciding what, when, and why to communicate

Planning means setting your objectives, understanding your target audience, deciding what to communicate, and when.

It’s the stage where you organize your ideas, choose the right channels, and define an overall vision that aligns with your business.

Concrete examples:

Launching a new product in March? You can prepare a series of dedicated content.
Want to take advantage of holidays to offer promotions? It’s better to start early.
Have a blog or a recurring column? Decide topics and timing in advance.

At this stage, you work on content, channels (social media, website, newsletter), tone of voice, and goals.

It’s time to use your brain to design a clear, sustainable strategy that fits your resources.

Scheduling: are: organizing when and where to publish

Scheduling is the operational part: it’s about setting dates and times, planning posts, sending newsletters, and setting up promotions on your website.

This is where tools and software come into play: you can use a shared calendar, social media platforms, or, if you use WebSite X5, take advantage of its built-in blog features.

In short:

Planning tells you where you want to go.
Scheduling helps you get there, step by step.

When they work together, they save you time, reduce improvisation, and improve the quality of your communication.

How to build an efficient marketing calendar

Given that planning and scheduling help you communicate more effectively, let’s see how to actually build your marketing calendar.

Even if you’re starting from scratch, it’s a task well within your reach. All you need are a few tools, a bit of method, and some careful planning to create a system tailored to you.

1- Choose the format that better suits you

To create a marketing calendar for planning your various activities, there is no single perfect model: you can freely choose the calendar that is easiest for you to use.

Just to mention some of the most well-known and widely used tools, you could start with:

An Excel or Google Sheets spreadsheet.
A digital calendar like Google Calendar.
Software for planning and scheduling activities (Trello, Notion, Asana…).

The important thing is to choose a tool that doesn’t complicate your life: it should be quick to update, visual, and shareable if you work in a team.

For example, let’s assume we are working with Google Sheets to create a simple monthly calendar. We can start by setting up a table with the following columns:

Day – to indicate publication date or day of the week (e.g., Monday 7, Tuesday 8…).
Channel – to specify where the content will be published: Blog, Instagram, Newsletter, Facebook, Website, etc.
Content – to insert a title or brief description of the content: “New Product Post,” “Blog Article,” “Valentine’s Promo,” etc.
Goal – to state what you want to achieve with that content: visibility, sales, website traffic, loyalty…

Then, we can use rows for the days of the week and tabs for the months. Even a table this simple already gives you a clear view of what to do, where to publish, and with what objective.

An example of a Google Sheet marketing calendar, ready to be filled out

2- Define the publication frequency

The second step is to understand how much you can (realistically) publish.

Remember: it’s better to post a little consistently than a lot and then disappear for weeks.

Here are some basic ideas of what you could include in your marketing calendar:

1 social post per week + 1 newsletter per month;
or 2 blog articles per month + 1 seasonal promotion each quarter;
or: 1 regular column every Friday + scheduled offers based on events.

A weekly marketing calendar draft for blog, newsletters, and social media.

There is no right frequency for everyone: consider your goals, your audience, and the time you have available, and find your own pace.

3- Organize the activities visually

A messy calendar is useless. It should be a working tool that gives you a clear overview at a glance.

Here are some tips to help you optimize your marketing calendar and keep everything under control:

Use color codes (e.g., red for promotions, blue for newsletters, green for articles).
Assign roles if you work in a team (who writes, who publishes, who reviews).
Add notes or deadlines to know what needs to be done and by when.
Always leave some buffer for unexpected events or last-minute posts.

A complete marketing calendar: colors, roles, and notes help work clearly and in synergy.

Good organization saves you time, reduces stress, and allows you to communicate more clearly and professionally.

Ideas for Content and Promotions to Plan

By now, you’ve understood how to build your marketing calendar.

The next step is deciding what to include: which content, which initiatives, and which key dates to mark.

A good calendar doesn’t just help you remember when to publish—it also becomes a tool to add variety, rhythm, and consistency to your communication.

Ideally, alternate between:

Valuable content, such as articles, columns, and newsletters;
Seasonal content tied to events, launches, or special offers;
Recurring content, like monthly promotions or weekly tips.

Here are some practical tips to start filling your calendar right away.

Planning promotions

The marketing calendar is a true ally for organizing promotions effectively. This way, you can prepare in advance, avoid last-minute rushes, and communicate your offers efficiently across all channels.

If you’re temporarily running low on ideas, here are some ready-to-use suggestions to include in your promotional calendar:

Seasonal and recurring promotions

Holidays and themed days are great opportunities to create targeted offers.

According to recent studies, over 30% of online sales take place during the last months of the year, coinciding with events like Black Friday and Christmas. Promotions during these periods work because people not only expect them, but actively look for them. They are also more attentive to communications and more willing to spend, both for themselves and for others.

In addition to official holidays, there are themed days—international or national observances dedicated to specific causes, sectors, or values. There’s something for everyone, from Earth Day to Dog Day or even Pasta Day. These occasions are excellent opportunities to connect your brand to relevant values or themes and offer themed promotions.

Once you’ve identified the event to focus on, you can plan content or a promotion—just like we did in this mini marketing calendar with some key dates you shouldn’t miss.

2025 Mini-Marketing Calendar - Don’t miss these dates

The key dates to plan efficient seasonal content and promotion throughout the year

Of course, you can take these ideas and adapt them to your sector.

The important thing is to start marking these occasions in your calendar and decide in advance whether to plan content, a promotion, or both.

Launches and updates

Whenever you introduce a new product or service, or roll out a significant update, it’s worth planning a dedicated communication.

No need for big productions: a well-crafted post, a targeted newsletter, or an effective landing page can be enough to generate attention and curiosity.

You can also create a small launch plan, building anticipation in the days leading up to it and using multiple channels (social media, website, email) to maximize impact.

Examples of content:

Teasers on social media with a countdown or “coming soon”
Demonstration videos
Offers exclusive to newsletter subscribers
In-depth or comparison blog articles (e.g., “What’s new in the latest version”)

The key is not to improvise: mark planned launches and build a consistent, engaging communication around them.

Recurring offers

Some occasions recur regularly and you can plan well in advance: end-of-season sales, welcome offers, “tell a friend” promotions, renewal discounts, “x products for x euros” campaigns, and so on.

The strength of these offers lies in their repeatability: you can automate them, test them over time, and improve them based on previous results.

Including them in your marketing calendar allows you to:

Plan them (copy, graphics, emails…)
Differentiate them from seasonal promotions
Communicate more clearly and consistently with your audience

💡 Pro tip: Whenever possible, link recurring offers to strategic moments for your sector (e.g., beginning of the month, seasons, local holidays, tax deadlines).

Planning contents

Promotions are essential, but they cannot (and should not) be the only type of content in your communication.

A good content marketing calendar also includes informational, educational, and relationship-building content: these are the pieces that build trust, generate long-term interest, and foster a lasting connection with your audience.

Here are some strategic content types to include in your marketing calendar, depending on the channel and objectives.

Blog articles and evergreen content

The blog is one of the most effective tools for improving your search engine ranking, boosting SEO, and providing valuable content to your audience: you can use it to better tell your story, explain what you do, and show how you work.

Planning your article publications helps ensure consistency and makes the most of seasonal or recurring content.

You can publish:

Practical guides and tutorials related to your field
In-depth articles or case studies
Articles related to events, seasons, or frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Updates on what’s happening in your business

👉 If you use WebSite X5, you can schedule post publications directly from the software, without the need for external plugins. Learn how to set up an editorial calendar for your blog with WebSite X5.

Newsletters and exclusive content

Sending newsletters should also be carefully planned.

Besides being a great tool to keep your audience updated, newsletters have a valuable advantage: they reach people who have chosen to receive your communications directly.

Subscribers to your mailing list have already shown interest in what you offer: by creating consistent and well-planned newsletters, you can build loyalty, inform them, and turn them into customers.

You can schedule:

Monthly newsletters with updates from your website or blog
Emails tied to recurring events, launches, or limited-time offers
Content exclusive to subscribers (previews, discount codes, downloads, etc.)

💡 A good email marketing calendar helps you maintain a consistent rhythm, avoid overlaps, and communicate more effectively.

Social media content

Social media is often the first point of contact between your brand and people. Additionally, if you already have a website, integrating social media directly into your pages can act as a bridge between your site and your followers: by sharing articles, promotions, and updates, you drive traffic to your site and increase visits.

That’s why your presence on social platforms must be consistent, recognizable, and well-organized.

Without an overview, it’s easy to lose track. With a good social media calendar, however, you can keep everything under control. It helps you post regularly, maintain visual and tonal consistency across content, take advantage of strategic dates, and engage your audience with varied content. In this way, you can build a community and showcase your work.

Here are some useful content types to plan:

Regular series (e.g., “Monday Tip,” “Product of the Week”)
Behind-the-scenes content, testimonials, quotes, polls
Content tied to thematic days or seasons
Short videos, carousels, quizzes, announcements, and practical tips

🎨 If some content repeats over time, you can use pre-made graphic templates to speed up post creation.

Tools that help you communicate better

We’ve talked about calendars, ideas, content, and promotions.

But there’s one ingredient that can truly make a difference in your daily work: the tools you choose to manage your marketing.

With the right tools, you can:

Stay better organized
Save time
Communicate consistently
Reduce the stress of day-to-day management

Your “kit” to start with the right foot

In reality, you don’t need a team or an agency to start communicating effectively online.

You just need to build a small, basic system, tailored to your needs, that you can rely on each week.

Here’s a realistic example of a simple yet effective starter setup:

Organizing a content plan

Suggested tool: Google Sheets or Notion
Example: Monthly table with posts, newsletters, promotions

Creating graphics easily

Suggested tool: Canva or similar tools
Example: Visuals for social media, banners, newsletter images

Scheduling blog posts and promotional pages

Suggested tool: WebSite X5
Example: Scheduled posts, landing pages for seasonal offers

Collecting subscriptions or leads from the website

Suggested tool: WebSite X5 forms
Example: Contact or newsletter sign-up forms

Sending newsletters

Suggested tool: External tools (e.g., MailerLite, Brevo…)
Example: List management, automated email creation, and sending

What if your tool was (already) WebSite X5?

If you’ve already chosen to use WebSite X5 to build your website, you’re on the right track.

In fact, you already have most of the tools you need to communicate online professionally and stress-free.

The software is designed specifically to help people like you – entrepreneurs, freelancers, artisans, professionals – manage their online presence independently, without needing to learn coding or rely on multiple external tools.

With WebSite X5, you can:

Build your website or e-commerce store with all the necessary features
Write and schedule blog articles, maintaining consistency and visibility over time
Create promotional pages or landing pages for seasonal offers and launches
Manage products, coupons, and discounts directly in the integrated store
Use special objects, like ADV Calendar, for time-sensitive initiatives (e.g., Advent Calendar)
Collect sign-ups or inquiries via customizable forms

💡 And with the MagicText feature, you can even get content suggestions thanks to the integrated AI – perfect when you’re short on ideas or time. Discover all the features of WebSite X5.

WebSite X5 is not (just) software for building websites: it’s a practical solution to work more efficiently, communicate consistently, and establish a truly unique online presence.

Conclusions: Better planning for more efficient communication

A marketing calendar is not a rigid framework to follow, but a compass to guide you.

Whether you’re promoting a store, an e-commerce site, or a personal project, having a clear vision of what to publish, when, and why allows you to:

Communicate more consistently and professionally
Avoid stress and last-minute improvisation
Maximize the value of every piece of content, post, and promotion

The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to get started.

All you need is a well-structured calendar, a bit of method, and the right tools for you – including WebSite X5.

With WebSite X5, you can create your website, blog, or e-commerce store and have a solid foundation on which to build content, promotions, and effective communication strategies.

If you haven’t done it yet, discover more about WebSite X5 and start growing your online presence today.

Create and manage your association’s website with WebSite X5

Incomedia — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Every association is made up of people, stories, ideas, and passion. Some focus on community events, others promote culture, support people in distress, or help youngsters through sports and volunteering. All these associations have something in common: they have something important to say.

However, they are too often invisible online. There’s no proper space for collecting all information, updating members, or reaching a new audience.

For associations, a website is more than just a simple online page: it’s a living tool that gives voice to everyone involved and amplifies their impact.

Luckily, creating the website for your association is now easier than you think.

In this article, we’ll see that with WebSite X5, the user-friendly website builder, you can create and manage a professional online presence on your own, even with no technical skills. It includes everything you need: you just have to get started.

A Website for Your Association: 4 Reasons Why It’s Essential

Associations, no matter their organization, sector, or goals, all share the same four key needs:

Increase visibility;
Convey trustworthiness;
Tell stories and engage people;
Build relationships.

A website is the ideal tool to meet all of these needs because it is always active, easy to update, and accessible to anyone, anywhere. Actually, having a website offers a real benefit for each and every goal mentioned above: let’s see how.

1. Increasing visibility

The first goal for associations is simple: to exist online. Today, we mostly use Google to search for information. Without a website, it’s really difficult to be found, even just locally. With a well-designed and regularly updated website, on the other hand, your association can appear in search results when someone is looking for an organization like yours. Whether they are new volunteers, families, public institutions, or simply curious visitors, having a well-positioned website strengthens your presence and adds credibility to your project.

2. Conveying trustworthiness

The second goal for any association is to prove that it’s worthy of the trust of those who want to collaborate or offer their support. Publishing the charter, the mission, financial reports, and regulations is nowadays a strong sign of trustworthiness. Many public tenders, foundations, and institutional partners require transparency in governance and finances. But everyday citizens also appreciate knowing who’s behind initiatives and how resources are being used.

3. Telling stories and engaging people

The third goal is to share engaging stories. Associations are built on relationships, participation, and shared energy. A website is the perfect place for telling more about activities and projects, as well as publishing photos, testimonials, and informing about events. It is also ideal to collect the subscriptions of interested users who want to receive newsletters and stay updated. These are all effective strategies for maintaining a direct connection with one's members and supporters. And it is also a way to keep up the interest between one initiative and the next.

4. Building relationships

Finally, the fourth goal is efficiently managing the relationships between all the involved parties. From this perspective, websites serve not only as ideal communication channels to the public but also as practical tools for the daily management of activities. You can add online subscription forms, update activity calendars, collect requests, offer downloadable materials, and create password-protected areas for the members.

What makes an association website special

Now that you know the benefits associations can gain from having an official website, let’s take it a step further and look at what it should include to be truly effective.

Let’s start with a consideration: for associations, a website is more than just a collection of pages. It’s the community’s digital home. As mentioned, it should welcome visitors, introduce the association, inform about the initiatives, and engage visitors. It should speak both to those who already know the association and to those who are discovering it for the first time. Finally, it should convey the feeling that everyone is part of something bigger.

But how to build such a space? Here are the key elements:

Three key elements for an effective association website: the event page, the contact form, and the donation area. Everything can be easily set up with WebSite X5.

The “About us” page
Every relationship begins with an introduction. This is where you need to explain who you are, where you come from, and what drives you. Your mission, your values, the faces and stories that represent you. This is where people begin to trust you.
The activity calendar
Associations live in the present, rooted in their local territory. An up-to-date events calendar allows your supporters to participate, support, and share. A charity walk, a children's workshop, a fundraising evening: everything can find its space, and its audience
The contact form
Reaching out should be easy: a simple form, accessible from any device, is like a door that is always open for those who have questions, suggestions, or simply want to know more about you.
The page to join the association
Many visitors will probably ask themselves: “How can I help?”. Answer this question. A membership page brings new energy, explains how to join, and helps everyone feel like part of the team.
News, projects, and the blog
Every initiative deserves to be told. A “News” or “Blog” section helps keep the relationship with the audience alive: not only to share updates, but also to tell your story, highlight your achievements, and celebrate the dreams that have come true. Creating a blog is easy, and AI-based tools can help you find ideas and write articles.
The donations
Some people have trust, but not time. Offering a clear and secure way to donate online (via PayPal, bank transfer, or other systems) is a way of turning this trust into a real contribution. Don’t forget to explain how the funds will be used: every donation has its own story.
The documentation
A dedicated space for the charter, regulations, financial statements, and meeting minutes: not only to ensure transparency, but also to make things easier for those who are actively involved. It’s a simple section, but an essential one.
Images
Photos, videos, faces, and moments. Galleries tell more than words, and here is where the life of the association comes to light: through smiles, gatherings, and hands that build.
Social accounts
The website and social media shouldn’t compete; they should work together. A visible and consistent integration helps amplify the association’s voice, giving continuity to the stories you share every day.

A website like this isn’t just nice to look at, it’s useful, dynamic, and engaging. Whether you’re creating a site for a cultural, sports, environmental, or animal welfare association, with a tool like WebSite X5, all of this is within reach, even if you have no technical skills.

Managing an association website is really easy

Websites are really useful only if they can be easily updated at any time. A changed date for an event, a new membership fee, new photos to share on a special day: these small actions make a big difference in the daily life of an association.

With WebSite X5, you can manage all of this completely on your own.

You can update texts, images, opening hours, and other content in just a few clicks, thanks to a visual, user-friendly interface
You can tell about the association and update the blog section with the latest news.
You can collect contact information and e-mail addresses with custom online forms, and then use third-party services to send newsletters to the members.
And you can track visits and view website analytics to understand the types of content that perform best.

With WebSite X5’s visual editor, you can easily create and update any section of your website, without coding and in just a few clicks.

If, over time, you feel the need to update the graphic design or the website layout, you can do it easily and without starting from scratch: you will just need to change the template, update the content, and republish the website.

WebSite X5 is designed for non-expert users who still need reliable tools to get professional results. You will save time and resources without compromising quality, because everyone has a story to tell, even if they don't have much time to spend online.

In the next paragraph, we will look at how to start building an association website with WebSite X5.

How to create your association’s website with WebSite X5

Creating your association’s website isn’t necessarily a complicated task. With WebSite X5, you don’t need to know how to program or how to use HTML code. You can build your own comprehensive, professional, and visually appealing website simply by following a guided 5-step process.

And it all starts here.

1. Start the project and choose the right template

As soon as you start WebSite X5, you will be asked to create a new project: simply choose a name and a domain (even a temporary one), and you’re ready to go. Next, you can browse through the gallery or ready-made templates: there are plenty of great options designed for associations, NGOs, sports clubs, or cultural groups.

All templates are fully customizable: you can change colors, images, fonts, and layout as to really make it your own.

Check out the webinar: How to customize a ready-made Template

2. Organize the pages and the navigation

Now, focus on creating the website structure, namely the list of pages it will include. As we mentioned earlier: “About us”, “Events”, “Contact us”, “Join us”, etc.

WebSite X5 helps you define the structure logically, ensuring a smooth browsing experience for your visitors. You can add new pages or sections at any time, without having to start from scratch. Links between pages are automatically managed and updated, so you save time and your site’s navigation always works flawlessly.

3. Add contents with the drag & drop system

Texts, images, galleries, and contact forms: with WebSite X5 all it takes is drag & drop. You work visually with a very intuitive editor and see the result right away, just as it will appear online.

No coding, no need for complicated third-party plugins. Every section comes together in just a few clicks and can be updated at any time.

4. Customize and activate advanced functions

Want to send newsletters, collect donations, integrate an interactive map, an advanced photo gallery, or even password-protected areas for the members of your organization?

WebSite X5 offers many advanced, easy-to-use extra functions. Even the most advanced tools, such as blogs, website analytics, and SEO, are built-in and easy to manage, without having to install external plugins or know how to code.

5. Export your website online and update it anytime you want

When you’re happy with the result, you can go online in just a few minutes. WebSite X5 includes free webspace so you can publish your website right away, but you’re also free to use any external hosting provider you prefer.

And most importantly, you can update your website whenever you want, with no recurring fees and without relying on third-party services. Just open your project, make the changes, and republish your site.

Creating your association’s website might seem challenging… but with the right tools, it becomes an easy and rewarding experience.

In the end, you won’t just have a website, but the digital home of your community.

Success Stories: Associations that Chose WebSite X5

To bring to life what we’ve shared so far, here are 3 concrete examples—real projects from associations that, thanks to WebSite X5, have created digital spaces that are useful, engaging, and easy to manage.

Progetto Arca non-profit Organisation - Heartfelt Solidarity Gifts

The need:

The Progetto Arca non-profit Organisation has been working for over 28 years, supporting the most vulnerable people, providing assistance and shelter to the homeless, families in need, and refugees.

Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with them and support some of their projects, such as the realization of Rome’s Mobile Kitchen in February 2022, a mobile unit designed to bring warm meals to the homeless in the city.

To strengthen their bond with companies and supporters, the Organization decided to offer a new way of supporting their initiatives: an e-commerce platform for solidarity gifts, where people can buy symbolic presents to help fund their social projects.

A good example of a volunteer association website: Marta Etrelli and the homepage of the shop regalisolidaliprogettoarca.org, created with WebSite X5.

The creator:

The organization’s fundraiser Marta Etrelli, developed the shop. Despite being a novice, Marta was able to create the website on her own using WebSite X5 and customizing one of the available templates.

“I’m no expert, but with WebSite X5 I was able to create everything in a matter of weeks.

Today, the shop is active all year round and helps us support our mission in a more practical way.”

Marta Etrelli, Fundraiser – Progetto Arca non-profit Organisation 

The result:

The website regalisolidaliprogettoarca.org is simple, neat, and effective. The Organization’s team manages it directly, and it includes product sheets, a donation system, emotional images, and clear texts. It’s a perfect example of how to create and manage an association website that combines communication, transparency, and charity.

Non-profit Neo‑n - Restyling the website of a neonatal organization

The need:

Neo‑n is a volunteering non-profit that supports newborns at risk and their families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Maggiore Hospital in Novara.

Their need was clear: to restyle their website to better express their mission, update activities, collect donations, and make it easier for people to get in touch with the association.

Riccardo Bianco, a volunteer, created the website neo-n.org with WebSite X5 without any programming skills: an example of how to create a website for an association independently.

The creator:

Riccardo Bianco, a volunteer in the association, led the project. He is not a web designer or a digital professional, but a passionate person eager to help in communication.

Thanks to the ease of use of WebSite X5, Riccardo planned, built and published a new, modern, and functional website for the association starting from a preset template and customizing it to fit their needs.

“I have no technical skills, but with WebSite X5 I did everything myself.

We wanted a clear, consistent, and professional website, and today, we can update it ourselves anytime.”

Riccardo Bianco, volunteer – Non-profit Neo‑n

The result:

The website tells Neo-n’s story, collects funds, presents projects, and hosts events and testimonials. Most importantly, it is managed directly by the association in a simple, cost-effective, and independent way.

A perfect example of how to create an association website using easy-to-use tools.

Irpinia Trekking - A digital community rooted in the mountain

The need:

Irpinia Trekking is an association born from a passion for the territory and the mountains. It organizes hikes, promotes the discovery of local trails, and enhances the natural beauty of Irpinia, creating experiences of sharing, sport, and knowledge of the area. To promote its activities, publish the event calendar, and share stories of the hikes, it was necessary to create an official website for the association that could be managed independently and accessed easily from smartphones.

Vincenzo Tino, founder of Irpinia Trekking, created and manages the website with WebSite X5, a solid example of how to build a website independently for a local sports organization.

The creator:

The website was created by Vincenzo Tino, founder and hiking guide of the association. Without being a web professional, Vincenzo used WebSite X5 to build the website starting from a template suited to the outdoor world. He customized the content with texts, images, and a calendar of outings, creating a complete and easily updatable portal.

“I have been using WebSite X5 for years. I don’t need manuals: I create the site as if I were building a trail. It’s simple, fast, and I have control over every aspect.”

Vincenzo Tino, founder – Irpinia Trekking

The result:

The Irpinia Trekking website is a digital gateway for hikers, curious visitors, and new members. It is updated directly by those who live and lead the activities in the field: a living space that collects events, photo stories, and contacts for participation. A concrete example of how to manage an association website without technical complications.

Three stories, one platform

Progetto Arca non-profit Organisation, Non-profit Neo-n and Irpinia Trekking are three different stories that have something in common: the energy of people who believe in what they’re doing, and the possibility of giving a solid share to an online project thanks to a flexible, easy-to-use tool like WebSite X5.

In all three cases, the websites were created without any specific technical skills, just passion, independence, and a clear goal: to communicate better, engage more, and grow with consistency.

Of course, these are just a few examples from the non-profit world. In reality, there are thousands of websites created with WebSite X5 by individuals, small and medium businesses, online stores, artists, photographers, artisans, volunteers, associations… each project with its own unique story.

We’ve collected some of the most beautiful, original, or curious ones in an inspiration gallery. And of course, we look forward to seeing yours, too.

The right website for your association is at your fingertips

Sharing stories, engaging your community, growing together: today, a website can really make the difference for any association. It helps boost visibility, build trust, and manage relationships with members and supporters more effectively.

Most importantly, it allows you to do all of this on your own, without complications, saving valuable time and resources.

As mentioned, with WebSite X5 you can create a complete and professional website even without any technical skills. You can access ready-made templates, easy-to-use tools, advanced functions, and the freedom to customize every aspect to fit your needs.

Whether you’ve just launched a new association or want to give your current website a fresh new look, this is the perfect time to get started.

Try WebSite X5 for free and start building your association’s digital home. Download the trial version and find out how easy it is to do things the right way.

When Redesigns Divide: What the Eurovision Case Teaches About Your Website

Incomedia — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Have you ever felt that your website could use a little refresh?

It’s a bit like opening your wardrobe and realizing that the “timeless” jacket you’ve been keeping is actually out of style by at least a decade. Websites are the same: sooner or later, it’s time for a new look.

The right word is redesign: renewing the image, improving the experience, giving new life to your content. But – and this is where it gets interesting – not everyone likes change. Even the most famous brands, with million-dollar budgets and design teams, have launched redesigns that ended up upsetting their most loyal fans.

Take the most recent case: the Eurovision Song Contest, which introduced a new logo for its 70th anniversary. The result? A wave of criticism.

And it’s certainly not the first example, nor will it be the last: as we’ll see, the history of controversial rebranding is long and often spectacular.

But here’s the good news: by learning from these “high-profile missteps,” we can do better with our own projects. Because yes, giving your site a new look with WebSite X5 might seem like a challenge, but with the right care it becomes an opportunity to grow and communicate more effectively.

💡 Note: In marketing, rebranding refers to when a brand changes its identity (logo, values, communication), while redesign usually means updating the look and feel. In this article, we’ll look at some famous rebranding examples and see what lessons we can apply to the redesign of your website.

The Eurovision Case: A New Logo That Divides

After seeing that even the giants can stumble with their redesigns, let’s look at the most recent and talked-about example: the Eurovision Song Contest.

For those who might not know it, it’s one of the most watched music competitions in the world: every year it brings artists from all over Europe onto the stage, and it’s famous not only for the music but also for the spectacle and the audience engagement.

To celebrate its 70th anniversary, Eurovision decided to refresh its image by launching a new logo. On paper, the idea was clear: give the contest a more modern, digital-friendly look, able to work smoothly across all platforms. The result was a custom font called Singing Sans and a three-dimensional heart made up of 70 layers — one for each year of the contest’s history.

Eurovision logo: comparison between the historic version and the new design that divided fans and critics.

So far, so good. But the public reaction was not what the organizers hoped for: within hours, social media was flooded with criticism. Some called it “a step backwards,” others dismissed it as “too generic,” and some even compared it to a student project. In short, rather than a success, the rebranding turned into a small media storm.

And it’s certainly not the only case: in recent years, several world-famous brands have tried to change their look… only to find themselves at the center of controversy.

Other Famous Rebrandings That Sparked Debate

Eurovision is not the first (and certainly won’t be the last) to come under fire from fans for a rebranding. The list of famous cases is long — and sometimes surprising.

Gap (2010): A New Logo That Lasted Just One Week

Gap is one of the best-known clothing chains in the world, a true symbol of American casual style. For decades, its logo had been a simple, reassuring wordmark: white letters inside a dark blue square.

In 2010, aiming to look more modern and appeal to younger generations, Gap invested millions of dollars in a rebranding project carried out by a design agency. The new logo ditched the iconic blue box for black Helvetica letters with a small blue gradient square on the top right corner — a radical change.

Gap logo: comparison between the iconic blue box and the new 2010 design that was withdrawn after just a week.

The result was disastrous. Within hours, customers and fans began protesting on social media: the new logo was called bland, impersonal, and inferior to the classic one. In less than a week, thousands of parodies and even online “Gap logo generators” had appeared.

The company was forced to backtrack: after just six days it announced the return of the traditional logo, implicitly admitting that the public wasn’t ready for such a drastic change.

Tropicana (2009): When the Orange with the Straw Disappeared

Tropicana is one of the world’s most famous juice brands, part of the PepsiCo group. For years, its packaging was instantly recognizable: a whole orange pierced with a straw, a symbol of natural freshness.

In 2009, in an attempt to modernize the image and give the packaging a “cleaner” look, the company launched a complete redesign: the fruit disappeared, replaced by a close-up of a glass of juice with an orange cap meant to resemble the peel. The goal was to create a more contemporary and minimalist look.

Tropicana packaging: on the left the iconic orange with a straw, on the right the minimalist packaging introduced in 2009 and withdrawn after sales declined.

The public reaction was disastrous. Consumers no longer recognized the product on store shelves and, within two months, sales dropped by 20%, with losses estimated at around $30 million. The backlash was so strong that PepsiCo quickly abandoned the new design and reverted to the original packaging.

Airbnb (2014): A Controversial Logo That Ultimately Won

Airbnb, the platform that revolutionized tourism by connecting travelers with private hosts, was in full international growth in 2014. To reinforce its sense of community, the company decided to renew its visual identity with a new logo: the Bélo.

Airbnb logo: on the left the original text-based logo, on the right the Bélo symbol introduced in 2014 — initially criticized but later consolidated as the brand’s visual identity.

The symbol was meant to represent belonging, people, and places, but its stylized form quickly opened the door to ironic interpretations. Memes spread online: some saw anatomical references, others compared it to logos of existing brands, and many simply found it unattractive.

Despite the initial criticism, Airbnb stuck with the logo and strongly emphasized the story and values behind it (hospitality, community, trust). Over time, the visual identity was absorbed by the public, and today the Bélo has become an integral and widely recognized part of the brand.

Jaguar (2024): Farewell to the Leaping Cat

Jaguar has always been synonymous with British elegance and luxury cars, with an iconic logo: the leaping jaguar, symbolizing power and dynamism.

In 2024, ahead of its transition to electric vehicles and a new positioning strategy, the brand opted for a radical rebranding: the feline disappeared, replaced by a stylized double “J” and a much more abstract, minimalist visual identity. The launch campaign underlined the break by featuring ads where cars didn’t even appear.

Jaguar logo: on the left the famous leaping cat, on the right the stylized double “J” introduced in 2024 with the brand’s new strategy.

The result? A wave of criticism. Many enthusiasts saw the change as a betrayal of Jaguar’s history and imagery. At the same time, sales dropped dramatically in Europe, fueling the debate over whether the rebranding had alienated loyal customers without attracting new ones.

Why Rebrandings Spark Debate: 5 Common Mistakes

Looking at the cases of Eurovision, Gap, Tropicana, Airbnb, and Jaguar, one thing becomes clear: it’s not the rebranding itself that’s wrong, but the way it’s conceived, launched, and communicated. Here are the five most common reasons why a rebranding can turn into a “textbook case”… in the wrong sense.

Website redesign checklist: the 5 essential steps to update your site without losing identity or rankings.

Loss of Recognizability

The logo or packaging changes so drastically that the brand becomes unrecognizable. That’s exactly what happened to Tropicana: without the famous orange with a straw, customers couldn’t find the product on the shelves. The result? An immediate collapse in sales.

👉 For your website: the same risk arises when you suddenly change colors, fonts, or layout without a clear thread. Regular visitors might think they’ve landed on a completely different site and feel disoriented. So keep the key elements that make you recognizable (color palette, logo, tone of voice) and update them gradually.

Bad Timing

The public isn’t always ready for a drastic change. Gap, for example, launched a new logo without preparing its customers in any way, and within a few days it was overwhelmed by criticism. A rebranding can make sense, but if it comes at the wrong moment it risks being rejected.

👉 For your website: even if you feel like revolutionizing everything overnight, remember that your audience needs time to adjust. Move gradually — start with the most important pages and announce any major changes in advance.

Ignoring Users

A rebranding should start with the people it’s aimed at. Without listening to the audience, you risk spending time and money on an operation that doesn’t match the tastes or needs of those who actually use the product or service.

👉 For your website: make a small effort to research before you start. You can collect feedback from your customers, check which pages perform best with analytics, or run a quick test between two versions of the same page. This will help you understand where you really need to make changes.

Unclear Communication

Changing the look isn’t enough: you need to explain the “why.” Airbnb’s success didn’t come from the shape of its new logo (which was heavily criticized at first), but from how it told the story and values behind the choice, helping people make it their own.

👉 For your website: don’t let visitors think, “what just happened here?” Add a short notice, a blog post, or a newsletter message to explain why you updated the site — whether it’s to make navigation easier, introduce new features, or improve the overall experience. Just a few lines are enough for people to see the change as a thoughtful gesture.

Inconsistency with Brand Identity

A rebranding should always respect the history and values that made a brand recognizable. In Jaguar’s case, removing the iconic leaping cat was seen by many as a betrayal of its roots, creating too sharp a break with the past.

👉 For your website: if you’ve built a recognizable identity over time, don’t erase it. You can simplify things, make text and visuals more readable, but without overturning what people already associate with you. This way you stay consistent — but more up to date.

How to Apply These Lessons to Your Website

So far, we’ve looked at striking rebranding cases: million-dollar operations that sparked debate all over the world. From these stories, we’ve learned what not to do — and what to do — when the goal is something simpler: giving your website a much-needed refresh.

Redesigning a website is a process you can tackle step by step, with simplicity and method.

First of all, we’ve learned that a website redesign isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Websites age faster than we think: design, usability, and even user expectations change quickly. Updating the graphics or reorganizing content isn’t just about “looking better,” it’s about communicating more clearly, being easier to use, and keeping your visitors engaged.

Of course, the mistake we see big brands make again and again is changing everything at once, without preparing their audience.

So, when should you redesign your website? The first rule is to proceed methodically and without rushing. If it’s a personal or business site, there’s no need to rebuild everything from scratch: you can take it step by step, starting with the most important pages (home, contact, products/services) and then gradually moving on to the rest. This way you stay in control and minimize surprises.

Another good practice is to aim for visual consistency. If you have a logo, colors, or a style your customers recognize, you don’t have to abandon them: just modernize, simplify, and make them more readable — especially on mobile. That way, your site feels fresher without losing its identity.

The technical side is also crucial and shouldn’t be overlooked: when you publish the new version, check that links work, that your site speed is good, and that Google can still crawl your pages correctly. Small checks like these will help you update without losing results.

And finally, don’t forget communication. Let your visitors know why you updated the site: maybe to make navigation easier, maybe to introduce new services. Just a few lines are enough for the change to be perceived as care and attention, not a shock.

Checklist for a Website Redesign Without Surprises

We’ve seen which mistakes to avoid and which best practices to follow to refresh your website gradually and safely. Here’s a checklist that sums up the key points: use it as a practical guide while working on your project with WebSite X5.

Do some research before making changes

Collect feedback: run small surveys with your customers or ask for opinions from trusted contacts.
If your site is already online, look at simple tools like traffic stats or heatmaps: they’ll show you which sections work and which ones are ignored.
Consider an A/B test on key elements like the header or the contact page.

Don’t lose your identity

Keep your color palette, logo, and the elements that make you recognizable.
Move step by step: update gradually instead of changing everything at once.

Protect your SEO rankings

Before publishing the new version, prepare a map of your URLs: any that change should be redirected with 301 redirects.
Update page titles and metadata without losing the keywords that already drive traffic.
After the launch, check Google Search Console for errors and monitor Core Web Vitals.

Prioritize the most important content

Start with the most visited pages (home, contact, products/services) and only then move on to the rest.
Review your copy: it should be clear, up to date, and useful for today’s visitors.

Communicate and involve your users

Don’t leave your visitors confused: briefly explain why you redesigned the site (easier navigation, new services, etc.).
If possible, add a small changelog or a feedback form.

Conclusions: Change Is Possible — Without the Stress

From the cases we’ve seen, one thing is clear: a redesign is a delicate step. Big brands know this well and, despite million-dollar investments, they don’t always manage to win over the public. But for websites the good news is that you can avoid the same mistakes by working simply and gradually.

With WebSite X5 you can redesign your site in a simple and effective way.

With WebSite X5 you have everything you need to do it without stress:

tools to update graphics and content while keeping your identity,
templates already optimized for desktop and mobile,
built-in SEO and content management features,
a clear workflow that guides you step by step to publication.

A redesign isn’t just about looks: it’s an opportunity to communicate better, offer visitors a smoother experience, and ultimately achieve better results.

Ready to give your site a fresh new life?

Open WebSite X5, duplicate your project, and start refreshing the key pages. And if you don’t yet have the latest version, update your license: you’ll get modern templates, more powerful tools, and everything you need to put a refreshed, functional, and truly yours website online.

FAQ on Website Redesign

How often should a website be redesigned?

In general, it’s advisable to refresh your site every 3–4 years, as technologies, design trends, and user expectations evolve quickly. You don’t need to rebuild everything from scratch: you can also update design and content gradually to keep up.

How can I redesign my website without losing Google rankings?

Before publishing the new version, prepare a map of your URLs: if any addresses change, set up 301 redirects. Keep the content that already drives traffic and update only what’s necessary. After the launch, check Google Search Console to make sure no errors have appeared.

Is it better to redesign the entire site at once or step by step?

It depends on your needs: if you’re short on time and want to minimize risks, it’s better to proceed step by step, starting with the most important pages. If you urgently need a clean break, you can rebuild everything, but make sure to run tests and create a backup before publishing.

Disclaimer: The brands and logos shown in this article (Eurovision, Gap, Tropicana, Airbnb, Jaguar…) are the property of their respective owners. We have used them only as examples to illustrate well-known rebranding cases: WebSite X5 has no affiliation with these brands.

WebSite X5: The easiest alternative to WordPress

Incomedia — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 22:00:00 GMT

WordPress is one of the most popular website builders out there. It’s powerful, flexible, and customizable. But let’s be honest: it’s not for everyone.

If you’ve ever tried using it, you probably found yourself installing plugins, managing constant updates, and dealing with hosting setup. Maybe you even ran into the dreaded blank page. All this can be very frustrating, especially if you don’t have much technical experience or simply don’t have much time to spend on building a website, even though you still want a professional result.

That’s why more and more people, from freelancers to SMEs and organizations, are looking for easier, more user-friendly alternatives to WordPress that better meet their needs.

WebSite X5 is an alternative, a comprehensive, internationally-trusted website builder designed for anyone who wants to create a website without coding or getting bogged down in endless settings.

In this article, we’ll explore when WordPress can become complicated, what WebSite X5 offers, and why it can be the right solution for you.

When you should look for an alternative to WordPress

WordPress is an incredibly powerful CMS. Originally created for blogging, today it can be used to create any kind of website: from online magazines to online shops, from multilingual portals to complex corporate websites.

The secret of its success lies in being open source, free, and highly flexible. Supported by a global community, enriched by thousands of plugins and themes, WordPress has evolved over time, becoming one of the most popular platforms worldwide. Its versatility has won over millions of users - from freelancers to large enterprises - making it undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive solutions on the market.

However, this very flexibility can become a limitation for users with simpler needs, or for those who lack the time, skills, or interest to deal with technical configurations, plugins, backups, and upgrades.

Creating a website with WordPress means, in fact, starting with the installation on an external hosting service, configuring a database, choosing a theme, installing plugins for every feature, such as contact forms, SEO, security, translations, keeping everything updated, and making sure all components remain compatible with each other.

All this requires time, technical skills, and, in most cases, a solid understanding of how the web works.

WordPress requires plugins and configurations. WebSite X5 offers a user-friendly, ready-to-use visual interface.

Here are some practical situations where evaluating a viable alternative to WordPress is not only reasonable but also advisable:

You need a personal website, a showcase for your passions or a blog, and you want to get online quickly, without having to learn how to use editors, plugins, and hosting panels.
You want to avoid hidden costs deriving from premium plugins, paid themes, or third-party services for basic features such as forms, galleries, or SEO.
You’d rather not deal with technical maintenance, such as system updates, plugin compatibility, backups…
You’re looking for a solution providing direct multilingual support, instead of looking for your answers in international forums or fragmented documentation.

In all these cases, choosing an alternative CMS to WordPress means saving time, stress, and resources, without sacrificing the quality of the final outcome.

What WebSite X5 offers compared to WordPress

If WordPress is a kind of toolbox to be assembled, WebSite X5 is an all-in-one program that guides you step by step through the website creation process.

It’s a software solution you install on your computer, designed to work even offline: you can work wherever you are, whenever you want, without depending on internet connections or external environments. This guarantees greater stability, more control, and a smoother experience, especially for non-expert users.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the main differences between WordPress and WebSite X5.

Integrated Hosting vs External Hosting

With WebSite X5, you can easily publish your website using the included hosting, or even upload it to another webspace with the integrated FTP engine - all without having to set up databases or manage complex files.

While on the one hand, many hosting providers do offer quick or preset installations, with WordPress you still have to take care of the technical management yourself: backup, security, compatibility, updates…

Getting started might be easy, but maintenance can require time, attention, and technical expertise. That's why more and more people are choosing more intuitive and ready-to-use alternatives.

All-included vs plugins to search and update

WebSite X5 includes all you need. Among the included features, you will find: blog, e-commerce, forms, galleries, SEO tools, cookie management, multilingual content, backups… And if you need external tools, you can easily connect them using the available integrations. You don’t have to search for plugins, not install extensions, or rely on developers.

With WordPress, on the other hand, you need plugins for basic functions, such as contact forms, SEO, GDPR, multilingual content, automatic backups, or galleries.

And that’s not all: You also need to find the right plugins among the many alternatives of a huge catalog, understand if they are updated, if they work with your WordPress version, and if they’re compatible with the other plugins or the theme you’re using. Some are free, but very limited, while others require an annual subscription or have features available only upon payment.

You then have to manage the update notifications: What if an update crashes something on your website? You need to know where to look or find a technician to solve the problem.

In short, a constant technical task, often underestimated, which can become expensive and frustrating for non-experts.

Guided visual editor vs modular system

WebSite X5 guides you through website creation with a visual, intuitive interface. Build each page by dragging and dropping content (text, images, videos, forms, galleries…) into a grid layout. You can choose from hundreds of preset templates and customize everything with just a few clicks: colors, fonts, spacing, and structure. No coding. No confusing blocks to figure out. No technical learning curve. And if you ever need help, you can rely on a collection of videos and beginner-friendly guides to get started on the right foot.

WebSite X5 offers a simple, intuitive block-based visual editor: you build pages by dragging in text, images, forms, and other content — no coding required.

In WordPress, the default editor (Gutenberg) is also block-based. It’s flexible, but not always straightforward for beginners: each element has its own set of options, it’s not always clear where to make changes, and additional plugins are often needed to achieve complex layouts or maintain brand consistency.

Many turn to external page builders (like Elementor, WPBakery, etc.), but these also take time to learn and, in many cases, they are even paid.

Less maintenance, more security

As you’ve seen, the differences between WordPress and WebSite X5 go beyond features; they reflect a completely different approach.

With WebSite X5, you don’t need technical skills to achieve a professional outcome: the software guides you, simplifies the process, and still gives you full control over the project.

Moreover, WebSite X5 is installed on your computer, meaning you work locally in a stable environment, safe from remote access, automated CMS attacks, or outdated plugins.

Your website is entirely yours: you create it securely and go online when you’re ready.

If WordPress is flexible but demanding, WebSite X5 is comprehensive yet easy to use. It is a practical choice for anyone who wants to build a website without technical stress, with ready-made tools for professional results and a fast turnaround time.

More time saved

WebSite X5 guides you through creating a website in 5 clear, progressive steps: choose a template, define the structure, add content, customize the design, and publish online. Everything happens within the same environment, with no external technical steps or manual configurations.

As a result, in just a few hours, you can have a complete, fully functional website ready to be shared.

With WordPress, on the other hand, even to get a basic version of your website, you might have to:

find and install dozens of plugins,
test if they are compatible,
configure a theme,
learn to use the block editor or a page builder,
fix errors,
upload files via FTP,
and maybe read dozens of support articles.

For those who don’t build websites professionally, this often means whole days of work, trial and error, and frustration.

WebSite X5 vs WordPress: Differences in a nutshell

As we mentioned, WordPress is indeed more powerful, but this is what makes it more difficult to use.

WebSite X5 is based on a different approach, namely offering all the needed functions in an all-inclusive solution that doesn’t require technical skills.

And no, easier-to-use doesn’t mean less professional.

With WebSite X5, you can create modern, polished, and functional websites, perfect for showcasing a business, selling online, sharing a project, or connecting with your audience.

For many people, the real goal isn’t having an endless platform to manage, but rather having a website that’s effective, stable, visually appealing, and easy to maintain.

Platform type
WordPress: Online CMS on hosting
WebSite X5: Desktop software to install on a PC
Hosting
WordPress: To be purchased and separately set up
WebSite X5: Included + possibility to publish via FTP
Features
WordPress: External plugins required
WebSite X5: All-included (blog, SEO, forms, ecommerce…)
UI
WordPress: Editor in blocks or page builder
WebSite X5: Guided visual drag & drop editor
Customization
WordPress: Many options that require technical skills
WebSite X5: Many options, even without coding
Technical maintenance
WordPress: Frequent and manual updates
WebSite X5: None
Security
WordPress: Relying on plugins, hosting, and complex configuration
WebSite X5: Closed, local, and more secure environment
Required time
WordPress: Medium to high (several hours/days)
WebSite X5: Low (a few hours)
Ease-of-use
WordPress: Not easy for non-expert users
WebSite X5: Perfect even for beginners
Final result
WordPress: Potentially advanced, but it takes time
WebSite X5: Professional, modern, and quick
Support
WordPress: Forum, documentation (often only in English)
WebSite X5: Direct, multilingual support

Who is WebSite X5 perfect for

As we mentioned, not everyone has the same needs or the same amount of time to dedicate to building a website. Some people are looking for a simple, quick tool; others want to work independently without having to learn how to code; and some just need a practical solution to get started right away.

WebSite X5 is designed exactly for these people — those who want a professional website without the complications.

Here’s who will truly benefit from choosing it:

Freelancers

Do you need a portfolio website, a showcase for your services, or a landing page to promote your business online?

With WebSite X5, you can create it yourself - no need to rely on agencies or developers - using customizable templates and built-in tools to present yourself at your best.

Plenty of websites prove it. One of them is Andrea Cavallo Perin’s: he used WebSite X5 to build his freelance videomaker website — clear, professional, and tailored to his work.

Andrea Cavallo Perin built his own freelance website with WebSite X5: a portfolio that’s clear, professional, and 100% tailored to his needs.

“I’m not a developer, but with WebSite X5 I built a website that fully represents me. It’s my online business card.”

— Andrea Cavallo Perin

SMEs and local businesses

For a small business, having a website today means being found easily, showcasing your value, and — increasingly — selling online.

WebSite X5 is perfect for local businesses that want to build their own professional website or a complete e-commerce store, with no hidden costs or plugins to configure.

A great example is R&A SHOP, a women’s clothing store founded by two sisters, Arianna and Roberta. Starting from a bedroom and an Instagram page, they gradually built their business, eventually opening both a physical store and a custom online shop tailored to their products.

With Luca’s help — a tech enthusiast but not a web professional — they chose WebSite X5 to create a clean, well-designed, fully functional online shop, now up and running 24/7.

The R&A SHOP e-commerce store, built with WebSite X5, helped the business grow and reach customers across Italy.

“We had no experience building websites, but with WebSite X5 we managed to develop a complete, custom e-commerce site. Today, we manage everything ourselves — from orders to promotions.”

— Arianna, Roberta, and Luca – R&A SHOP

Associations and NGOs

For an association, a website is a valuable ally: it helps communicate the mission, share initiatives, collect donations, and stay in touch with volunteers and supporters.

WebSite X5 offers all the tools to do this easily, even without technical skills: contact forms, event calendars, downloadable documents, blogs, nonprofit e-commerce, and more.

A real example is the website of Neo-n, an association that supports neonatal intensive care units. Using WebSite X5, they built a clear, up-to-date website that is fully managed by volunteers. Thanks to a complete redesign, the site now effectively showcases their projects and immediately conveys the value of their work.

Neo-n’s website was created with WebSite X5 and is managed directly by the volunteers.

“We’re not web professionals, but we wanted a website that truly represented us. With WebSite X5, we made it happen, without complications.”

— Riccardo Bianco, volunteer at Neo-n

A personal or passion-related website

Sometimes, a website starts from a project, an idea, or simply a strong passion. With WebSite X5, it’s easy to create a personal website — whether it’s a blog, a portfolio, or a travel journal — in a simple yet complete way, with full creative freedom and no technical skills required.

That’s exactly what Gerhard Weinert did — a former IT consultant and cycling and photography enthusiast. Since 2011, he’s been running his personal website on cycling routes, where he shares his two-wheeled adventures across Germany, complete with GPS maps, photos, and a downloadable guide for fellow explorers.

He chose WebSite X5 for its logical structure, visual work environment, and step-by-step approach, which he found perfectly aligned with his technical background.

Gerhard created his cycling route website with WebSite X5, combining his passion for biking, the web, and sharing.

“I wanted a site to share my cycling experiences. With WebSite X5, I found the right tool — simple, well-organized, and constantly evolving.”

— Gerhard Weinert

Creating a website without stress is possible

Creating a website might seem like a complicated task, especially if you’re a beginner or if you don’t have much time to spend on configurations and updates.

But, as we mentioned, there are viable alternatives to WordPress that are specifically designed for users who want to get professional results without having to code.

WebSite X5 is one of these alternatives: a comprehensive, easy-to-use solution with many integrated features that helps you build your website in a guided and visual way.

Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, an organization, or simply someone who wants to share a passion online, with WebSite X5 you have all the right tools you need to start, grow, and communicate online independently.

Do you want to find out how easy it is to create your website? Try WebSite X5 for free and start building your online presence now.

How to create a beauty salon website: 7 tips to attract clients and showcase your salon

Incomedia — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Imagine this scene: a potential customer is looking for a beauty salon in her area. She finally wants to treat herself to that facial she’s been putting off for months. She googles “beauty salon near me” and… you’re nowhere to be found.

Your salon is beautiful, professional, and welcoming. Your regular clients love you. Yet, you don’t exist online. No website, no page showcasing your services, no photo of your salon, or reviews from existing customers.

Now, you might think: “It’s ok, social medias are enough.” And that’s an understandable point. But the truth is, social media alone is not enough. Instagram or Facebook can help you get noticed, sure, but they don’t replace a beauty salon website. You don’t show up on Google, you can’t manage bookings effectively, and most importantly, you don’t really control your online presence.

In 2025, not having a website for your beauty salon means giving space to competitors, even if they’re less skilled than you are, just because they’re more visible online. And today, visibility is everything.

A website is no longer just a showcase: it’s a tool. It helps you attract new clients, demonstrate your professionalism, and enable bookings in a simple and fast way.

In this article, you will find 7 practical and easy-to-apply tips to create an effective beauty salon website. Whether you're a freelance beautician, the owner of a wellness centre, or running an established beauty salon, these suggestions will help you build an effective website for beauty professionals—even without any technical skills. And if you’re a hairdresser, the owner of a nail art studio, or work in any other beauty and wellness field, no worries: these tips are for you, too.

Ready to bring your business online and get found by the right clients? Let’s begin.

Here are the subjects we’ll cover in this article:

Define your goal: online showcase or tool to find new clients?
Choose a layout that reflects the identity of your salon
Add useful contents that really tell who you are
Add a Landing Page for seasonal promotions
Connect your website to social media and online booking systems
Optimize your website to be easily found on Google
Make sure your website is optimized for mobile devices

1. Define your goal: online showcase or tool to find new clients?

Before you start creating your beauty salon website, take a moment to ask yourself one thing: what do you really want to achieve?

Do you just want to be online with some basic details, or do you want a more structured tool that can help you attract new clients, have them book an appointment, and turn them into loyal customers?

Many salons only focus on the appearance when it comes to their website - a nice graphic design, some images, contact information - but forget to think about its function. Actually, a good beauty salon website is much more than a showcase: it’s a way to boost your business.

To help you get a clearer picture, here are some concrete and realistic goals you might set when starting to design your beauty salon’s website:

Increase the number of online bookings
Reduce phone calls by managing everything through the site
Promote new treatments or seasonal offers
Create a strong first impression that reflects your salon’s professionalism

These are just examples — but don’t they all sound like great goals? And yes, they’re absolutely within your reach.

Here’s a practical tip: write down your main goal and one or two secondary ones, either on paper or in a digital note. This will help guide your choices — from selecting a good domain name, to creating the right content, and choosing the features to include in your design.

If you don’t know how to select the right name for your website, check out our guide about how to choose an efficient domain name: you will find practical advice to avoid mistakes.

A beauty salon website doesn’t need to be complicated; it needs to be focused. And when it’s built around a clear goal, it works for you 24/7.

If you choose a solid website builder like WebSite X5, this is exactly where you can start: pick a template that fits your local business, customize your site in just a few clicks, and set up the most useful tools to reach your goals — even if you’re not tech-savvy.

2. Choose a layout that reflects the identity of your salon

When a customer walks into your beauty salon, she expects a relaxing, well-kept atmosphere that matches the kind of experience you promise. The same goes for your website: its design is your first online impression, and it needs to convey your professional identity in just a few seconds.

Design doesn’t just mean “a good-looking site,” but rather a site that’s consistent with your brand. Colours, fonts, images, and the tone of your text should all reflect who you are, even before the visitor reads a single word.

To clearly define the right style for your beauty salon’s website, try answering these questions:

What kind of atmosphere do you offer in your salon? Elegant, minimal, warm, and welcoming?
Do you use pastel, natural, or bold colours?
Are you targeting a younger audience, a mixed clientele, or a more mature one?
Is your tone friendly and informal, or more professional and technical?

Let’s look at a couple of examples. If you run a modern salon with clean lines, bright spaces, and a young clientele, your website could have a sleek layout, neutral tones with bold accents, and an elegant sans-serif font. On the other hand, if your beauty salon focuses on natural treatments and a relaxing vibe, you might go for a warm, earthy color palette, lifestyle imagery, and copy that conveys care and comfort. What matters most is that visitors immediately feel the “essence” of your salon, as if they’d already stepped through the door.

A visual example of consistency between your salon's style and your website design: colours, fonts, and images should all reflect the same identity.

Remember: the colors you choose for your website are not neutral — they convey emotions and values. Natural tones (like beige, sage green, and warm white) evoke feelings of relaxation, balance, and cleanliness — perfect for wellness centers or salons that focus on holistic treatments. Brighter or more contrasting colours, on the other hand, can communicate energy, innovation, and a modern vibe — ideal for a young, trendy, and dynamic salon.

Images matter a lot too! Pick authentic photos that truly represent your space, your team at work, and the details that make your beauty salon unique. Avoid overly generic stock images — they don’t tell your story and may make you appear anonymous.

And yes, even fonts say something about you. A serif font can add a classic or elegant touch, while a clean, modern sans-serif communicates minimalism, freshness, and a contemporary style. Go for a look that’s consistent and easy to read.

Once your visual identity is clear, you can start building your beauty salon’s website by choosing a layout that enhances it. If you’re not an expert, the best option is to start with a ready-made template that you can customize to match your personal style and business goals. Avoid templates that feel too generic or impersonal — it’s better to use a simple design that truly reflects your salon and its philosophy than one full of flashy effects but hard to navigate.

Some WebSite X5 template examples: professional templates for beauty salons, easy to customize even without technical skills.

3. Add useful contents that really tell who you are

Now that you’ve defined your website’s goals and chosen a visual style that reflects your identity, it’s time to focus on the content: what to write, which information to include, and how to present it clearly and effectively.

Many people think that “filling the pages” is the easiest part, but actually, this is where most of your website’s success is determined. The right content helps visitors choose you, makes you look professional, and builds trust.

The most important pages for a website for beauticians

First of all, it’s helpful to say that you don’t need dozens of pages to start — quite the opposite. It’s much better to focus on a few well-made pages that are, just as importantly, well organized in an easy-to-navigate structure. If you use software like WebSite X5, adding new pages and inserting your content is super simple: just drag and drop them into the layout grid. Working completely visually — without ever touching the code — makes everything faster and more enjoyable.

Getting more specific, here are the basic pages every beauty salon website should have:

Home
This is the natural entry point of a website. Just like the entrance of your salon, it should welcome visitors, making them feel immediately comfortable and confident that they’ve arrived in the right place. Moreover, a good home page offers a clear overview of the most important content on the site and features prominent calls to action that guide visitors to discover what you offer (e.g., “Explore Treatments,” “Book Now”).

A well-designed homepage helps clients understand who you are and what you offer in just a few seconds.

Treatments / Services
These are one or more pages where you clearly and neatly explain the treatments and services you offer. For better clarity, divide the services by category (face, body, hair removal…). Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and attractive images to complement the text. Focus especially on the benefits your clients will get from your services.
About Us
This section is often underestimated but extremely important. Clients want to know who’s behind the salon, your story, your philosophy, and why you chose this profession. You don’t need to write an autobiography: just a few heartfelt lines accompanied by a nice photo of you or your team. Sharing who you are builds empathy and sets you apart from all the other “all-the-same” beauty centres. If you need more ideas, check out our guide on how to write an effective “About Us” page — you’ll find practical examples and useful tips to make it really impactful.
Contact
On this page, you should gather all the essential “service” information a client needs to contact you or, even better, to find you: opening hours, address, phone number, WhatsApp or social media links, and — very importantly — an integrated map. You can also include a contact email form here, so anyone needing information will know exactly how to get in touch.

Content that really works for a beauty salon website

A web page can include text, images, galleries, videos, contact forms, and more. Choose the elements that best fit what you want to communicate, but always keep in mind these tried-and-true best practices:

Write like you speak to your clients
Avoid overly complex sentences or technical jargon. Think about how you would explain a treatment to a new client and describe it. If you ever feel stuck, you can get help from an AI-powered text assistant, like WebSite X5’s MagicText: just tell it what you want to write (a description, introduction, bio) and it will provide a starting point for you to personalize.
Use real photos and specific details
Include authentic images showing your space and describe the benefits of each treatment. Avoid long, impersonal lists.
Make everything instantly accessible
Visible prices, updated hours, easy booking: practical details make a difference and show care.

A website doesn’t need to tell everything, but it must clearly share what truly matters to your clients. Be authentic, clear, and direct. That’s what makes the difference between a site that gets forgotten and one that builds trust and brings in contacts.

4. Add a Landing Page for seasonal promotions

Each season brings new needs for the skin and new opportunities for your beauty salon. Whether it’s a detox facial in spring, a light legs treatment in summer, or a winter pampering package, seasonal promotions are a powerful way to attract new clients and keep regulars coming back.

But beware: if you only share a post on Instagram or a temporary story, your promotion might be seen by very few people and… quickly forgotten. The solution? Create a dedicated Landing Page on your website.

Want to learn more about how to create a Landing Page that really works? In this article, you’ll find examples, practical tips, and common mistakes to avoid — all to help you turn a simple page into a powerful conversion tool: How to create an effective Landing Page.

What’s a Landing Page and why is it useful

A Landing Page is a single, focused page without distractions, designed to promote a specific offer or service. It’s the perfect space to:

Describe the promotion in detail: focus solely on it and leave out everything else.
Showcase inspirational images or before-and-after photos.
Include a clear call-to-action button (e.g., “Book Now” or “Request Info”). This is the focal point—make sure it grabs attention and appears repeatedly as users scroll down the page.
Link it to your social media campaigns or newsletters. By definition, the Landing Page is where customers “land” after being attracted by your ads and—hopefully—take the action you want.

The ideal path to promote a seasonal offer: newsletters and online ads all lead to the same Landing Page, designed to convert traffic into bookings.

Compared to a generic page, a well-crafted Landing Page guides users straight to the action you want them to take—whether that’s booking an appointment, contacting you, downloading a coupon, or signing up for a promotion.

Some tips to create it effectively

When creating the Landing Page for your seasonal promotions, keep these experience-based tips in mind:

Write a strong, immediate headline
Example: “Autumn Special – Refresh Your Skin with Our Illuminating Treatment”
Use images that match the season and the tone of your salon
Avoid generic stock photos: authenticity and consistency always pay off.
Add a clearly visible Call To Action
Saying “contact us” isn’t enough — it’s better to have a button with a direct action (“Book now via WhatsApp”, “Fill out the form to get your discount”).

5. Connect your website to social media and online booking systems

In the previous tip, we mentioned that a Landing Page is the perfect tool for presenting your seasonal promotions. But to really turn interest into action, you need a simple and immediate way of handling bookings.

An efficient website not only has to inform, but it also has to generate actions, such as bookings, contact requests, and interactions on social media. That’s why it is crucial for your website not to be a simple island, but rather to be connected to the tools you already use on a daily basis to communicate with your customers.

Provide the option to book online

Online booking that avoids phone calls during business hours has become increasingly popular.

Nowadays, integrating an online booking system on your website is almost a must: it makes your salon more accessible, professional, and convenient.

Clients look for an easy and fast way of booking their appointments, and you need to spare time and manage every aspect efficiently. In our article 8 Reasons Why You Should Switch to an Online Reservation System, you will find good reasons to take a step forward and bring your agenda… online

There are different ways to offer a booking system:

You can connect to a third-party service (such as Calendly, Reservio or other beauty salon-specific systems).
You can add an appointment request form directly on your website
You can offer direct booking via WhatsApp

It’s not complicated at all: with online booking integrated into WebSite X5, for example, you can easily add a custom form or connect an external system. All in just a few clicks, no coding needed.

Connect your social accounts

Instagram and Facebook are ideal tools to share results, promotions, and stories about your salon. But if they’re not connected to your website, they won’t be 100% efficient.

That’s what you can do:

Add social icons on the header and footer
Add your Instagram feed on the home page or the page reporting the services you offer
Use posts to direct users to the Landing Page or booking section on your website.

The website is the core of your online presence. Social media needs to attract, while your website needs to convert.

Even if your customers already follow you on Instagram, sooner or later, they will still need a clear place where they can find information and book their appointments. Here’s where the website really makes a difference.

6. Optimize your website to be easily found on Google

You worked on design, wrote the right content, and possibly added a seasonal Landing Page and managed online booking. Great! Now you need people to find you when they’re looking for a beauty salon in their area.

Here’s where SEO comes into play, namely, the search engine optimization.

Don’t let the jargon scare you: it’s just a matter of small tricks that help Google understand what you do and where you are, so that your website can be found by users looking for services like the ones you offer.

Start with the right words

The first step to improve your SEO is to use the words your clients would Google. For example:

“Beauty salon in [name of the city]”
“Professional facial treatments in [area]”
“Laser hair removal at the beauty centre [neighbourhood]”

Use these words naturally in titles, in page texts, in the description of the services you offer, and also in image titles. But don’t overdo it: you should write for people first, then for Google.

Add meta tag and local information

Every page on your website has a “behind the scenes” part that Google reads: it’s called the meta title and meta description. These are the lines that appear in search results. They should be:

Descriptive (what you do)
Geo-located (where you are)
Engaging (why users should click on you)

Example:

Title: Beauty treatments in London | Skin & Beauty

Description: Discover Skin & Beauty, the beauty centre located in the heart of London. Facial, body treatments, and hair removal with cutting-edge technology. Book online.

Connect your website to Google Business Profile

This is one of the most important steps to help your business website appear in local search results. Make sure to:

Create (or claim) your beauty salon’s profile on Google Business Profile
Add a link to your website
Use the same Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) as on your site
Add photos, opening hours, and select the correct category

Good SEO doesn’t just bring any traffic — it brings the right customers, exactly when they’re looking for services like yours.

7. Make sure your website is optimized for mobile devices

Most customers will visit your site on their phone—maybe during a lunch break, on the bus, or while relaxing on the couch in the evening.

If the site is slow, hard to read, or has tiny buttons, they’re very likely to close it within seconds.

That’s why the mobile version of your site can’t be an afterthought: it needs to be just as clear, fast, and easy to use as the desktop version.

Example of a beauty salon website viewed on a smartphone: on the left, a non-optimized layout; on the right, a responsive version with readable text, properly sized images, and clearly visible calls to action.

What to keep in mind for a good mobile experience

Here are some best practices to optimize navigation on smartphones:

Fast loading times
Heavy images can slow down your site. Use only the necessary sizes and check your site speed with free tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights, which analyzes performance on both desktop and mobile.
Easy-to-read text
Fonts that are too small or with low contrast make reading difficult on small screens.
Buttons and calls to action that are easy to tap
Every action — booking, contacting, exploring treatments — should be within thumb’s reach, without needing to zoom or hunt around.
Simplified menu
On mobile, the hamburger menu is the standard. Avoid overly long or complex menu items.

A mobile-friendly site shows care, professionalism, and respect for your clients’ time. And that’s what truly makes the difference.

Creating a website that works well on smartphones isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t have technical skills. But with the right tool, it can become much simpler.

With WebSite X5, for example, all templates are already designed to be responsive: you don’t have to create two separate versions of your site. You can simply set the look and behaviour of your pages for different screen sizes. Plus, you can preview the mobile version as you build your pages, so you’re sure everything works perfectly.

Conclusions

Creating a website for your beauty salon is more than just having an online presence: it’s a powerful tool to attract new clients, showcase your work, and simplify managing your business.

As you’ve seen, following seven well-thought-out tips is enough to build a professional site that reflects your identity and works for you, even while you’re busy with your clients.

Sure, it might seem complicated at first, but with the right approach and the right tools, it’s definitely within your reach.

If you want to get started immediately, WebSite X5 provides everything you need: ready-made templates tailored for the beauty industry, booking tools, SEO features, responsive layouts, and the freedom to customize every detail… even if you’re not an expert.

Your beauty salon deserves a website that lives up to its potential: professional, beautiful, and functional. Now you have all the information you need to start building it the right way.

“Full-Height”: The Full-Page Section That Changes The Way You Think About Web Design

Incomedia — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 22:01:00 GMT

Ok, it might sound a bit technical, but don’t worry: the concept of full height is actually pretty simple, as well as very effective.

It’s a layout style where sections take up the entire height of the browser window, automatically adapting to the visitor’s screen. You know those modern, airy layouts where every section has space to “breathe,” with centered content and smooth scrolling, almost like storytelling?

That’s exactly what we mean.

It’s a design trend that became popular with the evolution of web design and CSS Grid Layout (yes, a quiet yet powerful revolution), and now you can use it with just a few clicks, no coding required, thanks to WebSite X5.

What’S A Full-Height Section And Why It Can Make A Difference

A Full Height section is, in a nutshell, a part of the page that takes up exactly the entire height of the screen. No matter what device your visitors are using, that full-height section will automatically adjust to fill all the space.

This type of layout has become popular thanks to modern technologies like CSS Grid and Flexbox, which make it easier to build dynamic, modular, and responsive pages. But beyond the tech side, there’s one main reason why it’s worth using Full Height sections: they instantly engage your visitors.

On the left: a traditional layout. On the right: a Full Height layout taking up all the vertical space and guiding the users’ attention right away.

Think about the effect:

A centered image or strong message taking up the whole visible space
No distractions, nor efforts for finding information
An almost natural invitation to scroll down to continue the experience

In a world where every second counts, a well-designed Full Height section immediately grabs attention and guides users through the content in a smooth, intuitive, and... enjoyable way. And with WebSite X5, it’s even easier: thanks to the built-in use of CSS Grid, you can create professional layouts and Full Height sections without worrying about technical details, and without writing a single line of code.

📚 Quick Glossary

Full Height

A line that takes up the entire height of the device screen, automatically adapting to the browser window. It helps create spacious, impactful layouts — perfect for grabbing attention right away.

CSS Grid Layout

A modern layout system that lets you divide the page into rows and columns, making it easy to build flexible, responsive structures without having to write complex code.

Flexbox

A layout technique based on the dynamic distribution of elements along a row or column. It’s ideal for aligning content in a simple, adaptable way across all devices.

Benefits And Examples Of Usage Of The Full-Height

As we mentioned, full-height sections have a major strength: they grab attention right away.

When a user lands on a page and is greeted by a block that fills the entire screen — with a large image, a bold headline, and maybe a clear call to action — the impact is immediate. No distractions, no background noise: the focus is all there.

This type of layout works especially well when you want to:

Highlight visual content (emotional images, full-width videos)
Communicate a key message (e.g., a slogan, value proposition, promotional launch)
Create an immersive, clean, and consistent experience from the very first scroll

Full-height sections are often used as hero sections, meaning the first block visible on a homepage or landing page. It’s the perfect spot to:

Feature a striking background
Add impactful text
Encourage the user to take action (“Book now,” “Learn more,” “Start for free”)

The result? A website that looks more modern, professional, and engaging.

How To Create A Full-Height Element With Website X5

You don’t need any coding or programming skills to create pages structured in full-height sections with WebSite X5. The software uses the CSS Grid Layout and offers a set of user-friendly features: in this way, you will be able to get a full height layout in just a few steps.

Basically, once you start the project, you need to open the page you want to work on and access the window where you can work on the row style. Here, you can work directly on the grid, creating the row groups that will make up your Full Height sections. Once you’re done, you just have to activate the Enable Full Height view for all the rows of this Page option. Easy peasy.

With WebSite X5, you can work visually: activate full-height in a click and check out the result in real time before going online.

Once the function is active, you can customize the visual outcome with some useful, impactful options. For example, you can add a button at the bottom of each section that automatically scrolls the page to the next section. Alternatively, you can display a position indicator alongside the content blocks to help users navigate and understand where they are on the page.

With the local browser preview, you always have everything under control: make the changes you want, and if the result isn’t exactly what you had in mind, you can always go back and make adjustments.

💡 You want to learn how to get the most out of the Full Height effect with WebSite X5? Check out our guide, or check out the perfect functions to boost your project with WebSite X5.

When To Use (And When To Avoid) The Full-Height Layout

Enabling the Full Height option in WebSite X5 means choosing to structure the entire page into sections that each take up the full height of the screen. This type of layout is ideal for creating a strong, clean visual experience, where each block has its own space and naturally encourages scrolling.

It works particularly well for:

Landing pages
Portofolio home pages
One-Page websites
Any situation where you want to guide users with a precise, impactful visual rhythm

However, keep in mind that since each section will take up the entire screen, you need to carefully consider the type of content you want to include. If your page contains a lot of text or requires users to see multiple sections at a glance, the Full Height layout might not be the most functional choice.

It should also be used thoughtfully on mobile devices: on small screens, a Full Height layout might cause important information to fall below the fold (i.e., outside the initially visible area). That’s why it’s essential to test the result on mobile and make sure that each section immediately communicates the right message.

💡 Do you want to optimize the visual effect of the first section of your website? Discover how to create an efficient header

Responsive Design: How To Manage Full-Height On Mobile

As we mentioned, using Full Height on smartphones requires a bit more care. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on creating a strong visual impact: you just need to design the mobile version thoughtfully.

A well-designed Full Height layout keeps good readability and the visual outcome on any device by adapting it automatically to desktops and smartphones

With WebSite X5, you can easily manage how your pages behave on smaller screens, thanks to the built-in responsive customization options.

You have full control over:

content alignment
object arrangement
background image adaptation

And you don’t need to write a single line of code: everything is done visually, with a real-time mobile preview, so you always know exactly what to expect.

A well-optimized Full Height section provides a consistent, clean, and professional experience on any device, while still maintaining its visual impact on mobile.

💡 You don’t know what “responsive” means? Find out what responsive design is and why it is important.

Use Cases: Two Different Ways to Use Full-Height

The Full Height layout isn’t just an aesthetic choice. It’s a powerful and flexible tool for visual communication. With WebSite X5, you can use it in different ways, adapting it to your site’s style: from clean, minimal solutions to more dynamic, impactful presentations.

We’ve explored the potential of this layout across various templates, designed to highlight different approaches and creative styles. Here are two examples taken from the gallery of templates already included with the software:

Template Hair Stylist

An immersive and dynamic experience. In this template, full-height content sections flow one after another, with vertical indicators on the left guiding the navigation. The outcome is modern and engaging, perfect for who is seeking a strong first impression.

The Hair Stylist template included in WebSite X5 uses the Full Height layout to create an immersive experience, guiding users through the different sections with vertical indicators.

Template Fotograf

A more understated yet impactful style. In this case, there are no section indicators: a subtle button invites users to continue scrolling, preserving elegance and smoothness. Perfect for photo presentations, portfolios, or visual content where silence speaks louder than words.

The Fotograf template adopts a sober and elegant Full Height layout: each section takes up the entire screen and invites users to continue with a subtle button, perfect for visual portfolios.

These two examples show how Full Height isn’t a limitation, but a blank canvas to create a tailored experience: you can guide the eye, set a rhythm, suggest a path, all in a simple and visually clean way.

💡Check out more examples of Full Height layouts by exploring the WebSite X5 template gallery.

Full-Height And Seo: How To Improve Visibility And Usability

Although the Full Height layout is often associated with aesthetics, it can also play an important role in SEO and usability.

When well-structured, a full-height site not only improves navigation but also helps search engines better understand the content and users navigate the page more efficiently.

Here are three key aspects to focus on to maximize visibility and user experience.

Use Anchors For A Clear Navigation

When every section takes up all available space on the screen, using internal anchors can be helpful to allow users (and Google) to directly switch to the desired page sections.

For example: #services, #portfolio, #contacts

With WebSite X5, you can easily set an anchor on rows or objects, ensuring a smoother and “scannable” navigation.

Take Care Of Metadata

Every full-height page, regardless of the number of sections it includes, needs to have a well-optimized title and meta description.

Describe carefully:

who you are
what you do
what this page offers

This helps Google better understand the content and improves the click-through rate for search results.

Add Interaction (Without Overdoing)

A website using Full Height sections can become more engaging if every block offers something to interact with:

a button
a link
a form
a clear CTA

This not only improves the user experience but also increases the time visitors spend on the page, a positive signal for SEO.

💡 In a nutshell: a full-screen layout can help you improve your communication with Google, provided it is structured clearly, interactively, and uses the correct metadata.

Why Use The Full-Height Layout On Your Website Today

Easy to activate, visually striking, and perfect for guiding navigation, the Full Height layout is a powerful tool both aesthetically and functionally.

Whether you want to create an immersive home page, an elegant landing page, or a portfolio site that speaks for itself, full-height sections give you a clean, organized, and engaging visual foundation.

And with WebSite X5, you don’t need to be a developer: just choose a suitable template, enable the Full Height option, and customize each section visually, with the freedom to go back and make changes whenever you want.

Your content deserves space. The Full Height layout is the right way to give it — with style, clarity, and full control.

🚀 Ready For The First Step?

Check out all full-height templates and start creating your website with WebSite X5 right away. Try it for free.

How Strategic Content Guides the Customer Journey — From Leads to Advocates

Incomedia — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 08:18:00 GMT

Content marketing — when it's strategically integrated into the sales funnel — offers exceptional benefits. It can help build brand awareness. It can elevate product understanding. And it can even play a role in converting new customers.

However, the tricky thing about developing a strategic content marketing plan is that the sales funnel isn't what it used to be.

Today's consumers don't follow a tidy funnel anymore. Instead, they do in-depth research, bounce between tabs, and form brand and product impressions before ever talking to sales teams.

With this in mind, the role of content marketing in the sales cycle is to guide consumers from curiosity to conversion.

This article maps out the modern buyer's journey and shows you how to create content for each of the five stages of the funnel. Along the way, we'll reference several examples from brands getting it right, including two posts from Capital Pad that will help you understand how thoughtful content can drive engagement without relying on aggressive selling tactics.

Let's get into it.

Phase 1: Early Awareness

The first step toward converting new customers is creating product and brand awareness.

During this stage, your goal isn't just to position your solutions as the answer to your target audience's pain points.

Much more importantly, it's to attract potential prospects, spark their curiosity, and plant a seed that will grow into a genuine willingness to invest in your products.

Unfortunately, most content marketing strategies miss the mark when producing early awareness-stage content.

The thing about these resources is that they need to be fully customer-centric. It's the only way to help potential buyers recognize themselves (and their pain points) in your content. Otherwise, you won't have much luck grabbing their attention. And you'll have an even harder time guiding them through the customer journey.

The great news is that there are multiple fresh and effective content types you can produce to nail that initial brand interaction.

Problem Framing Blog Posts

One of the easiest ways to attract awareness-stage consumers to your website is to produce blog content that discusses their pain points in a relevant and unique way.

Identifying and contextualizing your target audience's pain points is more than just a great way to attract high-quality, organic traffic to your site.

It's also a marvelous opportunity to position your brand as a knowledgeable source of information and guidance through the buyer's journey.

For instance, check out how Anytime Fitness does it with its Body Recomposition Guide. This resource is an excellent introduction to building muscle, losing fat, and achieving sustainable fitness results. It spells out the necessary phases of the process. Furthermore, it naturally mentions the importance of a personalized fitness regime, which is a service that Anytime Fitness provides through its Personal Training service.

Industry Op-Eds

Great awareness-stage content shouldn't focus solely on selling.

Instead, its primary preoccupation needs to be sparking curiosity about your brand and solution and building credibility in a way that will position your organization as the right entity to remove your target audience's pain points.

Industry op-eds that rely on your expertise are one of the best content formats to help you achieve these goals.

They're almost always centered around a pain point your prospects are familiar with. They elevate brand trust through thought leadership. They benefit readers by providing them with solutions without requiring them to spend their hard-earned money. And, most importantly, they introduce prospects to your products without feeling conversion-oriented.

Bubble's Why AI App Building Needs More Than Just Good Intentions is an excellent example of what this type of resource should look like. It's an in-depth exploration of a prevalent industry trend. What's great about it is that it doesn't just frame a problem. It explores potential solutions, predicts possible obstacles, and gently guides readers toward resolving their pain points without sales pressure while still building brand and product awareness for Bubble's newly released AI features.

Value-Driven Social Media Content

Another exceptional way to attract your target audience into the sales cycle and gently guide them toward becoming leads (and customers) is to meet them where they spend a good chunk of their online time — on social media.

By creating social media content that presents your prospects with hyper-relevant value — like the carousel from Remote below — you can grab their attention and build brand and product awareness in a way that can easily grow into purchase intent.

Whether you do this with threads, carousels, infographics, Reels, or ephemeral formats is up to you.

Take the time to find the format that works best for you. Then, use it to educate followers, share new ideas, introduce products and features, and gently guide prospects toward the lower stages of the sales funnel.

Guest Articles, Founder Video Interviews, and Other Expert Content Formats

When faced with unfamiliar concepts, most consumers rely on social proof and expert guidance — especially during the early and mid stages of the buyer's journey.

So, if you want to draw them into the sales cycle by building brand and product awareness, the best thing you can do is rely on your expertise.

Content formats that allow you to share your unique insights and present readers/viewers with valuable advice are a marvelous opportunity for doing this.

For instance, the interview with CapitalPad's founder on the WithVincent blog is a great example of early awareness-stage content. The video presents a specific audience with a niche solution. But it doesn't aim to sell. Instead, its primary focus is to deliver educational value. It shares the founder's experience with tackling the pain points the intended viewership is struggling with.

Conference talks and recorded panels can be equally effective — particularly because they provide a more formal setting for establishing expertise and positioning you as an industry leader.

Alternatively, you could also invest in whitepapers that address and target industry trends and market gaps, which can help you establish credibility, all the while building brand and product awareness among business or expert leads.

Phase 2: Active Research

Once you've captured your target audience's attention, it's time to transform their curiosity into product understanding.

During the active research phase of the customer journey, your primary goal is to show the unmatched value you bring to the table.

With this in mind, the content you use during this phase needs to be focused on describing and explaining your products in a way that generates familiarity and elevates purchase intent.

Again, multiple formats can allow you to achieve these goals. The best ones will depend on the solutions you sell, your target audience's preferences, online behavior, level of expertise, etc.

Product-Focused Content

While populating the active research phase of the sales funnel, your prospects need specific details on what your solutions do and how they work. And there are a few simple yet effective ways to provide them with the info they need.

Dedicated landing pages that describe your services, solutions, or product features — like the Grammar page on the Wordtune website — are an excellent opportunity to increase product understanding.

You'll notice that this particular resource features a combination of written content and visual aids. On the one hand, this approach allows the business to use effective copywriting techniques to boost content understanding. On the other hand, it makes it easy to incorporate visuals, which play a big role in enhancing content comprehension.

Alternatively, you could achieve the same effect with blog posts that familiarize prospects with your solutions.

In some cases, that can mean producing standard "How it works" guides. Or, if you want to take things a step further, you could invest in detailed step-by-step instructional resources, complete with in-app screenshots and GIFs, like the Create a Subpage article from Notion.

Explainer Videos and Interactive Product Demos

Consumers hugely prefer video content over their text-based alternatives — especially when researching and learning about products.

So, it's no surprise that investing in explainer videos and distributing them throughout your website and social media channels represents one of the most effective ways to guide your prospects through the customer journey.

How you conceptualize and distribute explainer videos is entirely up to you. Of course, you'll want to ensure that the content aligns with your target audience's preferences and online behaviors.

For example, take inspiration from Oval. This brand understands that its potential customers need a quick introduction to why the Oval smart home product deserves attention. So, it created a resource that perfectly sums up the product's value in a simple 45-second YouTube video that can be embedded on any page.

Or, if you want to do everything in your power to familiarize your ideal customers with your solutions and guide them through the buyer's journey, consider investing in interactive formats. These are worth your while when aiming to boost conversions because they offer two distinct benefits.

For one, they are exceptionally engaging, outperforming static content by as much as 52%.

Secondly, they serve as a wonderful taster of your products' capabilities, setting and managing customer expectations, which is especially important for ensuring customer satisfaction during the post-purchase phase of the sales cycle.

For example, product tours and demos — like the one from Hemingway Editor — can offer marvelous opportunities to introduce your audience to your solutions in a way that enhances product understanding and purchase intent.

Phase 3: Evaluation and Comparison

Product understanding is not the end of the customer journey.

Yes, it's crucial for inspiring people to buy your products or services. Nevertheless, you can safely expect your target audience to do more research before committing to a purchase.

Over the past few years, the product evaluation and comparison stage has become longer than ever.

Nowadays, almost all consumers consult social proof before investing in a solution. Apparently, 29% consult price comparison websites to collect pre-purchase information. And 81% of people conduct online research before deciding what products to purchase.

What this data reveals is that, while guiding prospects through the customer journey, you need to:

earn their trust
remove their risk-based conversion obstacles
differentiate your solutions from your competitors' alternatives

Here are the best content marketing formats to help you reach these goals.

Case Studies, Social Proof, and Third-Party Certificates

Any content format that presents potential customers with proof of your brand's expertise and your solution's effectiveness will be helpful when trying to encourage conversions.

And the type of social proof you utilize will hugely depend on your product and audience.

For standard retail, simple reviews and ratings are more than enough.

When aiming to wow more discerning buyers — experts, B2B customers, or when selling high-cost products — you'll need something a bit more convincing.

In these cases, look for a higher level of authenticity and personalization from your social proof.

Case studies that include real-life data and accessible visual representations — like the Capital Pad Historical Search Fund Returns resource — are excellent examples of high-value social proof.

Alternatively, you could spotlight your existing customers, whether through video testimonials, UGC, or customer stories blog content, which is what Olvy does with the Customers section of its website.

Finally, don't forget that social proof and trust signals become far more convincing when they come from sources your prospects already perceive as credible.

Highlighting third-party certificates, awards, and media mentions makes for an effective way to use positive brand and product feedback to elevate trust and guide your prospects closer to the bottom stages of the sales funnel, where they'll feel comfortable deciding to convert.

Evaluation and Comparison Resources

Generally, your primary goal during the evaluation stage of the customer journey should be to convince consumers to convert. However, converting customers at any cost won't necessarily benefit your business.

If you convince people to invest in your solutions without first helping them understand what those solutions can and can't do, you're setting them up with a poor customer experience.

That's why you absolutely must produce high-quality, objective comparison resources that will allow shoppers to choose the right solutions for their needs.

This can be as simple as enriching your Pricing pages with information about the features each of your product tiers includes — which is what Memtime does below.

Or, if your primary goal includes differentiating your solutions from those sold by your competitors, you could take inspiration from Rocketlane and its Rocketlane vs GUIDEcx landing page that summarizes the key differences between the two software options and shows why the former could be a better fit for the brand's target audience.

Phase 4: Conversion

You've almost done it.

You've engaged your target audience, stood out as the best option for your customers' needs, and positioned your products as unique choices in your market.

Now, all that's left to do is remove any conversion obstacles and close the deal.

The best way to use content to guide your prospects through the funnel will be to look at ways to minimize friction.

What sorts of resources can you produce to aid leads during the final steps of their buying journey? There are lots of content formats that can work. Here are some of the most effective types to consider adding to your content strategy.

Onboarding Resources

Knowing that consumers love to know what to expect post-purchase, your onboarding processes should start as early as possible.

When trying to guide purchase-stage consumers over their last hurdle toward conversion, think of the types of content that could help communicate your dedication to delivering a stellar CX.

Investing in onboarding resources that maximize overall customer satisfaction is a wonderful way to guide your future customers toward a more satisfactory brand and product experience, as well as to remove their final conversion obstacles.

For example, check out how Basecamp does it. Every free trial sign-up triggers an automated welcome email series that includes guides and resources meant to ease the onboarding process. The fact that these include simple but effective tips for getting the most out of the software allows users to integrate it into their workflows more quickly. Moreover, it maximizes their chances of turning into paid customers down the road.

Freebies, Consultations, and Personalized Pitches

Another excellent method to nudge prospects closer to becoming paying customers is to provide them with relevant resources free of charge.

Freebie downloads, consultations, personalized demos, or video pitches are all great content formats for guiding prospects through the customer journey.

For one, they deliver a level of personalization that today's consumers expect as part of a stellar customer experience (yet rarely receive). Secondly, they demonstrate your brand's willingness to prioritize customer needs over profits, which is a marvelous method of reducing perceived risk and overcoming one of the biggest conversion obstacles.

Clay's Get a Demo page is a great example of what this can look like. But, of course, you can use any other content format that works for you — whether that's a downloadable ebook, a chat flow with embedded content, or an interactive setup checklist that guides new clients through the process of getting the most out of your solutions.

Urgency Content

Lastly, if you want to encourage conversion-stage consumers to turn into loyal customers of your business, it's not a bad idea to give them a bit of a nudge with urgency-based content.

Because this type of messaging is exceptionally effective at inspiring consumer action, it can be a great addition to your content strategy when aiming to guide prospects through the sales funnel.

Don't put unnecessary pressure on your potential clients — as that can often backfire by harming brand trust. But do explore ways to give a small push every once in a while to encourage people to convert sooner rather than later.

Skillshare does it perfectly with its Final Chance emails, which remind prospects that they can access a 30-day free trial but only if they act immediately.

Phase 5: Loyalty — "I've Signed Up. Now Make Me Stay (and Tell Others)"

You've converted your clients and provided them with the solution they needed. Now, it's time to get them to remain loyal brand customers.

In truth, this is one of the most important stages of the sales cycle. Yet, it's the one most brands ignore.

But the thing is, investing in customer loyalty is one of the best things you can do for the financial well-being of your organization. Retaining existing clients is much cheaper than converting new ones. Loyal customers spend significantly more than first-time buyers. And people who feel connected to brands are much more likely to recommend those brands to their peers, which gives you access to free (and impactful) social proof.

With this in mind, your loyalty-stage content needs to do three things:

build and nurture long-term relationships with your customers
continually engage clients to maximize their CLV
create opportunities for turning users into advocates

Regular Newsletters to Maintain Engagement Rates

The easiest method to employ content to elevate retention is to develop a loyalty-focused email marketing strategy.

By sending your users updates, tips, entertaining content, or engaging op-ed pieces, you can keep pulling them back to your brand and turn interactions into a routine.

Grammarly's Weekly Writing Update emails are one of the best examples of what this type of content can look like. In addition to rewarding app usage, these emails also gamify the process of interacting with the brand's solution, turning (relatively) irrelevant data into an engaging piece of content that generates excitement around the idea of brand loyalty.

You can do something similar with update and release notes, which will call users' attention to the new ways they can interact with your products.

Or, you might even present loyal customers with access to deals, content, or products, which can transform simple brand interactions into the pillars of long-term loyalty.

Gallup does this beautifully by inviting newsletter subscribers to join exclusive webinars and download new research reports, all of which deliver continuous value to prospects and make them more likely to rely on the brand for insights into the global work marketplace.

Customer-Centric Content

Another excellent method to make your clients feel more connected to your brand is to spotlight them with your content.

Whether you do this in your email newsletters or on your social media feed — like Royal Ballet and Opera in the example below — is entirely up to you.

But you can rest assured that it will make your customers feel appreciated and create a setting in which more customers will want to feel special, too. This will help boost their engagement rates and produce free social proof content you can use throughout your marketing strategies.

Final Thoughts: Don't Just Create Content, Design a Journey

The types of content mentioned in this guide merely scratch the surface when it comes to what types of resources you can produce. But the truth is, there's no single answer to what formats you must incorporate into your content strategy.

Instead, think of content marketing this way: it should act as a logical and enjoyable step on the journey from awareness to conversion to loyalty. During this journey, every piece needs to play a role in nudging the reader forward.

So, to get the best ROI from your content, map out your prospects' customer journey. Create valuable resources for each phase, prioritizing alignment with user intent. And always prioritize educational value, trust-building potential, and helpfulness when producing resources. If they're there to fill space, they won't benefit your audience or your brand. You'll just waste precious time and money on something that doesn't serve you in any way.

WebSite X5: The best alternative to Wix for creating websites

Incomedia — Wed, 28 May 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Creating a website today is easier than ever, thanks to a wide range of online tools designed for users of all skill levels. Among these, Wix is undoubtedly one of the most well-known: it offers an intuitive visual editor, many templates, and useful features for those who want to publish a website quickly, even without technical skills.

However, when it comes to choosing the right website creation software, several factors must be considered: flexibility, project ownership, ease of use, technical support, and of course, value for money. In this context, many users wonder whether there is a valid alternative to Wix that combines ease-of-use and control.

This is exactly when WebSite X5 comes in: a user-friendly software for creating websites and online stores that stands out for its practical, professional approach, focused on the real needs of those who work online. In this article, we’ll compare Wix and WebSite X5, analyzing how they work, their strengths, and their key differences, to help you choose the solution that best fits your digital project.

Wix: How It Works and Why People Like It

Wix is a cloud-based web development platform that allows users to create websites using a drag & drop visual editor. Launched in 2006, it has reached millions of users worldwide thanks to its intuitive interface, which enables even beginners to design and publish a website in just a few steps, without writing a single line of code.

Since it’s an online service, the first step is to sign up. After that, you’ll need to set up your dashboard, either with the Wix AI Website Creator or manually. Once this is done, you can move on to building your website, starting with the selection of a template. From there, you’ll enter the editor, where you can customize text, images, and many other visual elements. The final step, of course, is publishing your website, which is hosted on Wix’s servers.

An “all-in-one” approach

One of Wix’s main strengths is its all-in-one approach: it includes everything you need to get started, from design to hosting. Users can choose from hundreds of pre-designed templates, categorized by industry and business type, and easily customize them with content, images, galleries, forms, maps, social icons, and much more.

As mentioned earlier, the website you create is published on Wix’s servers, with the option to use a custom domain (only included in certain paid plans). Hosting is managed entirely by the platform, which simplifies technical aspects for users who prefer to focus solely on content. But it can be limiting for those who want more control and flexibility.

Standard editor and Wix Studio

In addition to the standard editor, Wix recently introduced Wix Studio, a new solution for designers and agencies offering more advanced tools for responsive design, collaboration, and the development of custom layouts. This marks a step toward a more professional audience, while still keeping the visual interface as a central feature.

The visual editor in Wix allows you to build web pages by simply dragging and dropping the elements you want.

Why People Like It

To sum up, people generally like Wix because:

It is easy to use, even for beginners;
Websites can go online quickly;
It offers a wide range of templates and add-ons;
It provides editor, hosting, and domain in a unique, complete solution.

It’s a popular choice for those looking for a quick start and simplified website management, especially for personal projects, creative portfolios, or small businesses.

The Limitations of Wix: When Simplicity Is No Longer Enough

Wix has certainly lowered the barrier to entry for website creation, but it’s not always the ideal solution for every type of project. When transitioning from a simple showcase website to a more complex setup, such as a corporate website, a feature-rich blog, or a growing online store, certain technical and operational limitations begin.

Website Ownership and Portability

One of the main drawbacks of Wix is the platform lock-in: websites built with Wix cannot be exported or migrated to other providers. This means that if you decide to switch services in the future, you won’t be able to transfer your website as it is: you’ll need to rebuild it from scratch on a different platform.

Flexibility and Advanced Customization

The drag & drop editor is convenient, but it can become limiting for users who need more detailed control over layout, code, and SEO structure. Some customizations require the use of Velo by Wix, a development environment based on JavaScript, which may not be suitable for all users.

Recurring Costs and Scalability

Wix offers a free plan, but with ads and limitations. While the paid plans are feature-rich, they operate on a subscription basis: you need to renew annually to keep your website online, maintain your custom domain, and access premium features.

In addition, many advanced tools, such as marketing features, booking systems, custom forms, or automations, are not included by default and must be added via the Wix App Market. Many of these apps are developed by third parties and come with their own fees or monthly/annual subscriptions, which are charged on top of your main plan.

All this can make the platform less cost-effective than it may seem at first glance and potentially quite expensive in the long run, especially for small businesses, professionals, and freelancers with limited budgets.

SEO and performance

Wix has made significant improvements to its SEO capabilities, but some users still report challenges when it comes to fine-tuning content optimization or managing advanced tags, especially compared to more flexible solutions. Additionally, the platform’s heavy use of JavaScript for many features can impact website loading speed.

Support and localization

Wix is an international platform that offers multilingual support, but it may not always be fully adapted to the specific needs of local markets. Customer support, documentation, and control panels might not be fully localized or aligned with regional regulations, practices, or user expectations.

What If There Were a More Flexible Alternative?

Those who seek greater control over their website, clearer pricing, built-in features without relying on external plugins, and perhaps a fully localized interface, there are alternatives to Wix worth exploring. One that stands out for its approach, reliability, and strong localization is WebSite X5—an easy-to-use software to create professional websites quickly and easily.

WebSite X5: How This User-Friendly Website Builder Works

WebSite X5 is a user-friendly alternative to Wix, a desktop software for Windows designed to make it easy for everyone, from individuals and small businesses to schools and freelancers, to create professional websites, blogs, and online shops without the need to write any code. Unlike online platforms, WebSite X5 is installed directly on your computer and works even offline, allowing you to work smoothly even without a stable internet connection, avoiding slowdowns or the risk of data loss. Finally, WebSite X5 stands out by giving users the freedom to choose where to publish their website.

💡Did you know that…with WebSite X5 you can create and publish a complete website in less than 1 hour? Thanks to the guided process and ready-to-use templates, many users manage to launch their website on the very first day.

A guided 5-step process

The core of WebSite X5 is a guided process in 5 steps, which takes the user from the initial planning all the way to online publication:

Initial settings
You define the type of website (showcase, blog, e-commerce), choose the title, language, and other general information. It’s also possible to set SEO parameters right from the start.
Template selection
WebSite X5 offers a large library of professional and customizable templates, organized by sector and graphic style. You can also start from a blank template and design the website from scratch for a completely tailored result.
Creating the sitemap
Using a visual interface, you build the website architecture by organizing pages and defining their hierarchy.
Page design
You enter the actual editor: a flexible grid where you can drag and drop predefined content like text, images, contact forms, videos, galleries, maps, custom HTML code, and much more.
Export and publish
Once the website is complete, you can export it via FTP to any hosting (including existing ones) or take advantage of the WebSite X5 Hosting service, free for the first year.

No Restrictions, Full Control

One of WebSite X5’s most appreciated strengths is that you have complete ownership of your website: projects are saved locally and can be published anywhere, with no ties to a specific provider or platform. This gives you maximum freedom to manage, update, or migrate your website over time.

A valid Alternative: Affordable and Subscription-Free

Unlike many online platforms that operate on a monthly or yearly basis, WebSite X5 requires a one-time purchase: the license is perpetual, with no hidden fees or mandatory renewals. This makes it an extremely cost-effective solution in the long run, especially for those planning to create several projects. In fact, with a single license, you can build an unlimited number of websites, manage them independently, and publish them on any hosting of your choice, an especially valuable feature for freelancers, agencies, or anyone managing multiple websites at once.

An international software for an international audience

WebSite X5 offers interface, technical support, documentation, and updates in multiple languages. This is a key advantage for users who prefer working in a clear, localized environment that aligns with regional regulations, such as GDPR compliance, electronic invoicing, and cookie tracking requirements.

WebSite X5 vs Wix: A Direct Comparison

Now that we’ve seen how both tools work, it’s useful to take a direct look at how Wix and WebSite X5 compare. Both allow you to create websites without writing code, but they do so with very different approaches and models. Here’s an overview of the main differences.

Software type

WebSite X5: Desktop (Windows)
Wix: Online (cloud-based)

Website ownership

WebSite X5: Full ownership, exportable files
Wix: Limited, tied to the platform

License

WebSite X5: One-time purchase, perpetual license
Wix: Monthly or yearly subscription

Number of Websites

WebSite X5: Unlimited, with a single license
Wix: One per plan/project

Hosting

WebSite X5: User’s choice (via FTP) or included free for 12 months
Wix: Included, tied to Wix’s platform

Templates

WebSite X5: Professional, customizable, included in the price
Wix: Wide selection, some may be complex to customize

Editor

WebSite X5: Drag & drop with a flexible grid layout
Wix: Free-form drag & drop

Advanced features

WebSite X5: Built-in (blog, e-commerce, SEO, members area, cookies, etc.)
Wix: Often require paid add-ons

SEO

WebSite X5: Optimized, full control over tags and structure
Wix: Good, but with some limitations in structure and code

Support

WebSite X5: Direct support and documentation available in multiple languages
Wix: Primarily English, less localized

Offline use

WebSite X5: Yes
Wix: No

Wix and WebSite X5 represent two different approaches to website creation.

Wix is ideal for those looking for a fast, fully online, pre-configured solution—provided they’re comfortable with certain limitations and ongoing subscription costs.
WebSite X5, on the other hand, is perfect for users seeking an equally simple but more independent, customizable, and long-term alternative. It’s especially well-suited for creating multiple projects and working offline, all with a single upfront investment.

Selling online: WebSite X5 vs Wix for E-commerce

Today, many people are looking for website creation software that also includes e-commerce, something easy to set up, yet powerful enough to manage a complete online store. Both Wix and WebSite X5 offer tools for selling online, but with some key differences.

Wix allows users to enable an online store through its Business and E-commerce plans, which include cart functionality, product management, payment processing, and automation tools. However, many advanced features—like selling digital products, marketing tools, multilingual support, abandoned cart recovery, or external supplier integration—require additional apps from the Wix App Market, often at extra cost. Plus, the entire store is tied to the Wix platform: exporting or migrating your e-commerce website elsewhere isn’t possible.

WebSite X5, on the other hand, includes e-commerce features natively in its professional plans. This means you can:

Manage physical or digital products, including variants, stock levels, and categories;
Set up online payment methods (e.g., PayPal, Stripe, bank transfer) and shipping options;
Customize the customer experience (coupons, free shipping thresholds, order management, notifications);
Maintain full control over your data and hosting environment;
Avoid extra costs for plugins or monthly subscriptions.

The interface is designed to be intuitive, even for beginners, yet it offers advanced options for those looking to scale their store over time.

For anyone searching for a reliable, independent, and scalable e-commerce alternative to Wix, WebSite X5 is a solid and cost-effective choice.

Why Choose WebSite X5 as an Alternative to Wix

Choosing the right website creation software isn’t just about comparing features. It’s also about how much control you want over your project, the freedom to choose your hosting provider, your budget, and the kind of support you expect.

WebSite X5 stands out as a powerful alternative to Wix for those who are looking for a more independent, cost-effective, and scalable solution. It’s not just a technical alternative, it reflects a different philosophy: rather than being tied to a closed online service, you work with your software, enjoying maximum creative freedom with no platform lock-ins.

WebSite X5 is the ideal choice if:

You want to build a professional and tailored website, starting from fully customizable templates;
You manage multiple projects or work as a freelancer or agency;
You run a local business, a small company, or an educational institution, and need a user-friendly yet complete tool;
You want full control over costs, performance, and privacy by choosing where to host your website;
You value clear, responsive, and accessible technical support available in multiple languages.

In short, WebSite X5 is designed for those who take website creation seriously, offering a sustainable, efficient solution, complete and always at your disposal — with no subscriptions, no limitations, and no hidden surprises.

So, Is WebSite X5 the Best Alternative to Wix?

If you're looking for website creation software that’s easy to use, yet flexible, independent, and sustainable over time, the answer is yes: WebSite X5 is one of the best alternatives to Wix, especially for professionals, freelancers, and small businesses.

With WebSite X5, you get:

A complete software solution with all features already built-in (e-commerce, SEO tools, blog, member areas, and more)
A lifetime license that lets you create as many websites as you want—no monthly subscriptions
Full control over your website, which you can host wherever you choose
An intuitive interface and direct, localized support to match your needs

Start today and create your professional website with WebSite X5. Download the free version and see how simple and fast it is to build your website. Check out the video tutorials to get started quickly, and if you ever need help or advice, get in touch with our support team.

WebSite X5 2025.2: More images, more action, more audience

Incomedia — Mon, 26 May 2025 22:00:00 GMT

The second update of 2025 is here, marking another milestone for WebSite X5. With this new version, we continue our commitment to constant improvement, which comes with every release: a project made of new features, optimizations, and thoughtful solutions for those who build websites every day.

In the previous version, we focused on a crucial topic: accessibility - providing tools and guidelines to create more inclusive websites that better comply with international standards.

With the new v2025.2, we’re turning our attention to what makes a real difference today: user experience, visibility, and workflow speed.

Whether you're already using WebSite X5 or considering getting started, one thing is certain: the software is alive, evolving, and growing alongside your projects.

Let’s take a look at some of the main new features introduced.

Put your website...in your users' pockets. Discover the new PWA function

Let’s start with one of the most interesting new features in this version: from now on, your website can be installed on smartphones, just like an App.

Thanks to the PWA function (Progressive Web App), it's all incredibly simple, both for you and your users. It only takes a couple of clicks on your end to activate it - WebSite X5 takes care of the rest. With just one tap, your users can add the website to their device’s Home screen. No stores, no complicated procedures.

Once installed, the website is easily accessible via a custom icon on the home screen and opens in full-screen mode. It's perfect for any kind of project, but just imagine how strategic it could be for online shops. Your customers will easily return to the store, browse the catalog, and place orders more quickly and directly.

And since we mentioned the user experience, we didn’t stop there.

Bring your pages to life. New effects for Objects and Pages.

With v2025.2, you can rely on new visual effects that make your content more dynamic.

It’s not only about “wow effects”: they’re useful tools to draw attention, highlight key areas of your page, and make the browsing experience more enjoyable.

Object effects were already available in previous versions, but now they’ve been enhanced: you can choose to activate them when the Object appears or while scrolling down the page. Moreover, you can make an Object stay fixed while the other elements of the row scroll past. By adjusting the duration and choosing the right effects, you can create truly impactful animations.

But that’s not all: now you can apply effects to whole Pages. Here too, you’ll find various options, with the ability to customize the transition duration and even the browser window color during page changes.

The outcome? A more dynamic and engaging browsing experience.

But if you really want to catch the eye... you also need the right image.

Find the right image in just a few clicks. Welcome, Pexels

We know how long the selection of the right image can take: that’s why we worked to make things easier for you.

Now, the integrated WebSite X5 library includes over 3 million free images from Pexels, in addition to the ones already available from Pixabay and Depositphotos. Pexels is one of the most popular platforms as far as royalty-free image quality and variety are concerned, and we’re happy to make them available for you!

What’s more, we've merged free and premium images into a single library, making it easier to search with the help of smart filters. You can search, filter then add the image you need without ever leaving the software.

You work faster, stay focused on your project, and give your website the look it deserves.

And if your project targets an international audience, there’s another important new feature to explore.

Open your website to new markets. Complete RTL (Right-To-Left) support.

Creating a website in a language like Arabic or Hebrew, where text flows from right to left, involves more than just right-aligning content. To deliver a consistent user experience, the entire layout needs to adapt.

With version 2025.2, WebSite X5 makes this otherwise complex process much easier. When you select an RTL language for your project, the software automatically takes care of everything: text, menus, and the overall structure are mirrored to ensure smooth, natural reading.

It’s a technical feature, for sure, but one with real strategic impact, especially if you're looking to expand into new markets like the Middle East or offer a more international e-commerce experience.

And here’s the best part: you don’t have to start from scratch. If your website is already multilingual, you can add an RTL version in just a few steps, keeping your project consistent and professional in every language.

Always a step ahead

Version after version, WebSite X5 keeps growing alongside its users.

With version 2025.2, we’ve introduced tools that improve usability, presentation, and accessibility to new audiences. And we’ll keep doing so, staying true to what sets us apart: an accessible interface, creative freedom, and everything you need to build a complete website.

In this brief recap, we’ve just mentioned the most relevant new features: you will find the list of all new features of the new version 2025.2 and of the previous ones on the New Features page.

Do you have an active WebSite X5 license? Install this new version right away: start the program and follow the instructions to do it in a few clicks only.
Do you have an expired license? Renew it now to get v2025.2 and all the upcoming updates.
Don't have WebSite X5 yet? Now is the perfect time to buy it. The license includes Hosting, Priority Support, and 12 months of updates and new versions.

Why choose WebSite X5: the easy-to-use software for creating professional websites

Incomedia — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Nowadays, creating a website is crucial for any kind of business: freelancers, companies, shop owners, organizations or simple craft lovers - everybody needs a solid and well-structured online presence. But while the goal is clear, the means to achieve it are less.

The market is full of software solutions for creating websites, each making its own promises: ease of use, professional results and low costs. However, the truth is that users often run into overly technical tools, complex platforms or subscription models that become unsustainable over time.

Choosing the right website builder is an important decision, as it affects not only the quality of the final result, but also the flexibility, the long term costs, and the possibility of keeping the website up-to-date.

In this scenario, WebSite X5 stands out as a solid, comprehensive and accessible alternative that allows you to create professional websites intuitively, without programming and without the need for monthly subscriptions.

This is why it's worth considering seriously, and why it could turn out to be the winning choice for your online project.

How to choose the right Website Builder

Before you start your website creation, you need to take a moment to carefully choose the right tool. Going for the first well-known platform may be tempting, but every project has different needs and not all website-building programs are the same.

Let’s talk about some of the key criteria you should consider when choosing the right website builder for you.

Ease of Use

Choosing a software is like selecting a tool for the job: there's no point in using an industrial drill if you only need to hang a picture. Consider your level of expertise, how much time you're willing to invest in learning to use a new tool, and the type of website you want to create.

Often, the best choice is software that is accessible even to those with no technical skills, providing an intuitive user interface and a clear work flow based on drag & drop. The ideal solution is one that allows you to get started easily, but also offers the possibility to dive deeper and customize as you gain experience.

Available Functions

In addition to ease of use, the software you choose to create your website also has to offer a comprehensive set of functionalities. You may need tools for creating blogs, contact forms, image galleries or online shops.

The more complete the software you choose, the less you'll need to integrate external tools. Having all these features in a single platform simplifies project management, ensures greater consistency in the final result, and reduces costs.

Control and Independence.

Today, most website-building programs are based on cloud platforms, allowing you to work online and offering automatic updates. However, there are also desktop solutions, less common but with undeniable advantages: greater independence in managing files, the ability to work offline, and direct control over publishing and hosting choices.

The decision depends on how much value you place on operational independence versus the convenience of a constantly connected system.

Costs and Sustainability

The pricing model can greatly influence your software choice. Some tools operate on a monthly or annual subscription, while others offer a one-time purchase.

There is no one-size-fits-all formula: it depends on your available budget, the project's duration, and how often you plan to use the software. Carefully consider not only the initial price, but also the long-term costs and the services included in the package.

Support and Updates

Even the best software can become frustrating if it doesn’t offer adequate support. It’s important to choose a tool that provides responsive technical support, updated resources and an active community to engage with.

A program that is constantly evolving, with regular updates and a team open to user feedback, ensures that your website stays up to date with the latest trends and best practices on the web.

Comparing Website Builders

Once the criteria for choosing the right website builder is set, it’s natural to compare the available options on the market. Platforms like WordPress.com, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify are among the most popular, each with its own strengths.

However, these solutions don’t always turn out to be the most suitable, especially for those looking for a comprehensive, independent platform without recurring costs. As we will see, the benefits offered by WebSite X5 make it a highly valid alternative in many ways: ease of use, feature comprehensiveness, cost-effectiveness.

WordPress.com

WordPress.com offers a hosted platform to create blogs and websites with predefined templates, ideal for freelancers and personal projects.

WordPress is the most widely used platform in the world for creating websites, thanks to its extensive reach and massive community. The WordPress.com version, in particular, is designed to offer an "all-in-one" service, with managed hosting and a selection of ready-to-use themes.

It’s a convenient solution for bloggers, freelancers, and small personal projects. However, compared to the self-hosted version (WordPress.org), it offers less flexibility and customization. Additionally, many advanced features, such as using external plugins, custom themes, or more advanced SEO tools, are reserved for paid plans.

It should also be considered that, particularly with the self-hosted version, maintenance is part of a user's responsibility: plugin, theme, and system updates must be managed carefully to avoid incompatibilities or security issues.

For this reason, those seeking greater autonomy, control, and more predictable long-term costs, but with less technical complexity, might consider equally complete and ready-to-use alternatives.

Wix

Wix features an intuitive interface with a focus on drag & drop: it’s designed for those seeking visual simplicity and speed.

Wix is one of the most well-known platforms for creating websites, thanks to its drag & drop interface, which makes it easy to build a website even for those without technical skills. It offers a wide selection of templates and an app marketplace to add extra functionalities.

It’s a popular choice for beginners or those who need a quick showcase website to publish. However, the monthly subscription model can become costly over time, and once the website is built, migrating it to another platform can be complicated.

Additionally, while Wix is easy to use, it can limit flexibility in terms of structure and advanced code customization, making it less suitable for more complex projects.

Squarespace

Descrizione: Squarespace focuses on design with elegant templates: a solution appreciated by creatives, designers, and image-driven brands.

Squarespace is popular for the neat design of its templates, often chosen by photographers, designers, architects, or small brands looking for an elegant-looking website. The editing experience is smooth and the main functionalities (blog, e-commerce, portfolio) are integrated in the system.

The platform stands out for its visual quality but offers less space for advanced customization compared to other tools. The costs, based on monthly subscriptions, should also be considered in relation to the features actually used.

Squarespace is ideal for those who want a visually striking and functional website “out of the box,” but it could be limiting for those seeking more technical control and greater scalability over time.

Shopify

Shopify is one of the most comprehensive e-commerce solutions: it offers powerful tools for the catalogue management, integrated payment and shipping methods, as well as marketing tools. It’s the right choice for those who need a professional online shop that is the center of their business.

However, Shopify is a platform almost exclusively oriented towards online sales: it is therefore less immediate for other kinds of content (blog, portfolio, company presentations). Additionally, many features are accessed through external apps, often for a fee, and the overall cost can rise quickly, especially with high volumes.

It’s a powerful solution, but not always the most flexible or convenient for those who have mixed needs or websites different from online shops.

WebSite X5

WebSite X5 is a complete desktop software designed to create websites and e-commerce independently, without subscriptions.

WebSite X5 is a good alternative to Wix, WordPress, Squarespace and Shopify. It’s a software to create websites that stands out for its comprehensive, accessible and independent approach. Unlike many online platforms, you can install it on your computer (Windows) and it also works offline, which allows you to work in complete autonomy and freely publish on any hosting.

The drag & drop interface and fully visual workflow make it ideal for those looking for an easy-to-use tool. At the same time, WebSite X5's built-in features make it a solid and comprehensive solution: blog, e-commerce, contact forms, photo galleries, and SEO tools are all included—no need for external plugins.

Another important advantage is the license model: no subscription, no fees, but a one-time purchase with regular updates and technical support available in 5 languages.

WebSite X5 represents a concrete, comprehensive and sustainable solution for those who look for a website builder that combines ease of use, advanced functionalities and full flexibility.

The Pros of WebSite X5: Why Choose It

WebSite X5 is a website creation software designed to offer a complete and independent solution, perfect for those who want to manage their site easily yet professionally. After exploring how it compares to other website builders, let’s take a closer look at why more and more users are choosing WebSite X5 for its many advantages:

Clear costs, no subscriptions
Everything included, right from the start
Freedom to work offline and publish anywhere
Easy for beginners, advanced tools for those who want to grow
AI-powered tools to write better content
Support in 5 languages and active community

No Subscriptions, clear Pricing and Cost-Effectiveness

Unlike many monthly or yearly subscription-based platforms, WebSite X5 is a one-time purchase: you pay once and the software is yours forever.

If you consider it carefully, you’ll find out that the initial purchase price is often lower than the annual subscription to other services. This makes the software a cost-effective and sustainable solution, especially in the medium to long term.

Moreover, there are different plans to choose from, so that you can decide the best investment according to the type of website you want to create: from a simple showcase website to a more complex project complete with integrated e-commerce.

All-inclusive, right from the start

With WebSite X5 you don’t need any external additional plugins: drag & drop editor, blog, e-commerce, contact forms, SEO tools, photo galleries - everything is already integrated in a single coherent environment, so you don’t have to learn how to use different interfaces, install separate components or deal with fragmented updates.

With WebSite X5, everything you need to create a professional website is already built into the software.

A real all-in-one solution, ideal for those who want to focus on contents and communication, rather than get lost among extensions, configurations and technical compatibilities.

Work offline and publish anywhere

WebSite X5 is a desktop software: this means you install it on your PC and work even offline, ensuring a smooth workflow wherever you are.

When you’re ready to go online, you can choose to use the hosting service that comes included with the license for 12 months, or rather go for an external provider.

In both cases, you have full freedom and control: no platform lock-in, no dependency on cloud environments or proprietary infrastructures.

Easy for beginners, solid for growing

The visual interface of WebSite X5 makes the software accessible even for complete beginners, yet under the hood, you'll find tools designed to build complete, professional websites.

You can create a blog, a showcase site, or a full e-commerce store, with product management, orders, payments, and shipping. Thanks to the integration with PayPal Commerce Platform, selling online is easy, secure, and ideal even for those with no prior experience in digital payments.

Everything you need is included to optimize your website for SEO and ensure it’s fully responsive across all devices. WebSite X5 also helps you follow key best practices for accessibility, so you can build inclusive websites that comply with WCAG guidelines, as required by both national and international regulations.

It’s a solution that grows with you: simple when you need it to be, powerful when it matters most.

Write better texts with the AI

WebSite X5 integrates MagicText, an AI-based assistant that helps you generate texts for your website.

Write optimized, web-ready content with the AI assistant integrated into WebSite X5.

Use it to get inspired, craft content drafts, rewrite sentences or write SEO-optimized descriptions, even when you run out of ideas.

It is a tool designed to speed up writing, provide creative inspiration, and enhance content quality, even without copywriting experience.

Support in 5 languages and active community

When you start using a new tool, knowing you can rely on dependable support makes all the difference. WebSite X5 offers fast and knowledgeable direct technical support in 5 languages, along with constantly updated and comprehensive documentation.

Additionally, it offers an active community of experts as well as beginners that share tips & tricks or inspirations about how to create a website with WebSite X5. It’s a useful environment both for who’s just starting out and who wants to dive deeper and get the most out of the software.

In short: you’re never alone. And having support in your own language—human and knowledgeable—is a real advantage that simplifies every stage of your work.

Who (and what projects) is WebSite X5 for

Whether you're just starting out in the world of web creation or already have experience building websites, WebSite X5 is a software designed to adapt to your needs and support you every step of the way. Its strength lies in its flexibility: a single tool that suits different users and a wide range of project types.

WebSite X5 is perfect for any type of project: from personal blogs to business websites, from e-commerce to school websites.

Some, like small entrepreneurs and local businesses that want to build a neat online presence while keeping full control on the website, the costs and the management, use it for creating professional company websites, complete with institutional pages, offered services and possibly an integrated online shop.

Freelancers, web designers and digital consultants choose WebSite X5 to work on multiple projects, also on behalf of clients. They enjoy full autonomy, with no technical bonds, and can provide websites that are easy to manage even for customers with no technical skills.

Marketers also find a valuable ally in the software: it allows them to quickly create landing pages, minisites, and SEO-optimized blogs—ideal for supporting promotional campaigns or lead generation activities.

But WebSite X5 is much appreciated even by realities that are not strictly connected to business: cultural organizations, schools, teachers and students use it for creating project websites, showcase for events, local initiatives or as an educational tool to learn how to create a “real” website, with an actual structure and content.

Finally, private users choose it to give shape to a personal idea - a blog, a portfolio, a website dedicated to their hobby, a freelance activity or a small e-commerce. Even with no technical skills, they can get professional and lasting results.

Whatever your starting point is, WebSite X5 offers different plans to guide you in the best way possible: you can start out easy and grow over time, or you can activate all advanced functionalities right away. In any case, you can rely on a robust, accessible and comprehensive tool for building your online presence.

In conclusion: WebSite X5 is the best website creation software for you

In a crowded landscape of website creation tools, WebSite X5 stands out for its balance between simplicity and completeness. It’s an accessible software solution that can also support ambitious projects—ideal for beginners, yet appreciated by digital professionals.

Whether you're building a site for your business, launching a small online store, promoting a school project, or managing multiple clients as a freelancer, WebSite X5 provides the right tools, at the right level, with the freedom to work the way you prefer.

With a transparent pricing model, no subscriptions, and all features already included, it’s a practical choice for anyone looking for a solid, effective, and independent online presence.

👉 Do you want to find out if WebSite X5 is the right choice for you?

Download the free WebSite X5 version, try out the interface, explore its functionalities and start creating your website, one step at a time.

Or keep reading our blog for comparisons, practical guides, and real-world use cases.

From Classroom to Online: When an E-Commerce Business Is Born at School

Incomedia — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Who says school is only about theory, rules, and formulas? Sometimes, between a logistics class and a research project on sustainability, something much more tangible can take shape: a digital business.

That’s exactly what happened with ECORIVIVE, a school project that turned a class into a business team and an idea into a fully functioning e-commerce.

We’re in Vasto (Italy) at the CNOS-FAP Association – Abruzzo Region branch, where students attend a three-year Vocational Education and Training course to become Logistics Systems and Services Operators in a dual-learning format. In other words: theory and practice go hand in hand from day one. But this time, they raised the bar — the students didn’t just simulate running a business. They actually made it happen. Online. Functional. And with a clear mission: to talk about circular economy and sustainability — for real.

The digital core of the project? An online shop built by the students themselves, using WebSite X5 — a tool that made something seemingly impossible a reality: creating a professional website without writing a single line of code.

“At first, we were worried. We thought building a website from scratch would be too hard,” the students said. “But with WebSite X5, it turned out to be intuitive — even fun!”

An idea that starts from the local community and the desire to make a difference

What makes ECORIVIVE so interesting is that it doesn't stem from a classroom assignment, but from a real need. The students and teachers, led by Professor Fabio Di Nicolantonio, looked around and thought: what can we do that is useful, meaningful for our community, and for the future?

The answer came powerfully: to talk about sustainability, reuse, and ecology. But not just in words. The goal was to create a project that combined social value with operational practicality — something that could also exist outside the classroom.

And so, the idea of a simulated training company was born, structured just like a small business, with real roles, functions, and objectives. The products? Naturally sustainable. The sales channel? Online, of course.

Team, roles and entrepreneurial spirit

Once the project idea was decided, the next step was figuring out how to make it happen. And here's where the beauty of the project lies: each student chose or was assigned a role, just like in a real company. There was the logistics team, the marketing team, the communications group, and – of course – the team responsible for creating the online shop.

At that point, the challenge was clear: to create a functional, visually appealing, easy-to-navigate website suitable for online sales. With one key condition: none of the students were programmers.

The right software at the right time: WebSite X5

This is where WebSite X5 comes into play. The teachers were looking for a solution that was:

professional, yet intuitive;
flexible, yet guided;
powerful, yet accessible to those who don’t know how to code.

WebSite X5 checked all the boxes.

“We discovered that with a block-based, drag & drop system, we could build entire pages in just a few clicks,” the students said. “The most fun part was seeing a live preview of what we were creating right away.”

The ECORIVIVE website took shape step by step, with images, texts, product pages, and sections dedicated to the project’s mission and identity. Everything was designed and created by the students.

An online shop that goes beyond products

At the end of the journey, the result was a complete and fully functional e-commerce website:

But the real success is not just "technical."

The website became a showcase of acquired skills, shared creativity, and, most importantly, awareness.

Awareness that digital is not just a tool, but a way to communicate ideas, values, and goals.

"Now we know how a website works, how to set up an e-commerce site, and how to work in a team. We feel more prepared for the future," the students proudly say.

A project that leaves a mark and inspires others to do the same

ECORIVIVE isn’t just a classroom exercise. It became a real showcase, visible to everyone, and it made an impact. Colleagues, companies, and even other schools have shown interest in the project. Some have asked for information, while others are considering replicating it at their own institutions.

A milestone? The presentation of the project at Didacta, one of the most important events dedicated to innovation in education, held in Florence in March. An experience that gave the students even more visibility and confirmed that they were doing something truly meaningful.

And tomorrow? The future of ECORIVIVE is still yet to be written

Even though the website is online and the project has reached its first goals, ECORIVIVE is far from over. The plan is to continue growing it, improving the e-commerce, expanding the offerings, and perhaps creating a network of schools that share the same vision of sustainability and innovation.

“We’re thinking about how to evolve the project. We’d love to involve other institutions, create new collaborations, and make ECORIVIVE an even broader experience,” says Professor Di Nicolantonio.

For the students, this means continuing to learn on the field, but also leaving something tangible for future classes. A digital, sustainable legacy that’s constantly evolving.

When school truly prepares for the future

In a world where there’s so much talk about the “school of the future,” ECORIVIVE has managed to bring it into the present.

The students didn’t just learn how to manage a complex project, but they gained skills that are highly relevant in the workforce: e-commerce, digital communication, teamwork, and web tool management.

Most importantly, they understood one fundamental thing: even from the classroom, you can start a business, with creativity, critical thinking, and a desire to get involved.

“The best part? Seeing that our work is online, it’s real. And knowing that we’ve learned something that will actually be useful to us.”

The right technology makes the difference

The role of WebSite X5 was central. Without a simple yet powerful tool, the idea would likely have remained just a nice project on paper.

Thanks to a platform designed even for beginners, the technical barrier disappeared, and in its place, the desire to create emerged.

A perfect example of how technology, when accessible, becomes a tool for inclusion and growth.

In conclusion: school, digital skills and real impact

ECORIVIVE is not just a website. It’s proof that with a good idea, passionate guidance, and the right tools, even a school project can have a concrete and lasting impact.

It’s a story about sustainability, digital skills, and most importantly, students who took on the challenge — and came out stronger, more aware, and with a real project to share.

Discover how to bring digital into your school

Want to learn more about how to create a school website or an educational e-commerce with WebSite X5?

Visit 👉 WebSite X5 and start shaping your ideas today.

Restyling a website: how and when to do it

Incomedia — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 22:01:00 GMT

You fear your website isn’t attracting your customers anymore?

Because on second thought, it's not quite as beautiful as the one you saw the other day, and you liked so much. Most of all, you could emphasize the forms a little more to get more subscriptions, and maybe replace product photos to increase sales.

Basically, some things could be updated after all. Maybe now’s the time to think about it.

What does restyling a website mean

A website restyling is an update that can involve graphic, technical, or content changes aimed at improving the appearance, performance, and overall effectiveness of a website. It doesn't necessarily mean starting from scratch, but rather optimizing it to better meet user needs and the brand's objectives.

It can include all or just some of these actions:

Renewal of the graphic layout;
Content review;
Update of the navigation structure;
Introduction of new features;
Adaptation to the latest best practices in usability and SEO.

In short, it’s like refreshing your website’s look to bring it up to date, improving its disability, effectiveness, and performance.

When to restyle your website

When should you redesign your website? There’s no straightforward answer to this question, but usually you should consider doing it every 3–5 years, to keep up with digital trends, technological changes, and users’ expectations.

There are some clear signs that indicate the need for a redesign, including:

Outdated design or one that no longer aligns with the brand's visual identity;
Usability or navigation issues that confuse the user;
Lack of a mobile-friendly version (non-responsive website);
Slow page loading times or issues with Google indexing;
Difficulty in managing or updating content due to outdated technology.

In other words, if your website shows even just a few of these symptoms... it might be time to give it a nice refresh.

How to understand if it’s time to restyle your website

Do you like quizzes? Then think about your website and try answering these questions. Don’t worry: it won’t take much of your time, and in return, you might discover something very interesting.

Look at your Homepage as if it were the first time: do you still like it?
Carefully read all texts on your pages: is the reported information still relevant and up-to-date?
Think about what users could be looking for on your website: can you find it quickly and easily?
browse on your website using a smartphone: does everything work smoothly?
think about the goals you want to achieve with your website: selling, collecting leads, getting known…Is your website effective?

If you replied “Yes” to all the above questions while being objective and honest, congratulations! Your website is in perfect shape. Keep it updated, it will bring you great satisfaction.

However, if you replied “No”, or your “Yes” was strained and half-hearted for most of these questions, that means the time has come: your website needs to be restyled.

8 Practical and Useful Tips for a Complete Website Restyle

I know. Just hearing “I need to re-do my website” strikes fear in the hearts of many. Excuses pile up, it takes too long or costs too much, or I’d rather believe that my site can keep working the way it is, but if I don’t improve myself, I’ll just miss out on things.

Restyling a website doesn’t have to be as hard as you imagine: as usual, all you need is a plan and the right tools. So here are 8 tips to make sure restyling your website doesn't turn into a disaster in terms of time, money, and results.

1. Analyze the competition

It’s not a matter of copying them, but rather of understanding what they're doing, how they're doing it, and what you can do differently, possibly adding value for users.

Search engines have strict rules, and users are creatures of habit: understanding which of your competitors are ranked highly by Google and by users and seeing how their websites are set up will give you lots of interesting insights to reflect on, which you might add to your own site.

2. Analyze your target audience

In the end, your site needs to please your users, not you. If you know what they value, but especially what their problems are and which ones you could solve, you’ve hit the jackpot!

This information can reveal what you should communicate and how: your message is much more convincing if you tell your users about the advantages you offer, rather than just describing your products/services.

3. Evaluate the potential of your old website

Don't get ahead of yourself: we're not saying you should toss or change everything about your old website. If there are pages that work because they receive a lot of traffic or because they convert - meaning they lead users to do what you want them to do: sign up, purchase, etc. - think carefully about whether it’s worth changing them. Maybe all they need is a touch-up to align them with the new design.

Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console can help you: as to the former, if you set it up correctly, parameters like the number of visits, bounce rates, and targets can help you tell the difference between the pages you should keep and those you can delete. As to the latter, you can use it to analyze website indexing and ranking.

4. Work on the structure

A good structure is essential for your website’s success: firstly, because it impacts user experience; secondly, because it has a positive influence on how search engines rank you.

But be careful: an effective structure isn't something you can improvise. It must stem from a clear definition of your business objectives. Whether you want to increase sales, collect leads, or simply boost brand awareness, every element of your website should be designed to guide users toward that goal.

Remember, if you structure your pages correctly, users will find the information they need without getting lost, and you'll be able to lead them through strategic paths—right up to the CTAs (Call to Action, meaning buttons or links) that encourage conversions.

5. Develop your new design

Sure, it's your website…but you’re not the only one who needs to like it: above all, your users should like it. And careful: a nice-looking but ineffective website is just like an empty box. You need to find the right balance between design and usability, focusing on the user experience (UX) and the effectiveness of a good interface (UI)

Good UX planning helps you build a smooth, user-friendly experience for your website visitors, while the UI defines the way each element is presented visually. You need to work on both aspects to ensure an appealing outcome that also helps the user carry out precise actions: reading, clicking, getting in touch, and buying.

With that in mind, here are some hints to keep in mind when developing your site’s design:

Introducing yourself
When landing on your page, users should immediately understand who you are, what you do, for whom, and why. You only have a few seconds to grab users’ attention before they escape to other sites. Carefully select the graphic model - for instance, if you have an online shop, make sure to choose a template that includes e-commerce.
Top of the page
That’s what users see immediately as soon as they land on your page. Make it appealing to convince people to keep reading the page. Here, more than anywhere else, the titles and high-quality images are important.
Images
Choosing the right colors and images is very important when you restyle a website. They’re among the first things people notice, and they affect their perception of your business. You need high-quality images that are consistent with your brand, which can tell a story or evoke emotions.
Font
Often underestimated, the choice of font is actually very important for user experience: poorly readable texts can drive away even the most motivated reader. Go for fonts, sizes, and colorways that are easy to read. You can be daring with some text, but overall, you should stay true to the golden rule of readability.
CTA
As mentioned above, CTAs are crucial for conversions. If you build your pages right, the CTAs will be what guides your visitors’ attention. People should immediately recognize them, understand what they’re asking them to do, and hopefully click on them to do so. Avoid general labels: “Find out more” is not as clear and effective as “Ask for a quotation now”.

6. Write the content

Your old content probably can't be carried over untouched: some things are bound to have changed over the years.

Restyling the site is a good opportunity to update the content. If you can, don't limit yourself to updating information: re-work the quality of the text too. Good web copy should satisfy both readers and Google, meaning it should be correct, fluid, and persuasive, but also well-structured and optimized for SEO rules. Read our guide for more insights about web content.

7. Restyling a responsive website

Do I still need to explain how important it is for a website to display correctly and be easy to navigate on both desktops and smartphones? I doubt it, after all we all expect them to do so now.

If your site isn't responsive yet, it’s the right time to think about it. Like good texts and beautiful images, both people and search engines alike appreciate mobile-friendly pages. So why not make them happy?

8. Set up 301 Redirects

Update some pages, eliminate those that don't work, add pages with new content: that’s how restyling works.

But the pages you remove can't just disappear: these pages have earned a certain value in time for search engines, and you absolutely don't want to lose this value. The solution is to use 301 Redirects.

301 Redirect is the command that you give your website’s host server, so that anybody who types in the address of an old page is automatically redirected to a new page, ideally one that’s relevant to the same topic. This means you can avoid generating 404 Errors (Page not found), Google is happy, and you don't lose organic traffic.

Thant being said, there are some cases in which redirecting isn’t the best solution: if a page is really old and has no value, or if it never got a good ranking, you can keep it with a status code 404 or, even better, use the 410 (Gone) code, which tells search engines that that resource has been definitely and intentionally removed.

Why update a website H2

A website can’t remain as it is forever: it must evolve to keep up with changes affecting the identity and the goals of the brand it represents, as well as with the needs and expectations of the audience it serves. Don't just focus on how much it costs to create a website, but on the benefits it brings. Restyling your website isn’t a challenge to overcome, but rather an opportunity to pause, reflect, take stock, and restart with renewed momentum.

What are you waiting for? Restyle your website with WebSite X5 and get back on top of search engine rankings!

WebSite X5 2025.1: A Website for Everyone

Incomedia — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

We’ve always said it: WebSite X5 is designed to give everyone - even those with no technical or programming skills - the possibility of creating their own appealing and functional website.

But now, our goal has expanded and become even more ambitious:

Making it possible to create websites for everyone.

What do these two simple words - “for everyone” - mean? They refer to web content accessibility, which is now more relevant than ever, especially with the upcoming enforcement of the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

How does this broader perspective take shape? Thanks to a thorough review of the code generated by WebSite X5 and the introduction of some specific features. Improvements are now available in the new version 2025.1.

You probably have a lot of questions now. So, let’s dive in and explore what accessibility means, what the regulation requires and, most importantly, how WebSite X5 2025.1 can help.

What is Web Accessibility?

Have you ever tried browsing a website in direct sunlight, struggling to read text due to insufficient contrast? Have you ever watched a muted video because you were in public without headphones? Or attempted to fill out an online form, only to face difficulties because the request was unclear, or because the submit button was impossible to click when navigating with the keyboard instead of the mouse? Well, these are just some of the challenges that people with visual, motor, hearing or cognitive disabilities face every day when surfing the web.

Web accessibility aims to remove these barriers, ensuring that everyone can easily access the web content.

In other words, web accessibility is the practice of designing websites, applications, and digital content so that they can be used by everyone, regardless of the user's physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.

Actually, accessible websites can come in handy also for people with temporary disabilities (for instance a broken arm that makes using a mouse difficult) or limiting situations (such as a slow internet connection or having to use the phone in direct sunlight).

In short, a more accessible website means a more inclusive and user-friendly website for everyone, regardless of their abilities or the context they find themselves in.

Accessibility in numbers

You may think accessibility only impacts a limited number of users, however, data tells a different story.

16% of the world's population has a disability

According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion people in the world, namely 16% of the world population, live with some form of disability, 80 million being in Europe alone, according to the report issued by the European Parliament. In Italy, an estimated 5.2% of the population, or about 3.5 million people, have a disability. These are clearly numbers that can’t be ignored.

A growing issue

With the aging population in many countries, the number of people with disabilities is expected to rise. In the US, for instance, it’s estimated that the number of people aged 65 and older will double by 2060, reaching 90 million people.

90% of websites are not compatible with assistive technology

Even though disabilities affect 1 in 6 people, only 2 in 100 websites are accessible for people with disabilities, and just 1 in 10 websites is browsable by people needing assistive technology. This is a wake-up call: the web, which should be an important gateway, often ends up being another barrier.

People with disabilities represent a market worth 500 billion dollars annually

On the other hand, it is estimated that people with disabilities represent a market of 500 billion dollars a year, and it has been found that 82% of people with disabilities prefer to engage with companies that have accessible websites. This means that having an accessible website allows you to access a significant market share with substantial revenue potential.

These figures show that web accessibility is not a niche issue, but rather a concrete necessity for millions of people. Moreover, they make it clear that accessibility is not only a matter of social inclusion, but also a real opportunity that, as we will see, WebSite X5 can help you seize.

Web Accessibility: Standards and Regulations

To ensure that the web is accessible to everyone, accessibility rules and principles have been defined.

At the international level, the primary reference for digital accessibility is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a set of guidelines developed by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) to provide a shared standard.

The WCAG are organized according to four fundamental principles:

Perceivable
Operable
Understandable
Robust

Each of these four principles, known by the acronym POUR, represents a crucial aspect of accessibility and includes guidelines. For each guideline, success criteria are provided, describing what must be achieved to conform to the standard. Finally, the success criteria are organized into three levels of conformance:

Level A: Minimum Conformance - focuses on removing the most critical barriers but does not guarantee a fully accessible experience.
Level AA: Intermediate Conformance - aims to eliminate most significant barriers for users and represents the standard for most international regulations.
Level AAA: Advanced Conformance - the most difficult to achieve level and is not always legally required.

The WCAG, in addition to being a reference for web content developers, has had a profound impact on national and international regulations regarding digital accessibility, directly influencing the creation of laws and regulations aimed at ensuring web inclusion.

At the European level, Directive 2016/2102/EU on the accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies made compliance with WCAG 2.1 at least at level AA mandatory for all public administrations.

Alongside this, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will, starting in June 2025, impose accessibility requirements on e-commerce websites, online banking services, digital platforms, and mobile applications of private companies. Microenterprises (businesses with fewer than 10 employees or an annual turnover of less than 2 million euros) will be exempt from these requirements, but they will be encouraged to implement accessibility solutions, as making digital services accessible to everyone still represents an added value in terms of usability and online visibility.

This means that non-compliance with the WCAG can lead to penalties (up to 5% of annual revenue), legal consequences, and reputational damage.

How to create an accessible website with WebSite X5

But how can you create an accessible website? The first guideline—perhaps the most important of all—is to design your web pages with the user at the center. Thinking about how content can be accessed by users, including those with disabilities, is the best guarantee for creating inclusive pages.

That said, you can confidently rely on the WCAG: the guidelines provide detailed and precise instructions on how to handle all the scenarios that may arise and successfully implement accessible solutions.

However, many of these solutions indeed involve generating semantic HTML code, which could pose a problem for those without specific programming skills. This is where WebSite X5 comes into play, as its new version 2025.1 aims to help you create accessible websites.

WebSite X5 autonomously handles many technical aspects related to accessibility, allowing you to create websites without writing a single line of code. Based on a thorough examination of the WCAG, the software addresses many of the level A and double AA accessibility criteria either automatically or with assisted mode.

The software works automatically whenever it generates the page code semantically and in compliance with standards, without you needing to do anything. For example, it handles keyboard navigation and uses ARIA tags for email forms.

In other instances, WebSite X5 operates in assisted mode, providing you with the tools to intervene and improve your pages’ accessibility. For instance, whenever you import an image, video, or audio, it asks you to add an appropriate alternative text.

So, if you're thinking of creating a new website, you can start right away to have pages accessible to everyone. If you already have a website, you can always update it with the new version 2025.1 of WebSite X5. In this case, the project analysis feature will help you identify the key areas you need to address to make your content more inclusive and compliant.

Web Accessibility: Challenges and Opportunities

Facing the challenges posed by accessibility may seem like a daunting task, but WebSite X5 certainly simplifies the process: with semantically correct code at its core and informed choices made by you, you'll be able to make the pages of your website or e-commerce site more and more inclusive.

Additionally, remember that accessibility is a path you can take gradually: even the laws allow a website to have content at different levels of accessibility. You can start by deleting the most important barriers, to then refine the content over time to reach a wider audience.

Finally, as we've partly mentioned before, an accessible website not only ensures an inclusive experience for all users but also offers numerous benefits for the website owner:

More visitors and greater inclusivity → An accessible website is usable by more people, expanding the number of potential visitors and customers.
Better SEO ranking → Many aspects of accessibility (alternative text, clear structure, clean code) help the site be better indexed by search engines.
Improved reputation and trust → Showing attention to accessibility strengthens a company's image, increasing public trust.
Legal compliance and reduced risks → Following the WCAG guidelines helps avoid penalties, lawsuits, or complaints related to non-compliance with regulations.
Improved user experience for everyone → Many accessibility practices (such as clear navigation, visible buttons, readable text) make the site more intuitive and easier to use for anyone.

Ultimately, accessibility is not just a requirement but an investment that improves the web for everyone.

Accessibility is the central focus of this update, which also introduces new payment methods. To expand the possibilities of your online store, we’ve added: OnShop, an innovative prepaid payment method using digital vouchers; HyperPay and PayTabs, two payment gateways particularly popular in Arab countries; and PayU, a payment solution widely used in Eastern European countries.

You will find the list of all new features of the new version 2025.1 and of the previous ones on the New Features page.

If you have an active WebSite X5 license, you can directly install the new version: start the program and follow the instructions to do it in a few clicks only.

If, on the other hand, you have a WebSite X5 license that is no longer active, you can renew it now to access the new version 2025.1.

Finally, if you haven’t tried WebSite X5 yet, take the chance and buy it now. The license includes the Hosting service, a 12-month guarantee to receive updates and new versions that will be released, as well as the possibility to use the Priority Support service.

Landing Page Optimization: A Definitive Guide For Beginners

Incomedia — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Your landing page gets traffic, but visitors leave without signing up or buying. No conversions, just a high bounce rate. Sound familiar?

No need to worry because in this article, we will explore what landing page optimization is and why it matters. Plus, we will share the best practices to turn your visitors into paying customers.

By the end of your read, you will know how to craft an optimized landing page that speaks to your target audience, improves engagement, and drives results.

Landing Page Optimization 101: What It Is & Why You Need It

Landing page optimization is the process of improving your landing page design and content to boost conversions, whether that is getting:

Sales
Sign-ups
Downloads

The process also focuses on tweaking key elements: headlines, CTAs, and visuals—to improve landing page performance and turn more visitors into customers.

Here’s more on why your business needs it aside from increasing your conversion rates:

Stronger Lead Quality: Optimized pages attract not just more visitors, but the right visitors who are more likely to become loyal customers.
Enhanced Social Sharing: Compelling, user-friendly landing pages are more likely to be shared, which expands your reach organically.
Stronger Brand Credibility: A professional, high-performing landing page builds trust and positions your business as reliable.
Boosts Visibility On Search Engines: A well-optimized page aligns with search engine optimization best practices, which helps you rank higher and attract organic traffic.
Faster Decision-Making for Customers: Clear CTAs, streamlined layout, and targeted SEO content help visitors make quick purchasing decisions.

To help you achieve all these benefits and more, use platforms like WebSite X5. With our tools and ready-to-use templates, you can create landing pages that are responsive, mobile-friendly, SEO-friendly, and HTTPS-secured. Plus, you can use our AI assistant to generate content and copy.

6 Smart Ways To Optimize Your Landing Page For Better Results

Review each best practice and highlight the action points. Then, rank them based on your current goals and apply the most relevant ones first to see a faster boost in your landing page conversion rate.

1. Feature Real Reviews To Win Over Skeptical Visitors

Adding real reviews does more than just build trust—it guides landing page visitors to make confident decisions. Seeing feedback from others who faced similar challenges and found solutions through your product or service reduces their hesitation to choose your brand.

But beyond showing start ratings and quotes, you need to use social proof to create a relatable experience. This emotional connection is what turns a basic page into a high-converting landing page.

HOW TO FEATURE REVIEWS EFFECTIVELY

Highlight longer, more detailed reviews that explain the problem, solution, and results for potential customers who need more convincing. Here’s a great example from Prime Time Window Cleaning:

This review goes beyond generic praise—it tells a mini success story. It highlights:

A specific problem (hard-to-access house)
The solution (quick response and same-day service)
The result (job completed efficiently)

For potential customers with similar concerns, this builds trust and proves reliability in real-world situations. Plus, do you see those arrows on the side of the review box? It is a rotating review carousel that keeps your landing page clean to let visitors browse multiple reviews without clutter.

Another way to display your reviews is to pair star ratings with measurable outcomes, like “Saved 50% on costs!” You can also break down ratings for things like quality, ease of use, and support to address key decision factors.

Here are other ways to make your social proof popup:

Use video testimonials too to up the authenticity level.
Use images or stats to visually prove the impact of your product.
Showcase expert endorsements visibly on your landing page to strengthen trust.
If your reviewers permit you, include their photos and names to make the reviews feel more genuine and relatable.

2. Create A Conversational Landing Page To Make Every Visitor Feel Heard

A conversational landing page feels like a real interaction, not just a static web page. It guides visitors through a natural flow of:

Answers
Questions
Personalized content

Unlike other landing pages, a conversational one mimics real conversations and engages users with interactive landing page elements to remove friction.

When your visitors feel heard, they are more likely to trust your brand and take action.

HOW TO CREATE A CONVERSATIONAL LANDING PAGE

Add AI-powered chatbots that answer questions and guide visitors to the right solutions. To do this, use no-code chatbot builders like Get Button.

Make sure to train your chatbot to avoid jargon and respond in a natural, human tone. For example, you are in the furniture niche selling this selection of best mattresses. Here’s how a robotic response will sound if you do not train your chatbot:

Our mattress features multi-layered memory foam with temperature-regulating properties and ergonomic spinal support.

Meanwhile, here’s how a natural, human response should be:

Our mattress adapts to your body, keeps you cool at night, and relieves pressure, so you wake up feeling refreshed.

A more conversational tone can make your landing page visitors feel like they are talking to a real person, not a machine. This keeps them engaged and makes it easier for them to imagine the benefits.

But make sure to also have human customer service agents available so your visitors can seamlessly switch from automated responses to real human support when needed. Lastly, use interactive forms or quizzes to let visitors share their needs to create an engaging landing page experience.

3. Write Clear, Concise Copy To Keep Visitors Hooked Without Overloading Them

Your visitors do not have time to read walls of text, so if your landing page message is not clear, it will bounce. Meanwhile, writing concise, benefit-focused copy makes it easy for visitors to see why your offer matters and take the desired action.

Develop copy that guides them effortlessly and does not force them to work to find value in your products or services.

HOW TO WRITE CLEAR COPY

Start with how your product improves their life. To do this, state your value proposition, not just what your product does. Show visitors why your offer matters to them right away.

Here’s an example of a value-driven copy you are selling running shoes:

Take inspiration from that instead of doing this:

Only Describes What the Product Does: Our running shoes feature lightweight materials and advanced shock-absorption technology. They include a breathable mesh upper and a durable rubber sole.

You can also use storytelling strategically. A short, relatable story can make your offer more compelling. But make sure you avoid jargon—write like you are talking to a real person. Also, trim the fluff and remove filler words that do not add valuable information to your pitch.

4. Optimize Your Page For SEO To Drive More Qualified Traffic

SEO optimization does not just help people find your dedicated landing page; it guarantees the right people land on it. Plus, a well-optimized page brings in organic search traffic, letting you rely less on pricey ads and keep customer acquisition costs in check.

HOW TO HAVE AN SEO-OPTIMIZED LANDING PAGE

You will be creating dozens of landing pages as your business grows. Hire SEO agencies like SIXGUN to fully manage this part of your strategy because this can be research-intensive, time-consuming, and technical.

To help make this a more seamless process, here’s what you need to discuss with them:

Optimize the landing page for mobile to attract more users.
Use Google Analytics to see which pages bring the most traffic and adjust your strategy.
Add internal links to guide visitors to related content and improve page authority.
Create a dedicated landing page for each offer because more pages mean more chances to rank for different keywords.
Use a primary keyword with transactional intent because it attracts visitors who are ready to take action. Then, use secondary keywords naturally in the body to improve relevance and increase organic search traffic.
Write compelling meta descriptions to make users want to click with clear, engaging previews.

5. Use Color Psychology In Design To Influence Emotions

Color is not just about aesthetics. When used strategically in your digital marketing strategy, color psychology enhances the overall landing page experience and shapes how visitors perceive your brand’s personality.

The right colors can:

Increase trust
Create urgency
Make visitors feel at ease
Guide users to take key actions without overwhelming them

HOW TO USE COLOR PSYCHOLOGY EFFECTIVELY

Here’s a guide for which colors to use for your page design based on what business or offers you have:

Blue: It calms the mind, making it ideal for finance, tech, and healthcare brands.
Red: Red grabs attention and creates urgency, making it great for limited-time offers.
Green: It symbolizes health, growth, and wealth. Perfect for eco-friendly brands, organic products, and financial investments.
Yellow: It conveys energy, optimism, and playfulness. Works well for toy brands, vacation deals, and streaming services.
Orange: It sparks enthusiasm and movement. Works well for fitness programs, coaching services, and limited-time registrations.
Neutral or pastel: Soft tones create a premium, relaxing feel, which makes it ideal for luxury or wellness brands.

Here are additional reminders to perfect your color psychology application:

Balance bright and neutral colors because too many bold colors can overwhelm users, so pair them with muted backgrounds for clarity.
Use gradients since they create depth and visual interest, which makes landing pages look more dynamic and engaging.
Use contrast for CTA buttons to make them instantly noticeable and drive more clicks.
Consider cultural and demographic associations with colors to make your page more relevant and impactful. For example, in Western markets, white symbolizes purity and simplicity, while in some Asian cultures, it represents mourning.

6. Include A Video To Showcase How Your Product Works In Action

Show your product in action to help potential customers visualize how your product fits into their lives and make your effective landing pages even stronger.

HOW TO HAVE AN EFFECTIVE LANDING PAGE VIDEO

Demonstrate how your product solves a problem. A great example is GetSafe’s product video, which you can view on their homepage:

The video stays short and focused, landing in the 30 to 90-second range to keep the viewer's attention. Plus, it highlights the key feature visually and through a bit of humor instead of just listing the specs.

To further make your landing page videos better, you can get real users to share their actual experiences. You can also use a before-and-after format to show the transformation your product delivers.

Also, here are shooting reminders to make sure you get the best quality video:

Get good lighting to make your product look high-quality and appealing.
Zoom in on textures, buttons, or moving parts to highlight craftsmanship.
Show the product from different perspectives to provide a complete view.
If you want to include background music, choose a tune that enhances the mood without distracting from the message.
Add captions for silent viewing because many users watch without sound, so make sure they still get the message.

To apply this tactic more seamlessly, hire an expert video editor to craft engaging product demos, testimonials, or explainer videos for your landing pages. With this, you can make sure your videos look polished, capture attention quickly, and guide visitors toward conversion—without you spending hours on edits.

3 Landing Page Optimization Struggles (And How To Fix Them)

Identify the solutions for each challenge and add them to your landing page optimization checklist to always have them on hand.

A. Misaligned Ad-To-Page Messaging

When your ad and landing page do not match, visitors feel misled. Think of them clicking on a Google Ads offer for a “50% discount” only to land on a page with no mention of it.

What happens after?

They will feel tricked and leave, which hurts your ad spend and lowers conversions.

Here’s how to avoid misleading customers:

Keep language in your ad and landing page similar to reinforce the message.
Maintain visual communication consistency. To do this, keep colors, fonts, and images in sync with the ad’s look and feel.
Match headlines with ads. For example, if your ad promises “Free Shipping,” make sure your landing page headline repeats it.
Do not bury promotions or discounts deep in the page—highlight them above the fold.
Align your CTA Messaging. If your ad says “Claim Your Trial,” do not switch to “Sign Up Now” on the landing page.

B. Too Many Distractions

A landing page with too many elements, like excess text, multiple CTAs, and unnecessary links, overwhelms visitors. Instead of guiding them toward action, it confuses them.

The result? Decision fatigue.

Even worse, distractions can make your A/B testing ineffective. If your landing page variations are packed with competing elements, you will not get clear data on what actually drives more conversions.

Here’s how to clean up your landing page:

A/B test landing page variations. To do this, compare tripped-down versions with detailed ones to see what drives more conversions.
Remove unnecessary links to keep them focused on converting, not wandering to other pages.
Reduce form fields and only ask for essential information to avoid frustrating visitors.
Limit CTAs to one primary action to avoid giving multiple choices that pull visitors in different directions.
If your page length is overwhelming (more than 500 words), trim excess content and get to the point faster.
Minimize pop-ups but if you must use them, make sure they appear after engagement, not immediately.
Prioritize visual hierarchy to guarantee that the most important content stands out first.

C. Non-Specific CTAs That Lack Urgency

A weak CTA like “Click Here” or “Learn More” does not tell visitors what to expect or why they should act now. Without a clear benefit or urgency, they will not see a reason to engage.

Beyond lowering your conversions, they also make your landing page forgettable. Worse, they might assume your offer is not valuable.

Meanwhile, strong CTAs drive action by creating a sense of exclusivity or urgency, like “Claim Your Free Trial – Ends Today.” When you look at landing page optimization examples with clear-cut CTAs, they all guide users to act fast with persuasive language, like this:

Here’s how you do better CTAs:

Personalize for your audience. For example, “Get My Custom Plan” feels more personal than “Download Now.”
Add a time constraint. CTAs like “Limited Spots Available” encourage immediate action.
Keep CTAs above the fold. Your visitors shouldn’t have to scroll to see what action to take.
Use actionable language. For example, replace “Submit” with “Get My Free Guide” to make the benefit clear.

When To Use Landing Pages

A landing page is not just another page on your site—it is a conversion powerhouse. Use it when you want visitors to do one thing and do it now—sign up, buy, download, or register.

Here’s when you should use a landing page:

Generating leads
A/B testing new strategies
Re-engaging existing customers
Promoting a special deal or event
Launching a new product or service
Running paid ads or social media campaigns
Collecting sign-ups for webinars or online courses

Whenever you need visitors to take action without getting lost in other links or content, a landing page is the best tool for the job.

Conclusion

Make smart, strategic landing page optimization tweaks now. Review your landing pages and identify what needs fixing. Are your CTAs too vague? Make them more action-driven. Does your page feel too generic? Try a conversational landing page to create a stronger connection.

Prioritize the biggest gaps first. Gather your team, test one change at a time, and refine based on results. Small optimizations prompt big wins.

Want a helping hand?

WebSite X5 is ready to guide you in creating landing pages that convert. With our templates and easy-to-follow steps, you can start optimizing right away. Try our services now for free and let’s publish your page already.

Burkhard Berger is the founder of Novum™. He helps innovative B2B companies implement modern SEO strategies to scale their organic traffic to 1,000,000+ visitors per month. Curious about what your true traffic potential is?

Gravatar: vip@novumhq.com

SMEs: How To Create an Effective Lead Generation Website

Incomedia — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:00:00 GMT

A successful lead generation website is worth its weight in gold for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In the digital age, a simple online presence is no longer enough—visitors must not only be drawn to your site, but should also, if possible, become potential customers while they’re there. But how can this be achieved?

With this step-by-step guide, you can build an effective lead generation website that not only looks good but also delivers results. From designing the customer journey to the correct approach to B2B addresses, you will find out everything you need to know.

Understand the Customer Journey: From Visitor to Lead

Custom domain names help ensure people notice your website. But they aren’t enough to keep them there. To make them stay and create a lead generation website that really works, you also need to understand the journey a potential customer takes when engaging with you. The customer journey or buyer’s journey is the basis for deciding which information, functions, and CTA buttons are useful and in which places. Ultimately, you want to guide the customer from homepage to purchase without them getting lost along the way.

Remember the multi-stage nature of the customer journey: different content and CTAs could be relevant in each phase. In the early stages, an informative blog article may capture interest, while in the later stages, a problem-solving webinar may be engaging. This will keep the customer interested until they are ready to make contact or sign up.

SMEs can particularly benefit from a strategic customer journey, as a well-thought-out path from first contact to purchase decision strengthens loyalty and builds trust. Think about what specific content could help your target customer choose your company over the competition and adapt your customer journey accordingly.

Easy Navigation: No Wild Goose Chase for Your Leads

The navigation of your website should be designed in such a way that the user can always find what they’re looking for straight away. A lead generation website isn’t a treasure hunt—no one wants to click through endless menus to get to a simple contact form or to find the keyword they’re looking for.

A clear menu structure helps visitors see the added value of your website and discover relevant information. “Sticky navigation,” where the menu remains visible as you scroll, can also help remind visitors of the most important information on your website. By placing key links and an easily accessible “Contact Us” function, users can take the next step when they’re ready.

Efficient navigation can make a big difference in whether your website generates leads or whether visitors quickly leave the page. By using short, concise menus and clear buttons, you can direct visitors in a targeted manner without overwhelming them.

If you know exactly how you want your site to look but don’t know how to translate your vision into reality, just leverage the services of a good web development company.

But don’t just opt for the first company you find. Make sure you compare and contrast potential web development service providers. Nail down important details like WordPress website cost and timeline. Then choose the best based on your business requirements and budget.

Generate trust: Testimonials and Social Proof

Small and medium-sized businesses often struggle with generating trust, especially when they are new to the market. This is where testimonials and social proof come into play. Customer reviews and recommendations from other companies can often have more impact than the best advertising copy. People trust that others have had positive experiences and that can be used effectively.

Place your best customer testimonials and success stories on the website—ideally on the homepage and near the call-to-action buttons. However, social proof goes beyond simple reviews. Use trust-building elements such as seals of approval, partner logos and press mentions to underline your seriousness and experience. Case studies are also convincing because they demonstrate how you support your customers' success.

Highlight testimonials or success stories that describe the specific results and benefits of your service. Clear, real value makes it easier for new visitors to see the benefits of working with you at a glance.

Target B2B Email Addresses

If your website is intended to generate leads for the B2B sector, it is particularly important to target companies and their decision-makers. A simple “Contact us” option is usually not enough to attract high-quality leads. Instead, it's about creating targeted content that really resonates with your target audience.

When you buy B2B email addresses, you can contact relevant companies directly and offer them personalized content. It is important that the B2B addresses are of high quality—after all, you don't want to communicate with just any “info@” address. Ideally, they’ll contain specific named contacts and additional information about the company that will help you design your offers precisely. Only through a targeted B2B approach can you bring valuable leads to your site and transfer them to the sales process.

Remember that B2B companies often have high expectations and need targeted in-depth content. Showcase the added value that your products or services can provide for specific challenges. This way, you create a targeted and professional approach that shows decision-makers that you really understand their needs.

Craft a Powerful CTA: Don’t Keep Visitors Guessing

A CTA is what ultimately turns visitors into a lead—so it needs to be clear and concise. Instead of generic statements like “Click here” or “Learn more,” use specific and engaging CTA wording. “Request a free consultation” or “Download white paper now” may be exactly what your potential customer is looking for.

Every CTA should be designed in color and position so that it catches the eye and immediately appeals to the user. If your website has multiple CTAs, consider where they are placed most effectively and whether they are arranged in a logical order. Less is often more—overloaded pages with too many CTAs can be intimidating.

Make sure your CTAs emphasize direct added value. For example, if you offer a free consultation, make it clear that the potential customer is receiving personal support. This makes your offer tangible and relevant.

Your CTAs should work, too, of course. This is key, not just to lead generation but also to conversion. If people click on your “Check In” CTA, they shouldn’t have to submit their personal information again once they get to the hotel where they plan to stay. You should automate the check-in process for them as promised, so all their guest details are automatically sent to the hotel as soon as they press that CTA button. If you don’t deliver, you’ll end up losing them to your competitor.

Use Lead Magnets: Ebooks, Webinars and More

Lead magnets are pieces of content that provide visitors with such valuable information that they are willing to leave their contact information in return. For SMEs, lead magnets could be:

ebooks
checklists
webinars
white papers

They’re particularly effective for generating quality leads. The advantage is obvious: your visitors immediately receive something useful while you collect valuable contact information yourself.

Make sure that these offers are clearly visible on your website, for example, in a pop-up or as a permanently integrated element on the homepage. Lead magnet topics should be relevant and issue-based to capture your target audience's attention and provide real value.

Another benefit of lead magnets is that they can be used as an entry point into a longer-term content strategy. This will help you stay in touch with prospects who may not be ready to buy right

Optimize Your Forms

Forms on a lead generation website should be as short and clear as possible. No one wants to fill out a long questionnaire just to get a free ebook. Think carefully about what information you really need and limit yourself to the essentials.

A/B testing with different form lengths can help you find the optimal balance. By analyzing conversion rates and visitor behavior for different formats, you can design your forms to best meet prospects' needs and support your lead generation goals.

For example, forms that provide step-by-step instructions on how to fill them in are good for reducing abandonment rates and increasing conversion rates.

Optimize Loading Speed: Patience is in Short Supply

The loading speed of your website can determine whether a visitor stays or bounces. Nowadays, no one wants to wait long for a page to load. A slow website not only causes visitors to bounce but is also penalized by search engines, which can negatively affect visibility in search results.

Make sure images are compressed, unnecessary plugins are removed, and load times are checked regularly. Tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights can help you optimize the performance of your site and identify potential for improvement

Optimize for Mobile Devices: Mobile Customers Won’t Wait

More and more users are browsing on mobile devices, and if your website is not optimized for smartphones and tablets, you are losing potential leads. Nowadays, a responsive website is not an optional extra but a standard. Make sure that your website is optimally displayed on all devices and that the navigation, CTAs, and forms are also mobile-friendly.

A mobile-optimized design ensures that customers can interact on their smartphone just as easily as on their desktop. In addition, search engines like Google prefer websites that work well on mobile, which benefits your SEO and lead generation.

Constantly Analyze and Improve: Nothing Works Without Data

A lead generation website is never “finished.” Ongoing analysis of visitor numbers, bounce, and conversion rates is crucial to understanding what works and what doesn't.

By tracking the customer journey, you can find out at which points visitors drop off or convert particularly often. Data enrichment and analysis allows you to specifically identify weak points and continually improve the website.

A Well-Planned Lead Generation Website is a Powerful Growth Driver

An effective lead generation website can make a significant difference for SMEs. The combination of good design, targeted content and a user-friendly customer journey can maximize the success of your website. From well-thought-out navigation to fast loading times—every aspect counts. Ultimately, a lead generation website is a critical investment in growing your business.

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your Business Website | Practical Guide

Incomedia — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 08:43:00 GMT

You’ve finally decided to create a website for your business. Great! It’s a crucial step to grow and be found online. But here’s the problem: the web is full of sites that, drive customers away instead of attracting them. Why? Because of avoidable—yet all too common—mistakes.

If you’re thinking, “I’m no expert, what if I mess it up?”, don’t worry. You don’t need to be a web wizard to create an effective site; you just need to know where not to stumble.

In this article, we’ll uncover the 7 most common mistakes (and how to avoid them without losing your mind). With a few practical tips and the help of WebSite X5, you can build a website that truly works—without overcomplicating things. Ready? Let’s dive in! 🚀

The importance of a good website

Think of your business website as your digital storefront: it's the first place your customers land. It doesn’t matter if you have the best product or service in the world—if your website is chaotic, hard to navigate, or as outdated as a 56k modem, you're likely to drive visitors away.

That’s why it’s essential to take a moment to think about what your website really needs. Spoiler alert: you don’t need special effects or a huge budget, just a simple, clear design that’s built with your customers in mind.

A good website:

Represents you: It should communicate who you are and what you do, instantly and professionally.
Attracts customers: It should make people want to stay, click, read, and maybe even contact you or make a purchase.
Helps you be competitive: Let’s face it, in today’s world, if you’re not online, you don’t exist.

Using the right tools, like WebSite X5, you can achieve all this without stress. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never written a line of code or worry that you’re not "tech-savvy" enough. The key is avoiding certain common mistakes... and we’re about to reveal them.

7 common mistakes (and the relative solutions)

1. A Complicated or Unprofessional Domain

Imagine you're talking to a customer over the phone. You tell them: "Go to www.super-mega-offerte-low-cost123.com." The other person goes silent and then asks, "What? Can you repeat that?" And that’s when you realize your domain is more of a tongue twister than an easy-to-remember web address.

A complicated or unprofessional domain is one of the first mistakes that can undermine the image of your business. If it’s too long, hard to spell, or doesn’t align with your brand, you risk losing customers before they even land on your site.

How to Avoid It:

Keep it simple and short: Choose a clear name that reflects your business. For example, if you run a bakery called Sweet Treats, go for something like www.sweettreats.com.
Pick a professional extension: .co.uk, .com, or .eu are great options. Avoid unusual or less-recognized extensions (like .xyz or .biz), unless they truly fit your brand.
Avoid numbers and symbols: These are hard to remember and can create confusion.

How WebSite X5 Helps:

With WebSite X5, you get a free, tailor-made hosting service for your site for a year. You can start with a default domain or switch to a custom one later. If you go the custom route, we’ll help you find and register your domain, making the process quick and easy. This way, you can focus on what really matters: building a site that truly represents your business.

Remember, your domain is like your store address: it should be easy to find and impossible to forget.

2. Chaotic or Outdated Design

Have you ever opened a website and thought, “What a mess!”? Too many colors, mismatched fonts, misplaced images… total chaos. Or worse, a site that looks like it’s stuck in 2005, with oversized buttons and pixelated graphics. The result? Visitors leave before even figuring out what the site is about.

The design of your website is your business card. If it’s unpolished or outdated, it gives the impression that your business is just as neglected. In the digital world, appearances matter—a lot.

How to Avoid It:

Stick to a consistent style: Use no more than 2-3 primary colors (ideally matching your logo) and combine them harmoniously.
Pay attention to fonts: Avoid overly fancy or hard-to-read typefaces. Simplicity and elegance always win.
Keep the layout clean: Organize content into clear, well-structured sections, so visitors can quickly find what they’re looking for.
Avoid visual overload: As the saying goes, “Less is more.” Too many elements confuse and distract users.

How WebSite X5 Helps:

With WebSite X5, you don’t need to be a designer to achieve a professional look. Choose from a wide range of modern, pre-optimized templates. Simply select the one you like, customize it with your colors and images, and you’re all set. Plus, the intuitive interface guides you step by step, ensuring everything stays in place.

A well-designed website not only makes a great first impression but also encourages visitors to stay longer and explore further. Remember: when in doubt, always opt for simplicity. Your future customers will thank you!

3. Not Optimizing Your Website for Mobile Devices

Surely, you've experienced opening a website on your smartphone only to find complete chaos. Tiny text, unclickable buttons, images cropped in half—it’s frustrating, isn’t it? If your website isn’t optimized for mobile devices, your visitors will face the same experience—and most likely close the tab within seconds.

Today, more than 60% of web traffic comes from smartphones. If your site isn’t responsive (meaning it doesn’t automatically adjust to different screen sizes), you’re effectively telling 60% of your potential customers: “Sorry, you’re not welcome here.”

How to Avoid It:

Check mobile display: Before publishing, test your site on multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.).
Go for simple design: Clean, straightforward layouts work best on smaller screens.
Test loading speed: Slow sites quickly lose visitors’ patience.
Focus on buttons and links: They need to be large enough to tap easily with a finger.

How WebSite X5 Helps:

All WebSite X5 templates are fully responsive, meaning they’re already optimized for viewing on any device. Plus, you can customize pages for different resolutions and preview exactly how your site will look on smartphones and tablets—all without writing a single line of code.

A mobile-friendly website isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. The good news? With the right tools, it’s easier than you think. Don’t let potential customers leave just because they’re browsing on their phones: make your site a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone! 📱

4. Texts that are too long or not clear

A website filled with confusing or endless texts is like a never-ending speech—no one has the time (or patience) to stick around until the end. If visitors land on your site and can’t immediately understand who you are, what you do, and how you can help them, their next click will likely be on the “Close” button.

It’s not just about being concise—it’s about communicating with your audience in a clear, direct, and engaging way. Using overly technical or generic language can leave visitors feeling lost or you could fail to deliver the right message.

How to Avoid It:

Get straight to the point: Always start with what’s most important to your customer. Who are you? What do you offer? Why should they choose you?
Use simple, conversational language: Think of explaining your business to a friend, not a NASA engineer.
Structure your text with headings and paragraphs: No one likes reading a wall of text. Use headings, bullet points, and short sentences.
Include clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Phrases like “Contact Us Now,” “Request a Quote,” or “Subscribe to Our Newsletter” guide visitors toward the action you want them to take.

How WebSite X5 Helps:

Finding the right tone or starting point isn’t always easy. That’s where MagicText, the AI-powered text generator integrated into WebSite X5, comes in. Use MagicText to brainstorm new ideas, craft catchy headlines, or even write entire articles.

Plus, with the built-in editor, you can structure your content directly within your project and see its impact in real time. Whether you’re creating an informational page or a blog post, MagicText simplifies the process and helps you produce professional, engaging content effortlessly. 😉

5. Neglecting Images and Visual Content

Do you know what’s worse than a website with no images? A website with bad, blurry, or irrelevant images. Photos and visual content are the first things that catch a visitor’s eye. If they’re poorly chosen, low-quality, or slow to load, they can make your site look unprofessional.

Let’s not forget: a great image is worth a thousand words, but only if it’s high quality. Blurry photos, amateur graphics, or images that don’t represent your brand can undermine all your hard work in creating a website.

How to Avoid It:

Invest in quality images: Use sharp, relevant photos that align with your brand. If you don’t have your own, use stock platforms like Depositphotos, Unsplash, or Pexels.
Optimize images for the web: Large files slow down your site, and a slow site loses visitors. Resize and compress files before uploading them.
Keep visual consistency: All your website’s images should follow a cohesive style, from color tones to proportions.
Add Alt Text: Not only does it improve accessibility, but it also boosts your SEO.

How WebSite X5 Helps:

With WebSite X5, you get a built-in image editor that allows you to resize, crop, and optimize photos directly within the software. Plus, you can access a library of both free and premium visual content, ready to use. In just a few clicks, you’ll have web-ready images without the need for external tools.

Images are your chance to impress, tell your story, and engage your visitors. Don’t underestimate their power: a visually polished website can make a difference between a visitor staying or moving on. 🎨

6. Ignoring the Importance of SEO

As the experts say: “If you’re not on Google, you don’t exist.” And it’s true. You could have the most beautiful website in the world, but if it’s not optimized for search engines, no one will find it. And an invisible site is like a store with no sign—completely useless.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s simply about making your website “Google-friendly” and easy for potential customers to find.

How to Avoid It:

Choose the right keywords: Think about what your customers are searching for on Google and use those words in your titles, text, and descriptions.
Optimize meta tags: Write titles and descriptions that clearly describe your page content and entice people to click.
Use clear URLs: Avoid links like www.mysite.com/page1 instead, go for something like www.mysite.com/home-renovation-services.
Focus on speed and mobile-friendliness: Google favors fast-loading sites that look great on smartphones (remember mistake #3?).
Create useful, updated content: Articles, guides, or FAQs that answer your customers’ questions are gold for your search ranking.

How WebSite X5 Helps:

WebSite X5 comes with built-in features to help optimize your pages for search engines, including automatic sitemap generation—essential for Google to understand your site structure. Plus, the MagixText AI tool assists in selecting keywords and crafting meta tags, making the optimization process simple even for beginners.

SEO isn’t optional—it’s an investment. With a few tweaks, you can make your site visible and put it right in front of your customers. After all, what’s the point of having an amazing website if no one knows it exists? 🚀

No clear call to action

You’ve landed on a website that looks nice at first glance, but after a few seconds, you’re left wondering: “Okay, now what?” This happens when there’s no clear Call-to-Action (CTA)—the button or message that guides visitors toward the action you want them to take: call you, email you, make a purchase, or sign up for a newsletter.

Without a clear CTA, visitors might get lost, bored, or simply leave your site. And no, a lonely "Contact Us" link hidden at the bottom of the page won’t cut it. CTAs need to be visible, engaging, and aligned with your goals.

How to Avoid It:

Define your main goal: Do you want inquiries for quotes? Product sales? Newsletter sign-ups? Every page should have a specific, clear CTA.
Use direct and compelling text: Phrases like “Learn More,” “Get Your Free Quote,” or “Call Now” work much better than a generic “Go.”
Make CTAs stand out: Use colors and placement that draw attention without being intrusive. They should be highly visible yet consistent with your site’s design.
Don’t overdo it: Avoid filling a page with multiple CTAs. One or two well-placed options are far more effective.

How WebSite X5 Helps:

With WebSite X5, you can add customizable Call-to-Action buttons in just a few clicks. Choose the style, color, size, and even animations to make them more engaging. You can also link them to emails, phone numbers, specific pages, or contact forms—all without writing a single line of code.

Remember: a good CTA is like a signpost directing visitors to what matters most. Without it, you risk losing potential customers who don’t know what to do next. Give your websites a clear direction, and the results will follow! 👇

The final checklist

Building an effective website doesn’t have to be mission impossible. It’s all about knowing where to focus your attention. To help you out, here’s a handy checklist of the 7 most common mistakes and how to avoid them. Print it out, keep it close, and use it as a guide while creating or revising your website.

👉 Click here to download the full checklist and use it while building your site.

With this checklist, you’ve got everything you need to sidestep pitfalls and build a website that truly works. And if you need more tips, resources, or an extra push, we’re here to help. The web doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be your greatest opportunity.

👉 Try now WebSite X5 for free and see how easy it is to bring your project to life. Your customers are already searching for you—don’t keep them waiting! 🚀

Your stress-free website: Tips & Tricks for small business owners

Incomedia — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:44:00 GMT

We know that being a small business owner often means wearing several hats. You must handle everything yourself: from managing customer orders and accounting to tackling unexpected problems like a leaky bathroom pipe. This list seems endless, while budget and time feel like they’re in short supply.

Still, there’s a solution that can make everything run smoothly! Start by turning your website into a valuable ally for your business. Thanks to several smart strategies, you will be able to save hours and optimize both your time and money. And, who knows, you might even free up some time for that dream vacation you’ve been craving for years!

We’re here to guide you through this process. In this article, we’ll walk you step by step through effective website management. We will show you how to organize your activity to save time and reduce stress. The dream of having more time and resources is closer than you think. Let’s embark on this journey together towards a more peaceful and fulfilling management of your website!

What skills do you need to manage a website on your own?

When it comes to managing a website, you don’t really have to be an IT professional. The good news is that you simply need some basic knowledge to be successful. And don’t worry, we aren’t referring to complex codes or programming languages!

1. Knowing the website builder

If you know how to use a text editor like Microsoft Word and are familiar with the drag-and-drop function, then you’re already on the right track. Tools like WebSite X5 make it easy to add pages, upload images, and edit texts without touching a line of code. By starting with a good template and following the guided steps, you can easily achieve the results you want.

With WebSite X5, you’ll learn quickly. In no time, you will be able to set up pages, write articles, or add products to your e-commerce. Just take some time before starting to go through the guides, follow some webinars, and test software functions. Start with small projects to build your confidence, and soon everything will feel easier and more intuitive. That’s the best way of becoming an expert user and managing your website with no stress.

2. Writing clear and concise content

Websites require simple yet effective texts. To achieve this, you don’t need exceptional writing skills; you just need to clearly explain what your business does in a straightforward way that addresses your customers' needs.

Start by following these simple basic rules:

Write for your customers: Think about what your customers want to know. Address their needs before talking about you.
Use brief and direct sentences: Explain what you do clearly and concisely, don’t try to impress your audience with empty and overused phrases. For instance, “We help you grow your business” is way better than “We offer innovative solutions for the success of your business”.
Use bullet lists and clear CTAs: Important details should be easy to find. Use bullet lists and keywords (like we’re doing now!) and include call-to-actions such as “Get in touch” to guide users.

By following these tips, you’ll create content that is both clear and impactful, making it easier for visitors to understand and increase your site functionality. You can dive deeper into this topic by reading the article: 12 Copywriting Techniques for Digital Marketers.

Out of ideas, stuck on a section, or need a revision? Let Artificial Intelligence assist. With WebSite X5, you can generate text using the AI-powered Magic Text: you provide hints (discover how to write effective prompts), and it writes perfect texts for you.

3. Managing images effectively

Images are crucial for websites: they help grab the attention and enhance the browsing experience. Of course, a bit of good taste never hurts, but basically, you need to focus on two main aspects:

Choosing relevant, high-quality images: To convey professionalism, you need to pick up high-quality images connected to your business. If you haven’t got any of your own, you can use free resources such as Depositphotos, Unsplash, or Pexels to find the images that better suit your message. You will be able to select the best by using filters. To find out more, see: Stock Photography: How to Choose the Right Images for Your Website
Resizing images: Large images can slow down the website loading speed. With free tools like Canva or TinyPNG, you can resize and compress images, so to keep their quality without overloading the pages.

4. Using basic SEO tools

A website without visitors isn't of much use! To ensure that potential customers find your website, you need to apply some SEO techniques (Search Engine Optimization). While SEO might sound complex, the core principles are fairly simple. Here’s a breakdown:

Use Strategic Keywords: Think about what your customers could google in order to find your service, then include these keywords in your titles and texts. For example, if you run a carpentry business, 'custom furniture' could be an important keyword.
Optimize Titles and Descriptions: Every page of your website should have a clear title and description (“meta description”) that briefly explains what can be found on the page. This not only helps with SEO but also increases the chances that someone seeing your website in the search results will click on the link.
Internal Links: Connect the pages of your website. This helps both visitors and Google better understand the overall structure. For example, if you’re talking about a product in a blog article, add a link to the product page.
Pay attention to loading speed: A slow website can negatively impact your ranking. Optimize images and use a reliable hosting service to avoid this. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can provide useful information about how to improve your pages’ performance.

By following these simple tips, as SEO expert Luigi Luongo explained very well in the interview Focusing on Local SEO, your site will be easier to find on Google, bringing more visitors and potential customers to your business.

5. Interpreting basic analytics data

If you want to improve your website over time, you need insights that can help you make informed decisions. In this sense, you should use platforms such as Google Analytics. All it takes is a bit of curiosity and the willingness to learn how to read a few numbers and take advantage of at least the simplest metrics. Start here:

Check the number of visitors: The first data you need to monitor is the number of visitors you get. Knowing how many people get on your website every week or month gives you a general idea of website performance. If you notice a decline, it might be time to review some content or promote the site more effectively.
Keep an eye on the most visited pages: Check which pages are receiving the most visits. These are the pages that users appreciate the most and should always be updated and optimized. On the other hand, if there are pages that are hardly ever visited, you might want to consider improving them or changing their content.
Pay attention to the time spent on the site and the bounce rate: Time on page’ indicates how long visitors stay on a page, while ‘bounce rate’ measures how many people leave the site after viewing only one page. If the time on a page is low and the bounce rate is high, it might mean that the content isn’t engaging enough. Try adding interesting information, images, or a call-to-action to improve these metrics.
Conversion goals: Set small goals, such as clicking on a contact link or visiting a specific page. Google Analytics allows you to track these goals to see if the site is delivering tangible results. For example, you can check how many people click on the 'Get in touch' button and determine if your content is driving users to take the desired action.

Thanks to the available guides, we're confident that you'll quickly get comfortable with Google Analytics and learn to monitor these simple metrics. This will help you better understand how users interact with your site and provide practical insights on what to improve to meet your visitors' needs

Optimizing time for website management

Managing a website can seem like a challenging task, especially when time is limited.

But with a bit of organization and some smart strategies, you can minimize the stress and time spent on website maintenance, leaving you more room to focus on what really matters: growing your business. Here are some techniques to save valuable minutes each week:

Simplify the content update process
To reduce time spent on updating your website, standardizing processes is key. Imagine having a fixed template for your blog articles: you already know the sections that will be there (an introduction, a list of benefits, and a conclusion with a CTA). This allows you to write without starting from scratch every time. The same concept applies to product description: go for a consistent structure (such as title, main features, and benefits for the customers) that can be used for every product. Tools such as Trello or Notion can help create and manage such templates, streamlining the process.
Plan your activities
Trying to do everything at once can be overwhelming. On the contrary, planning your activities in advance makes managing tasks much easier. You can for instance set up an editorial calendar for the website updates, deciding what pages or articles to edit every week or month. This way, you won’t have to make too many changes at once. Tools like Google Calendar or Asana are great for keeping your tasks organized and ensuring nothing is forgotten. Additionally, set aside a fixed time each week, even just an hour, to focus on website maintenance. Scheduling these tasks will help you feel more at ease and in control.
Automate wherever possible
We live in a time when technology can really simplify our daily lives, so don’t be afraid of using it! There are many tools that can automate repetitive tasks and help you save precious time. For example, social media scheduling plugins like Buffer or Hootsuite help you plan posts in advance to promote new website content. You can then use tools like Mailchimp to send out newsletters and create automated campaigns, by sending periodic emails to your subscribers without having to manage them individually. If you automate repetitive tasks, you can spare time and focus on aspects of your business that require your direct attention.

With these simple measures, you can keep your site updated without it becoming a burden. Good organization and smart use of tools can make the difference between spending hours managing a site or just a few minutes, leaving you with more time for what you truly enjoy - like growing your business or, why not, a little extra relaxation.

Conclusions

Managing your business website doesn’t necessarily be stressful or time-consuming, taking away the energy and time you could dedicate to your business, or even to yourself. With some basic skills, a bit of organization, and the right tools and strategies to optimize your time, you can turn website management from a hard task to a simple and enjoyable activity.

Start today with small steps: each improvement will help turn your site into a powerful tool for your business, capable of attracting customers and generating value without consuming all your time.

2024.4: Boost your Online Shop and your Blog

Incomedia — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 23:00:00 GMT

2024 has been a year full of innovations for WebSite X5, we certainly haven't held back!

We’ve just released our fourth version of the year, enhancing our software with new features that make website creation easier and more powerful.

From version 2024.1, which introduced new payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay, to version 2024.2, where we integrated Stripe, we made e-commerce management more comprehensive and flexible. With version 2024.3, we gave WebSite X5’s logos and boxes a new look and introduced new solutions. With version 2024.4, we focused even more on e-commerce, blog, and CSS Code, so we can offer advanced tools to make your website even more appealing and effective.

Online shop

This year, we’ve mainly concentrated on e-commerce, improving it with new innovative features.

Starting from version 2024.1 in March, we introduced payments with Google Pay and Apple Pay thanks to the PayPal Commerce Platform integration, as well as the vaulting for saving payment method preferences. In June, with version 2024.2, we listened to user feedback and added support for Stripe, another widely used and popular payment system.

Now, with the new version 2024.4, we made important improvements to integrated functions. We started with the product cards, the boxes reporting the key details of a product. Even though they already offered extensive customization options in the past, the new layouts and features now provide almost limitless possibilities. For instance, you can set the cover image as card background, organize them in a grid with fixed or variable height, or even choose the masonry layout or a slideshow. These new features make cards even more appealing while guiding your customers towards their purchase.

These new card options are available for the Product Catalog Object too, which now includes new product selection filters and more efficient arrangement tools.

As far as the Search Page is concerned, not only you can set categories and filters but also customize the search bar style to match your website's overall design.

Finally, to ensure that your e-commerce always complies with regulations, we've introduced a solution aligned with the European Omnibus Directive, which requires that discounted products display the lowest price applied in the last 30 days. Now, with just a few clicks, you can ensure your website is compliant.

Rounding out the list of updates are the addition of ALT text to improve product SEO optimization, new sorting options for sub-options, and advanced interactions on product images.

The result? Your online store will be more eye-catching and effective than ever!

Blog

We must admit: this year we had not yet focused on the Blog, and since it is a valuable tool for building the brand, improving SEO, and engaging the audience, it was essential to intervene to enhance its functionalities.

Also, in this case, we started from cards. Just like e-commerce products, Blog cards report some article details, so we’ve introduced new layouts and customization options to enhance the style of your pages.

Another customizable element is the Lateral blocks bar, where you can find Categories, Tags, and Clouds. You can work on it to coordinate its style with your website design.

We’ve then added a new detail: automatic article reading time. A simple yet useful piece of information that can make a difference for your readers.

Lastly, we present a new preset Object: the Article List Object. It will be perfect for creating a gallery of selected articles to display on the Home Page or in other sections of the website, highlighting your best content and driving more traffic to the Blog.

We are sure that with these new features, your Blog will become even more engaging and captivating.

CSS Code

Don’t worry, we haven’t changed our mind: WebSite X5 will keep making things easy for you and allow you to create your website without coding.

Over time, we add new features, and to keep the work environment always intuitive and functional, we reorganize the graphical interface — as already done in version 2024.1. This time, however, the introduction of the new plans, with the addition of the Agency edition alongside the popular Evo and Pro editions, has pushed us to take a step further. We have integrated a handy CSS editor to allow more experienced users to create custom style sheets for the Objects.

You can keep working visually to get extraordinary results, or, if you prefer, you can directly work on CSS code to overcome any limitations.

Conclusions

With this fourth release, we have continued to push the limits of what you can do with WebSite X5, enriching the software with new functionalities that will allow you to boost your online shop, enhance your blog, and intervene with precision through CSS code.

And that’s not all: we’re already working on new ideas and tools for the future, so stay tuned for more news in the upcoming months. Innovation is the core of your mission, and we’re excited to accompany you on your journey throughout online creation and growth!

In this brief recap on WebSite X5 development, we just mentioned some of the more relevant features that have been introduced throughout 2024: as usual, you will find the list of all new features of the new version 2024.4 and of the previous ones on the New Features page.

If you have an active WebSite X5 license, you can directly install the new version: start the program and follow the instructions to do it in a few clicks only.

If, on the other hand, you have a WebSite X5 license that is no longer active, you can renew it now to access the new version 2024.4.

How to integrate Social Media in your Website to gain unstoppable Online Presence

Incomedia — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Have you ever thought of your website and your social media profiles as a superhero team? Each member brings unique powers: a website is like a calm, reliable leader, always ready to deliver the information visitors need. Social media, on the other hand, plays the outgoing, charismatic role, building connections and sparking lively conversations. Now, imagine what could happen if they worked together seamlessly. That’s right - you’d create an unstoppable online presence!

In a world where competition is fierce and the user attention is fleeting, having a strategy that blends the stability of a well-designed website and the energy of social media is crucial. It’s not just about adding some share buttons here and there - it’s about creating a powerful synergy that drives traffic, boosts engagement, and delivers real results to your business. In short, we're talking about making your website and social media a force of nature.

In this article, we will explore how integrating social media in your websites can transform your digital strategy - make it not only more effective, but also more enjoyable. Plus, we will show you how WebSite X5 can guide you on this journey, helping you build a standout online presence. Get ready to learn all the secrets to making your website and social media the successful team they’re meant to be!

The importance of having a website

Imagine your website as your brand’s Batcave: it’s your headquarters, the command center where everything is organized and ready. While your social media are out there fighting the crime of online invisibility, your website stands as a pillar of stability, the trusted source for anyone looking to learn more about you.

Having a website isn’t just about following the trend -"I’m doing it, just like everyone else." It’s much more than that. Websites offer something essential that social media, in spite of their appeal, can’t guarantee: full control. In a world of social algorithms that change faster than Flash running through Central City, your website represents a space that is entirely yours. No sudden shift of rules, no post mysteriously vanishing from your feed - here, you set the rules.

Moreover, a website conveys credibility and professionalism to your brand in a way that no amount of followers or likes ever could. It’s like wearing a superhero’s cape and mask: it makes you immediately recognizable and trustworthy. People visiting your website know it’s the right place to find detailed information, explore your services and find out who you really are. It’s the perfect spot to tell your story without limits or distractions.

Finally, think of your website as the core of your online presence, the place where all roads lead, where every link, post or tweet directs to. Your socials play the role of scouts, drawing attention and intriguing the audience, but it is the website that closes the loop, providing the answers and strengthening the relationship with your visitors. This is where you can really stand out, showcasing your identity with all the details worth mentioning.

In short, while social media bring the action, websites are the heart of your strategy, the place where everything makes sense and each visit represents an opportunity. Don’t underestimate the power of your digital Batcave: this is where your greatest strength lies.

The role of Social Media in digital strategies

If your website is your Batcave, then social media are like a team of superheros in constant motion, always ready to take the field and get noticed. With their unique powers, social media can amplify your online presence in ways your website alone couldn’t achieve. They’re your digital megaphones, broadcasting to the world who you are and why you’re worth following.

Socials offer the chance of being everywhere, all the time. With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and TikTok, your brand can reach a broad audience with a simple click. And it isn’t just a matter of visibility - social media makes it possible to be accessible, close to people, and to interact in an immediate and personal way. You can listen to their needs, answer their questions, and even share a well-timed meme to connect with them on a lighter note.

But there’s more. Social media are not just a showcase: they’re a laboratory for ongoing experiments. Every post, like and comment provides valuable data that help you better understand your audience. Who are your followers? What do they like? What do they dislike? With the analysis tools provided by social media, you can refine your strategy so it better responds to your audience’s needs.

Moreover, social media are ideal for building and strengthening your community. Here’s where you can turn simple followers into real fans - people who not only follow your brand, but also support, share and defend it, just like a team of trusted allies. Social engagement allows you to connect with your followers, bring out your brand's personality and, most of all, keep the focus on what you do.

Finally, social media serves as a natural and dynamic extension of your website. While your website is where you tell your whole story, social media acts as an ambassador sharing that story with the world, day after day.

Benefits of integrating Websites and Social Media

Now that the extraordinary powers of websites and social media are clear, it’s time to combine them into an unbeatable team. When integrating social media into your website, it’s important to leverage the strengths of both, creating a synergy that takes your brand to the next level. Let’s see how this integration can really make the difference.

1- Increasing your website’s traffic

Social media act like vigilant sentinels, ready to direct the right traffic to your website. Every post, tweet or story can become an invitation to visit your website, learn more about you, read your contents or buy your products. Integrating social media effectively can turn followers into visitors, and ultimately into potential customers.

To do:

Complete your posts with links - Each time you publish contents on your social accounts, include direct links to relevant pages on your website, whether it’s a blog post, landing page, or product page.
Use Call-to-Actions (CTAs) - Add CTAs to your posts encouraging followers to "find out more" or "visit the website," guiding them to the desired web content.

2- Improving SEO

That’s right - integrating social media can boost your SEO. Search engines like Google always take social interactions into account. When people share your contents, leave comments or give likes, your website gains credibility, this can improve its ranking. In other words, the more socially relevant your content is, the more likely it is to appear higher in search results.

Good to know:

Social signals: Google uses "social signals", such as shares and likes, to determine the relevance of websites. The more your content is shared, the better it is for your ranking.
Backlinks from social media: Every link to your website shared on social media counts as a backlink, enhancing your authority in the eyes of search engines.

3- Increasing engagement and retention

Integrating social media on your website doesn’t only drive traffic, it also makes the user experience more engaging. When visitors can interact with your content directly on socials, their experience becomes richer and more interactive. This creates a positive loop in which engagement generates more engagement - which is just perfect to build an active, loyal community.

To do:

Integrate your Social Widgets and feeds directly on your website. Visitors will then be abe to check out your latest posts and interact without leaving the page.
Add share buttons to your contents, so that visitors can easily share them on their own social accounts.
Implement social comment systems, such as Facebook comments, so that visitors can more easily interact and see other users’ reactions.

4- Strengthening your Brand Identity

Integrating social media with your website allows you to keep a consistent brand identity across all platforms. When visitors move from your website to your social channels, they should experience the same tone, style, and messaging. This consistency reinforces your brand image and helps build a strong, recognizable online presence.

To do:

Keep stylistic consistency: Use the same colors, fonts and graphic style on both your website and your social accounts.
Align communication: Align key messages and campaigns across all platforms for a consistent user experience.

In short, integrating socials and website is like equipping your team of superheroes with the best tools and strategies. It not only boosts traffic and improves SEO but also creates a more consistent and engaging experience that can truly make the difference. And, as every superhero knows, unity makes strength!

Strategies for integrating social media into your Website

We've reached the heart of the matter: how to combine your website and your socials to create your dream team - the digital superhero team that can take on any challenge and conquer the web. This is where strategy comes into play, and, as you know, the right strategy is what turns aspirations into achievements. So, get ready to take notes as we explore some of the most effective techniques to integrate social media on your website.

Social share buttons

Share buttons are just like Batman’s utility belt: small, unobtrusive, yet extremely powerful. Adding them to your content is a simple but effective way to boost your visibility on social media. When visitors find your content interesting, they can use these buttons to share it with their network. It’s like having a team of ambassadors who promote your contents without any extra effort on your part.

Good to know:

Where to place them: Place share buttons in strategic locations, such as at the beginning or end of articles, or next to e-commerce products. They need to be visible but not intrusive.
What platforms to include: Focus on the social media that are most relevant to your audience. For younger followers, include TikTok and Instagram; for a more professional audience, prioritize LinkedIn.

Social Widgets and feeds

Integrating social widgets and feeds directly on your website is like opening a window on the outside world: visitors can see what’s happening on your socials while staying on your page. This keeps their interest high and creates a dynamic connection between your website and social media activities. It's like having your superhero team always in action, visible and ready to engage.

To do:

Real-time feed: Integrate an Instagram or X feed on your website to display your latest posts. This makes your website more dynamic and up-to-date, and it also encourages your visitors to follow you on those platforms.
Reviews and comments: If you get many reviews on platforms like Facebook, showcase them on your website with a widget. This boosts trust and authenticity, which can positively influence new visitors.

Social Login

Social login acts like a VIP pass for your users: they can access your website using their social accounts, such as Facebook, Google, or X. This speeds up the registration process, eliminates the hassle of remembering new passwords - a real superpower, right? Additionally, social login provides valuable information about your users, which you can use to further customize their experience.

To do:

User-friendliness: Make sure the social login process is seamless and user-friendly. Ideally, it should only take a single click to complete the login.
Customization: Use the information you got from the social login to offer customized content or targeted promotions, so to enhance the engagement and boost the conversions.

Cross-platform contents

Well-structured contents can be shared across different platforms, expanding its reach and ensuring your brand’s message remains consistent. This approach not only optimizes resources, but also guarantees that your online presence is always aligned and relevant everywhere.

To do:

Tell a unique story: Adapt your narration to fit the different channels. For instance, promote a blog article with a teaser video on Instagram and a discussion post on LinkedIn.
Brand consistency: Ensure you always keep the same tone, style and message across all platforms. Although the format might change, your brand’s essence should remain consistent.

Social comments and reviews

Embedding social comments and reviews directly on your website is like having a team of fans witnessing in real time how great your brand is. This generates a sense of community and enhances your website’s credibility by showing real people behind the reviews and comments you get. It’s a powerful form of social proof that can convert visitors into loyal customers.

To do:

Embedding comments: Use plugins to let your visitors leave comments to your articles and products using their social accounts, complete with their pictures and names.
Showcasing reviews: If you get enthusiastic reviews on your socials, don’t keep them to yourself. Showcase them on your website, possibly with a dedicated section.

To strategically integrate social media into your website, every element needs to work in harmony to boost traffic, enhance engagement and strengthen your brand identity. Just like any great team, the combined effect of these elements will be far more powerful than the sum of their individual parts.

Learn how WebSite X5 can make the difference

At this point, you know how integrating websites and social media can radically transform your online presence, making it really unstoppable. You’ve seen how your website serves as your headquarters while social media act as your dynamic team, always ready for action. But how do you achieve this seamless, stress-free integration with real results? That’s where WebSite X5 comes in.

WebSite X5 is your ideally to create a website that not only looks professional, but also perfectly integrates with your social media. With WebSite X5, you can easily add social buttons and embed feeds directly into your website pages without having to write a single line of code. It’s a powerful yet user-friendly tool that can bring your digital strategy to the next level, combining the stability of your website with the energy of social networks.

Ready to transform your website into a real operational hub, where everything works together for your brand’s success? Test WebSite X5’s potential and discover how it can help you create a website that works seamlessly with social media for an unstoppable online presence. Your digital journey begins today with WebSite X5: one click is all it takes to discover the superhero hidden inside you and your brand!

Web Design 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Incomedia — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Imagine having a shop that's always open, and visible to millions of people around the world. Sounds great, right? That shop is your website! Whether you're an entrepreneur, an artist, a blogger, or simply want to share your passions, a website is the perfect tool to reach your audience. But where do you start from?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the world of web design step by step, starting with the basics and providing you with the tools you need to create your first website. Don’t worry if you have no technical experience—with a bit of patience and the right resources, you can build a professional and attractive website.

The Essential Elements of Web Design
The layout: the foundation of every great website
The color palette: the soul of your website
Fonts: dressing up your texts
Images: adding beauty to your website
Navigation: finding the right path
The importance of usability: principles and practical application
Connecting the dots: from design to action with WebSite X5

The Essential Elements of Web Design

Let’s start by clarifying what we are talking about: web design is the art and science of creating websites.

It’s a bit like designing a house—you define the spaces, choose the materials, and arrange everything to create a functional and inviting environment. In the case of web design, it’s about creating a digital interface, a virtual space where users can interact with your content.

Unlike web development, which focuses on coding and the functionality of websites, web design is primarily concerned with the visual aspects and user experience. Good web design is crucial for attracting and retaining visitors, ensuring that the website is easy to use and visually appealing.

In web design, every element, from color choices to page layout, plays a role in creating a unique and memorable user experience. So, let’s explore the fundamental elements of web design that will help you build a successful website.

The layout: the foundation of every great website

The layout is the visual structure of your website—how the elements are arranged and organized on the page. Going back to our earlier analogy, think of the layout as the floor plan of a house: it needs to be functional, and aesthetically pleasing, and guide visitors in a logical and intuitive way.

Typically, the main components of a web page layout include:

Header: The top part of the page, usually containing the logo, the main navigation menu, and sometimes a search bar.
Footer: The bottom part of the page, often featuring contact information, links to important pages, and copyright details.
Sidebar: Not always present, this is a side panel that can include additional links, ads, or widgets like social media feeds.
Main Content Area: The central section of the page where the primary content is displayed, such as texts, images, videos, and articles.
Call To Action (CTA): These are elements that encourage visitors to perform an action, typically in the form of text links or buttons to sign up, purchase, or download a file.

Depending on your specific needs, you can arrange these components in different ways to create alternative layouts:

Grid Layout: This solution uses a grid to neatly align elements. This is commonly used in news portals and blogs.
Single-Column Layout: Very simple and straightforward, ideal for websites whose content is to be read from top to bottom.
Two-Column Layout: Often used to balance the main content with a sidebar that contains additional information.
Three-Column Layout: Used for websites with a lot of diverse content, such as news portals or online magazines.
Asymmetrical Layout: Adds a creative and modern touch, breaking traditional symmetry to draw attention to focal points.

Feel free to experiment with different layouts and test them with real users to see which one works best for your audience and goals.

Pro Tip:
Localized web design is a powerful way to connect with your audience and create a personalized user experience. By understanding the preferences and behaviors of your regional market, you can ensure your website resonates more effectively with your target customers. For businesses looking for the best web design in Los Angeles, partnering with a local agency brings the added advantage of insights into local trends, ensuring your site not only stands out visually but also delivers the functionality needed to drive engagement and conversions.

As you experiment and develop your layout, keep these guidelines in mind:

Keep the design clean and organized: Avoid overloading the page with too many elements.
Use size, color, and spacing to create visual hierarchy: The most important elements should stand out more prominently.
Don’t be afraid of white space (or negative space): Leave empty spaces between elements to enhance readability and overall aesthetics.
Maintain a consistent style across all pages of the website: Use the same colors, fonts, and image styles.

The color palette: the soul of your website

If web design is like designing a house, selecting the color palette is then like choosing the perfect combination of shades for the walls and furnishings. Each color evokes different emotions, feelings, and associations, and a well-thought-out palette can turn a simple website into an engaging and memorable visual experience.

When defining the color palette for your website, start by considering the colors already present in your brand to reinforce your visual identity. Remember that colors convey emotions: for example, warm colors like red and orange communicate energy and passion, while cool colors like blue and green convey calmness and reliability. In this way, colors influence how users perceive your product: for instance, black, purple, or gold can lead them to associate your products with elegance and luxury.

To define your color palette, you can use one of the many online tools that are based on color theory to suggest the best combinations.

Regardless of the tool you use, keep these tips in mind:

Limit the number of colors: Choose a primary shade for key elements like the logo, main buttons, and headings, and 2 or 3 complementary or analogous colors for secondary elements like backgrounds, icons, and links. Remember that a palette with too many colors can be confusing and overwhelming.
Create sufficient contrast: Ensure that text and background colors have enough contrast to be easily readable. You can check this with a tool like Contrast Checker.
Consider accessibility: Choose color combinations that are easily readable, even for users with color blindness. After all, green text on a red background is hard to read for everyone, not just those with color vision difficulties.
Be mindful of cultural differences: Especially if your website caters to an international audience, remember that the meaning of colors can vary across cultures. For example, in the West, white is associated with purity, but in the East, it’s often linked to mourning.

Fonts: dressing up your texts

Often unjustly overlooked, fonts are crucial to the success of your website.

It isn’t just about choosing the right fonts; it’s about how they are used to communicate your website’s message. Good fonts enhance readability, create visual hierarchy, and strengthen brand identity, making the difference between a professional website and an amateur one.

The considerations for making good typography choices are similar to those for selecting a color palette. When choosing fonts, you should prioritize readability, consistency, and brand identity.

Corporate Websites: They tend to use Sans-Serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica for a clean and professional look.
Creative Portfolios: They often combine a Sans-Serif font for body text with a Serif or decorative font for headings, creating a distinctive style.
Blogs and Online Magazines: They may use a mix of fonts to create hierarchy and visual interest, such as Open Sans for the body text and Merriweather for the headings.

Follow these tips to stay on track:

Limit the number of fonts: Ideally, you should use one font for headings and another for body text, keeping them consistent throughout the website to create a cohesive visual identity.
Choose fonts that are easy to read on all devices: Sans-Serif fonts (Arial, Helvetica, Open Sans, etc.) are ideal for body text, while more decorative fonts can be used for headings.
Ensure that size, spacing, and contrast are appropriate: The goal is to make the text easily readable. You can also use different sizes to create a visual hierarchy, with large titles, intermediate subtitles, and smaller body text.
Make sure the chosen fonts are compatible across all browsers and devices: Google Fonts are a good choice because they are free, easy to implement, and widely supported.

Images: adding beauty to your website

Images and graphics are essential elements for making your website visually appealing and engaging. A high-quality photograph or well-crafted illustration can capture the users’ attention and easily convey messages.

For your web pages, you can use photographs, illustrations, icons, infographics, or even animated images. The key is to always choose high-quality images that are relevant to the content or message you want to convey, and to maintain a consistent style throughout the website.

If you have a budget, consider investing in custom, authentic images. Alternatively, you can use image libraries, both free and paid, such as Unsplash, Pexels, and Shutterstock, to find high-quality visual resources.

You can strategically use images on your web pages in various ways:

Hero Images: These are large images placed at the top of the page. They need to be eye-catching and effectively represent the main message of the website. You can use text overlays or gradients to ensure that any text over the image remains readable.
Galleries and Slideshows: These allow you to showcase many images in a compact space. They are useful for portfolios, online shops, and photography websites. Make sure the galleries are easy to navigate and optimized for mobile devices.
Supporting Images: These enrich the textual content, making articles more engaging and helping to clarify complex concepts.
Call to Action (CTA): Images can be used to emphasize CTAs. For example, a photo of a person looking toward a button can direct the user's attention to the desired action.

Navigation: finding the right path

Navigation is one of the most crucial elements of a website. Good navigation allows users to easily find the information they're looking for, enhancing the user experience and increasing the time spent on the website. Intuitive navigation can reduce bounce rates and encourage conversions, whether it's newsletter sign-ups, sales, or other desired actions.

To create effective navigation, follow these key principles:

Organize the website with a clear hierarchical structure. The most important information should be easily accessible from the homepage, with further details available through submenus.
Keep the navigation structure simple and clean. Too many menus and submenus can confuse users. Use clear language so that users immediately understand where the links lead.
Add a search bar to help users quickly find specific information. Use autocomplete and suggestions to enhance the search experience.
Use internal links within your content to guide users to other relevant pages on the website. This not only improves navigation but also helps with search engine optimization (SEO).

Remember that navigation on mobile devices needs to be optimized for smaller screens. Use hamburger menus (the three horizontal lines that expand when clicked) to save space, and make sure the menus are easy to click with a thumb and that the content is readable without needing to zoom in.

To ensure your navigation is well-designed, ask a group of people to complete specific tasks on your website and observe what they do. This is the best way to gather valuable feedback and identify any issues that need to be addressed.

The importance of usability: principles and practical application

So far, we've explored the building blocks of good web design: from the visual structure defined by layout and fonts, to the choice of colors and images, and the creation of intuitive navigation. But a website isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s primarily about the experience.

All the elements we’ve discussed converge toward a single goal: creating a smooth and satisfying user experience. This is where usability comes into play. Usability is the key to transforming a beautiful website into an effective tool that guides the user toward their goals and provides a positive experience.

What are the fundamental principles of usability, the guidelines that help us design intuitive and easy-to-use websites? Let’s explore them together:

Visibility: Everything a user can do should be visible and clearly communicate the action that can be taken. Calls to action, links, and buttons should be prominent and inviting.
Match between system and real world: The language and metaphors used on the website should be familiar to the user and correspond to the real world. This makes it more intuitive and easier to understand.
Feedback: Every user action should be accompanied by visual or audio feedback. This confirms to the user that their action has been registered and helps them understand what is happening.
Consistency and standards: The website should follow consistent and recognizable design standards. This allows users to transfer their knowledge from other websites and interact with yours more quickly.
Error prevention: The website design should be crafted to prevent common errors. For example, required fields should be clearly indicated, and choice options should be mutually exclusive.
Recognizing rather than recalling: Users should be able to recognize options rather than having to remember them. This reduces cognitive load and makes the interaction smoother.
Flexibility and efficiency of use: The website should cater to the diverse needs of users, offering options to customize the experience. At the same time, the most common actions should be achievable with the fewest steps possible.

When applying these principles in practice, keep in mind that web design is an ongoing process: the best approach is to start with the guidelines we've discussed, then continually test and improve your website based on data you gather through tools like Google Analytics and usability testing with real users.

Connecting the dots: from design to action with WebSite X5

We’ve explored the fundamental pillars of web design and seen how each element, from page layout to image selection, contributes to creating a consistent and enjoyable user experience.

But how do you turn these concepts into reality? WebSite X5 provides you with a powerful tool to bring your ideas to life. With its intuitive interface and wide range of features, anybody can create professional and customized websites even with no programming skills.

With WebSite X5, you can:

Design custom layouts: Experiment with different combinations of elements to create a unique and appealing design.
Choose from a wide range of templates: Find the perfect starting point for your project and customize it to fit your needs.
Optimize images: Ensure your images load quickly and display correctly on any device.
Create intuitive navigation menus: Guide your users through your website in a simple and effective way.
Monitor your website’s performance: Track traffic and user behavior to continuously improve your online presence.

In conclusion, WebSite X5 provides you with all the tools you need to create websites that are not only visually appealing, but also easy to use and effective in achieving your goals. Turn your ideas into reality with WebSite X5 and create a website that will leave a lasting impression on your visitors.

Download the free trial of WebSite X5 today and start building your website right away!

2024 Web Design Trends: What You Need to Know for Your Website

Incomedia — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

The world of web design is always evolving, and if you're thinking about building or updating your website in 2024, you’ll want to know more about the latest trends. Whether you're a small business owner, a professional looking to create an online portfolio, or just someone with a hobby who wants a personal site, these web design trends can help you stay ahead of the curve—and make sure your website stands out.

We’ve got insights from some of the best in the industry, courtesy of WebsitePlanet. They’ve interviewed top experts to bring us the trends we can expect to dominate web design in 2024. Let’s break down what this means for you and your website.

AI is Taking Over… But in a Good Way!

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a big deal for websites. Remember those chatbots you might have seen popping up? Well, they’re getting a lot smarter. According to Wiktor Walc, the Chief Technology Officer at Tiugo Technologies, AI-powered conversational interfaces are going to be everywhere.

That means when someone visits your website, they might interact with an AI that can guide them, answer their questions, and even recommend products or content. This is a great way to make your site feel more personal and helpful—without you needing to be online 24/7!

To dive deeper into how AI can transform your website, you can check out the full article on WebsitePlanet’s blog here.

User-Centered Design: Simplicity is Key

In 2024, web design is all about putting the user experience first. Minimalistic design isn't just a visual choice—it's about making websites more intuitive and easier to navigate for everyone. By stripping away unnecessary clutter and focusing on what users really need, you create a space where visitors can quickly find what they’re looking for without distractions.

Federico Ranfagni, Co-Founder & CEO of Incomedia (yes, that’s us!), highlights how user-oriented design will be driven by clarity, accessibility, and simplicity, all working together to enhance the overall experience. This approach not only makes websites more visually appealing, but also ensures they’re functional for a diverse audience. In 2024, a website that's clean and simple isn't just a trend—it's essential for delivering a seamless, enjoyable experience for every visitor.

Micro-Interactions: Small Details, Big Impact

Ever noticed when a tiny animation appears as you hover over a button or scroll through a page? Those are micro-interactions, and they’re going to be everywhere in 2024. They might seem small, but they make your website feel more engaging and interactive. As Ariel Chew from Bike Bear explains, these little moments create a more immersive experience without overwhelming visitors.

Think of them as the “secret sauce” to a killer website. If you want to add a little flair to your site, micro-interactions are a simple but effective way to make it happen.

Watch Out for Common Design Mistakes

When you're building your own website, it's easy to get caught up in all the cool design elements. But Pankaj Shah from DCP Web Designers warns about a few things to avoid:

Don’t clutter your website with too many elements.
Keep your navigation simple and intuitive.
Make sure your site is optimized for mobile devices.

These are key takeaways to make sure your website not only looks good but works well, too. Slow loading times and confusing navigation are guaranteed to send visitors away, so keep things fast and simple.

Ready to Build Your Own Trendy Website?

At WebSite X5, we know staying on top of trends can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not a web design expert. But with these trends in mind, you’re well on your way to creating a website that's not only beautiful but also functional and future-proof. Remember to keep things simple, integrate AI where you can, and always focus on the user experience.

And if you're ready to start building your own website with the latest trends, WebSite X5's easy-to-use website builder can help you bring your vision to life—no coding required.

Boost your Business with your Online Shop - and the right Discounts!

Incomedia — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:00:00 GMT

In the competitive e-commerce world, standing out and gaining new market shares can be quite challenging. You need to be creative and employ all the best strategies. Plus, you shouldn’t be afraid of relying on discounts. They can be a perfect tool for promoting sales as well as a powerful growth engine for any kind of online business.

Discounts are not only a way to attract new leads; but also a great opportunity to reward your existing customers, bring them back to your website to discover new products, revitalize your inventory, and test new marketing strategies.

In short, discounts are like a magic wand that, if used wisely, can turn your online shop into an irresistible attraction, capable of boosting your sales and profits.

Let’s explore how to best take advantage of discounts to give your online business new life.

Why do discounts work? The power of psychology in marketing
Why are discounts important for online shops?
How to efficiently use discounts? 7 tips you should follow
Different kinds of discounts and when to use them
WebSite X5: a help for managing discounts
In short

Why do discounts work? The power of psychology in marketing

Let’s start with the facts: everyone, at some point, is sensitive to discounts. We all know the feeling of getting a discount and the excitement of getting a good deal.

Have you ever wondered why discounts work so well? Understanding this can help you use and communicate them more effectively. Luckily, psychology has extensively studied this topic and has provided several insights.

Well, discounts are powerful marketing tools because they are based on biases and principles typical of human psychology. Here are the main ones:

Loss Aversion: this cognitive bias makes us perceive the pain connected to a loss as more significant than the joy of an equivalent gain. As a result, we tend to consider an offer as a chance we can’t miss, even if the discount is relatively small.
Anchoring: this cognitive bias makes us rely heavily on the first information we receive when making a decision. The initial price we associate a product with becomes a reference point in our minds. When we see a discount off that price, the product automatically appears more appealing.
Convenience Sampling: we are always looking for opportunities to save money. A discounted price makes us feel like we’re getting a bargain, which leads us to buy items even if we don’t necessarily need them.
Social Proof: research shows that we tend to mimic other people’s behavior. If we see many people buying a discounted product, we are more likely to buy it too, thinking that we are making the right choice.

In addition to these biases and general principles, there are specific factors that can influence the effectiveness of discounts. The first one is the size of the discount: the larger the discount, the more it’s perceived as an opportunity that can’t be missed. Also, the duration of the offer must not be underestimated: limited-time discounts generate a sense of urgency, prompting people to make immediate purchases. Finally, the level of personalization of the discount should be taken into account. Personalized offers, especially those that create a sense of exclusivity, are more likely to be perceived as relevant and interesting to customers.

Psychology isn't the only factor at play. When we get a bargain, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This makes us feel good and encourages us to buy more.

Understanding these mental processes can help you plan discount strategies that attract new customers and keep the existing ones happy, enhancing the overall value of your online shop.

Why are discounts important for online shops?

Now that we know why we react to discounts the way we do, it’s easier to understand why they are such a crucial tool for any online shop.

First, discounts can help attract new customers. A well-promoted, attractive offer can encourage users unfamiliar with your brand to visit your website and discover your products. Often one thing leads to another, and if you work well, a casual customer can turn into a recurring one that regularly buys from your store.

Discounts are not only effective with new customers but also perfect for retaining existing ones. By rewarding your regular customers with exclusive discounts, you give them a reason for buying again from your website, enhancing their trust in your brand.

By increasing the likelihood of purchase by both new and existing customers, an effective discount strategy will lead to higher sales and revenues. Moreover, by managing your offers wisely, you can promote the launch of new products as well as reduce the amount of inventory that may perish or go out of style.

How to efficiently use discounts? 7 tips you should follow

The benefits of discounts are clear, but to maximize their potential, it's important to use them strategically and thoughtfully. Here are then some tips for you:

Define clear and measurable goals
Before launching a discount campaign, define what you want to achieve. Do you want to increase sales by 10%? Acquire 50 new customers? Get a 2% conversion rate? Having clear goals will help choose the best kind of discount and measure the campaign’s results.
Choose the most appropriate kind of discount
There are different kinds of discounts, such as percentage or fixed discounts, coupon codes, and free shipping. Choose the type that better suits your goals and your target audience. We will further discuss this topic in the upcoming section.
Segment audience and customize offerings
Not all customers are the same. Segment your audience according to parameters like interests, previous purchases, and browsing behavior. Then create personalized offers for each group. This will help maximize your campaigns’ effectiveness. Remember when we said people love exclusivity?
Carefully plan the timing
Consider your business cycle, seasons, and market trends to understand the best time to offer a discount. For instance, if sales tend to drop during summer, offering discounts during these months can help keep revenue steady. Alternatively, try to take advantage of recurrences such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and major holidays that are now seen as key moments for enjoying discounted deals: these are all opportunities for being competitive.
Communicate discounts efficiently
An attractive offer isn’t enough, it’s important to communicate it effectively. Use your website, e-mail marketing, social media, and other channels to make your audience aware of your promotions.
Monitor the results and optimize the campaigns
Keep track of the progress of your discount campaigns and evaluate if they are achieving the goals you preset. Based on the collected data, you will be able to optimize your campaigns and improve their performance.
Always balance discounts carefully
Offering discounts can attract customers and boost sales, but you have to make sure that too many discounts do not eat into your profit margins. Always calculate expenses and income carefully, to be sure about what’s the maximum discount you can offer.

Different kinds of discounts and when to use them

We mentioned that choosing the kind of discount is crucial for a successful promotional campaign.

While a discount generally means a reduction in the price of a product or service, there are different kinds of discounts. Here are the main ones:

Percentage discount
This is the most common type and involves offering a percentage reduction on the price of a product or product category. For example, a 20% discount means that customers pay 20% less than the original price. It’s versatile and can be used for many purposes, such as increasing sales of a specific product or clearing out inventory.
Fixed discount
This discount applies a fixed reduction on the price of a product, regardless of its original price. For instance, a fixed $10 discount means that customers will pay $10 less than the original price, regardless of the original price of the product or service. It’s a good solution for drawing attention to specific items or offering a great deal on high-end products.
Coupon code
This is an alphanumeric code that customers can enter on the checkout page to get a discount. Coupon codes can be used for offering discounts to a specific customer group (such as loyal customers or newsletter subscribers) or to promote specific products.
Free shipping
This discount involves free shipping of a product or service. Customers tend to appreciate this kind of offer, and it can boost sales and increase the average order value. It’s particularly effective for online shops selling low-cost products or having expensive shipping costs.
"Pay X for Y" Promotions
This promotion offers a certain number of free products in exchange for purchasing of a larger quantity: an example is the typical “3 for 2” promotion that offers a free product if customers buy 2 of the same kind. It’s a good way of stimulating purchases and clearing out in-stock products.
Limited-time discounts
This kind of offer provides a discount that is valid for a limited period of time. This creates a sense of urgency and typically induces customers to buy immediately. It’s also a good solution for launching new products or generating sales during peak times of the year.

WebSite X5: a help for managing discounts

Having decided on your strategy, most of the work is done. You know which discounts to apply, the best ones to choose according to the different criteria, how to communicate them effectively and to whom, as well as their amounts and duration.

Now it’s time to activate them on your online store and promote them effectively. You need the tool you developed the online shop with to support these steps and enable you to easily manage the planned promotions.

With WebSite X5, for instance, you can create your online shop and set all the discounts and promotions you want to develop your business. The plus is that, since it’s very simple to use, you can do everything yourself: you won’t have to depend on nor wait for the intervention of third parties to activate and make the planned discounts available right away.

More specifically, with WebSite X5 you can set discounts/coupons on:

specific products;
the order total amount;
shipping costs, making them cheaper or free of charge.

You can set fixed or percentage discounts, define the dates they will be active, and associate them to coupons.

With WebSite X5, you can manage the entire website, not just the e-commerce section. This means that, in addition to activating discounts, you can easily update your website to highlight the products on offer. For example, you can report them on the Home Page, create a “Special Offers” section, or even add banner ads.

When you have an active promotion, it is advisable to share it on all your channels, to promote it as effectively as possible. You could use social media, send e-mails, or activate ad campaigns. In such cases, it’s best to make sure that all channels lead users to a specific Landing Page. With WebSite X5, you can create all the Landing Pages you need and optimize them so to maximize the conversion rate.

In short

Discounts are a powerful asset for your online shop’s success, but it’s important to use them strategically and wisely. With a little creativity and the right tools, such as WebSite X5, you can enhance your business and reach new customers. Are you ready to boost your business with your online shop? Learn how WebSite X5 can help you create and manage effective discount campaigns.

Creating a website for SMEs: A comprehensive guide for beginners

Incomedia — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Not everyone likes numbers: I personally prefer words, which can evoke nuanced and emotional images in my mind. However, I must admit that numbers have the fantastic power to summarize and clarify reality.

That’s why, in this guide, we will rely on statistical data to understand why it is essential for small companies to have a website. But that’s not all: we will also provide information about the most efficient way to build the website for your business. Without touching a line of code and super quickly, of course!

The importance of websites for SMEs
Why should SMEs have a website
Why is it wrong for SMEs to not have a website
Alternative solutions for creating a website
Planning your website: the basic steps
Design and Layout: looks also matter
Contents and SEO: two must-haves
Publishing your website: finally online
Try WebSite X5 now

The importance of websites for SMEs

Let’s start by saying that websites represent much more than a simple online business card or a printed flyer, including for SMEs.

A website is the perfect place to present your business and your products or services. But you can also do more: with a website, you can tell your story and share your vision; you can collect potential customers’ contact details and guide them through your sales process; you can provide support and assistance, helping to build a strong connection with your audience.

Ultimately, as many as 73% of SMEs already have a website. There must be a reason why almost 3 out of 4 businesses have invested in developing their own website: there wouldn’t be so many if there weren’t real benefits. Let’s find out more about these benefits.

Why should SMEs have a website?

Actually, there are many good reasons for small businesses to have their own website. Let’s use statistics to cover the most important ones.

Benefit #1 - Being found by local consumers. Data shows that as many as 99% of consumers use the Internet to look for local businesses. So, if you have a physical store, a website can significantly increase the possibility of finding new customers. Consider that 21% of consumers rely on the Internet daily to find new local businesses, and 35% do so every week. It would be a shame to miss the opportunity of being found!

Benefit #2 - Getting known and building trust. Other important data reports that 81% of consumers search for a company’s info online before choosing its services. This means that, even if customers already know a company, they tend to visit its website before interacting with it. But that’s not all: before buying, 55% of these customers look for online reviews of the company they are about to buy from and 47% directly visit the website to understand how reliable the company is. Without a well-designed website capable of confirming and reinforcing the customers’ favorable opinion of the company, there is a chance that they will continue to search online and eventually choose a competitor - a risk best not taken.

Benefit #3 - Sales channel. In 2021, the sales generated from online shops represented 19% of all retail sales worldwide, and e-commerce had reached a total volume of $5.2 trillion. This trend is for steady growth, and by 2026 e-commerce is estimated to reach $8.1 trillion, namely a 56% increase. Realistically speaking, the choice for businesses with a physical sales channel to miss the chance of operating online as well may turn out to be unsuccessful.

In short, for SMEs a website represents a better chance of being found by an interested clientele, presenting themselves in the right way, building a trusted relationship with the visitors, and significantly increasing the sales of their products and services.

However, if benefits are so significant, why is there still an important percentage of SMEs that don’t have a website?

Why is it wrong for SMEs to not have a website?

At least 27% of SMEs still don’t have a website and, considering how much we use the Internet on a daily basis, this can negatively affect their success.

2.35% of these companies plan to invest in creating a website in the near future, but what about the ones that still aren’t interested in taking this important step?

Here are the reasons given:

27% think that websites aren’t important in their field;
26% fear that the costs associated with the website creation will be too high or difficult to recoup if the traffic stays low;
21% believe that social media are enough to compensate for the absence of the website;
15% report not having enough technical skills required for creating or managing a website on their own.

However, a closer look into these arguments will show that none is a valid reason for small companies not having a website.

First of all, there are no fields for which websites aren’t important. Think about your own online searches: from handmade purses to ultra-customized presents, from 0-mile zucchini to tomatoes, there’s no limit to the imagination. Every existing activity has its own online niche.

As far as social media are concerned, they surely have their pros, since they are free and offer a certain level of visibility, but they are not enough. All best practices indicate that it is best to leverage social media for the traffic they can generate and to accompany them with a website to improve the relationship of trust with the customer and concretize sales. Don’t forget that we are still guests on social media, which means we have to follow their rules. On our website, on the other hand, we will be the hosts, free to do as we see fit.

Finally, let’s address the costs and skills matter. It is true that creating a website can sometimes be expensive, and it is also true that if you need to work on the code, the required technical skills can be quite specific. However, a lot depends on the tool you choose to create your website with. The good news is that it is possible to create a professional website on your own, with no programming skills and with a limited budget in terms of time and money you want to invest.

Let’s see how that’s possible.

Alternative solutions for creating a website

Often there are many ways to get the same result, and this is also the case when it comes to creating a website.

If you have a small company and you want to create a website, you can:

Rely on a Web Designer
First, you can hire a professional to create a tailored website that reflects your company’s identity.
PROS: High level of customization, Professional and unique result, Possibility of ongoing counseling and support
CONS: High costs, Longer lead time, Dependence on the designer for future updates

Use a CMS (Content Management System)
A popular alternative is using platforms such as WordPress, which offer the possibility of managing and updating the content on your own. You don’t need to know how to program with templates and plugins, and you can enjoy a good level of control.
PROS: High flexibility and customization, Wide range of plugins and templates, Support based on the user community, Need to learn how to use them
CONS: Possible costs for premium templates/plugins, Necessity for regular maintenance and updates
Use a Website Builder
Solutions like WebSite X5 are ideal for those who have no technical skills. They offer drag-and-drop interfaces, preset templates, integrated SEO tools, hosting, and domain services. This way, you can create a professional website quickly and inexpensively.
PROS: User-friendly drag-and-drop interface, Customizable templates, All-in-one solution including SEO, hosting, and domain ,No technical skills required
CONS: Less customization possibility compared to using custom code

Now that we know that, with a builder like WebSite X5, anyone can create their own website in no time, inexpensively, and with the guarantee of achieving a professional-quality result, let’s see what the next steps are.

Planning your website: the basic steps

I know you can’t wait to start working on the website for your business, but before proceeding, it is important for you to take some time to carefully plan some key aspects:

Define the goals you want to achieve: Do you want to boost your sales? Offer insights about your services? Collect new leads?
Try to identify a main goal as well as some secondary goals. Knowing precisely what you want to achieve will help you understand what to say on your website pages and how to organize them. The clearer you are, the faster you will proceed in development.
Identify your target audience: Who are your ideal customers? What do they look for online? What are their needs?
Even if you are targeting a very broad audience, avoid generic answers. Only by knowing your audience thoroughly will you be able to identify the right tone of voice to use and understand how you can better respond to their needs, consequently increasing your chance of success.
Create a sitemap: What pages should be included in your website? How should navigation paths be organized? What should they aim for?
By knowing your audience and your goals, it will be easier for you to identify the important details, report them on the right pages (Home, About, Services, Blog, Contacts, etc.), and organize them in a tree structure based on coherent navigation paths.

An additional tip: don’t underestimate the importance of this planning phase. Investing time to reflect and make the right decisions will help you proceed faster in the following phases of the website creation, resulting in a website that really does guarantee the results you are hoping for.

Design and Layout: looks also matter

It’s finally time to start creating your website. Thanks to the preliminary planning phase, you now know what to say, how to say it, what pages you need, and how they must be organized in the navigation paths. Now, you need to set everything up so that the overall design of your website looks appealing and functional.

It's easy to see how important it is for your site to look appealing and effective, but here are some statistics to underscore this fact, just in case.

Firstly, many users consider the appearance of a website as a reflection of the company’s reliability itself. In their eyes, an unattractive website corresponds to an unreliable business. 38.5% of visitors tend to develop an option on a company based on their experience with its website.

Moreover, 38% of customers will stop interacting with a website if it doesn’t have an appealing design. After all, with so many choices available online, consumers can easily move on to another site if they find one unappealing.

Because of this, the style of a website is as important as the information it presents or the products themselves.

If you aren’t a design expert, however, the best solution to get professional-looking pages is to choose a good template.

With WebSite X5, for instance, you can proceed as follows:

Choose a template: you can rely on hundreds of professional templates you can choose from. Find the one that better suits your company.
Customize the layout: you can customize any template as you want, from colors to fonts and images, to make it unique and personalized.
Make sure it is responsive: all templates are optimized for mobile devices. Moreover, you have all the necessary tools to manage the behavior of the elements for the different resolutions.

Don’t underestimate the mobile optimization. Consider that already in 2020, 61% of website traffic was generated from mobile devices, and nowadays 54% of users place orders using their smartphones. These are certainly not numbers to be overlooked!

Contents and SEO: two must-haves

Let’s now focus for a moment on your website’s content. It’s easy to understand how crucial quality content is, not only for attracting and keeping the attention, but also for informing educating, and convincing them to take desired actions such as subscribing, making a purchase, leaving a review, etc.

As we discussed in a previous article, not all contents are the same: each has its own characteristics and serves specific purposes.

Texts: They are THE quintessential content and can be used for many different purposes. They must be written in a simple and fluent tone, consistent with the overall website style. It’s crucial for texts to follow the SEO rules to achieve better ranking on Search engines. Remember: 70% of website traffic comes from Google.
Images: Images are essential; they should be relevant and of high quality to enhance the website’s appeal and support textual content by conveying the right emotions. Images must also be optimized to ensure they don’t slow down the page loading speed. Most users, in fact, expect pages to load within 2 seconds, and nearly 40% will leave slow-loading websites.
Videos: Videos are highly effective and potentially viral content that can be used for telling stories with high emotional impact, for sharing the values connected to a brand, for presenting products/services, and for providing support. Surely, creating videos requires additional investment, but, at the end of the day, it is very likely to pay off: in fact, users spend 88% more time browsing web pages with video content.

In addition to texts, images, and videos, you can also enrich your pages with animations, infographics, podcasts, or other audio content: consider them as ingredients you can rely on to bring different formats to life.

Publishing your website: finally online

Once the design and the contents are ready, you can go on and export your website online.

If you opt for an all-in-one solution like WebSite X5, you already have hosting and domain included for free for 12 months: in this way, even going online becomes a quick and easy task. With just a few clicks, you can see the website you created online, ready to welcome your next visitors.

Now that it’s live, consider your website as a partner working for you to achieve your goals. So, don’t forget about it: take care of it and update it regularly, keep it aligned with your business’s evolution, and, above all, make sure that it always meets the needs and tastes of your audience. This is the best way to ensure its effectiveness over time.

Try WebSite X5 now

Creating a website for your small business may sound like a difficult task, but, as we demonstrated earlier with our data, it is absolutely worth it. Moreover, with WebSite X5 anyone can do it.

Our all-in-one solution provides everything you need, from the planning to the publishing, without requiring subscription fees or advanced technical skills.

Try WebSite X5 now! Download the trial version and start building your website right away.

What’s WebSite X5 and how does it work

Incomedia — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wished you had your own website? Maybe to promote your business, share your passion, or even to sell your handicrafts online and have a new source of income? Indeed, you know that creating a website is the right thing to do, but until now, the complexity of the task has held you back.

What would you say then, if I told you that creating a website can be easier, faster and even more fun than you think? Well, let me introduce you to WebSite X5 - your number one partner in the stress-free adventure of website creation!

WebSite X5 is more than a simple website builder. It’s a powerful tool that can make your dreams come true without having to code and program. But don't be mistaken: 'simple' doesn't imply 'trivial'. That’s why WebSite X5 is perfect for both beginners and experienced users: it has everything you need to create and manage professional websites, blogs or online shops.

In this article, we will cover the functions that make WebSite X5 one of the best website builders on the market. We will start from the key features that make it unique, then move on to some tips for optimizing your website for search engines, and finish off with several strategies to promote your website online. You will then have all the necessary information to be successful in the world of web design.

So, if you are ready to discover how to create your dream website without stress and with no programming skills, keep reading and let WebSite X5 show you the way!

Why choose WebSite X5

Let's cut to the chase: why should you choose Website X5 to create your website? In fact, there are many alternatives, you might even consider hiring someone - a freelancer or an agency - to develop the website for you.

Here are some great reasons that should convince you:

User-friendliness
With WebSite X5, you don’t have to be a programming expert to create a professional website. You just need to follow the 5-step guided process to turn a simple idea into a finished online website. Thanks to the Drag&Drop system, you can plan and customize the pages working visually, without touching a line of code. It's like building with LEGO® bricks: just a bit of creativity, and you have total control over how your website looks.
Flexibility and Customization
Whether you are creating a website for your business, a one-page website, your online portfolio or your food blog, WebSite X5 offers the flexibility to adapt the design and functions to your needs. Check out the more than 150 available templates and remember that you can customize anything, as well as start from scratch for a unique result. We’re sure that your website will have an outstanding style – yours!
Save time and money
With a software like WebSite X5, it is unnecessary to spend your time learning, you quickly move on to page creation. Everything you need is there, in the right place: working becomes a pleasure. With WebSite X5, you not only save time, but also money. The license gives you unlimited access to the software: there are no fees, and you can create as many websites as you want. Plus, you get an included free domain and webspace for 12 months.
Self-Sufficiency
WebSite X5 guides you through the design and development of web pages, but the project is yours, and you always have full control over everything. There's also another aspect to be considered: you can do it all yourself, without depending on external developers or agencies that would slow you down for every change or update. And then, there's the satisfaction of having developed your website with your own hands: isn't that rewarding?
Support
WebSite X5 is based on the idea of DIY (Do It Yourself), but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be left alone. Our support team and the WebSite X5 community are always there to help if you have a question, and there are also many guides and video tutorials that can guide you step by step through the website creation process.

Are you convinced yet? Yes, but you want to know more? Then let's move forward and see how to get started with WebSite X5 and create a beautiful, functional website that looks perfect even when browsing from smartphones.

Getting started with WebSite X5

Opposed to other similar tools, WebSite X5 ISN’T an online service you need to subscribe and connect to any time you want to work on your project. WebSite X5 is a software. This means that the first thing to do is download and install it on your PC. This also implies that:

it will be yours forever, and you will be able to keep using it even if you decide not to keep it up-to-date;
you won’t necessarily need an internet connection to use it;
the projects you create will be 100% yours: they will be saved on your PC and you will be able to export them online whenever you want;
you will not be a guest in someone else's home, but a master in your own: no bad surprises from unilateral changes in terms of use or rate plans.

Once installed, start the program: you will be presented with some options to start your project. You can choose among a wide range of ready-to-use templates, or decide to start from a blank one to create your own custom design.

The first thing you will notice is the 5-step guided process WebSite X5 is organized in.

WebSite X5 will guide you step by step through each stage of the website creation process:

when defining the kind of website you want to create: a showcase website, a blog, an online shop, etc.;
when choosing the template and the customizing the graphic design and style elements;
when organizing the website tree structure;
when setting up the pages by adding your contents;
when publishing the finished website online.

Of course, you will be able to go back and edit, add, remove or change anything you want. As we said: you have always full control.

One of WebSite X5’s strengths is the is page composition system based on Drag&Drop of content. Think of the blank page as a grid paper: all you need to do is drag and drop elements onto your page to create the layout you want. You don't have to worry about code or technical aspects: WebSite X5 does all the work for you, allowing you to focus on the most creative and fun aspects only.

You can set up your pages and add any kind of content: not just text and images, but also slideshows, contact forms, interactive maps and much more. WebSite X5 offers a wide range of tools and options that help you make your website unique and professional.

Finally, when you are happy with the result, publishing your website online using the software itself is really easy. WebSite X5 will show you how to upload your website on the webspace it offers or on any other server you want.

Does it look easy? Well, it is!

Key features of WebSite X5

As we mentioned, WebSite X5 is simple and intuitive, but this does not mean that it has few features or that it is limited. In fact, it has everything to meet even the most professional needs. We already covered the templates and the full range of page content that can be used. Let's then find out a little more about e-commerce and how websites are displayed on mobile devices like tablets and smartphones.

Integrated E-commerce

Selling online is a great opportunity not only for those who already own a physical store, but also for artisans and amateur crafters that want to turn their passion into a second source of income. The web is not just a vast square, but also an immense market where every seller can find a broad and international audience interested in their offerings.

Creating an online shop with WebSite X5 is as simple as building any other website page. Once you’ve added all the images, descriptions and basic information, the software will automatically generate product sheets optimized for sales. Plus, it will just take a click to enable filters and a search engine: in this way, customers will be able to find what they are looking for even if you have a rather rich product catalog.

Of course, you can activate many different shipping and payment options, so to fulfill any customer’s need. Particularly, the integration with PayPal Commerce Platform will make it possible for you to accept payment from all the most popular systems, including credit cards and installment payments.

You can also have promotions and coupon codes, customize the checkout process and manage orders with the useful Online Control Panel. In short, WebSite X5 provides everything you need to create an online shop through which you can earn online and grow your business.

Responsive Design

With the increase in traffic from mobile devices, it's essential that your website is optimized to display correctly on screens of various sizes. In other words, you need to ensure that the browsing experience on tablets and smartphones is just as satisfying as on desktop.

WebSite X5 templates are all responsive, namely optimized for mobile devices. In any case, you can modify both the template and page composition so to have more control over the way contents are displayed and arranged in the different resolutions.

Using the local website preview, you will be able to check out the pages’ behavior on different devices and, when you’re happy with the result, go on and export it.

Ensuring that users can load your pages quickly on smartphones (because they are not too heavy), find only the necessary information (avoiding endless scrolling), read text easily (because the fonts are not too small), tap on links and buttons effortlessly (because they are not tiny and stuck to the text) is the best guarantee to prevent users from immediately abandoning your website and turn to your competitors.

Artificial Intelligence in WebSite X5

The Artificial Intelligence is the big news everyone is talking about. There are AI that can help us with a multitude of tasks, from content creation, to programming, to data analysis. The Artificial Intelligence-based text generation assistant has been integrated into WebSite X5: it's called MagicText, and it's used to help you with the text in your website.

The function of MagicText is not to create the website for you, but to give you new ideas and help you write all the text - which can be a lot. Titles, descriptions, SEO tests, blog posts, product descriptions: MagicText can write all this for you.

The possibilities are endless. Ask MagicText to change tone and style of writing, or to report new versions of the same text, make it shorter or longer, or even write in a different language: you are free to experiment. When you're satisfied, all you have to do is insert the generated text, and of course, you'll always have the opportunity to modify it to make it perfect for your taste and needs.

MagicText is like the genie of the lamp: you ask, and you shall receive... at least when it comes to the texts for your website!

SEO and Website Promotion with WebSite X5

Creating a beautiful website is certainly rewarding, but if you want it to be successful, it's not enough. It needs to stand out in a sea of online competition so to reach the widest audience possible and make you reach the goals you set. There are essentially two ways to get this result: optimize your website for the search engines and adopt some active promotion strategies. WebSite X5 helps you with both.

SEO Optimization

SEO optimization is the first step to improve your website visibility online, and WebSite X5 offers a series of integrated tools that help you in this sense in the best way possible. First, you can customize titles, descriptions, keywords and URL for every website page: in this way, search engines will index your content properly.

You can then optimize the images by adding alt texts and descriptions and reducing the file size so to improve the website loading speed.

Another important aspect, you can automatically generate an XML sitemap to be sent to search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing, so that your pages can be easily found.

Finally, you can use the integrated traffic analysis tools to monitor your website performance. You can access important information such as number of visits, page views, and traffic sources, making it easier for you to identify areas where you can still improve.

Active Promotion

Once your website is optimized for search engines, especially if you have some budget you can invest, it is important to promote it actively so to attract quality traffic.

The first thing you can do is using Social Media you are active on to give your website visibility. Consider adding social buttons to your pages to encourage sharing of the content you publish.

Another great promotion strategy is to create a mailing list for sending newsletters. With WebSite X5, you can easily create subscription forms and collect data in a database: by sending regular e-mails, you will keep your audience interested and engaged.

Up until now we’ve always referred to websites, but WebSite X5 allows creating Landing Pages, too. They are pages where you bring the audience intercepted through specific advertising campaigns, in order to get new sign-ups or new sales.

In short, using these and other functions and promotions strategies available in WebSite X5, you can make sure that your website is visited by many people and that, thanks to this traffic, it generates tangible results for your business.

Start using WebSite X5 now

In conclusion, WebSite X5 is a complete and versatile solution for creating, optimizing and promoting websites. Thanks to its user-friendly interface and powerful integrated solutions, creating a website becomes an accessible task for anybody, even for those with no programming experience.

From the choice of the template to the online publication, WebSite X5 guides you though every stage of the website creation process, ensuring a professional, captivating and optimized result for both mobile navigation and search engines.

So, if you are looking for a simple, quick and efficient way to create your website, WebSite X5 is surely the right solution for you. Try it out now and discover how easy it is to create your dream website with WebSite X5!

WebSite X5: FAQ

Do I need programming or technical skills to use WebSite X5?
No, you don’t. WebSite X5 is designed for anyone, even for those with no programming skills. The interface, the guided workflow organization, and the visual Drag&Drop-based way of working make it possible for you to create your website without touching a line of code.
Can I add additional functions to my WebSite X5 project?
Yes, you can. In addition to what is already included, WebSite X5 offers numerous optional Templates and Objects that you can use to add advanced functionalities to your website. You will find galleries, social buttons, menus, timelines, e-commerce objects, and much more.
Are the website created with WebSite X5 compatible with mobile devices?
Yes, all websites created with WebSite X5 are responsive and automatically adapt to desktop, tablet and smartphone resolutions. In this way, your website will be easily accessible and browsable from any device.
Can I optimize my website for search engines with WebSite X5?
Of course. WebSite X5 offers integrated SEO tools to help you optimize your website for search engines. You can customize titles, descriptions, keywords and other elements to improve your website ranking on the SERP.
Is support available if I need help?
Yes, our support team and the WebSite X5 community are always ready to help if you have any questions.
How can I start using WebSite X5?
Nothing easier. Download the WebSite X5 trial version and start for free. You can use all the available tools and functions, save up to 15 pages and export online on the included webspace. After 15 days, you will be able to switch to the full version of the software and resume your project without losing anything.

Do you still have doubts or questions? Feel free to contact our support team: we are always happy to help.

2024.2: Don't fall behind

Incomedia — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Have you noticed? When you work on a project - any kind of project - there are usually two main points to focus on: on one hand, you can work on a more structural level, and on the other, you can concentrate on “aesthetically-functional” elements.

Let me explain what I mean. In the former case, we work on the project core, the hidden engine upon which the entire project is based. This aspect isn't easily seen, but it needs to function properly for everything else to work smoothly.

In the latter case, we concentrate on the parts of the project that you can easily notice: what can be seen, heard, or touched, and the parts we interact with to get what we want.

As you know, our “project” is called WebSite X5 and lately, we’ve been focusing mainly on the structural aspects, the "hidden engine under the hood". These updates and optimizations were necessary in the short term but also laid the groundwork for new functions in store for the future.

But, don’t worry - the new version 2024.2 includes some new interesting features as well. Let’s explore them together.

Payments with Stripe

The most important new feature in version 2024.2 is definitely the Stripe integration. You’ve been requesting it, and we’re happy to finally be able to satisfy you.

As you probably already know, Stripe is one of the most popular platforms for payment management worldwide.

Thanks to this brand-new integration, you can now open an account directly from WebSite X5 and use Stripe on your online shop to accept any kind of payment, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, vouchers and more than 135 different currencies.

Stripe is easy to use, offers diverse customer interfaces to create customized payment experiences, and provides additional services while ensuring high standards of security in transactions.

Automatic file management

We decided to make things easier by having WebSite X5 manage the files used in your projects.

You are, of course, still free to use all the files you want. In every section where you can import a file, you now find two options: Local File, which allows you to access the Windows File Selection window and select a file available on your PC, Online Library, to access the integrated online libraries of free and premium images.

The Project Library will no longer be available, it will be automatically managed by the software. You can still get the necessary information about your project and its connected resources on the Project Optimization window.

This way, you can easily identify the resources that are no longer connected to the project (such as files you previously imported and then removed), make a backup, and then remove them to make your project cleaner and lighter.

Moreover…

The list of improvements in the new v.2024.2 also includes:

The integration of Google ReCaptcha 3. This service helps protect websites from spam. In this version, it can distinguish humans and bots based on users' previous actions. As a result, if all goes well, it allows you to proceed without having to click on the "I am not a robot" checkbox.
A new library for the publishing engine. This new library for the FTP engine adds support for several new encryption algorithms (TLS, Transport Layer Security), making it compatible with more servers.
Video management. Now you can set a cover image and have the video play on click or mouseover.
Tooltip style. The new settings give you more control over tooltip style, allowing you to better customize the tips that offer additional information on the link they are associated to.

Editions update

We hadn’t done it in a while and realized it was time. With version 2024.2, we’ve introduced some changes to the WebSite X5 edition plans, to make them even more distinctive.

We want Evo to focus on inexperienced user needs, they can now create a simple and functional website for themselves, their hobby, or business. At the same time, we want Pro to perfectly meet the more specific needs of professional users.

Because of this, we decided to concentrate the online shop-related functions only in the Pro edition: of course, all the projects created in the past will still be working, and we are here to help with any questions you may have.

In short

We’re sure you’ll be happy with the new Stripe integration and that you’ll appreciate the updated file management system.

As we mentioned, over the past months we have been working to improve the more structural or “under the hood” features. It will take some patience, but in the end it is like sowing: you just have to wait to be able to see the first results. Maybe as early as the next version!

As usual, you will find the list of all new features of the new version 2024.2 and the previous ones on the New Features page.

If you have an active WebSite X5 license, you can directly install the new version: start the program and follow the instructions to do it in a few clicks only.

If, on the other hand, you have a WebSite X5 license that is no longer active, you can renew it now to access the new version 2024.2.

2024.1: Work at your best and aim top results

Incomedia — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 23:00:00 GMT

If there's one thing we're not lacking, it's ideas to make WebSite X5 faster, more comprehensive, and more enjoyable to use.

The fact is, in our field, everything changes at a frantic pace. It's not just a matter of languages and technologies; even just for that, dealing with codes, browsers, and search engine algorithms, there's plenty to handle. It's also a matter of usage habits and aesthetic tastes.

This is why we can never stop: we, who feel the responsibility to develop the greatest software of all time. You can't afford to stop either, you must continue maintaining your sites to ensure they stay up-to-date.

So this is how we’ve reached the first new version of the year - 2024.1 - of WebSite X5. Do you want to discover what it has in store?

Lightweight Images and Speed

Speaking of speed, especially knowing how important it is to everyone now, we set out to save you quite a bit of time.

How? Firstly, by replacing the graphic engine used for image management with a new, higher-performance one. This new graphic engine offers a significant increase in performance. To mention some numbers, images are up to 45% faster loading, up to 50% faster saving, and up to 20% lighter.

Secondly, we improved the FTP engine, so that the website online export is now faster, especially if the project includes many small files. But that's not all: even creating and removing directories is up to 70% faster, resulting in a further increase in overall performance.

In short, these improvements will satisfy even the most impatient users by allowing everyone to go straight to the goal.

Google Pay, Apple Pay and Vaulting

Moving on to the e-commerce, on the other hand, PayPal Commerce Platform integration offers new interesting functions.

First, you can now enable payments via Google Pay and Apple Pay on your store. For those who don't know, these two systems allow credit and debit cards to be loaded onto Android and iOS devices, respectively, and payments to be made quickly and securely both in stores and online, without relying on physical cards anymore. A great way, in short, to reduce friction and facilitate payments!

There’s another function offered by PayPal Commerce Platform that is worth mentioning: the possibility to save the payment method. Technically, this is called vaulting, and it is used to give the customers the possibility to give customers the possibility to save payment details, so they won't have to enter them again when they come back to your store.

Finally, many of you will be happy to know that the list of Countries where PayPal Commerce Platform makes direct Credit Card payments possible, is getting more and more complete: 24 new Countries in the EMEA zone joined in fact USA, Canada, Australia, UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

Home Page Replacement

We all know it: if there is one element that is never missing from a website, it is the Home Page. In one-page sites, the Home Page is even the one and only page that gathers all the information in successive sections.

Because of its centrality, in WebSite X5 the Home Page is set by default. What if you need to set a different page as Home Page of your website? It can happen, for example, when exporting/importing projects or when working with Templates.

Well, we have introduced a new option and now, acting directly on the Map, you can set a new Home Page with a single click: the selected page becomes the new project Home Page and all links are updated in one go. Convenient, isn't it?

Styles

When developing the project of a website, as well as when working on a document, using styles is super-beneficial: it saves time by defining the appearance of multiple elements once and, as a result, you get consistent and homogeneous pages.

In WebSite X5, it was already possible to define the style of various text elements (from plain text to headlines, from navigation paths to links) but not only that. Now, you can also complete the email template with Social Buttons and define style and format of dates.

But what if the generally set style doesn’t fit in a particular situation? Let’s consider the link style: it can be perfect for links placed within a page with a light background, but it just won’t work for those displayed on a footer with a dark background.

The only solution in this case is to manage an exception: with the new version 2024.1, text links can have a customized style according to the part of the websites they’re displayed in. In this way, they will always stay perfectly readable.

Graphical UI

We mentioned that our goal is to create a software that is increasingly fast, complete, and enjoyable to use.

We just covered the “fast” and “complete” aspects, now we still have to explain how we made it more “fun”. Easy-peasy: by carrying on the process of constantly updating its Graphical UI.

This time, we have updated some of the most used controls, such as the Color selection window (to which we have also added Opacity and Color Code) and buttons for Text Alignment, Element Placement and Shadow management.

Moreover, we have improved the management of Optional Objects, so that they are immediately ready to be used when starting a project.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this version 2024.1 is only the first of the year, but it has already introduced quite a bit of new features.

As we said, we have no shortage of ideas on how to grow WebSite X5, so don't wait any longer: download the update and take advantage of all the improvements introduced for your projects. Then keep following us to find out what we have in store for the near future.

As usual, you will find the list of all new features of the new version 2024.1 and of the previous ones on the New Features page.

If you have an active WebSite X5 license, you can directly install the new version: start the program and follow the instructions to do it in a few clicks only.

If, on the other hand, you have a WebSite X5 license that is no longer active, you can renew it now to access the new version 2024.1.

Creating content with AI: a practical guide to writing prompts that work

Incomedia — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 23:00:00 GMT

I'd like to do a little experiment by asking how many of you have tried using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system to generate text or create an image from scratch. I bet many of you will raise your hands.

But if I asked how many of you were fully satisfied with the quality of the text or image you received back from AI, I bet a lot of hands would go down.

Yet more and more companies are relying on AI for business, campaigns and creativity. What do they know that most people don't know about getting quality results in a short time?

The answer is easy. They've figured out how to write effective prompts for generative AI.

Writing a prompt is the equivalent of finding the right words to express your wish to a genie in a bottle or to cast a spell. If you don't do it correctly, it's difficult to get the desired result, and you'll begin to view AI as a tool with no real value.

So how do you write a good prompt? Actually, it's pretty simple. Just stick to some practical rules that we'll take a look at together.

What's an AI prompt?

To understand how to write a good prompt, we first need to know what exactly it is.

In simple words, a prompt is the request you give to AI. The good thing is that with AI, you can speak in your natural language, just like you would with a friend. You don't need to learn any specific language or even how to program. You simply need to ask for what you want in a clear and concise way.

Prompts are textual instructions written in natural language that express a request for guiding AI in the generation of content.

The trick to writing a good prompt is finding the right words. You need to be specific but not overly restrictive. And above all, you need to understand that any variation can significantly influence the quality and relevance of AI's response. Let's go into detail and see how it's done.

From “meh” prompts to “wow” prompts

Now that we have a basic understanding of what a prompt is, it's time to explore what makes it effective. The difference between a mediocre prompt and one that really works magic is surprising, and it's all in the formulation.

A "meh" prompt might look something like this:

“Write a paragraph about cats.”

Yes, it's clear, but it lacks inspiration and details that could make the generated text more engaging.

Now, let's turn this prompt into a "wow" prompt:

"Imagine you are a curious cat exploring a world of enchanted toys. Describe your adventures and the strange creatures you encounter along the way."

Do you notice the difference? In the second prompt, there's an embedded narration, an intriguing context and a stimulus for creativity. An effective prompt should be like the first chapter of a novel, inviting AI to dive into a world of possibilities.

Here's another example to make the concept even more concrete:

"Meh" prompt:

"Provide an overview of the history of modern art."

"Wow" prompt:

"Imagine you are a guide accompanying a traveler who has just gone back in time. Describe the thrill of showing him or her great modern works of art, along with the traveler's reactions."

In summary, the magic of an effective prompt lies in its ability to inspire, provide context and spark creativity on the part of AI. Experiment with intriguing ideas, and you'll see how your generated texts will go from ordinary to extraordinary.

Syntax of a winning prompt

Let's take a step further to refine the prompt's structure and maximize the effectiveness of the generated text.

Think of the prompt as a map. It should be clear, detailed and orienting, but at the same time, it should leave room for creative exploration. To further define things, follow these practical syntax tips for prompts:

Be clear and concise: Make sure your prompt avoids ambiguities which could be confusing to AI. Also avoid unnecessary details. A concise prompt tends to produce more focused results.
Provide context: Explain the situation or environment you'd like AI to immerse itself in. For example, instead of saying, "Write a dialogue", you could say, "Imagine two friends meeting after many years. Come up with a conversation that's full of emotion and surprises."
Use Keywords: Enter keywords into the prompt that are central to your theme. For example, if you're asking about technology, incorporate relevant terms like "artificial intelligence," "emerging technology" and "digital innovation."
Provide rules, constraints and examples: If you say exactly what you want or don't want, while also providing examples, you reduce the risk that AI will misinterpret your request. For example, instead of saying, "Write a post about a travel destination", you could say, "Imagine you are a traveler arriving on the island of Giglio. Tell us about your adventures, focusing on the natural aspects. Write a 1,000-word article in the style of (author's name)."

Here's an example of a well-structured prompt:

“Imagine you are a detective in a dystopian future. You have just discovered a mysterious high-tech object in the heart of the city. Write a detailed description of this item and your initial reaction."

This prompt is clear, provides intriguing context and contains relevant keywords. In short, it has everything needed for AI to produce an engaging text.

Ask the right questions

You may not realize it right away, but questions can also play a crucial role in writing an effective prompt. In fact, questions are not just requests for information; they can serve as creative levers, pushing AI to explore new directions.

We suggest using questions in the prompts to:

Stimulate an in-depth look: Use questions to push AI to delve into more detail. For example, instead of directly saying, "Describe a landscape", you might ask, "How would a painter view this landscape? Describe the details you'd capture on canvas.”
Exploring emotions: If you want more emotionally-charged texts, ask AI to explore the feelings involved. For example, "Tell a story of unexpected joy. Describe the details that make this joy so special."
Guiding the development of the text: Plan for multiple questions to guide the development of the text. For example, "What could the title of a post be regarding the benefits of SEO? How could the content outline be organized?”

With the right questions, you can steer AI in the direction you want. Experiment a bit, see how the responses take shape and find your own style, even while writing prompts.

Avoid traps

As we've already mentioned, writing a good prompt is a matter of word choice, but it's also a balance between clarity and creativity. Sometimes it's easy to stumble into traps that compromise the quality of the AI-generated response.

First, you'll need to avoid ambiguity and contradiction. Unclear or inconsistent information can end up confusing AI to the detriment of the quality of the text generated. On the other hand, providing too much detail can be a negative as well. In this case, the risk lies in excessively limiting AI's scope when, instead, leaving a certain degree of freedom might lead to better results. Finally, you'll need to avoid asking too many things in one prompt. In this instance, it's much better to break down complex requests into simpler prompts for clearer results.

Remember, clarity and consistency are key when writing a prompt. Try to imagine the process from the other side, as if you were giving instructions to a friend. If your request is understandable and inspiring, there's a high probability that AI will respond with equally engaging text.

Exploring creative possibilities

Now that you've become familiar with writing effective prompts, it's time to unleash your creative streak and experiment with different styles and tones to discover the vast spectrum of possibilities offered by Artificial Intelligence in terms of text generation.

There are many variables you can play with. For example, you can try requesting texts in different narrative styles. You might use a prompt for an adventure narrative, one for a humorous dialogue, or one for a poetic description. Or you can vary the tone of your prompt and find that a playful one may generate lighter, funnier texts, while a serious one might lead to more thoughtful responses.

It certainly might be worth asking AI to write from alternative points of view. You might ask it to tell a story from the point of view of an animal, an object, or even an abstract concept. Finally, you can experiment with different literary genres by requesting fantasy, scientific, romantic or science fiction texts. This will allow you to discover how AI adapts to different styles and contexts.

The appeal of AI lies in its ability to adapt and create in ways that may surprise you. Don't be afraid to experiment with enthusiasm and an open mind, and you'll soon discover that your interaction with AI can become quite the creative adventure.

Test, modify and repeat

At this point, you understand that in order to get the best out of Artificial Intelligence, you must be ready to test, evaluate, modify and try again. Over time, you will gain experience and refine your prompt writing techniques, thus achieving optimal results more quickly.

Remember, however, that AI-generated texts are not set in stone. You can decide that they are perfect as they are, copy them and use them in your official communications. Or you might decide to use them as simple ideas, ladders or more or less elaborate outlines on which to graft your edits. In this case, the content generated will be the result of a "four-handed" approach between you and AI.

You are the director. AI will simply be a trusty helper that allows you to speed up the creation process and improve the quality of your content, in terms of texts and more.

In closing

Congratulations! You're officially on the path to becoming a master in the art of creating AI prompts!

At this point, whatever generative Artificial Intelligence system you find yourself using, it'll be easier if you can manage it in the best way possible. For example, by using MagicText, the text generation assistant available in WebSite X5, it'll be child's play, considering that it already guides you in composing the prompts by offering a few choices.

Whether you decide to use MagicText to help create all the text you need to develop a website, blog or e-commerce site, or if you prefer other services for generating content, you now know how to formulate your requests, so you'll have a better chance of being satisfied.

Ready to make a wish?

P.S. Who better than AI to know how to write prompts for AI? Here's another good reason - this post was written with its help!

What is Social Listening and Its Impact on Ecommerce?

Incomedia — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:00:00 GMT

Social listening consists of paying attention to, and analyzing, what people are saying online about your brand. This allows you to learn more about how your brand is viewed on the market, and improve the insights you get. This means you gather more useful and actionable insights that allow you to improve your marketing campaign.

This article will explain what social listening looks like, what the benefits are, as well as offer some examples and easy ways to carry it out. We will also show you how you can create a social listening strategy of your own.

What is social listening?

Image sourced from Infegy

Social listening is the same thing as social media listening. It’s the process of analysing online conversations about your brand, and even the industry you work in more generally. The point is to find out as much as possible about your audience. You could, for example, keep an eye on your social media platforms in order to see when your audience mentions your brand or gives some feedback on your new hosted phone system features.

Social listening is a more proactive approach to hearing what your customers are saying, and at a larger scale than a survey. You can also conduct sentiment analysis to find out how people feel about your brand and make adjustments to your marketing campaign on the basis of that knowledge.

Some questions you might want to use for your social listening campaign could include the following:

How do your customers feel about your brand?
How do they feel about your website content?
How does your audience feel about your competitors?
How do they feel about your products and/or services?
What are their main desires and needs?
What topics are your followers discussing online?
What challenges do follower groups share?
What are their FAQs?
What do they engage with most on social media?

Is social listening different to social monitoring?

Free to use image sourced from Unsplash

While social listening and social monitoring share some similarities - namely, that they both consist of noticing what customers have to say on social media platforms, there are also some key differences.

Social listening consists of a broader focus on what people are saying about the brand, and even the industry and product type as a whole. It takes a generally broader perspective into account, analysing conversations held over social media continuously, in order to adapt marketing campaigns over time.

Social monitoring, on the other hand, has a narrower focus on one company in particular, or one product, brand, or marketing campaign. Its focus is on specific brand mentions on social media.

Why engage in social listening?

Social listening has become a valuable tool in the toolkit of marketers everywhere. As well as helping you to understand your customers and target audience on a more profound level, and giving you the insights to make more appropriate marketing choices.

Additionally, it allows you to engage in social media benchmarking, comparing your performance and customer sentiment against industry standards and competitors. This helps you can keep your finger on the pulse re information about your competitors and the general state of your industry.

It also gives you a deeper understanding of the customer experience that your products engender. This information can help you to mitigate any issues that could arise in the form of negative reviews, and nip the problem in the bud by addressing customer concerns early on.

You can also use social listening to find out which other brands are on the same wavelength as you, and find potential collaboration opportunities. Overall, this is a great way to manage vendor risk.

Examples of social listening

So, now that you have an idea of what social listening is and the benefits, let’s dive into a few examples of how you can put it to use:

Whenever someone posts a negative review or comment about one of your services (such as your ecommerce shipment rates), products, or even your brand, you can improve all of these on the basis of that feedback. If your product is glitchy, fix the glitch. Service too expensive? Offer cost-effective deals. Brand too boring? Spruce up your image with some engaging social media posts.
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
If you discover that a large portion of your audience is inexplicably into cheese curds, you can sure as heck find some way to combine your brand or product with those delicious nuggets. You could consider a collaboration with your local cheese curd supplier, or have a cheese curd giveaway.
If you “overhear” someone saying something nice about you, then don’t humbly keep that information to yourself! Shout it from the metaphorical rooftops. Repost and reshare to your social media platforms, amplify those approving voices!

Social listening involves placing your audience’s honest and unfiltered feelings about your call tracking for business products, as well as their ideas, interests and opinions, into decision-making regarding your call tracking products.

A strong social listening strategy can help you to not only improve the marketing side of your business, but also to design and redesign your products in such a way as to truly meet your audience’s desires, goals, and needs.

Building a social listening strategy

Decide what your goals and KPIs are

The first step of building a successful social listening campaign is to decide what you want to achieve, and how you want to measure your success - in other words, what your Key Performance Indicators are.

Your goals could include any of the following examples:

Developing new content on the basis of what your customers and audience value.
Learning more about the competitors, and your field in general, in order to help your brand stand out and give your products a competitive advantage.
Mitigating negative reputations and improving your image.
Finding more potential customers outside of your usual audience who might want what you’re selling.

Some key performance indicators you could use include the following:

How do people feel about your brand? Positively, negatively, or neutral?
How engaged is your audience with the content you’re putting out? Which posts get the most likes, comments and shares?
How much do people talk about you? How often are specific, relevant keywords, your brand, and your products mentioned on social media?
Who is talking about your brand? Are there any influencers in the mix, and if so, who follows them?

Pick a social listening software

Free to use image sourced from Unsplash

You can choose from a vast array of social listening tools. In deciding which one to go for, take into consideration your goals for your social listening campaign. Think about your budget, the features you need, and also consider ease of use.

You don’t want to have to spend weeks wrestling with a complex and overpriced software that doesn’t even have the features you need! So choose wisely. It’s always a great idea to make use of free trials to find just the right tool for you.

Take a closer look at your audience

You can find out a lot about your audience by looking at how they interact online and what they say about your product and field. You can see what questions people are asking, what they rave about when it comes to your brand.

Do they like infographics or prefer videos? Are they more concerned with being eco-friendly or thrifty? This information can help you to tailor your products and tweak your brand’s image to meet certain expectations from your customers, including the potential ones.

Take stock of what to look out for

It is vital that you compile a list of specific keywords and phrases relevant to your company using robust data collection methods. This will help you to obtain useful and relevant data from this process rather than just noise. You can make a list surrounding the likes of your brand name, words and hashtags relevant to your brand, and your product category.

Consider including customer-centric terms and phrases that reflect the needs and preferences of your audience. These keywords will provide valuable insights into what your customers truly value and care about.

You can also include things like your social media handles, specific industry buzzwords and topics of interest to your audience, and slogans you may have used in the past. There are a lot of things you can use to find out what people are saying about you!

Identify useful social media channels

While people can be discussing the remote support software by RealVNC that you use, your brand, and services you provide, anywhere online, you should keep an eye on as many channels as possible, starting with your main channels to begin with. You can add more channels to your campaign as you go, adapting and changing your methodology over time.

Filter your data

You can use your social listening software to amass your data and filter it on the basis of various commonalities. These could include things like your keyword list, types of interactions (e.g. comment or share), whether the opinion is positive or negative, and more.

Analyze the results

Free to use image sourced from Unsplash

Finally, you need to look at and analyze the results from all of your hard work. It’s time to check out those KPIs and see how your Vonage outbound call center solutions are fairing on social media. Once you have the results handy, it’s time to decide what you want to do with them.

You could decide to make some changes, carry out some ecommerce retargeting strategies, keep chugging along, or add something to your repertoire.

Final thoughts

Social listening can have a very positive impact on Ecommerce, helping you to stand out from the competition by keeping an ear to the ground to hear what people are saying. We hope this article has given you a thorough idea about how to do that!

How to Improve Your Business with Visual Communication

Incomedia — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Image sourced from oberlo.com

Did you know that 91% of consumers want more video content from brands in 2023? How about that users are 30% more likely to send payment when visuals are involved in marketing? What these stats show is clear: if you’d like to grab the attention of your target audience, you must create more visual content for your business.

That’s right — it’s time to give consumers what they crave and improve your visual communication with engaging videos and images that rock. This way, you can deliver your brand message in the way customers want to receive it.

The right visuals can leave a long-lasting impression on viewers, whether this is achieved via captivating web design or cool data visualisations. By focusing your efforts on improved visuals, you can boost brand recognition and engage with your audience on a deeper level than before.

The Importance of Improving Visual Communication for Businesses

Effective visual communication can contribute to the success of your business and its marketing efforts. That’s because well-designed content can elevate brand awareness, engender greater interest in your offerings, and leave a lasting impression on your target customers.

For example, this virtual call centre guide from Vonage has visually engaging content that presents all the relevant information users need to start a virtual call centre. It delivers information in an easily digestible way while still showcasing the brand’s expertise in this field.

By improving your company's marketing and branding efforts with appealing design elements, like well-crafted infographics, engaging videos, informative charts, graphs, and data, you too can set your company apart from its competitors and refine your brand identity.

Effective visual communication can:

Enhance Comprehension and Retention

Good visual communication can play an important role in conveying information to customers. By presenting complex data in an appealing and digestible manner, you can enhance a viewer’s understanding of it.

So, rather than overwhelming audiences with long paragraphs of text to read through, consider using infographics, charts, optimised images, and other forms of data visualisation to break down this information.

These design elements will make your content easier to understand and digest for the viewer.

Build Trust with Customers

Adding visuals to your marketing materials can also play a role in establishing trust with your audience—especially when customers see other people engaging with your products and services through visual content like photographs or videos.

Improve User Experience

Good visual design elements can enhance the user experience, too, by making web interactions more engaging and intuitive. For example, integrating appealing design elements into your website can enhance its aesthetic and improve navigation and usability.

Likewise, incorporating standout icons and symbols can assist users in taking action — all without relying on textual instructions.

The Main Types of Visual Communication

Improving your visual communication has many benefits — for example, well-designed graphics can help increase online sales and brand recognition and expand your company's reach.

You know the old saying about a picture being worth a thousand words? Well, it's true. High-quality visuals can grab people's attention and leave a lasting impression.

Image sourced from wearepowerhousestudios.com

However, this isn’t limited to pictures. Besides creating great-looking photos, here’s a table that outlines other types of visual communication your business can use.

Infographics

A visual representation of data or information. Infographics combine text, images, and graphics to present information in a simple and easily digestible way.

Pros: Engage and capture attention. Enhance understanding and the retention of information. Easily shareable on various platforms.
Cons: Requires careful design and layout. May oversimplify complex concepts. Can be time-consuming to create.

Charts and Graphs

Visual representations of data that highlight patterns and trends.

Pros: Provide a clear and concise overview of the data. Facilitate analysis and comparisons. Easily interpretable by viewers.
Cons: Not suitable for presenting non-numeric information. May be overwhelming if there’s too much data. Require accurate data input.

Presentations

Visual aids for delivering information or ideas. Combine text, images, and multimedia elements.

Pros: Enhance engagement and retention. Allow for effective storytelling. Can be easily customised.
Cons: Can be distracting if overloaded with information. Require effective delivery.

Videos

Moving visual content with audio elements. Can include animations, interviews, or demonstrations. Can be live-action.

Pros: Captivate and entertain viewers. Allow for storytelling and emotional connection. Can convey complex ideas in an engaging manner.
Cons: Require time and resources for production. Video content isn’t easily editable

Social Media Graphics

Visual content created for social media platforms. Include images, videos, and GIF. Designed for sharing.

Pros: Grab attention in crowded social media feeds. Increase brand visibility and engagement. Can be easily shared and re-posted.
Cons: Limited use for conveying detailed information. Require consistent branding and design. May need frequent updates to stay fresh.

How to Use Visual Communication to Promote Your Business

Visual communication is a tool that can significantly influence the success of your business. Integrate captivating design elements into your marketing strategies, and you can better connect with your intended audience and boost brand visibility.

Image sourced from hubspot.com

Here are several methods you can use to leverage it.

Create Engaging Social Media Posts

One way to use visual communication to your advantage is via appealing and engaging social media content. When we scroll through our social feeds, it’s eye-catching designs that tend to grab our attention.

Incorporating well-crafted images, videos, and infographics into Facebook posts and Instagram reels can help increase user engagement. Users are also more likely to share, like, and comment on this content without even thinking about it.

You can capitalise on this by adding essential contact information, like email addresses or virtual phone numbers, into your content to encourage conversions and allow users to connect with your brand with minimal effort required.

Incorporate Visual Communication into Everyday Tasks

Visual communication goes beyond marketing materials and presentations; you can also use it to improve communication in the workplace.

For instance, before team meetings, design infographics or charts to simplify the information you’ll be presenting and make it easier for employees to understand.

Say you’re adding an online telephone service to your offerings that allows people to make web-based calls. You might create a detailed infographic showing staff how it works so they can better help your customers with any queries.

Boost Sales with Quality Product Images

For businesses in the eCommerce space, high-quality product images can boost conversion rates and increase sales.

In today's digital landscape, many consumers rely on these visuals to help them decide whether they’re interested in what you offer. They also like to interact with the product before you make a buying decision.

So:

Use images of the product in real-life scenarios to show how to use it.
Show it from lots of different angles.
Invest in professional product photography to show your goods off to best effect.

You can also use photo editing tools to enhance your photos and make them stand out even more.

Use Visuals to Improve Your Customer Service

Consumers are more likely to return to businesses that offer good customer service, so it’s vital that your employees provide a premium support package.

That’s where visual communication can help. For example, you could create detailed videos or infographics to teach employees how to handle customer inquiries or deal with complaints.

The beauty of video content and infographics is that they’re easily understood, even if your staff are new to the job or have limited work experience. However, remember to transcribe videos so they’re accessible to the whole team.

How to Enhance Visual Communication

By improving your business's visual communication, your company is more likely to be able to reach its goals. So, here’s how to enhance your attempts.

Develop Your Design Skills

Improving your graphic design skills is essential for refining your visual communication. Whether you want to create high-quality images for your social media posts, develop better business presentations, or draw up infographics to explain your product or services, this will help viewers get more from your content.

So, invest in developing the skills you need, as a solid foundation in design will enhance your ability to communicate visually and engage on a deeper and more memorable level.

Understand the Power of Colors

Colors can play a vital role in improving your business’s visual communication attempts. Different shades and palettes evoke different emotions and convey specific messages.

Free-to-use image sourced from Unsplash

Understanding colors theory can help you select options that align with your brand and its messaging. For instance, warmer hues like red and orange can create a sense of excitement or urgency, whereas cooler colors, such as blue and green, promote calmness and trust.

Master Typography

Typography refers to the style, arrangement, and appearance of text. Like colors, this can play a significant role in successful visual communication by enhancing readability and conveying tone.

If you want to enhance your design skills, it’s vital to understand how factors like font choice, letter spacing, and hierarchy affect your design.

For example, when choosing a domain name for your business from a provider like OnlyDomains, you want to pick a moniker with good readability that aligns with your brand.

Additionally, ensure your typography remains consistent across your marketing materials to help establish a sense of brand identity.

Image and Web Layout Elements

A thoughtful and strategic layout is also essential for effective visual communication. How you arrange elements within an image or on a web page can impact the transfer of information.

Factors like balance, proximity, and contrast should guide your decisions. With an intentional and organised layout, you can ensure critical details stand out while maintaining harmony in your composition.

Use Visual Communication Tools

Lastly, if you don't have any design expertise but still want good-looking visuals, consider tools like Adobe or Canva.

These easy-to-use software platforms offer plenty of well-designed templates to choose from and have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to create great content.

Transforming Your Business with Visual Communication

To achieve success with your business’s marketing and messaging, it’s crucial to improve your visual communication. This can be achieved by optimising visual elements such as logos and typography and making sure you use the right color scheme for your website and social media content.

Creating engaging materials, like infographics, videos, and images, can also help evoke deeper connections and improve engagement among your target audience. Specifically, remember to tailor your visual content for each individual platform you use so you always deliver exactly the message you intend.

A responsive website: What it is and why it's important for online success

Incomedia — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 23:00:00 GMT

It happened to me the other day. I was at the supermarket, I saw some beautiful pumpkins and felt like cooking them. Not being an expert chef, I thought it might be better to search online for a recipe. So I parked my trolley, took out my cell phone and did my research. Among all, there was a site that seemed promising so I opened it but eventually I had to give up. The page was crowded with content, text that was too small and links that were difficult to click on. Basically, it was pretty obvious that it wasn't at all suitable for mobile browsing.

What a shame! I lost a recipe I quite liked (even if I did find another delicious plate on a competitor site), and that site lost a reader.

I'm sure something similar has happened to you as well. In fact, it's never fun for users to stumble upon a website that doesn't support mobile browsing. But from the website owner's point of view, it's a much more serious problem since it can have devastating consequences on the success of an online initiative.

The solution? Creating a responsive website with the ability to seamlessly adapt to viewing on any type of device, including desktops, tablets and smartphones.

If you don’t really know what responsive design is, or if you'd like to learn more about the topic in order to improve your website, continue reading. In this guide, we'll discuss:

What a responsive website is
The differences between a responsive website and an adaptive website
Why it’s extremely important for a website to be responsive
Benefits of a responsive website
How to create a responsive website
Mistakes to avoid when creating a responsive website

What a responsive website is

It is quite simple to check whether a website is responsive or not. If you're on desktop, try making the browser window smaller. Does the site still look good or does everything shrink to the point where zooming in becomes necessary?

👍 Scenario 1: The website is responsive. Well done!

👎 Scenario 2: The website is NOT responsive. There's work to be done here!

marketingexperiments.com

Simply put, a responsive website is a site that automatically adapts to the screen size of the device it's accessed on.

This means that when you open a responsive website on a desktop, smartphone or tablet, the layout and size of the content adjusts dynamically to provide an optimal experience in every situation. Basically, when switching to lower resolutions, you will see some page elements resize, others will move or (the non-essential ones) disappear, but the point is that as the space is reduced, the page will continue to offer all the necessary content in the best possible way.

The differences between a responsive website and an adaptive website

Over the years, as smartphones and the ability to remain connected have increased, the need to make browsing on mobile devices as easy as browsing on desktops has become increasingly important.

There are now two alternative approaches which allow you to control the appearance of websites on various screens:

Responsive design
In this scenario, you create a single website that's capable of adapting the content to the screen size. This design is based on the width of the device and offers a smooth transition between different screen sizes. When someone accesses the site, the browser recognizes the type of device, and the template responds with a suitable design.
Adaptive design
In this scenario, different versions of the same site are created, each specific to a device. For example, you could have a separate layout for desktops, tablets and smartphones. When you access the site from a device, the server detects its type and loads the appropriate version of the website.

www.interaction-design.org

Adaptive websites certainly offer greater control over the appearance and functionality of pages at each resolution, but they do have some limitations. They are more cumbersome and more difficult to maintain. Any update, in fact, will need to be duplicated on each of the site's version, and if new devices arrive on the market, it'll be necessary to evaluate the development of as many new ad hoc versions. Then there's the fact that the website's various versions inevitably present duplicate content, which - as well all know - Google doesn't like.

For these reasons, except in cases with very specific needs, creating a responsive website is the most popular and widely-used choice. The result is less cumbersome, and managing the website on different platforms is easier.

Why it's extremely important for a website to be responsive

To allow you to evaluate how important it is for the success of your online business to have a responsive website, here's some data that gives an idea of it’s purpose.

Mobile traffic is now more popular than desktop traffic

Experts predicted this, and it seems they were right. Currently, with a few differences from country to country, 55% of online visits worldwide come from mobile devices, 43% from desktops and 2% from tablets.

www.interaction-design.org

Mobile commerce is consistently increasing

In 2017, 58.9% of online sales were completed on mobile devices. In 2021, mobile-commerce had already reached 72.9%, and its growth doesn't seem to be stopping.

Users spend less time on a mobile site than on a desktop site

With all the information we have access to every day, our attention spans tend to be shorter and shorter. Additionally, when browsing on mobile devices, we tend to be in a greater hurry. As such,the time we spend on a website is 40% less on average, compared to when browsing on desktops.

Desktop users spend more time on a website than mobile users - www.semrush.com

What can we conclude from this data? Mobile devices are increasingly pervasive, and this allows us to browse, play and chat at any time of the day, regardless of where we are. Having a website that can't guarantee a satisfactory user experience when browsing on mobile is therefore a hindrance, especially if an e-commerce site is connected to it. Users expect to be able to browse and purchase from their smartphones, and they aren't willing to wait or waste time. Having a responsive website or e-commerce site that loads quickly and is effective in presenting information is an essential requirement for any initiative involving an online presence.

Benefits of a responsive website

At this point, it should be clear to you why it's important that your website is responsive. In case you still have any doubts, let's try putting together a quick list of the most important benefits you can gain from it.

A large target audience: With a responsive website, you can reach users on mobile devices, tablets and desktops. This diversification of your audience can increase traffic to your site and, consequently, conversion and sales opportunities.
An improved user experience: With a responsive website, users don't have to zoom or scroll horizontally to view content, and texts and images are always perfectly readable and appropriately displayed. This translates into more satisfied visitors, longer retention times and greater overall engagement.
Reduced visitor abandonment rates: With non-responsive websites, people often encounter navigation issues or slow load times, so they're more likely to leave the site and look elsewhere. A responsive site, on the other hand, significantly reduces the risk of losing potential visitors and keeps users on the site for longer periods of time.
Best positioning on search engines: Search engines like Google reward sites that offer visitors the best user experiences and, consequently, give priority to responsive websites in search results. This means that with a responsive website, you have a better chance of obtaining a better position in search results, increasing the visibility of your website and attracting more visitors.

Mobilegeddon

April 2015 - Google decides to penalize non-mobile-friendly sites by lowering their rankings. And it hasn't stopped since. There's even a tool for verifying whether or not your site is mobile friendly, and it provides suggestions on resolving any issues.

Cheap, sustainable and manageable: A responsive website requires fewer resources to manage than a site with separate versions for different devices. Furthermore, you don't need to create and maintain multiple versions of your website, which simplifies the process and makes it more sustainable and easier to manage.

In short, a responsive website not only improves the user experience but also offers concrete advantages in terms of visibility on search engines, audience engagement and more efficient management. So whether you run a business, a blog or a personal website, investing in a responsive website is an essential step to your online success.

How to create a responsive website

You'd probably prefer not to have to do this, but to fully understand what it means to create a responsive website, you need to understand some rather technical concepts. But don't worry, this doesn't mean that you'll need to learn how to program.

Are you ready? Let's go!

Responsive design uses a combination of HTML and CSS and is based on three distinct elements: a fluid layout, flexible images and text and media queries.

HTML is the language used to control the structure, elements and contents of a page.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are style sheets used to modify the design and layout of the included elements.

A fluid layout assumes that element sizes are not fixed or static. This is what allows the site to appear larger or smaller, depending on the size of the user's device.

Flexible images and text, i.e., those that are not defined statically, are elements that can vary in size and can also appear or disappear depending on the device.

Media queries: These are statements that ensure that the fluid layout, images and flexible text appear correctly.

In practice, with responsive website design, the HTML code always remains the same, but media queries ensure that different parts of CSS are applied when the site is displayed on different screen sizes. To do this, they use breakpoints which are established interruptions based on the most common screen sizes of various devices. Each breakpoint, therefore, establishes a screen width for which a media query is used to implement a specific CSS.

www.techchange.org

It's like saying this is the web page (created by HTML); for resolutions higher than 1024 pixels (example of a breakpoint for desktop), display the content like this (defined through a given CSS); for resolutions between 768 and 1024 pixels (example of a breakpoint for tablets), change and use this other view (other CSS); and finally, for resolutions lower than 768 pixels (example of a breakpoint for mobile), it changes again (other CSS). With a unique code and three sets of instructions (i.e., media queries), we achieve the desired result: a site that adapts to the size of the device screen.

Now that you understand how this works in principle, you'll be able to better understand what to do once you have identified the tool for creating your website. You'll be asked to make choices on how to manage the entire part that's related to viewing pages via mobile.

With WebSite X5, for example, all templates are already mobile optimized and handle the most common breakpoints. You are, however, free to edit, add or remove breakpoints as well as customize templates to various resolutions. Always working visually, you'll begin by insert content onto the pages. You'll then also be able to manage their display in the various breakpoints, ordering them and hiding them when not necessary at lower resolutions.

The beauty of working with software like WebSite X5 is that it solves all the issues related to code development, helps you manage breakpoints and make the necessary decisions. Furthermore, which is no small feat, it takes care of optimizing the images and code without you having to do anything in particular, allowing you to have agile and fast-loading pages.

Are you interested in learning more about creating a responsive website with WebSite X5? We've put together some guides that explain everything you need to know.

Mistakes to avoid when creating a responsive website

No matter how hard you try, sometimes mistakes happen. When creating a responsive website, there are some rather common mistakes that are important to avoid in order to guarantee an optimal user experience on all devices.

Here's a list of mistakes you should keep in mind, so you can avoid making them:

Images that are too heavy: High-resolution, non-web-optimized images slow down page loading on mobile devices. Make sure that images are compressed and saved in appropriate formats, such as JPEG or PNG to reduce website loading.
Text that's too small or too large: The text must be readable on all devices. Avoid using fonts that are too small and that require zooming in to read or fonts that are too large and that force users to constantly scroll horizontally.
Complex navigation: Overly complex navigation or menus that are not optimized for mobile devices (hamburger menus) can make it difficult for users to find what they need. Keep navigation clear and user-friendly.
Ignoring touch buttons: Make sure the buttons are large and sufficiently spaced to allow easy interaction even via touch screen. Users should be able to select buttons
Non-essential content: Users hate wasting time, so avoid overloading pages with unnecessary elements, such as heavy scripts or invasive ads.
Not testing on various devices: Display and usability issues can vary greatly between various smartphones, tablets, and browsers. Be sure to test on a wide range of devices to ensure that the site works properly everywhere.
Not monitoring performance: A responsive website should load quickly on all devices. Ignoring website performance is a common mistake. Use performance analysis tools and optimize your code to reduce load times.

In closing

"Well, I already have a website and, based on access statistics, I know that only 10% of visits come from mobile. Why should I bother making it responsive if most of my users can see it correctly anyway?”

Good question! Instead of focusing on the 90 users who peruse via a desktop or on those 10 who, despite "sketchy" navigation, still access your site from mobile, try to think about how many visits you've lost because your website is not responsive.

How many users browsing on mobile have stopped visiting your pages in favour of the competition? How many haven't even found your site because, not being optimized for mobile, it doesn't rank well in search engines?

I agree. Creating a responsive site requires more effort, but with a tool like WebSite X5, it's a task within everyone's reach. Above all, it's an absolutely profitable investment.

In conclusion, in an era where access to the digital world occurs through a variety of different devices, the creation of a responsive website is no longer a choice but a necessity since, as we have demonstrated, it can make all the difference between the success and failure of any online initiative.

How to Boost Your Online Presence with SEO and PR

Incomedia — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a well-established strategy for boosting online visibility. On the flip side, public relations plays a crucial role in maintaining a positive brand reputation, which is key to winning over your target audience.

In other words, when you combine SEO and PR, you can have a potent tool in your hands.

The idea of combining PR and SEO might seem new to you, but it’s entirely feasible. Your PR efforts have the potential to significantly impact your search rankings, boosting your online presence. That’s precisely what we’ll be exploring today.

First, we’ll cover the basics…

What is SEO PR?

SEO PR is the art of combining search engine optimization and public relations to enhance your online presence. Merging SEO and PR can involve optimising public relations content like press releases, guest posts, and so on, for search engines. Or it can cover the use of PR techniques to reach a broader audience and help enhance your SEO.

Typically, PR and SEO focus on different things.

PR is centred on managing your public image (how others perceive your brand) through the media like press releases, top-tier publications, and similar outlets by collaborating with journalists and thought leaders. On the other hand, search engine optimization primarily focuses on improving your website content to boost your site’s visibility and ranking position on search engines like Google or Bing.

For instance, if you were to launch a diner in a new neighbourhood, you might reach out to online news outlets with your press releases so they can cover your grand opening announcement. That’s PR. At the same time, part of your restaurant marketing plan might be to create a website. You might add specific keywords to your site to help potential customers find your restaurant online. That’s SEO.

You can combine SEO and PR in many ways. We’ll look at how you can do this later. Suffice it to say that while it can be hard to combine the two, the good news is, there are agencies that offer excellent digital and PR services you can tap into. Many of them are not even limited to providing online PR services. Since they have built strong relationships with mainstream media like TV and newspapers, they can provide traditional PR services as well.

How PR benefits your SEO

PR can benefit your SEO efforts in several ways. Here are some of those ways:

Earn high-quality backlinks
Backlinks, also known as inbound links, are links from other websites that point to your website. Search engines typically view backlinks as an indication that your content is valuable and worth ranking. In fact, backlinks are one of the top three ranking factors on Google.

When you have a strong PR network, you can build a rich backlink profile from reputable and authoritative websites with high rankings. You can even distribute press releases with your links to build this backlink profile. This causes search engines to view your site’s content as trustworthy, eventually boosting your rankings.
Increase brand's visibility
Press releases are major PR tools that allow you to communicate important announcements or achievements related to your brand. When effectively distributed, your brand’s message can reach potential customers and other industry stakeholders on a wider scale and drive organic traffic to your website, which is good for SEO. It’s even better when you research and use relevant keywords to optimise your PR content so that it’s easy to discover by search engine users.

In general, PR can amplify the results of your SEO efforts, which is brand visibility. Media coverage, for instance, involves getting your brand featured in news stories, articles, or other forms of content on reputable platforms. This helps your brand gain exposure to a broader audience. For instance, The 2021 State of the Press Release report by Cision reveals that press releases can increase brand visibility by 68%.
Enhances credibility
Press releases and other newsworthy content may be republished across online platforms. When people come across your brand on these trusted sources, it may also elevate your brand’s credibility, which can help your SEO efforts. These PR features may also include recommendations for your brand’s products or services.

For instance, Girlfriend Collective had its anniversary sale featured on Well and Good.

Well and Good, renowned for its authority in beauty, lifestyle, and fitness-related content, naturally instils trust in its audience. Therefore, when the audience finds positive mentions of Girlfriend Collective, they are more likely to embrace and trust the brand. So, they are likely to go to the brand’s site, share its content on social media platforms, among others. All these can be great for the brand’s website SEO.

How to integrate SEO and PR strategies to enhance visibility

It will help if you have some background knowledge about how to merge your PR and SEO efforts to improve your online visibility. That’s what we’ll look at in this section.

1. Perform keyword research and optimise your press releases

Before you start creating your PR content, conduct thorough keyword research. Identify keywords and phrases relevant to your niche. These will be the building blocks of your SEO strategy.

To begin, you can use tools like Google Keyword Planner, which provides insights into the search volume and competitiveness of specific keywords. See the example below:

Look up a list of relevant content topics. Then Google Keyword Planner will generate a list of keywords that will help you understand what your target audience is searching for.

Ideally, you want a list of medium-low competitive keywords. Besides Google Keyword Planner, tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz’s Keyword Explorer can provide valuable keyword data.

Once you have your keywords, incorporate them into your press releases. But don’t just add the relevant keywords into the PR content body. Optimize the titles of your press releases as well.

If you publish your optimised press release on your own website, you can increase the likelihood of it appearing in search engine results pages given a search query. That can increase the chances of publications and influencers taking notice of your announcement, and giving you media coverage.

2. Create high-quality content for other high-authority sites

Here’s another way you can integrate PR and SEO for improved online presence: create high-quality content for other sites. Guest posting on high-authority sites isn’t just a great strategy to enhance your authority as a brand for PR. It can also help you build a strong backlink profile that can improve your website SEO. When you guest post, after all, you typically also incorporate links from your site. Remember what we said about backlinks and their importance to SEO?

Be sure to incorporate the right keywords naturally into your guest post and structure the content with clear headings and subheadings.

Use H1 (Heading 1) for the blog title
Use H2 (Heading 2) for major subheadings
Use H3-H6 for smaller sub headings

Add images, videos, or other visual content that emphasise important points in your content to help readers absorb information better. Also, adding SEO elements like image alt tags and video captions can ensure that your content is accessible and well-optimised.

Just as important is ensuring the guest post is high-quality in the first place. That means it should provide real value to your audience. It should be informative, engaging, and well-researched, offering solutions or insights that resonate with your readers.

Follow these tips and you won’t just increase your chances of your guest post being published in the first place. You also increase the likelihood of securing more guest post opportunities from the same site. Plus, you enhance your brand credibility, too. We already know how that can also help your SEO efforts.

3. Utilise PR outreach for link-building

Another effective PR and SEO hack is to engage with influencers, bloggers, and media outlets in your industry. You can share your press releases and other types of website content with them and encourage them to link to the same.

But this is only effective when your content aligns with the audience’s interests. According to Muck Rack, 33% of PR professionals say that topical relevance is the most important factor in getting your content published. You should also take note of this when planning your PR outreach.

Use platforms like LinkedIn or X to find potential thought leaders or influencers who may have an interest in your content. Social listening tools like Mention, Hootsuite, or Buzzsumo can help you find these popular thought leaders or journalists.

But before you share with them your content they might want to link to, make sure they somehow already know you. That means you should have engaged with them (and even helped them) in some way. So, you can maybe regularly promote their own blog posts, join conversations with them on social media, or simply like their social media posts prior to your outreach.

To increase your chances of success, personalise your outreach messages and highlight how linking to your content can benefit them. For instance, you can say linking to your site post on how to build an email list in their own article on email marketing trends can give their readers a deeper understanding of the topic.

4. Harness social media platforms to create a buzz around your brand

You can use social channels to create a buzz around your brand for PR. Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn can showcase your brand personality. They can also help increase your brand visibility, amplifying your PR efforts. In fact, you can even go viral.

When that happens, more people will know about you, including site owners and journalists who may end up linking to some of your site content and people visiting your site. Again, all these can help boost your SEO.

So, post engaging content that can help you get Instagram likes, Facebook shares, and LinkedIn and X comments.

You can post social media polls, like this one:

Or create posts with nice visuals, like this one:

You can also promote your PR content to boost your authority on your social channels. To get even more reach, consider promoting your content through targeted social media ads. These ads allow you to fine-tune your audience reach by demographics, interests, and behaviours, ensuring that your content reaches the right people who are most likely to engage with it.

Also, make sure you engage with your social media audience. Respond to their comments. You can even like, share, and retweet their own posts for as long as the content aligns with your brand values.

In closing

Combining the power of PR and SEO is one effective way to boost your online presence. PR provides an opportunity to earn quality backlinks and increase your organic visibility, and brand credibility, all of which can directly and indirectly boost your SEO efforts.

To maximise PR and SEO for your online visibility, conduct thorough keyword research and optimise your press release, and create high-quality content for high-authority sites. You also need to use PR outreach for link building and leverage social media platforms to distribute and promote your PR content.

By doing all of these, you’ll be able to enhance your overall online success as a brand. Good luck!

By Chris Norton, host of the UK’s 7th largest marketing podcast, Socially Unacceptable, and Founder of award-winning B2C specialist PR agency Prohibition. His social media training blog is listed in the UK's top 10 PR blogs. For tons of digital PR tips, you can follow Chris here @chris_norton.

Creating a Landing Page without a website is doable and sometimes even preferable

Incomedia — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 23:00:00 GMT

The toolbox of every great artisan contains items that he simply cannot do without: a carpenter needs a saw, the painter uses a paintbrush, a tailor requires a needle, etc. It's the same thing for those who work in “digital”. There are essential tools that you simply must know how to use. And when working on the internet, Landing Pages are important.

Landing pages are useful in a thousand different ways and can really make the difference between a failed, mediocre or successful campaign.

The good news is that with a bit of effort and by following some well-established good practices, you can easily create excellent Landing Pages, and you can do so despite not having a corresponding website.

So let's proceed step by step and see how to create effective Landing Pages, without a website.

Before we begin: What is a landing page?

As the name suggests, a “Landing Page” is a web page that a user arrives at after a click-on-a-link. There are many types. For example, you may have found an ad, seen a banner, read an article or opened an email. Whatever the starting point was, the fact is that at a certain point you found a link and decided to click it, thus arriving on the Landing Page.

And this is where it all begins, because each Landing Page has the very specific need to gather a new lead (i.e., contact info including the email address of a potential customer) or to sell a product or service.

This is why landing pages are so important. Their task is to lead the visitor and help him perform an action to then transform him or her from a complete stranger into a contact or, even better, a customer.

As such, nothing on a Landing Page can be left to chance. Text, images, colors, graphical elements, spatial arrangements...everything must be designed to be so compelling that it leads a user to take the desired action.

We talked at length about Landing Pages and the various types that can also be identified in the article entitled, "How to create a Landing Page".

Is it possible to create a landing page without a website?

Now that you understand what a Landing Page is, you may have already thought of several different ways to use it. The point is that you may not yet have a website, perhaps because you are just beginning, and you need a campaign with an associated Landing Page to understand how to best structure your online business.

Can a Landing Page be created separately from a corresponding website? The answer is yes. Landing pages can be stand-alone pages, i.e., landing pages that can exist independently.

Having answered this question, let's take a look at the steps you need to follow to create and go online with a truly effective Landing Page, i.e., one that's capable of achieving the expected results in terms of conversions.

Define the Landing Page's objective

A Landing Page must have a single and clear objective. In other words, it needs to do one thing, and one thing only, but it needs to do it really well. So start by asking yourself, “Why do I need to create this Landing Page? What do I want the user to gain through it?”. You may, for example, want to add a special offer, aim for a direct sale, gather registrations and contacts or increase engagement on your social networks.

It's important to clearly identify this objective because you'll need it to be able to construct a targeted message and achieve the results you desire.

Identify the target audience

Now that you know what you want to achieve, you'll need to find the best way to do it. Obviously, there are many "ways" to create a Landing Page. Think about how much the page can change based on the colors, images and words you choose as well as how you decide to arrange these various elements.

Among the many possibilities, the best way will depend on the audience you're targeting. Only by knowing the needs, tastes, languages and topics of interest of the people you want to speak to, can you manage to get on the same wavelength and create a message that's capable of engaging and convincing them.

Choose the tool to create your Landing Pages with

Landing pages are still web pages and, as such, are essentially made of HTML code and style sheets. Obviously, when you create your Landing Pages, it's not at all necessary for you to have HTML knowledge. You can simply choose a service that allows you to create websites and web pages visually.

There are specialized services for Landing Pages, but you can also use software like WebSite X5. It allows you to create everything from a single web page to a showcase site, blog or online store.

With WebSite X5, you can create as many projects as you like, so if you prefer that your Landing Pages are independent from website, you can do it. Simply create a new project for each Landing Page.

Once you've discovered the potential of WebSite X5, it'll be easy for you to move from the first Landing Page to more complex projects. You'll be able to manage everything with extreme simplicity.

Find the most appropriate Template

All website creation services suggest to start by choosing a template: a predefined and professionally predesigned Template which can then be freely customized by inserting your own content.

In general, templates are a good way to quickly start off on the right foot and achieve the final result faster and with less effort. Nothing stops you, however, if you prefer to start from a blank page and to create your Landing Page in a completely original way.

Starting with one of the WebSite X5 templates is a great way to create your Landing Page

Enter the contents of the Landing Page

At this point, you are ready to begin to customize your Landing Page. It's good to know that by analyzing Landing Pages that work, you begin to see that they're made up of a series of recurring elements.

LOGOS - Create a sense of trust and credibility. People need to know who they are connecting with, and by adding a logo you will help them understand this.

TITLES and SUBTITLES - By position and appearance, this is the first text that the user will read. Look for the best formula so that they're consistent with the ad the user clicked on, are capable of immediately responding to their needs and are engaging enough to encourage them to continue reading the page.

FEATURED IMAGES or VIDEOS - After the title, these have a prominent position, so your hero image (or even better) the video that presents your product or service must be relevant and look professional. Image-generating tools can help you create visuals that truly stand out.

REGISTRATION FORMS - On Landing Pages whose goal is to gather leads, a contact form is what you'll need to focus your user's attention on. Make their life easy. Make sure the form is at the top of the page, that it's clearly visible and, above all, that it's easy and quick to fill out.

BUTTONS (CALLS TO ACTION, CTAs) - This is the mechanism through which you'll explicitly ask the user to do something. Insert your CTA in a button that stands out in terms of shape, color and size. Position it carefully within the page (perhaps in several places), and carefully compose the text.

BENEFITS - As Philip Kotler explains, your users care about the hole, not the drill it takes to create it. Don't just describe the features of your product or service. Focus on the benefits that people will achieve from it. It's only in this way that you'll convince them that they need it.

REVIEWS - Knowing the opinion or user experience of other customers, helps overcome any final reservations before making a purchase. For this reason, reviews should always be included. You don't need a lot of them, it's more important that they're well done.

SOCIAL MEDIA BUTTONS - On their own, social media buttons have no effect on a Landing Page's result. However, you should still include them because through spontaneous sharing, you might reach other audiences that are potentially interested in your offering.

To finish out this list of elements that need to be included on an effective Landing Page, there's one that's better not to include: the navigation menu. If you're creating a Landing Page without a corresponding website, the problem does not exist; there is no navigation menu. Otherwise, make sure that the menu is not visible on the Landing Page. It only provides an easy escape route for visitors.

Optimize the Landing Page

Optimizing a Landing Page means taking action on two fronts: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and mobile viewing.

When it comes to search engine optimization, you should apply all the basic optimizations to your Landing Page that you would apply to any web page, including taking care of headers and titles, working on descriptions and the ALT of images and keywords, etc. Ultimately, a Landing Page that's well-positioned from an organic point of view is an advantage because it allows you to reach a potentially wider target audience.

However, as far as mobile is concerned, you'll need to remember that not everyone will be viewing your Landing Page from a desktop. Therefore, ensuring that the page is always quick to load in addition to being perfectly displayed and functional during navigation, is necessary for its success.

Publish the Landing Page online

Now that your Landing Page is ready, all you need to do is publish it online in order to launch your campaign.

To do so, you'll need to have a Web Hosting service that provides you with server space for your page files. You also need to activate a domain .

The good news is that if you've decided to use a specialized service or a site builder to create your Landing Page, you most likely don't need to worry about these more technical feauters because these tools already include a hosting solution.

WebSite X5, for example, offers a free domain and free hosting for one year. It's a tailor-made and already fully-integrated service that's designed to allow you to go online immediately with just one click.

Monitor performance

As we've said, each Landing Page has a target: lead a person to perform an action, converting them from a simple user to a contact (or lead, i.e., a user whose email is known) or a customer (i.e., a user who has completed a purchase).

The number of conversions therefore represents each Landing Page's success. The greater the number of conversions, the greater the effectiveness of the Landing Page and, ultimately, the success of your campaign.

With an online Landing Page, therefore, your goal becomes to improve your conversion rate.

How do you do this? A common method is through A/B testing (or split testing). It essentially involves creating two versions of a page that differ by a single variant that are submitted to a similar audience for the same period of time. It takes consistency but, you'll be able to check several elements and progressively increase your Landing Page's conversion rates.

In closing

As you now understand, creating a Landing Page is both a "creative" and a "strategic" job. It's important that your page is aesthetically pleasing and in line with the ads that lead to it, but it's just as important that it's effective in leading people to conversion.

Adopting an appropriate creation tool will help you greatly. With WebSite X5 , for example, you use Templates, customization options and objects to insert any type of content, from videos to online forms, download buttons and sharing tools. You'll also benefit from the integration of all e-commerce tools and the availability of an integrated Web Hosting package.

WebSite X5 is the perfect solution for creating your stand-alone Landing Pages. Why not give it a try?

12 Copywriting Techniques for Digital Marketers

Incomedia — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 23:00:00 GMT

If you’re in the business of digital marketing, then you know how important stellar copywriting is. Your words are the bridge between a company and its audience. Can you give the reader what they want? Have your words sparked their curiosity?

The answer could determine whether or not they interact with or make a purchase from the brand you’re marketing.

But in today’s sea of content, competing for your audience’s attention is incredibly challenging, even for the most experienced digital marketer. So if your copy isn’t quite delivering the results you’d hoped for or you just want to hone your craft, you’ve come to the right place.

This article will explore 12 copywriting techniques to make your digital content stand out. Whether you’re writing a 30-word social media post or 1,000-word article, here’s how to make your copy sparkle.

1. Understand your target audience

Understanding basics about your target audience is crucial for nailing the tone and content of your copy. You want to ensure the copy is accessible and relatable to readers. After all, you wouldn’t write an ad about a business risk assessment matrix for people who don’t know how to work a remote control (no judgment, auntie!). If you did, the content would need to be significantly different to an ad targeting professional auditors and business owners.

Learning about your audience involves understanding their:

Existing level of knowledge
Search motivation
Pain points and problems they need to solve

Once you have this information, keep it in mind as you craft your copy. Remember, a light listicle is appropriate in some ads and articles, while in others, a more in-depth and academic-sounding piece is more appropriate.

2. Consider the structure

With people reading less now than in the past, the structure and length of your content is crucial. Long-form web content, in particular, must be easy to read and scan, while social media content structure will vary by platform.

Image sourced from healthyhappyimpactful.com

So before you start fleshing out copy, you need to determine a logical structure. Let’s say you’re writing a blog post about a call center for businesses from Vonage. At a bare minimum, the piece should include the following elements:

Introduction: Explain what a call center is and touch on how it might solve the reader’s pain points.
Body: Break down the main benefits of call centers, using subheads so it’s easy to read.
Conclusion: Summarize the main takeaways and include a call to action.

Some people like the rule of threes for flow: three main sections, three subsections within the main section, three bullet points within the subsection, and so on. But this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.

Your structure should also be scannable. Readers should be able to glance through the article and easily pick up the gist of what you’re saying. For this, consider using bullet points, which can be particularly beneficial for social media posts.

3. Reel them in with a memorable introduction

Free to use image sourced from Unsplash

The first few words of your copy should have a discernible impact on readers. For example, if you are sending emails to existing customers about a new virtual phone service, ensure the opening line is clear, catchy, and informative. Readers should know exactly what the email will entail and how it will benefit them.

4. Keep it short and sweet

Whether you’re writing a social media post or a longer article, avoid creating excessively long and dry copy. Write enough to bring something of value to the reader without losing their attention.

Trim superfluous information or phrases to make the article as engaging as possible. You also want to make the information fun to read – that’s the sweet part. It should be easy to digest and light in terms of font, layout, structure, and content. Jokes help too!

5. Insert humor and wit

If you’re wondering where the jokes are in this article, then we point you to the well-known saying: “Do as I say, not as I do”. We can’t all be side-splitting Billy Connollys, but we can certainly aim for chuckle-worthy Dylan Morans.

If you can tickle your audience with a little humor – even while talking about the most seemingly serious topics like API gateways or toilet paper – you make it more enjoyable and memorable for the reader. A more engaged reader is more likely to focus on your messaging, increasing the chances that they will check out the products and business you’re writing about.

Screenshot sourced from whogivesacrap.org

Humor also humanizes you. After all, you don’t want to sound like an artificial intelligence content generator void of all thought and emotion.

6. Keep it natural

If you wouldn’t use a load of complicated jargon while speaking to someone in a coffee shop, then you shouldn’t put it in copy. If one would not consistently use the third person in natural speech, then it wouldn’t make sense for one to start now. Unless you normally sound the way an academic research paper on Shakespeare reads, why would you write your copy that way? Thou wouldst not.

Write naturally, letting your words flow logically and easily throughout your marketing campaign. Readers will have a much easier time following your train of thought and absorbing the message.

7. Explain terminology

Sometimes, you can’t avoid using technical terminology. In that case, briefly explain what such jargon means.

Again, take your audience into account. If you’re writing about content optimization, some readers may need to be told what the acronym SEO stands for. At the same time, you don’t want to patronize experienced readers. If you’re using unusual or niche acronyms, however, it’s a good idea to clarify them.

8. Be clear

With all of the above in mind, the most crucial point is that your content is simple and coherent. This is not a college essay that needs to be padded out to hit the word count (not that we ever did that…).

The easier your content reads, the better. It’s a popular misconception in some circles that making something sound complicated makes the writer appear to be an expert. In fact, the opposite is often true. It takes much more skill to make a complex subject accessible to the public.

9. Write in active voice

Writing in an active rather than passive voice gives your writing a dynamic and present punch. Not to mention, it’s more conducive to SEO optimization. While passive voice is sometimes useful in certain situations, it is rarely useful in copywriting.

In news features, many broadcasters use passive voice. It’s why they sound detached from stories: they’re simply presenting facts. However, for copywriters, using active voice not only makes your copy clearer, it also makes it more exciting and engaging for readers.

So whether you’re writing an email or blog post, using active voice is a more effective way of communicating everything from ideas to facts.

Original image created by author

10. Speak to your audience directly

Speak directly to your audience, as if you were a real person, speaking to another real person. Wild!

Refer to readers as “you”, and yourself, the copywriter, as “I/me” or “we/us”. Why? Because even though you should cite trusted research papers, your content is not, in fact, a research paper. It’s for marketing – and good marketing relies on fostering a human connection between the reader and the brand.

So if you’re writing about how to start a food blog, you could say something like “Do you love apple pies? Want to show the world how to make the perfect crust? Then stick with us and we’ll show you how to create a drool-worthy food blog with recipes your community can smell through their screens.”

11. Tap into people’s emotions

At the end of the day, anyone who consumes emails, ads, articles, and other materials you produce is interested in improving their life or business in some way. By getting on your audience’s wavelength and putting yourself in their shoes, you can start to understand them better. Remember that you’re writing to real people, not just spitting out algorithmic material to fill space in the internet void.

It’s easy to lose sight (or thought) of the real people on the other side of your laptop, so take a moment to humanize them. Imagine what they would look like, how they would feel reading your words, and the context in which they might read your copy.

Even if you are writing about a seemingly unemotional topic – for example, car insurance, a business SMS platform, or even cough drops – there are opportunities to spin it. You only have to look at campaigns from brands like Apple and Amazon to find copywriting inspiration.

Image Sourced from peppercontent.io

Authenticity is also key. It’s important to care about what you’re writing. If you feel bored, you will sound bored. If you feel curious, that will ignite curiosity in your reader.

12. Cite sources and quote experts

As well as crafting a well-worded copy, support any arguments or statements with statistics, quotes, or scientific facts. Doing so will go a long way in lending your words credibility and making them more impactful.

Make sure you cite trusted sources, include research that meets certain standards, and insert infographics with up-to-date information and links to the original source.

Skepticism may be a lost art in today’s world of rampant disinformation. But it is our job as copywriters to cast a critical eye on the purported facts and give readers something they can really trust.

Final thoughts

There you have it: 12 tips to master your copywriting, written by us, for you.

Copywriting is an art, but by breaking down the various elements that make up written content, you’ll soon be on your way to turning bland words into wordsmith wizardry.

Remember, it doesn't matter what platform you’re writing for, the length of content, or the topic. Your copy should put the reader at its heart, be easy to read, and have a human touch. With all that in mind, you can unleash your copywriting creativity!

From an Instagram page to an online store: the success story of R&A SHOP

Incomedia — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 22:00:00 GMT

There are dreams that come true. Magic isn’t involved though, it’s the right combination of passion, perseverance, hard work and commitment.

Arianna and Roberta know a thing or two about it. Two sisters with retailing in their family DNA that dreamed of opening a women's clothes shop together. They believed in it and started off in their bedroom, setting up a photo shoot and creating an Instagram profile. After a few months, they opened up a real store and, in the end, with Luca's help, they also opened up their online store.

Today, R&A SHOP is a successful reality that's been in business for five years. Their website is working at full speed. Let's learn how e-commerce has contributed fundamentally to their success.

Off we go! R&A SHOP was founded five years ago. Which goals have you achieved since starting off on this journey?

Arianna: "The biggest goal is certainly to have succeeded at what we love doing, which is managing a clothes shop. We come from a family of merchants, our passion comes from family tradition."

Roberta: "We started by creating a small photo shoot in our bedroom and setting up an Instagram profile. After a few months, we managed to open a real store, another important milestone!"

Arianna: "From that moment on, by combining real with digital life, we've watched our sales increase year by year. To date, our inventory has also grown in quantity and variety, and we can count on a loyal customer base to support us.

From May 2023, our launch date, to July 2023, we processed a total of 100 orders. This had never happened before, not even during a year.

Roberta: "Having started at ground zero, all our major goals have been achieved."

At a certain point, however, social media was no longer enough, and you decided to open an actual e-commerce store of your own. What convinced you to do it?

Roberta: "Our primary need was to broaden the audience to whom we could offer our products. We know how important it is to keep up with trends, and realized that we would need to add e-commerce to our business. Nowadays, online selling is essential as it allows you to reach potential customers even outside your area. And, a website allows you to be available 24 hours a day, which would be physically impossible."

“Our online shop is active 24 hours a day and allows us to reach a much wider audience.”

Arianna: "We were determined, but we had a technical obstacle to overcome. Neither my sister nor I had experience in this area. We needed a third person to take care of creating the e-commerce site. Luckily, we were able to count on Luca, my partner. I knew he would be able to manage this project. I talked to Roberta about my idea, and she agreed so Luca then became part of the R&A SHOP project from a purely IT standpoint."

And here's where you come into the picture, Luca! A few technical questions for you. How did you choose the tool you used for creating the site?

Luca: "Yes, here I am! As Arianna mentioned, I took care of the technical aspects of creating the site. I chose WebSite X5 because I had already been familiar with it for several years. I think it's a very good solution as it's extremely intuitive and easy to use.

I then jumped right in and put into practice all the knowledge I had accumulated from WebSite X5 as well as from the free webinars that Incomedia often hosts. I did a lot of experimenting until I found a result that was clear and usable for everyone."

Certainly challenging as a first experience since you weren't just creating a website for yourself, but a true e-commerce site on behalf of a third party.

Luca: "The fact that I wasn't creating a website for myself wasn't an obstacle. I simply got buy-in from Arianna and Roberta at each step, so the site reflected their expectations. I then embarked upon a "training" phase in which I explained to them the essential functions of loading products in the e-commerce manager. These days, I take care of the data, analysis and maintenance of the site, while the girls do order management and online exporting."

However, we know that webmaster isn't your main profession...

Luca: "Actually no, I have always worked in travel and tourism. However, I have a great passion for IT and for the internet in general. The R&A SHOP site is actually my first experience in creating a full website.

The fact is that during the pandemic, as for so many others, my main line of work was put on hold. However, this forced period of rest gave me the opportunity to reinvent myself and cultivate this passion of mine, turning it into something more. I also obtained a certificate as a Social Media Manager and today, despite the tourism industry having returned at full capacity, I view the internet as a resource that might materialize into a new profession."

From a certain point of view, the internet and WebSite X5 represented a challenge for all three of you, but also a resource that allowed you to reach a turning point.

Luca: "Exactly. For me, it represented a potential new job opportunity, while for Arianna and Roberta, it resulted in the achievement of a new goal for their business."

Roberta: "We're very satisfied. Our e-commerce site has been online since May 2023, and just a few months later, in July 2023, we reached a total of 100 orders processed, something that had never happened before, not even over the course of an entire year.

Thanks to the website and our social media pages, we have managed to reach more people and establish a relationship of trust with them. For example, on our Instagram profile, which has seen a 5% increase in followers since the opening of the website, we publish stories with customer reviews and feedback in order to increase transparency between us and our audience. Obviously, it's also important to link marketing activities such as promotions, discounts and tailored advertising campaigns. In short, there's always work to be done, but we're definitely seeing results!"

So, the e-commerce experiment was successful, and I would imagine that the website will also play a role in future successes. Do you have any other plans?

Arianna: "Certainly, our main plan is to continue to grow online. We would really like to be able to differentiate our inventory, so we can have one for the online store and one for the physical store."

Luca: "As far as I'm concerned, I hope this passion of mine will lead me to invest in a project similar to that of Arianna and Roberta, which will enable me to grow in this as well."

Thanks to Arianna, Roberta and Luca for telling us their story and explaining how important creating an online store was to the success of their business.

If you have a professional goal similar to theirs, find out how WebSite X5 can help you turn it into reality through the many e-commerce features included.

2023.3: Introducing the e-commerce of your dreams

Incomedia — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Someone once said, "Your every wish is an order".

Okay, I'll admit - it was the genie lamp from Aladdin! But think about how nice it would be if each of your customers' wishes actually resulted in an order from your online store. Surely, you'd no longer need to dream of riches from the Cave of Wonders.

Going back to reality, what you can actually do is give your e-commerce users an opportunity to create their own Wishlists and optimise your store in order for them to complete their purchases.

With the new 2023.3 version of WebSite X5, we've worked hard to make your e-commerce even more "magical" or - if you prefer - more "comprehensive and high-performing". Maybe we're genies as well! 😊

Product Wishlists

When it comes to e-commerce, a Wishlist is a virtual list where users can add all the products they don't want to purchase right now but may be interested in purchasing in the future.

Activating this new feature in your online store is really easy. When defining the composition of the Cards or the Product Pages, all you need to do is ensure that the "Add to Wishlist" button is set to "Visible".

This button appears as a heart-shaped icon and can be found next to the "Purchase" button. While browsing, viewers can use it to add all the products they're interested in to their Personal Wishlist. Then, whenever they want, they can access their Wishlist, add or remove items and, in the best case scenario, move them to the cart to make a purchase.

Why activate the Wishlist?

Because it serves as a prompt to remind users of the items that piqued their interest.
Because it allows for better planning of purchases over time, and a customer is always welcome to come back.
Because it allows for an easy comparison of desired items and, as a result, helps you make more informed purchasing decisions.

In summary: Because Wishlists help make customers happy, and happy customers are the best guarantee of success.

Customisation of Product Pages

With e-commerce, Product Sheets are essential. They must be clear, comprehensive and well-organised because it falls on them to provide customers with all the necessary information and convince them to complete the purchase.

In WebSite X5, pages containing Product Pages are created automatically based on the information you enter. They follow a structure that's similar to the one we're all accustomed to with Amazon.

In version 2023.3, we've added the ability to work with the elements they contain in the same way you're already used to doing with Cards. You can select various elements, decide whether to keep them visible (or not) and define some graphical properties.

In this way, not only can you add the “Add to Wishlist” button but you can also decide to remove the “Add to Cart” button. Yes, you've read that right: Remove the Purchase Button! It may seem strange, but there are cases in which e-commerce is only used to show which items are available, even if you don't actually want to put them for sale online. Now you can do this as well.

Discounts based on the total order amount

For many, discounts are irresistible. The thought of taking advantage of an opportunity to get a deal is often what tips the scales in favour of a purchase.

It's up to you to figure out which discounts to offer, how to activate them, and how often to give them. It all depends on how much of a margin you have in your prices and the strategy you've chosen to follow. What we can do is provide you with the tools to get it done.

So, we've added the option to configure variable discounts based on the purchase amount. If, for example, you want to offer a €15 or 10% discount for orders over €150, you can now do so.

Shipping and payments based on country

An e-commerce store that sells to international customers has a bit more complexity to manage. Sometimes, for example, people's preferred shipping and payment services change according to country. For this reason, there's no point in offering a particular service if you already know that it won't be used in that country.

To help you offer your customers only the services that are actually intended for them, we've added an option to specify, for each payment and shipping method available in your e-commerce store, a list of countries in which to offer it. Everything will be easier and more orderly for your customers.

Payment Reminders

Okay, so the customer has placed an order but is now late with the payment. It might be time to send a reminder.

As you know, you can manage your e-commerce orders through the Online Control Panel. Here, you can see a list of orders still to be processed and now, thanks to the new feature we've introduced, you can also decide which ones to send a reminder for by send a confirmation email again with the payment details.

Sending a reminder can be done in just one click. You have a history of all the reminders sent, so you can decide how much to insist on closing the order.

Push Notifications

Talking about the Online Control Panel, we added another function that you will find very interesting: the possibility of activating and managing push notifications.

It’s really easy: you get notified in real time when, for instance, a user places an order on your e-commerce, leaves a comment on your Blog or registers on your website. In this way, you can reply quickly and always offer a top service.

Of course, you can decide what kind of notifications you want to receive, and you can install the dashboard as an App on your smartphone to keep everything under control even when you’re not in the store or office.

In Conclusion

So, what do you think about the new functions available in WebSite X5 2023.3?

We’re sure they’ll be useful for you to take your e-commerce to the next level. You just have to implement them all.

Meanwhile, we are already working on other projects for the upcoming version. Stay tuned and keep following us to find out more.

You'll no doubt notice that all features introduced in the 2023.3 version are centred around e-commerce and are, in fact, included only in the Pro edition of WebSite X5.

However, this doesn't mean we've forgotten about everything else or about the Evo edition.

You'll see some exciting news in the next update that will not only center around e-commerce but will concern both Evo and Pro. Keep following us!

As usual, the list of all the latest features included in the new 2023.3 version (and in previous versions) is available on the News Page.

If you already have an active WebSite X5 license, you can install this new version right away. Just launch the program, and you'll find instructions for doing so in just a few clicks.

If your WebSite X5 license has expired, renew it today to receive the new 2023.3 version.

And finally, if you don't have WebSite X5, take this opportunity to purchase it now. The user license includes the Hosting service, a 12-month guarantee of receiving updates and new versions as we release them as well as access to our Priority Assistance service.

Six practical tips for creating an architectural portfolio website

Incomedia — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Is there any profession these days for which it's not advantageous to introduce oneself via a website? The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that the answer is no.

Any professional activity, however specialised and sector-specific, needs to reach its audience, introduce itself, tell its story and convince customers of the merits of its offerings. And, to do all this, a website is the perfect tool!

Architects are no exception. It makes no difference whether you're an established architect or an up-coming designer, whether you're a freelancer or have a studio you need an online portfolio site that showcases your work, allows you to acquire new clients and, consequently, allows you to grow your business.

If you follow our advice, your architectural portfolio website will not only serve as a compelling business card, it will also become an essential tool for growing your business.

Choose a smart domain name
Choose a template that represents you
Put together a clear and functional structure
Carefully curate your portfolio
Make your website mobile-friendly
Optimise for SEO and drive traffic

1. Choose a smart domain name

As an architect, you can decide what a building will look like, but you can't really determine its address. Regarding your website, however, things are different. Not only can you choose your domain name and extension in order to define the URL where it'll be found, but you'll need to do it carefully since it has major implications.

Choosing a domain name is a fundamental step in building your digital identity as an architect.

The domain name is the part you'll find after the // in a website address as well as after the "@" in an e-mail address.

For example, in the URL https://www.websitex5.com/en/tutorial.php, the domain name is "websitex5.com".

The domain name will be used by all your potential clients and collaborators to find you online and can also affect the placement of your pages in search engines. Therefore, when choosing your domain name, be careful that it's:

Easy to remember: A domain name that's short and easy to pronounce allows your visitors to remember it and type it easily into their browsers. For example, you can use your name or the name of your studio. This is what Santiago Calatrava (calatrava.com) or Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas (fuksas.com) did.
Easy to type: Avoid hyphens, numbers and special characters in your domain name as they could lead your visitors to make mistakes, making it difficult for them to reach you. The Renzo Piano Building Workshop, with a clear choice of branding, has simplified a long and complex name into a much simpler one with rpbw.com
Capable of defining and positioning your business: You can include, perhaps next to your name, a keyword that defines your scope or is otherwise relevant. This helps users immediately understand the type of services you offer and, on the SEO side, allows search engines to better categorize your site. For example, stefanoboeriarchitetti.net.
Paired with the appropriate extension: The extension (or TLD, Top Level Domain) is the ending suffix. If you work in Italy, you could opt for .it. Otherwise, you should consider .com. Remember that there are many other more specific extensions you can use if the domain you wanted is no longer available.

2. Choose a template that represents you

Like architects, those who work in a field where aesthetics and artistic tastes play a leading role, website graphics is an element that should never be overlooked. Anyone who enters your website must feel welcomed in a comfortable, well-kept and easy to navigate environment but above all, they must feel that they're in a space with a strong identity, characterised by your designs and your way of understanding architecture.

Templates are an important source of inspiration for creating a website that reflects your style.

You can choose to start with a template design or to use an empty template. In the first case, you have the advantage of saving time while, in the second case, you end up with a totally personalised solution.

In any case, try to convey the same style and taste for detail via the template that you infuse into your designs. Choose neutral and sophisticated color palettes that evoke the architectural environment. Choose fonts that make the text easy to read. Insert graphical elements such as lines, grids or geometric shapes to add a touch of design.

Remember that a good template isn’t just attractive from an aesthetic point of view, it also has to be functional. It should adapt to the structure of your site and highlight the most important elements: in this specific case, your portfolio of projects and contacts.

3. Put together a clear and functional structure

Like a building, a website also needs a solid structure to stand on.

Designing the site's structure means defining the sections and pages it should be divided in and how it all should be connected through a navigation menu.

A well-organized design is the best way to guarantee proper navigation of the site.

Generally, an architectural website doesn't need that many pages and, consequently, offers a fairly simple navigation that leads visitors to the content they're looking for in just a few clicks. The essential sections include:

The home page
This is where you welcome your visitor. It needs to represent you and make it immediately clear who you are and what you offer, while being informational and exciting. This is where you get your chance to instantly make a good first impression.
Who we are
Don't underestimate the importance of this page. It offers you an opportunity to tell who you are, what your ideas and goals are and to explain why you might be a good fit. Try to create an emotional connection, perhaps "putting faces to names" with a photo of you and each member of your team.
Portfolio of projects
This is the heart of your entire website. It's where you really showcase who you are and what you can do. You need to be aware that through the projects you decide to showcase, you're providing a certain image of yourself and defining the expectations of your users. It's extremely important to choose wisely so we'll talk more about how to put together the best portfolio.
Contact information
One of the goals of your website is to find new clients, so give them a way to contact you. Your contact info, including your name, address, phone number and email address, should all be placed directly into the footer of the template, so it's always available and easy to find. Additionally, assemble them all on a contact page and perhaps complete it with an email form along with a map and directions on how to reach you.

In addition to these essential sections, there are others you might also consider adding (even if you're already online) that can give your architectural website an extra edge. These include:

Acknowledgments, Awards and Publications
You can dedicate a page to each of these items or assemble them all on a single page. Talking about recognitions or awards you've received or the publications you're in consolidate your brand, establish authority and gain the trust of potential partners and clients.
Blogs
People love stories, and a blog gives you the opportunity to tell them. You can add the news concerning the studio, discuss the idea behind a new project or follow the progress on an ongoing construction site, etc. When you think about it, you have a lot to tell and share. This helps you connect with people and also helps you with Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Online shop
Your website can be much more than a showcase; it can be a store where products are sold directly online. If, in addition to designing, you also produce or if you have digital products (for example, publications) that you can sell directly, why not do it online?
Work with us
A well-designed website makes you attractive, not only to possible clients, but also to new potential employees. You can use it to attract talent, collect applications and grow your business.

4. Carefully curate your portfolio

We've already mentioned that the portfolio in which your work is collected and displayed is the heart of an architectural website. Given its strategic importance, you'll need to carefully evaluate how to put it together, decide which work to include, which to exclude and how to present it.

First point- Don't get caught up in performance anxiety, and don't think that quantity is more important than quality.

It's NOT necessary (and may even be counterproductive) for you to include ALL the projects you've worked on. Use a critical eye and only select the best — those which really say something about you and highlight your strengths. A few great works are better than many lesser quality ones. Viewers will appreciate your work and the fact that you're not wasting their time.

Second point - Don't neglect the power of storytelling.

Make sure you provide concise descriptions and always explain the role you played. Highlight the client brief, the project purpose and the challenges, along with your solution in a clear and concise way. Remember that people looking at portfolio work are often more interested in understanding what the thought process was that led you to a result, rather than the result itself.

Third point - Focus on image quality.

Images of your projects are essential. For this, they must be of the highest quality. Invest in professional photographs that will showcase your portfolio. To make each project more interesting, combine the photographs with images of the 3D model, drawings, illustrations and original sketches. All of this will capture the attention and interest of your visitors.

Fourth point - Always keep your portfolio updated.

Mentioning this may seem unnecessary, but once you've assembled your portfolio and put it online, you need to remember to update it. Only by presenting and sharing your most recent projects can you demonstrate that you are active, that you work and have experience.

5. Make your website mobile-friendly

According to data from Statista, in 2022, mobile traffic represented 54.8% of total Internet traffic, overtaking desktop traffic. By 2023, it'll increase to 69.2%.

Percentage of mobile website traffic worldwide from Q1 2015 to Q4 2022 (Statista)

After all, we all spend a lot of time online, browsing, chatting, playing and doing a thousand other things through our mobile phones. Because of this, all websites should also be perfectly optimised for mobile navigation.

Your next client might access your site while on the train. You need to ensure that your web pages guarantee the same user experience as one would have surfing from a desktop computer in an office.

6. Optimize for SEO and drive traffic

When your site is ready in terms of graphics and content, you can begin feeling satisfied, but you shouldn't think you're finished yet! A good website, in fact, is a great starting point, but it's of little value if it receives no traffic.

There are various strategies you can implement to “push” your website. Some of the most important and effective include:

Search engine optimization (SEO). SEO is a rather vast discipline whose goal is to position a site at the top of search results, thus attracting more visits and potential customers. You can begin by creating high-quality content for keywords relevant to your business, managing meta tags properly and building links from other relevant websites.
Paid advertising. If you have the budget, a great way to drive traffic to your website is to advertise online for a fee. Running a campaign on Google, Facebook or Twitter, etc. isn't all that difficult and can provide good results especially if, thanks to the targeting options they offer, you manage to intercept an audience that's in line with what you're offering.
Social media marketing. Sharing content on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or Pinterest allows you to increase your visibility, introduce your work and, above all, engage and communicate with many people who could become new clients. In short, with a bit of strategy, social media platforms can be an excellent tool for promoting your brand and your services.
Email marketing. Sending periodic newsletters in which you discuss projects you follow, architectural trends, events or providing design advice allows you to demonstrate your experience and to cultivate lasting relationships with existing and/or potential clients.

Of course, you don't have to adopt all these strategies, and it doesn't even mean that what has worked for others will work for you. It depends a lot on what your specific goals are, the budget you're willing to invest and the audience you're targeting. You should experiment until you find the mix of strategies that best suits your business and your goals.

Create your architectural website with WebSite X5

After these six excellent tips for creating an architectural portfolio website, all we have to do now is give you a good advice on the tool you can use to do it: Website X5 software.

Architect Licia Gaia Sortino chose WebSite X5 for her site. Read her story

With WebSite X5, creating a professional architectural website is an easy and intuitive process that's accessible even if you have no programming experience. All you have to do is follow the guided procedure that takes you, step by step, through customising the template, creating the pages, inserting your content, activating all the necessary functions and, finally, publishing your complete site online.

Find out in this short video how to start working with WebSite X5.

You'll have everything you need to create a professional website. Among other things, the following are particularly worth noting:

Rich internal libraries of templates, images and icons
Numerous possibilities for creating galleries, slideshows and portfolios
Advanced functions for creating blogs, e-commerce areas, multilingual sites, pages protected by logins, e-mail forms, etc.
Integration of an AI-based text generation assistant
Included hosting service with automatic domain and free webspace for one year.

Beginning with one of the available templates, your architecture firm's website will be ready sooner than you can imagine and with a very limited investment of time and resources!

If you haven't already, download the trial version of WebSite X5. We're sure that also this project will give you great satisfaction!

Multilingual websites: the complete guide

Incomedia — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 22:00:00 GMT

大家好! Hey allihopa! Hi sa lahat!

If you don't have the faintest idea what this means, you are in the same boat as those who open a website and discover that they know little or nothing at all about the language it uses. (Don't worry: it was just a friendly "hello everyone" in Chinese, Swedish and Filipino).

Even if you sometimes don't think about it, most people on this earth don't speak the same language as us. That's precisely why it's important to have a multilingual website: it is advantageous for anyone who wants to build a solid online presence, and it is essential for companies that export their services abroad or that, in any case, deal with foreign customers.

Let's explore the topic together. We will better understand what a multilingual site is, what the benefits it guarantees are and, above all, how to create one like a pro and without making mistakes.

What is a multilingual website?

Let's proceed in order and let's start with a definition.

A multilingual site is a website that offers users the possibility of browsing and reading the content in the language they prefer, among those made available.

Generally, the site is identical in terms of graphics and structure for all available languages: what changes is only the language in which the content can be viewed by the user. But there are cases, as we shall see, in which the differences between the various language versions are more substantial.

The goal of a multilingual site, therefore, is clear: to reach and communicate with potential clients of different nationalities speaking, as far as possible, their own language or, at least, a language that they may be familiar with.

How many and which languages to choose?

It has been shown that 8 out of 10 people prefer to read a website written in their native language and that they tend to stay longer on the website.

The fact is that there are over 7,000 languages in the world and it is certainly not possible to cover them all. Even narrowing down the circle by choosing only the most commonly spoken languages is not a winning strategy: there are still many and it is not guaranteed that they will satisfy our users.

The most spoken languages in the world in 2023 - (source Statesman)

Paradoxically, not even relying on English alone may be the best choice. Of course, English is the most widely spoken language and currently 80% of website content is only available in this language. However, despite this, around 70% of Internet users DO NOT have English configured as their first language.

So how can we understand which languages we should translate the content of our website? The best approach is to start from the analysis of your reference targets. The languages into which a website must be translated are those of the people (or markets) you want to address. Analyzing website access data can help you understand the countries from which visits come and, more precisely, to identify the languages to be developed.

Generally, considering that each additional language requires an investment of time and resources, it's worth your while to carefully choose 2 or 3 languages indispensable for talking to your audience. If needed, you'll always be able, in the future, to add other new languages to the site.

What needs to be translated?

In general, answering this question is very simple: you have to translate everything!

Let's say, for example, that you have decided to have a site in Italian and English. You could create the Italian version, make a copy of it and then replace all the Italian text with the English translations.

During this process, you have to be meticulous and find every piece of content: not only page content and articles but also buttons, menu items, form labels, footers, legal notices, privacy policies, etc. Every piece of content, from the most substantial and evident, to the smallest and most hidden, must be translated and replaced.

Translating everything to get versions that differ only in language is certainly feasible for relatively simple websites. However, when websites are very rich in pages, functions and content, things can change. In these cases, it could be strategically more advantageous to decide to localize only some parts of the original site.

Always start with your audience: think about what they really need to know and based on this decide what is essential to keep in the translated version of your website. There will be some parts that you must keep (the mission, services, etc.), and others that you can omit: if you make the right choices, you will get a "lighter" but equally effective version of your site.

How is the content translated?

If you are thinking of using an automatic translation service to translate your website content, it is worth taking a moment to consider the implications of your choice.

It is true that tools like Google Translate have made great progress in recent years and are often sufficient for everyday use. Nevertheless, they remain poorly suited for translating a professional website: they still tend to miss nuances, fail to capture cultural references, and produce unnatural phrasing. The risk is ending up with inaccurate or unconvincing content, which can undermine the trust of your international audience.

Professional translators and specialized agencies therefore remain the most reliable solution when you want accurate and perfectly localized content. It is not just about translating words, but adapting style, terminology, tone, and every detail (date formats, numbers, cultural references) to the expectations of the target market. Even here, it is worth taking the necessary time to compare multiple proposals and identify the best solution based on the quality–price ratio.

In recent years, however, the landscape has gained another option thanks to Artificial Intelligence technologies. Beyond the well-known generative AI tools capable of writing texts in various languages, there are tools specifically designed for translation that offer significantly more accurate results than more traditional systems. Services like DeepL, for example, use advanced models to produce translations that are smoother, more contextualized, and coherent, often representing an effective middle ground between fully automatic translation and professional human translation. Even in this case, it is definitely worth running some tests: you might find that for some parts of your website, a good AI-assisted translation is more than sufficient, while for others, it is better to rely on human intervention.

How do you design the layout of a multilingual website?

When it comes to multilingual websites, the question of text localization is central, but the aspects related to graphics are also equally important: in this case, in fact, the effort to guarantee an optimal user experience is multiplied, as it is necessary to satisfy all the nuances implicit in a wider and more diverse audience.

Here are some key aspects to keep in mind when designing the layout of a multilingual site:

Develop a flexible layout
When developing the layout of your website, you must take into account that a user could access the version in one language and then decide to change it: it is important that, whatever version the user is on, they are always sure of being on the same site. For this reason, all language versions, however much they may differ in order to conform to specific needs and tastes, must return an unambiguous and coherent image of the brand.

The Ikea site has a clear and simple layout that lends itself well to the variations of each language

In addition to this, we must bear in mind that some languages, such as Italian, follow a writing format from left to right, white others, such as Arabic or Hebrew, follow a writing format from right to left. In addition, some languages require more space for text than others. A flexible layout, therefore, is also able to adapt to all languages, hosting the graphic elements that vary and providing the right space for content in its various expressions.
Make the user's language choice easy
In a multilingual site you need to allow your users to easily switch from one language to another. A popular way to do this is by providing a drop-down list where the user scrolls to select their preferred language.

The Egyptian Museum of Turin offers the choice between Italian and English, but also includes a page with key information in French, German, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese

Another alternative is to list the languages directly. Typically, whether you use a drop-down menu or a list of items, these are placed at the top of the header or at the bottom of the footer. Both choices are correct as long as they are simple enough to easily spot by the user.

Amazon lists the languages directly on the web pages

A fairly common mistake, however, is choosing to use flags to represent languages: in doing so, it is not possible to manage countries with multiple languages or that share a language. It is much better, instead, to write the names of the languages directly in the local language: for example English, French and Italian will be shown in the list as "English, Français, Italiano".
Use culturally appropriate colors, icons and symbols
The classic example to understand what we are talking about is white: for us, Westerners, white is a color associated with purity and candor, while in the East it is the color of mourning and death.

When designing a multilingual website, therefore, be aware that graphic elements considered elegant or innocent in Western countries may be offensive in other cultures. For this reason it is best to avoid images of hands, animals or religious symbols and use photos of culturally appropriate people. When in doubt, it is always best to do some extra research or consult with locals.
Choose images without embedded text
It's not a mistake to create and use an image containing text, as long as you remember that this too will need to be localized in the different languages.

By keeping the graphics and text separate, the images will not have to be recreated and the page can be localized more easily.
Test and optimize usability
Finally, remember to test to make sure the site is intuitive and easy to use in all languages. The best thing is to ask for feedback directly from native-speaking users: thanks to this approach, you will be able to identify any problems related to navigation or to understanding the content and take the necessary actions to correct them.

How do you design the SEO of a multilingual website?

The positive aspect is that a site that offers content in multiple languages is appreciated not only by users, but also by search engines which, in general, reward them as being able to guarantee a better user experience. To obtain this result and see our site well positioned in the Search Engine Results Pages of the countries we are interested in reaching, however, we have to work on the International SEO aspect, intervening on technical aspects such as URL architecture, tags and page codes.

Choose the structure of your URL

There are essentially 3 domain name strategies you can adapt to help search engines find and understand which country and language your website targets:

Subdirectory
In this case, we have a domain and many virtual folders, one for each set of localized content. It is one of the most commonly used methods, since it is quite simple to implement, as well as quite efficient in terms of resources and effort.
Subdomains
Creating a subdomain for each language gives you great flexibility: a subdomain is like a standalone site, and therefore you can have different layouts and content for each language.

Domains
Registering a separate domain for each language, using a Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD), certainly gives a strong signal to both search engines and users. However, this certainly requires an additional investment and it is not certain that a specific ccTLD for the domain name is available or can be registered (for example, to register a .DE domain you must be an individual or an organization operating in Germany).

Configure hreflang tags

Thanks to the Google Search Console, you are able to provide a general indication to the search engine on which results to show and in which language. However, to strengthen the relationship between the different pages, you need to go a step further and configure the hreflang tags.

Hreflang is an attribute that indicates to the search engine that the language pages are not duplicate content, but simply other versions.

These can be placed in the link element on each individual page, in HTTP headers or in the XML sitemap markup.

Work with keywords and personalized content

Simply translating the keywords used to optimize the site into your native language is never an ideal choice. Every market and every language, in fact, has its specific characteristics. It is therefore highly recommended to avoid automatic translations and try to identify a specific set of keywords for each language to work on.

One tool that can prove to be particularly useful in this process is Google Market Finder. Entering a starting keyword, this tool first of all allows you to determine the corresponding average monthly search volume, country by country.

Thanks to this approach, you immediately have an idea to assess which markets may prove to be strategically important. In addition, you can take advantage of the "Learn more" option and the tool will offer you the keywords in the specific language, corresponding to the starting one, for the countries selected and ordered according to relevance.

With this type of information at your disposal it will be easier for you to find a group of specific keywords for each market and, consequently, to create specific content capable of satisfying the needs and tastes of your various audiences.

How do you create a multilingual website?

At this point it should be clear how important it is to have a multilingual site and what aspects must be taken into consideration in order not to make mistakes in its design and creation. One last aspect remains to be addressed: how do you actually create a multilingual site?

With software like Website X5, anyone can create a multilingual site. The starting point is to create the site in the main language, for example Italian: thanks to the wizard and the builder based on Drag&Drop Objects, you can quickly customize the template and compose the various pages of your website. Once you have completed the site in its Italian version, all you have to do is duplicate the project to obtain a copy for each additional language you want to add. At this point you can open each copy and proceed with replacing the content in the specific languages.

WebSite X5 offers a series of functions that can be very useful for creating your multilingual website:

MagicText: it is an AI-based text generation assistant. Use it to find new ideas and write headlines, SEO titles, and paragraphs: remember that it can change its tone according to your instructions and knows many languages. You can ask it to localize the texts of your pages into the language you need.
Google Translate widget: for pages that you can't or don't want to localize in any other way, you can always make this widget available. The user can call up the Google Translate translation window and use the service to at least have an automatic translation of the page at their disposal.
Language Choice Object: obviously you are free to create links as you see fit to allow users to choose the language. An alternative is to use the Language Choice Object to configure a drop-down menu listing all the available languages.
Automatic redirection based on the browser language: this allows for the most correct language version to automatically be proposed to the user.
UTF-8 encoding of characters: this allows you to create your sites in any language, including those that use alphabets other than the Latin one such as, for example, Greek, Cyrillic, Coptic, Armenian, Hebrew and Arabic, without neglecting Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

So, are you ready to create a website that is finally understandable by everyone? If you haven't done so already, download the trial version of WebSite X5 and get to work. Plan everything there is to do well and you will quickly see that you will open up your website to the world much sooner than you imagined.

WebSite X5 Recognized by GetApp For Exceptional Performance in Webiste Builder Category

Incomedia — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that we have been recognized as Category Leaders by GetApp, a free online service that helps organizations find the right software, in multiple software categories, including Webiste Builder.

Category Leaders rankings highlight top-ranked North American software products based on ratings from end-users in five key areas: ease of use, value for money, functionality, customer support, and likelihood to recommend. The research methodology is available here.

GetApp's recognition of our software in the software category is a significant achievement for us. It is a testament to our commitment to providing a high-quality solution that meets the need of businesses across a wide range of industries. It also serves as a valuable endorsement for businesses looking for effective software solutions.

We have always strived to achieve higher customer satisfaction, which is why WebSite X5 has been a top-rated product on GetApp, with an overall rating of 4.6. Our users have made it possible! Check out our average scoring in the Webiste Builder category of 295 products.

Our users have made it possible! Check out what they have to say about us:

“The program allows you to create websites without development experience. Almost anyone can create a website. The website creating process is divided into steps. There are many templates and ready-made objects.It is also worth noting a special hosting. This hosting makes creating a website even easier.”

Aleksej K.

“Great part of the software is the ease of use without having to rely totally on programming. The added on extras expand the use of the product and make for more vibrant easier to use web sites”

Steve H.

“I have used this tool to demonstrate to clients with no web design experience who wish to create websites for themselves how simple it can be. The interface is very easy to get to grips with and you can start for free with a trial version of the software with limited resources available. The basic paid version gives a reasonable amount of functionality and resources and can get the uninitiated a website built fairly quickly. ”

Kevin T.

Conclusion:

As a Category Leader in website builder category recognized by GetApp, Website X5 will continue empowering businesses with a robust set of tools to optimize their effort. We are proud of this recognition and committed to our innovation, ensuring that our clients benefit from cutting-edge website builder solutions.

Want to review WebSite X5 on GetApp? Click here.

Disclaimer:

The GetApp Category Leader badge is a service mark of Gartner, Inc., and/or its affiliates, and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. The GetApp Category Leader constitutes the subjective opinions of the individual end-user reviews, ratings, and data applied against a documented methodology; they neither represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, GetApp or its affiliates.

About GetApp:

GetApp is the recommendation engine SMBs need to make the right software choice. GetApp enables SMBs to achieve their mission by delivering the tailored, data-driven recommendations and insights needed to make informed software purchasing decisions. GetApp is a Gartner company.

For more information, visit www.getapp.com

Software Advice Named WebSite X5 a Frontrunner for Website Builder Software

Incomedia — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 22:00:00 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that we have been recognized as a top-rated product by Software Advice in their 2023 FrontRunners Report for Top Website Builder Software category.

Frontrunners report evaluates verified end-user reviews, positioning the top-scoring products based on their usability and customer satisfaction ratings for small businesses. (Know more about the methodology here)

We always strive to achieve higher customer satisfaction, which is why WebSite X5 has earned an incredible overall rating of 4.6 (out of 5). Big thanks to all our users who’ve made this possible!

Here’s what our CEO/Founder has to say about these incredible achievements:

“I am really proud of the award WebSite X5 has received. It’s wonderful to know that our product is gaining great appreciation by an increasing number of people, it means that the work and commitment we put in its development is being acknowledged, just like the support we provide to our users. This is a great satisfaction! I would like to sincerely thank Software Advice for recognizing the value of WebSite X5 and for highlighting it. May this award serve as a source of inspiration to keep working with even more enthusiasm.”

Check out what our happy users have to say about us:

“WebSite X5 is a simple but complete solution that allows you to easily and independently create and manage modern websites, even complex and structured ones, with e-commerce. It is not necessary to know programming languages and, thanks to the intuitiveness of its interface, WebSite X5 guides you step by step in compiling the site in all its parts. Highly recommended” - Marco

“Excellent software, practical and fast! Undoubtedly, with this software, you can create professional websites without having great programming knowledge. The templates speed up the creation, saving you a lot of time.” - Gabriele

Share your review here

About Software Advice

Software Advice is the leading online service for businesses of all sizes navigating the software selection process, providing free, personalized software recommendations that meet their business needs. Software Advice features objective research by industry experts and reviews from validated users, saving buyers time and resources. Software Advice is a Gartner company. For more information, visit https://www.softwareadvice.com/

Disclaimer:

The FrontRunners badge is a trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. FrontRunners constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-user reviews, ratings, and data applied against a documented methodology; they neither represent the views of nor constitute an endorsement by, Software Advice or its affiliates.

Cycling over the internet: The story of Gerhard Weinert

Incomedia — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:05:00 GMT

It's 1969 and a 17 year old boy lives in Heidelberg with a dream in his pocket. He's a boy like many others who loves spending his days riding his bicycle, enjoying the verdant landscapes offered by the Baden-Württemberg region. He follows the Neckar River or the roads that climb Königstuhl Hill to reach the castle, the symbol of the city. The boy's name is Gerhard Weinert, and he's spent the last bit of time saving every last penny he can. The reason? He would love to buy his first camera, a Reflex, he'll use to capture the landscapes he discovers while pedalling along.

Today, Gerhard is no longer a young boy, but he continues what he started back in 1969. He's here, in fact, to tell us about this passion and how over the years he's added another interest to it: technology. This is how his website www.weinert-eppelheim.de was born through the help of Website X5. It's his portal where he shares his trips with those who, like him, would like to rediscover Germany on bicycle.

Let's start from the beginning! When I say bicycle, what comes to your mind?

Well, I've always been very fond of Heidelberg and its surroundings because it offers perfect cycling trips, both due to its geography and the incredibly well-organised cycling routes.

But if I had to choose one specific memory that still moves me, I'd tell you about what I consider my first success: a round trip from Lake Constance to Heidelberg on a bike with an auxiliary motor. I covered a distance of 270 km in 14 hours and in just one day!

And you have every reason to be proud! Professionally-speaking, where did your path lead you to?

I began my career in 1972, when I first started working as a technician and then as a consultant at what was then multinational IBM. I'm now retired, but as you can imagine, during my career I've experienced many stages of development in the IT industry, from the PC boom to the advent and proliferation of the Internet. I've always adapted to these changes by keeping myself continuously updated with in-house training courses. I was able to learn different programming languages and various operating systems until I received a SAP consultant certificate. I'm extremely grateful to IBM for this.

That must have been very interesting. I know that you've had the opportunity to nurture your interests in the IT field for personal projects as well. In fact, you have a website dedicated to your cycling trips. Where did the need for a website come from?

The weinert-eppelheim.de site was created because I wanted to share my experience. I wanted to show everyone the beauty and charm that a well-organised bike trip can offer. I began by sharing my routes through tools like Komoot, but I wanted something that would allow me to share my trips in more detail, perhaps even with the countless shots I've taken during my travels.

Then I happened to help a friend who was organising workshops that, among other things, talked about nature trails. Initially the text and illustrations that were shown were all done by hand, so I took care of all the digitisation for his project. I learned the basics of layouts and graphics, first only locally and then also exporting them online in HTML, and this was how I created a website for my friend.

So I decided to do the same for myself and put my passion online. In 2011, my first website was born with detailed descriptions, blog articles and lots of pictures. In fact, during my travels, I trace the route via GPS, take notes and take lots of photos, so I'll have a lot of material to choose from when I go to update the site.

Did your website bring you any advantages?

My website mostly reflects a passion, so I can't speak of economic returns, but it certainly allowed me to bring an idea to fruition, to share my experiences with other people. Furthermore, it kept me busy even during the mandatory shutdown. During the pandemic, when I wasn't able to plan any trips, I worked on a lot of material that I had gathered over the years and put together an illustrated cycling guide. I present it for viewing and downloading on our website's blog, so whoever is interested can download the GPS routes of the individual bike tours from the server.

Why did you decide to use WebSite X5 for your website?

It's been so long that I can hardly remember! I know I was looking for a simple and specific website creation tool. I chose WebSite X5 because I was immediately happy with the working environment it offers. It reminded me of some of the tools I used when I worked for IBM. These were tools that were used to generate programs in a visual way by combining modules on a screen. With WebSite X5, I found a similar approach, although obviously more updated. For me, it was the best choice.

I really like the fact that it's well-structured. I find the vertical bar very self-explanatory because it's oriented towards the site development process from the first to the last step. Within each step, the functions are easy to find.

So is this a tool you would recommend?

Yes, absolutely! For how it's organised, for its continuous development and for the many templates it offers. I also really like the way they've decided to handle the responsive feature.

What do you think someone like you should do if he wants to prepare for a long bike trip?

I can tell you how I prepare. Usually, I prefer to focus on well-known bike trails, especially when I'm on trips lasting several days. I make sure to plan the various stages and accommodations for overnight stays in advance. So, if the group I travel with is large enough, we can be sure that we're all together in the same hostel or hotel. I usually manage to ride 60-70 km a day. This leaves time to take some breaks and enjoy the area's scenery and tourist attractions. Another important element is transporting our baggage. It's always better to use waterproof bags. Then all that remains is to hit the road and, once I return, to share it on my website.

And finally, what advice would you give to those thinking about creating a website for the first time?

"Less is more". Keeping this concept in mind will make it easier for visitors to find their way around a website. We don't want to overwhelm them with information; we just want to arouse their curiosity. It's like building a house. First you plan it, then you build it brick by brick, and finally you furnish it. Whoever enters the house should feel comfortable, the same goes for a website.

The Power of Customer Reviews

Incomedia — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:27:00 GMT

Even if sometimes we don't want to, human beings tend to trust the opinions of others and let ourselves be influenced by them.

It's why we ask our friends for restaurant recommendations, and why we scrutinize Amazon reviews before deciding to buy anything - no matter how expensive or cheap. It's also the reason we spend so much time scrolling through TripAdvisor before booking our next vacation.

The power of reviews is undeniable: they are useful to us because they provide us with valuable information about products or services that, in most cases, we would not be able to see or test directly before purchasing. And that's why it's really important to include them on your website.

In this article, we'll try to go a little deeper. We'll explore the advantages of using customer reviews, and we'll try to understand how to use them to improve the performance of a website.

Why customer reviews matter

As we mentioned earlier, reading customer reviews has become a fundamental part of many people's buying process. Reviews have the power to significantly affect the success of your business and, for this reason, you cannot afford to underestimate them.

In short, these are the main reasons why customer reviews are important:

Credibility and trust
Customer reviews provide powerful social proof of the quality of your product/service. Consider that people tend to trust people who have already tried a product or service more than they trust the manufacturer or seller. Therefore, reading positive reviews can help build trust with potential customers and convince them to make a purchase.
Detailed information
Customer reviews often contain detailed information about the user's experience with a product/service. They cover aspects such as quality, features, value for money and customer service – information like this can be very useful in enabling potential buyers to make informed decisions.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Customer reviews are authentic, relevant, user-generated content that search engines really like and, as a result, they can improve your website's visibility in related searches.
Feedback for the company
Customer reviews highlight both strengths and areas that need improvement. Use them to try to better understand the needs and expectations of your customers and to improve your business.
Customer Experience Improvement
Listening to and responding to reviews helps you retain customers and build a sense of community around your brand. If you can, take action to resolve issues reported to you and improve customer service and experience.
Marketing and visibility
Positive reviews are also a powerful marketing tool. You can use them as testimonials on your channels to increase your visibility and attract new customers.

Overall, therefore, customer reviews guarantee a range of advantages for your business. Since they offer real, unbiased perspectives on the experience of using a product/service, reviews can influence purchasing decisions and play a crucial role in building the trust of potential customers. In addition, they can lead to an increase in traffic to your website and improve your online reputation. Finally, they provide feedback that can be leveraged to improve products, services, and the overall customer experience.

5 Tips for Optimal Review Management

At this point, having customer reviews is clearly an undisputed advantage but - unfortunately, there is always a "but" - collecting and managing reviews is not always easy.

The process can bring you great satisfaction, but it takes time and attention. Here are some tips to avoid missteps:

ASK for reviews
Reviews don't fall out of the sky – you have to solicit them. Be prompt, and shortly after a customer has made a purchase, ask them to leave a review. You can do this by sending a follow-up email, perhaps offering him a small incentive, such as a gift or discount. Keep the process of leaving a review as simple as possible and always be sure to act politely and ethically so as not to encourage fake or manipulated reviews.
Constantly monitor reviews
Maintaining a constant focus on customer reviews is key. Use online monitoring tools or social media to keep track of any reviews that are left about your business. That way, you'll be able to respond quickly and appropriately.
Reply to all reviews
Try to respond to all customer reviews, both positive and negative. Express gratitude for positive reviews and show appreciation for the time customers have taken to share their experience. For negative reviews, start by acknowledging the customer's experience, offer a sincere apology, and try to offer concrete solutions. This demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and can even turn an unsatisfied customer into a loyal one. Negative reviews can be frustrating, but if you handle them right, they can turn into something positive.
Keep calm and be professional
When you receive a negative or critical review, avoid reacting impulsively or emotionally—remember that it's not a personal offense. Remain calm and respond professionally. Provide clear and conciliatory explanations, offer solutions, and be open to dialogue. Showing that you take customers' opinions seriously can help improve the image of your business.
Promote positive reviews
If you get positive reviews from satisfied customers, don't hesitate to promote them. Share them on your social media channels, website or other marketing efforts. As we said, positive reviews can positively influence other customers' decisions and help build a solid reputation for your business - so why not leverage them?

How to display customer reviews on your website

You can use many different systems to collect reviews: for example, you can take advantage of your social pages, or prepare a special form on a page of your website.

One very effective way is to use platforms that allow you to collect online reviews such as Google My Business, Yelp or TripAdvisor.

Whichever path you decide to take, make sure it's simple and intuitive. You're asking your customers to take the time and effort to share their opinion – keep that effort as small as possible. Otherwise, few people will decide to leave a review.

At this point, the question is: once you have collected these valuable reviews, how can you display them on your website?

Without the right tools, using reviews on your website can be difficult and time-consuming. You'll need a tool, and we suggest using Trustmary.

With Trustmary, you can manage the entire process of generating, taking charge and displaying reviews.

Let's see some examples of what you can do with Trustmary.

Collection and management of reviews

Trustmary allows you to collect testimonials from your customers in several ways: through feedback forms, satisfaction surveys, or specific questions.

Once the testimonials are collected, Trustmary provides you with an intuitive management panel that will help you organize, moderate, and approve the reviews. You can decide to view the testimonials you received, respond to customers, and post the appropriate testimonials on your website.

You'll find it easy to create a helpful and thorough page with testimonials.

Widget for viewing reviews

With Trustmary, it only takes minutes to create elegant widgets to display your reviews. You can use the reviews you've already received on Google, Facebook, Tripadvisor and other platforms, or collect new reviews through dedicated forms.

Obviously, you're free to modify the widget as you like to add your website colours and match it with your brand's graphics. Several layouts are available, including: carousel, dynamic wall, masonry, or list view.

The built-in Artificial Intelligence algorithm in Trustmary automatically identifies your best reviews and ensures that only those are shown in the widget.

Once configured, inserting the widget with reviews on your site is very simple, especially if you created the site with WebSite X5. Copy the widget code, open your site project in WebSite X5, and use an HTML Object to insert the code obtained. With this simple "copy and paste" action, you've done everything you need to do.

Lead generation widget

With Trustmary, you can use the full power of customer reviews to try to convert visitors to your website into leads or qualified contacts.

The specific widgets allow you to change your contact forms, outgoing pop-ups, CTA buttons (Call To Action), and also aspects in the chat, and the communications managed by your CRM. These aspects can be enhanced with reviews that make them more impactful.

Again, the widgets are highly customizable: you can easily get them to integrate with your site.

Another important point is that Trustmary also delivers monitoring and analysis tools to allow you to evaluate the effectiveness of your widgets. You can get information on the number of leads generated, conversion rate, traffic sources and other important metrics to evaluate the success of your strategies.

In closing

Lack of trust is definitely one of the biggest obstacles to acquiring new customers from your website.

Luckily, the solution is simple: add customer reviews to your pages and, in this way, take advantage of social proof to increase your credibility.

What's the fastest and most effective way to do it? Take advantage of the tools and widgets that a service like Trustmary offers: you'll be sure that you're managing all your reviews in the best way, and you'll always have an updated list of reviews visible online.

How to manage e-commerce shipments

Incomedia — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:56:00 GMT

Anyone with experience in managing an e-commerce business knows very well that the job doesn't end when the customer clicks on the "Purchase" button.

Of course, this click represents an important outcome and is a sign that the correct path has been taken, but... it's only a partial outcome. Unfortunately, there are still many unknowns and things that can go wrong before you can claim victory. The customer may find that the shipping costs are too high, that the delivery times are too long, that the package received is damaged or that the purchased product does not meet expectations. So what can our customer decide to do? The answer is easy. They can choose to not complete the order or to cancel it, they can make a return, or they can keep the purchase but decide to no longer use that particular e-commerce site.

In short, to ensure that all the effort put into constructing the path that led a prospective customer to your online store's "Purchase" button isn't lost, equal care must be taken in managing everything that happens afterwards. Appropriate and efficient shipping management is just as critical to the success of your e-commerce business as its design, SEO operations and marketing campaigns.

So let's try to understand what might turn the shipping phase for an e-commerce business from a weak link to an asset.

How to ship products sold online

A customer clicks on the "Purchase" button on our e-commerce site and, from here, the long and complex journey of shipping begins. Nope! Many people underestimate this phase. We, however, know that only a well-structured process can lead to the end result of the closing of a sale and a satisfied customer who will return to make more purchases.

Here are some key points to pay attention to in order to better structure your e-commerce shipping process:

Identify and quantify costs
Develop a good pricing strategy
Design flawless and unforgettable packaging
Choose the shipping platform
Automate processes

Identify and quantify costs

The starting point for planning a thorough and efficient shipping strategy for your e-commerce business is to precisely identify and quantify the costs you'll be incurring. You'll need to know the actual costs you'll be incurring in order to ship something, so you can set the final price that the end customer will pay. This is the only way you can aim for attractive prices without affecting your profit margins.

There are several costs you'll need to consider. The most common are:

Package size: The size of the package can affect the cost of shipping. Carriers may charge additional fees for bulky packages or packages that exceed the maximum sizes allowed.
Package weight: The weight of the package is one of the key elements in determining shipping costs. Shipping companies set rates based on actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is greater.
Shipping destination: Rates may vary depending on the country, region or distance the package is to be sent. Some countries may also have additional customs duties or restrictions that can increase the overall cost of shipping.
Shipping service type: Carriers offer different types of shipping services, and each service has a different cost, with varying delivery times and tracking options. Make sure you choose the service that best fits your delivery needs and budget.
Package insurance: If you wish to protect your package from damage or loss in transit, you may want to opt for additional insurance. This may result in additional costs but can offer peace of mind should any issues arise.
Additional services: Some carriers offer optional additional services, such as home pick-up of the package, delivery by appointment or delivery at a specific time. These services may result in additional costs but offer added flexibility and convenience.

Of course, shipping costs may vary depending on the shipping company chosen and the contractual obligations you've established with them. Compare various shipping options and request quotes to get a clear idea of costs before making a decision.

Keep in mind that, generally speaking, the more shipping and delivery options you can offer, the more customers you'll be able to satisfy. However, you'll need to ensure that you can not only guarantee multiple shipping options, but that they all offer maximum efficiency.

Develop a good pricing strategy

As mentioned, knowing how much a shipment costs allows you to establish how much it should cost the end customer. Pay close attention to this step.

Industry studies show that 44% of users abandon their purchases due to excessively high shipping costs.

Think about it. Customers find out how much shipping costs are only upon confirmation of their order. At that point, what originally seemed like a "great deal" risks turning into a nasty surprise, and they may decide to abandon their purchase.

High shipping costs are the second leading cause of cart abandonment (SaleCycle)

Your goal, therefore, is to try to reduce abandonment rates as much as possible, and to do so, you can essentially choose between two strategies:

Offer free shipping
It's an increasingly popular choice and, of course, is the one that's most appreciated by customers. If you don't want or can't bear the full cost of shipping, you might consider increasing the price of the product to cover it in part or in whole.
Offer a fixed flat rate
Create fixed price ranges proportionate to the order amount and, if possible, provide for free shipping above a certain spending threshold. This way, you can at least partially cover the shipping costs and, at the same time, encourage a higher level of spending in your online store.

Shipping undoubtedly represents a significant expense for anyone running an online store. However, if you play your cards right, you can make this process profitable as well.

Design flawless and unforgettable packaging

Among the elements affecting shipping costs, there's also packaging.

Is it worth spending more to have better and possibly personalized packaging, rather than settling for more economical standard packaging? The answer is often yes.

Packing and packaging play a critical role in e-commerce shipping and can make the difference between a satisfied customer and a disappointed one. Proper packaging reduces the risk of damage in transit, avoiding unwanted returns and additional costs. But it's not just about protecting the product during transport. Eye-catching packaging can reflect the brand image and influence the perception of quality, enticing enthusiasm and anticipation in customers.

In fact, 72% of American consumers admit that their purchase decisions are influenced by the design of the packaging (Ipsos)

If you want to guarantee a memorable unboxing experience, follow these tips:

Choose quality materials: Use high-quality and durable materials for packaging to ensure that the product is adequately protected in transit.
Customize Packaging: Add a personal touch to your brand's packaging. You can print your logo or company name on the box or use custom labels. This will not only enhance your brand image but will also make opening the package a special occasion for the customer.
Take care of the aesthetics: Pay close attention to the aesthetic details of the packaging. Choose eye-catching colors that draw attention and use attractive designs. You can also include decorative wrapping paper or a thank-you note to give the package a touch of class.
Include useful information: Add a note inside the package with instructions for use or product facts. This will provide the customer with additional information and make the product feel even more special.
Consider the environmental impact: Choose eco-friendly packaging materials such as recycled or biodegradable boxes. This will demonstrate your brand's commitment to environmental sustainability, which may be appreciated by your customers.

Choose the shipping platform

The choice of carrier for shipping from your e-commerce business is an important decision. Bear in mind that this choice will affect the competitiveness of your online store, determine the efficiency of deliveries and ultimately will affect the customer experience. The carrier who makes the delivery, in fact, is the only point of contact that your store has with the end customer. Any lack of professionalism, delays or inconveniences will inexorably affect the relationship between you selling and your customers buying.

Here are some factors to consider as well as benefits associated with choosing a suitable carrier:

Competitive rates: Compare the shipping rates offered by various carriers. Look for a balance between reasonable costs and high-quality service. A carrier with competitive rates can help you maintain competitive prices for your customers and improve the profitability of your e-commerce business.
Geographic coverage: Make sure that the carrier you choose offers geographic coverage that fits your needs. If you want to reach customers in certain regions or countries, make sure that the carrier has a well-developed distribution network in those areas. Good geographic coverage ensures dependable delivery times and increased customer satisfaction.
Additional services: Find out if the carrier offers additional services that can be beneficial to your e-commerce business. For example, you may benefit from advanced tracking options, deliveries by appointment or package pick-up directly from your warehouse. These services can improve the customer experience and optimize the management of shipments.
Reliability: On-time and reliable delivery are critical to a successful e-commerce business. Gather information on the carrier's reputation as well as reviews to gauge their reliability. A reliable carrier reduces the risk of delayed or lost packages, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Customer Support: Make sure that the carrier offers good customer support. The ability to contact the carrier in the event of problems, questions or complaints is essential for efficient shipment management.
Return options: Consider whether the carrier offers package return services. A convenient return policy and streamlined return process can positively influence the customer experience and increase trust in your brand.

We suggest that you take time to evaluate the available options and select one or more carriers that best suit the specific needs of your e-commerce business.

Automate processes

From what has been said thus far, it's easy to see that the steps necessary for properly managing the shipment of a package are many. An order arrives and the package must be prepared, the label must be printed, the carrier needs to be called, the services provided must be activated, the shipment needs to be monitored, and intervention must take place in the event of problems, etc…

The best solution for keeping everything under control, coordinating the various activities in a quick and efficient way, and most of all, reducing the chances of error, is to rely on a system that allows you to automate all processes. One such system is Qapla'.

Qapla' is a platform that simplifies the connection between carriers' systems, CMS systems and marketplaces. It also activates communication channels with end customers and generates new sales. Functions are included for:

Label Printing: Import the orders and in three clicks, everything is done. This allows you to print all your carriers' labels in seconds with no mistakes.
Shipment Tracking: It doesn't matter how many carriers you use. You can monitor more than 180 carriers from a single interface, and you'll always have information on each individual shipment.
Sending Precise and Personalized Information: Provide your customers with real-time information regarding the delivery status of their orders via email, SMS and/or WhatsApp. You can also customize each aspect of your communications and transform them into post-sales marketing channels to generate new business opportunities.
Managing returns: Some returns are unavoidable, so make sure it's still a positive experience for the customer. You can choose whether to approve returns individually or whether to establish rules for an automated process that requires no intervention on your part.

Quapla' is an excellent tool for simplifying the management of your e-commerce shipments and for transforming the post-sale into a marketing channel.

If you'd like to integrate it into the online store you've created with WebSite X5, the procedure is now even easier. Just enter your API key code to enable the two systems to communicate. Moreover, as a WebSite X5 user, you can enjoy 50% OFF Qapla' activation cost: use the coupon code INCOMEDIA50

Conclusions

E-commerce shipping management is a critical element in the success of an online store, but it's also one of the most difficult to manage. For this reason, it's important to carefully consider all aspects and make the right decisions.

Each and every e-commerce business will, of course, have its own specific needs, and you'll need to take yours into consideration. It'll take some time and effort, but you'll be able to identify the practices that work best for you.

Just be careful not to assume that what works today will also the best solution for tomorrow. Make it a habit to periodically re-evaluate your choices and processes to ensure that you're continuing to offer the best prices and the best user experience to your customers.

2023.2: Artificial Intelligence is here

Mon, 29 May 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Maybe it doesn't seem like it, but when you start developing a website you realize that there is a lot of content to write: long (page content), short (titles) or very short (CTA) content; creative (blog posts) or technical (product sheets) content; content intended to be read by people or by search engines (SEO tags). And, of course, it is essential that all this content is well written.

Unfortunately, however, sometimes we find ourselves a little short of ideas, while other times we need a starting point to overcome the famous writer's block. Still other times we would prefer someone else to take care of the writing of the content directly.

With MagicText, the function based on Artificial Intelligence introduced in the new 2023.2 version of WebSite X5 Pro, you can brilliantly overcome all this: so coming up with new ideas and writing content becomes simple and fast.

MagicText: a new way to write content

Let's proceed in order and try to understand a little better not only what MagicText is, but also how we can use it and what we can achieve with it.

As mentioned, MagicText is an assistant for generating text content based on Artificial Intelligence. Having an active WebSite X5 Pro license, you can use MagicText to write any kind of useful content on your website: titles, SEO titles, paragraphs, ideas and tags.

In practice, you will find a button like this in the fields where you will have to enter text:

All you have to do is click on this button to call the MagicText function.

It's quite simple: you just have to choose the type of text you want to compose and write the important concepts that need to be mentioned.

That's it! One click on the Create Text button and after a few moments you will see the content appear before your eyes. Literally!

At this point, you can copy the text, insert it into your document or go back, change your instructions and ask MagicText to produce another version.

Obviously you will be free to decide whether to use the generated text as it is, or to modify it as you like. In short, you direct and MagicText executes.

All the features of AI at your service

Working with MagicText - we have seen it first hand - is extremely easy. Proceeding in this way you can ask MagicText to:

find new ideas: you choose a topic and MagicText will help you find ideas you may not have ever thought of.
write headings and paragraphs: MagicText can quickly write any type of text for you. Paragraph after paragraph, even a long article takes shape.
write titles and SEO tags: MagicText knows the best practices to write a perfect title for Google and, if you want, uses them.

But not only that! You can also choose the tone with which MagicText will write the content and - even more interesting - you can select the language.

Do you need a professional product sheet, some informal content or an enthusiastic article? No problem.

Does your site also have an English or German version? MagicText can write correctly in these and many other languages!

Finally, MagicText maintains a history of all the content generated during a work session: if you have second thoughts and want to resume a draft that you had initially discarded, you can do it.

The secret of good content? An excellent prompt

The prompt is the set of instructions that are passed to MagicText so that it can generate a piece of content. It's easy to understand that the better the prompt, the better the quality of the generated content will be.

So, the question is: how do you write a good prompt?

You actually don't have to worry about it. In fact, by integrating MagicText into WebSite X5 Pro, we've also made prompt composition as simple as possible.

Basically the prompt is composed automatically by combining:

a series of context-related information: for example, the title of the site, the title of the page being worked on, the field from which the AI was called, etc;
the choices you have made: the type of text, tone, language;
the information you marked as important to mention.

In this way, all you have to do is provided the key concepts, but the prompt will contain all the information necessary to allow you to obtain a relevant and quality piece of content.

The advantages of Artificial Intelligence

At this point, if we want to attempt an initial assessment, there are many pros that tip the pot in favour of Artificial Intelligence. With MagicText:

You get professional and engaging content
Whether you need to write product descriptions, catchy headlines or content for the main pages of your website, MagicText will always offer you the best solution.
You save time and energy
With MagicText, you can quickly generate content adapted to your specific needs: in this way, you optimize the process of creating your website without reducing the quality and effectiveness of your textual content.
You have the ultimate in customization and adaptability at your disposal
The content generated by MagicText is a solid starting point, but you are free to make changes and adapt it to ensure that your content perfectly reflects your vision and the objectives of your website.
You can generate content in different languages
It doesn't matter what the market niche or target audience of your website is: MagicText will provide you with consistent and quality textual content in any language you wish to use.
You have an always up-to-date tool at your disposal
MagicText is based on the Open AI Artificial Intelligence model, which is constantly updated and improved. This means that your website can keep up with the latest industry trends.

Still on the subject of content

In addition to introducing Artificial Intelligence with MagicText, the new 2023.2 version brings with it another function that will make the content on your website simply "flawless": the spell checker.

In short, there are no more excuses: now we have all the tools at our disposal to write good content and to make sure that there are no typos or mistakes.

Now it's time to get to work and get that keyboard going!

PS: Who wrote this post? I admit: MagicText has contributed. Let's say that we wrote it with "4 hands" 😉

As usual, the list of all the latest features included in the new 2023.2 version (and in previous versions) is available on the News Page.

If you already have an active WebSite X5 license, you can install this new version right away. Just launch the program, and you'll find instructions for doing so in just a few clicks.

If your WebSite X5 license has expired, renew it today to receive the new 2023.2 version.

And finally, if you don't have WebSite X5, take this opportunity to purchase it now. The user license includes the Hosting service, a 12-month guarantee of receiving updates and new versions as we release them as well as access to our Priority Assistance service.

Resourcefulness, passion and the encounter with Incomedia: Simone's story

Incomedia — Wed, 24 May 2023 12:36:00 GMT

Here at Incomedia, we know that by providing people with software tools to bring their projects to life, we actually step into their lives: in some way we inspire them, we encourage them, we help them do what it takes to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

Sometimes, however, by continuing to speak generically of "people", everything becomes a bit too abstract... Luckily, you guys take care of making everything concrete and full of meaning again.

This time, it was Simone Scigliuzzi's turn, programmer from Castelfranco Emilia. Today, Simone no longer needs our software but, over 20 years ago, coming across one of our software solutions changed his life. It makes us proud to know that we have been the inspiration behind his career.

Here, then, is Simone's story, in his own words.

Simone today: an established programmer

My name is Simone Scigliuzzi, and I was born in 1975.

Anyone who knows me today knows that:

I've been a programmer for over 20 years;
I develop websites, portals, Apps for Android/iOS, PC software, Apps for Facebook;
I'm a CTO and a full-stack developer.

Which means I do programming in all stages of the software development life cycle, even leading my own team.

But who was Simone, before becoming a programmer? And what inspired him to become one?

For this we have to take a step back in time. A "small" step back to 1999.

Simone yesterday: a turner with a passion

I was a worker back in those days. A turner, more precisely. In my spare time I cultivated my passion for music, playing the guitar and composing songs.

One day I got the idea to buy a personal computer and use it to record my music.

I'd never had a PC before but I learned quickly: I fitted a pretty powerful sound card and started trying to figure out how to record my own sounds.

From time to time I bought computer magazines. You know, like PC Magazine. Every time a title caught my attention, passing in front of a newsstand, I bought one.

One day, on the CD included with one of these magazines, I found a demo version of Incomedia 5.0: "a tool for creating multimedia presentations autonomously".

I thought, "It can't be a simple Power Point clone. It must have something more!". So I installed it and started tinkering with it.

The discovery of Incomedia 5.0

It wasn't difficult to learn how to navigate this program: Incomedia Integrator allowed you to create a presentation, where each slide (window or page) was a "node".

Once a node was created, you could insert movies, sounds, images, text and links that looked like buttons, then link different actions to them: jump between nodes, to navigate within the presentation; start playing a video or audio file; open your web browser to a certain site or email client; start printing a window; or even launching an external program.

To each button you could link up to 4 actions that were performed consecutively, one after the other.

Everything could then be reproduced by an integrated player. So you could work on the presentation and then run it as an end user.

There was also a tool for exporting presentations to floppy or CD-ROM.

I remember thinking, "Wow! This must be something like making actual PC programs."

The first project

I started fantasizing about what my first project could be, and... BAM! The idea! A handbook of guitar chords!

Have you ever seen a handbook of chords? It's one of those books full of drawings showing how to play chords on the guitar.

Well, I wanted to make a multimedia one. Multimedia and interactive.

It was an ambitious project - I know - that would require a lot of work. Just think that there are 12 main chords (C, C#, D, D#... up to B) and that for each chord there are various extensions (major, minor, seventh, minor seventh, fourth, etc.).

Each with a different fingering.

So I would have needed at least 12 nodes - one for each chord - where I would have illustrated all the extensions of the chord with their fingerings, creating a real handbook.

The names of the notes, at the top of each node, would allow you to turn the page with simple node jumps.

For drawing the chords, bitmaps with the "grid" drawn by the frets and the guitar strings would have sufficed – and "dots" superimposed on this grid would have represented the points where the strings should be pressed.

But not only that! I could have made these "dots" interactive, allowing them, when clicked, to reproduce the sound of that guitar string played on that precise fret.

Being a guitarist, I had already installed a tuner on my PC. So I also created a link to that program. In addition to leafing through guitar chords, with my handbook it would also have been possible to tune it.

And finally? Well, maybe the ability to print a chord page.

Well, my project idea was ready. All I had to do was work on it.

Getting to work

I patiently began to work on this idea. I worked on it for months. Every evening. Always late at night.

And the next morning, at work in the turning shop: maybe not really fresh and rested (even if I was a lot younger than I am today and full of energy), but certainly energized and excited for my project.

This Incomedia 5.0 was quite something. Working on it and seeing my project take shape was a great satisfaction: one that drives you to keep going.

The more I went on with my project, the more ideas came to mind about new things that I could add to my interactive multimedia handbook...

Until one day I began to run into the limits that a software for creating presentations would offer, compared to a program designed and written to do a very specific thing like a multimedia handbook.

"It's its nature," I thought. It is used to create presentations. And as advanced as it is, with tons of useful features, it's not a software for writing programs.

You never stop learning

I remembered a friend, a guy I'd played with a couple of times during some gigs. He was still in school at the time, and I remembered that for a social project he had programmed a text editor for the blind: a normal text editor, but with a "talking" keyboard, which pronounced every single letter or character typed.

I asked him if by programming, it was really possible to do anything. And his answer was: "Yes but of course you have to know how to do it".

He recommended a couple of programming languages I could get started with and handed me a copy of the development environment (the software used to write computer code).

I installed it immediately and ran to the nearest bookstore. At the time it was not like now that you can find everything on the internet. Back then, the computer department in bookstores had shelves full of books, on all programming languages.

I bought one on Visual Basic 6. For beginners. Nice and big, so that it could take me as far as possible in studying this language.

I worked out a plan that turned out to be quite effective: I studied during the day, during my lunch break at the turning shop. In the evening, once in front of my PC, I put into practice what I had learned.

Once I finished that book I bought another one, and then another one, and then many others. Until the bookstores no longer carried programming books and I moved on to studying on the Web.

Happy ending

In 2004 I left the turning shop. After 4 years as a "hobby" programmer, I said goodbye to the engineering world, and my career as a programmer began there.

I fondly remember when this all began: Incomedia Integrator; good old Visual Basic 6; the esteem of colleagues on online forums; up to the first articles published in programming magazines, and everything that came after.

Today I program with over 80 programming languages; frameworks; databases; micro-services; REST APIs, and you never stop learning. New technology starts every day. More powerful every time.

And today, I feel that same satisfaction that I felt when I created my chords handbook project with Incomedia, on a daily basis: when I have to solve problems for work; find solutions; and create something from scratch giving space to all my creativity.

Would I recommend Incomedia products?

Of course! Whether you want to develop a project, for which you need powerful tools that, at the same time are easy to use; or whether you want to be inspired as it happened to me: by the work of someone who has put passion into doing it.

Infographics: Static or Animated?

Incomedia — Thu, 11 May 2023 12:30:00 GMT

Searching for information online, you've no doubt come across more than one infographic. There are all kinds of them on all topics. Some are more appealing and effective, others perhaps a bit less, but they're always rather useful for immediately providing an overview of the most important information in an article.

The beauty of infographics, in fact, lies precisely in their ability to effectively synthesize and convey key data.

So let's learn more about infographics. Let's take a look at what they are, how they can be used and what advantages they have. But most importantly, let's take it a step further and see why we should consider moving from a static infographic to an animated infographic and perhaps even an interactive one.

What's an Infographic?

The term “infographic” comes from the fusion of the English words information and graphics and, as it's easy to understand, indicates a visual representation of concepts and data expressed through the use of text, images, symbols, tables and graphs, etc.

The purpose of an infographic is to summarize a considerable amount of information in a small space, taking advantage of graphic elements to highlight the most important data as well as the correlations and relationships that bind them. In this way, infographics simplify communication and this automatically facilitates the reader's understanding and learning.

Where are infographics used?

As we've already mentioned, infographics are widely used. They're used in marketing as well as for illustrating development processes and disseminating "abstract" information such as mathematical, IT or statistical processes, for example. We find them on the internet as well as in printed books and manuals, including school textbooks.

Their versatility has contributed to their success, as has the development of graphics software which makes it even easier to create them.

Do infographics make learning easier?

Compared to a simple written text, yes.

According to industry studies, people generally remember:

10% of what they read
20% of what they hear
30% of what they see
50% of what they see and hear
70% of what they say and write
90% of what they do while performing an activity

So, reading only is the least effective method! In fact, the human brain takes a long time to process letters and numbers, and after a few days, 90% of this information is forgotten. Replacing a wall of text with an infographic can therefore significantly help the reader by ensuring that they remember the information you're looking to convey for longer.

From static infographics to animated infographics

Of course, the field of infographics is quite crowded. So, how can you stand out? By taking advantage of the fact that people are inevitably attracted to anything that moves!

An animated infographic will have a much better chance of being noticed, opened and looked at. Moreover, it's a pretty simple type of animation to create. But not only that! Here are five great reasons why you should turn static infographics into animated infographics.

Compared to static infographics, animated infographics:

Have an even greater ability to grab attention
Further facilitate the understanding of complicated concepts
Increase audience engagement
Inform and, at the same time, entertain viewers
Allow you to tell stories

Not to mention that transforming an old, static infographic into an animated one is the perfect way to give new life to content, allowing you to reuse it.

Three types of animated infographics

Animated infographics generally come in three different formats:

GIFs
Videos
HTML5

Animated GIF Infographics

GIF animations are usually relatively simple, but no less effective. Take, for example, the animated GIF infographic below:

The infographic uses an entrance effect and a color change. These tricks are enough to capture and hold the viewer's attention. Animation helps highlight facts and figures. In this way, even a cold statistic becomes more interesting and "digestible".

Animated video infographics

One limitation of the GIF format is that it doesn't support sound. This is where animated video infographics come into play.

With this type of infographic, users can watch and hear what's being presented. A combination of visual and audio elements significantly increases comprehension and recall. An animated video infographic is, therefore, a much more effective way of conveying information.

Interactive infographics

As engaging as it can be, while watching an animated video infographic, people always maintain the role of passive spectators. They can watch and listen, but not interact.

You can always take things one step further and design interactive infographics in HTML5 which allow users to explore the content by interacting with it. In this way, everyone can choose their own pace, which results in a more personal and satisfying experience.

How to create an infographic

The good news is that, thanks to various online tools, you can produce beautiful infographics (and in some cases for free!) even if you're not particularly artistic or know how to use graphics programs.

And if you want to take a step forward and use a software tool that's just as easy to use but much more versatile in creating interactive online animations, you can't help but choose WebAnimator 4.

Conclusions

Creating an infographic is pretty easy, but it still requires a bit of effort and work. For this reason, after it's been used for the presentation it was created for, it doesn't deserve to end up locked away; it needs to be shared!

After all, infographics are one of the most viral types of content on the internet. They're shared and commented on much more easily than articles, photos or videos. We might as well use their power to our advantage.

The perfect website for your law firm

Incomedia — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 22:00:00 GMT

“Judge, we’ll show the court that the defendant's argument doesn’t hold up. What he claims is not true — that he had no motive, didn’t have the time to do it and didn’t even really know how to do it. In reality, he had a motive, the time and the knowledge. If (as we have proven) he didn’t do so, then he’s guilty of not creating his own website.”

A bit too “Law & Order” for you? What can I say, I’ve always had a soft spot for legal series! However, the argument stands. I've heard too many lawyers claim that they either don't need a website or don't have the time or knowledge to create one. But that’s not true.

So, let's leave the lawyers sitting on the bench for a while longer, and we’ll start with arguments from the prosecution.

A website is a necessity, even for a lawyer

Let's put it this way — there’s fierce competition out there, and not even lawyers can afford to sleep.

Traditionally, they’ve always relied on word of mouth. But these days, we’re all used to looking for anything - from toothpicks to cars - on the internet. So in the event that we need legal advice or support, why wouldn’t we turn to it?

As users and prospective clients, through online searches, we expect to find lawyers or law firms are in our area, learn about the services they offer and see proof of their competence and reliability, etc. Basically, we want to understand who they are and if we can trust them.

It’s obvious, then, that the best thing for a lawyer or law firm to do is have their own website. Only then can they hope to intercept online searches, gain recognition as a competent professional, present their services - and if all goes well - acquire new clients.

All things considered, a website is the perfect tool for a lawyer to promote their practice, grow their reputation and, ultimately acquire new clients.

Legal websites? Yes, it can be done!

I feel an objection coming: “Sure, a website can be useful, but in the case of lawyers, one must take into account the American Bar Association’s information requirements regarding legal services.” It’s true, lawyers do need to be mindful of being “bar compliant”, which varies by state and specifies the way in which information can be shared with the public when it comes to professional services, establishing what can and cannot be done. Given the delicate nature of things and the repercussions it can have on people's lives, there are limits which need to be respected, but lawyers are not prohibited from having websites.

The American Bar Association requirements for legal websites can be found here.

As we can see from closer inspection, there are legal requirements that one needs to be aware of, but in reality, they’re not that difficult to comply with.

By including truthful, accurate and unambiguous communication on their websites, attorneys can successfully:

comply with American Bar Association requirements.
offer useful content.
satisfy search engines like Google, enabling them to better position their pages.

Three significant benefits in one fell swoop. Not bad, huh?!

Creating the perfect legal website? Here’s how:

Having established the need and the fact that it can be done, we’ll now turn to figuring out how to create a truly effective legal website.

If, as we’ve already mentioned, a website is a calling card through which you present yourself as a credible professional and channel through which you gain new clients, you’ll need to pay close attention to these three elements:

Goals and structure
Content and graphics
Optimization and Local SEO

Goals and structure

Many people fail to do so, but clearly identifying the goals you’re looking to achieve by putting a website online is essential for correctly addressing all the next steps.

In general, a lawyer or law firm will want to:

reach customers within a specific area.
increase their popularity and credibility.

Once you’re aware of the goals you’re looking to achieve, you can begin tackling the structure of your website, identifying the pages you want to put out there and organizing them into a logical and easily navigable menu.

Of course, things can vary according to specific needs, but there are pages that simply must be included on a legal website:

Home Page: A home page should be seen as a kind of initial cover letter which presents the professional or the law firm, summarizing the essential points featured on the site.
Who We Are: A “Who We Are” page is one of the most important pages, where lawyers can introduce themselves, discuss their experience and demonstrate their values, professionalism and competence.
Services: This is another important page where you can list your areas of expertise along with the services you offer.
Contact Information: This page is critical for providing potential clients with all the ways they can contact the firm.
Ethics Code: This is where you explain the values you uphold and the responsibilities you keep.

There are other pages which may also prove to be extremely useful:

Blog: This is the most appropriate place to regularly publish informative content for clients. It’s perfect for engaging your audience by demonstrating your expertise and is also important for SEO ranking.
FAQ: Here, you’ll assemble your most frequently asked questions, which is useful for anticipating customer needs and streamlining your communication with them.
What people are saying about us: This is the page where you present the opinions of clients, which are essential for building the firm’s online reputation.

Content and graphics

It’s obvious that a law firm's website must have a certain standing. Everything - from colors to graphical elements - should contribute to giving the page an identity and to communicating the values on which you’d like to position yourself. In any case, developing a professional design that’s capable of communicating strength and inspiring confidence doesn’t mean creating lifeless and boring pages. The desired result can be achieved through more lively and innovative solutions. Starting with a good template is often the best way to find a winning compromise.

Having solved the graphical layout of the pages, we can now turn to content. In this regard, there are two cautions that are important to bear in mind:

No “Legalese”: A legal website is not for communicating with other lawyers but with people who have a problem to resolve, who are not necessarily comfortable with the jargon and technicalities of those who ruminate on laws and legislation. It’s best to try to be serious and professional but, at the same time, clear and empathetic.
No poor quality images: If you want to create a trusting relationship with clients, you need to be be willing to put your face on it. A law firm's website doesn’t necessarily need a lot of pictures. They can be few, but the important thing is that they’re well done. It’s definitely worth investing in a professional service, so the firm and its lawyers are portrayed in the best way possible.

Optimization and local SEO

As we’ve already mentioned, if one of a legal website’s objectives is finding new potential clients, you’ll need to ensure that it ranks appropriately when people conduct specific searches through search engines.

This is why you shouldn’t neglect the SEO optimization of your pages. You can start with basic optimizations, such as choosing keywords to work with, using header and description tags correctly, offering quality content, creating an intuitive navigation structure, starting a blog and optimizing for mobile browsing.

Additionally, it pays to include a number of actions that fall under the label of "Local SEO".

The first (and most important) of these actions is to open a Google My Business account in a way that allows the lawyer or law firm to be found by clients in their geographical area.

Let’s look at an example. If a client needs a civil litigation attorney, they’ll probably narrow the field by looking for one that’s nearby. They’ll open up Google and type in “civil litigation attorney Milan” or "civil litigation attorney near me”.

Having a profile on Google My Business allows the attorney to intercept precisely these types of searches.

On the Google My Business tab of a legal website, the client will be able to see reviews left by other clients, services offered, the firm’s hours of operation, photos of the firm and any blog posts, etc.

The beauty of this Google service is that it’s free and easy to activate and keep updated.

Creating a legal website with WebSite X5

"Judge, the defendant claims he didn’t create a website because he’s not capable of doing so, nor does he have the time to do it. He’s lying! He may not know it, but he is!” What’s often overlooked is that creating a website can be a task within everyone's reach, even those who have neither programming knowledge nor a lot of time to devote to it. It's all about finding the right tool to use.

WebSite X5 is an easy and intuitive software. It’s configured as a guide to lead and support you in the creation of pages to be published online. The beauty is that, while being easy to use, it offers all the necessary features for creating high-quality websites, blogs and e-commerce sites that are optimized for SEO and 100% navigable from any device, whether desktop or mobile.

For a lawyer or law firm, WebSite X5 is a winning choice. They can create their own websites and update them as often as they’d like, without having to rely on a third party.

Starting from one of the available templates, the website will be ready to go sooner than you can imagine and with very little investment.

WebSite X5 also features an included hosting service with an automatic domain and free web space for one year.

So, you have no more alibis! If you’re a lawyer, and you don’t already have your own website, try WebSite X5 and begin creating your online presence.

An online diary for Verner Emil Eg

Incomedia — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:30:00 GMT

A website can arise from the most diverse needs: selling a product or service online, increasing a company's visibility or sharing one's passions with a wider audience. Other times, however, it can have a more personal mission. This is the case with https://www.dengamleeg.dk/, a website born from the desire of Verner Emil Eg, a now retired Danish IT expert, to share his everyday life with his network of acquaintances.

The story of Verner Ermil Eg begins in 1947 in Copenhagen and speaks of the passion for technology and photography he's felt since he was a child. In 1956, he was the first boy in the neighborhood to be envied for his camera, an AGFA Synchro Box, which at the time made it possible to take a maximum of eight photos per roll -- definitely different from what we're used to today! His passion for images was expressed, not only through photography, but also through drawing. During our chat, Verner told us that at the age of five, his aunt Ella had already predicted an important part of Verner's future: graphic arts.

In fact, Verner then went on to study graphic design and applied the knowledge he gained to a rich and varied career. But we'll let him tell you more about his story and about WebSite X5, which over the years has proved to be his faithful companion.

Hi Verner! You've been involved in many projects throughout your career. Can you tell us more?

"Of course! I've been retired now since 2012, but I've certainly done a lot throughout my career. I spent ten years in the Danish Army as a teacher in the Danish Army School of Instructional Technology, where I was basically involved with what we'd refer to today as E-Learning.

In 1978, I started my own business, still in the IT field. At the same time, I was also involved in journalism and web design. In fact, I taught courses on this subject as well as on other issues related more to the world of journalism, including writing, design and production of magazines, newspapers and, of course, websites. In 1990, I also received an honorary degree from the FEIEA."

These are all great accomplishments! But unfortunately, it hasn't always been all rosy, has it?

"Oh, unfortunately not. In 2003, I had some serious health problems which affected me in many ways and inhibited my ability to speak, among other things. At the time, I had a small company that I ran mainly by giving speeches, lessons and courses, but without a voice, I unfortunately had to stop, which greatly impacted my finances. Luckily, a couple of friends came to my rescue and offered to rent me a house in Ellinge, on the island of Fyn. Gradually, I recovered and beginning in 2006, I started going out again and taking care of the house, organizing it and renovating it."

And that's how dengamleeg.dk/ was born…

"That's right! Through dengamleeg.dk, I wanted to create a place to share parts of my everyday life, which obviously included my progress in renovating the house, in addition to other things. The name "Den Gamle Eg" means "The Old Oak". I decided to call it that because my last name, Eg, means "Oak". I wanted the site to be something that was 100% mine. I share thoughts, curiosities and images that represent my days. I have a very large network of acquaintances which goes beyond the borders of Denmark, so the site allows me to keep a sort of online diary that makes me feel close to people who are important to me but who are physically distant. It's a way of keeping in touch without losing sight of each other."

So, it's a site that teaches you to appreciate the little things in life. And you relied on WebSite X5 to create it. How did you find it to be?

"Very good! I find WebSite X5 to be a wonderful tool which allows me to build my pages creatively and without obstacles. I'm extremely happy with it. In fact, I have also recommended it several times to other people.”

Is your personal site the only one you created with WebSite X5, or are there others as well?

"Actually, dengamleeg.dk is a site I created after I became even more familiar with WebSite X5. I discovered this tool earlier, when in 2001 I was managing ellinge.dk, the local website for the village of Ellinge. Before choosing WebSite X5, I was able to compare the various solutions on the market in order to find software that best met my needs. Initially, I had found a tool very similar to WebSite X5, so when I switched to this one, I found myself working in a way I was already used to, but with decidedly new and different features! For example, you have the ability to create responsive websites that are displayed perfectly on both PCs and smartphones without necessarily having to create different projects.

I started out by trying the demo version and bringing myself up to speed by reading the manual in order to fully understand the software, as I usually do when discovering a new tool. I came to the realization that WebSite X5 was the best solution for me, and I've been with it ever since."

In the past, you've had the opportunity to teach web design, among other things. Do you have any advice for those who'd like to try their hand at creating a website?

"There are two phases in the creation of a website: a planning phase and an execution phase. In the first phase, what you need to do is to define some elements that will then always be kept in mind during the second phase, such as what is the purpose and what are the objectives of our website? In short, why do we need a website? How can we achieve the goal we set for ourselves? And who is our site directed at?

Answering these questions clearly allows us to have guidelines available when we set out to create the website. On the contrary, and this is a common mistake, people think they can save time by skipping this phase and jumping right into creating the site. You risk creating your site in a "random" way without a true underlying concept, and even if you may like the site initially, it can be difficult to update it, precisely because it lacks planning. In many cases, you end up having to do it all over again.”

And in more “practical” terms, what can you suggest?

"Simplicity is the watchword. The layout and structure must be simple and intuitive, so those who visit your site can find their way around without problems and immediately find what they're looking for. Simplicity must also work its way into style. Few colors and few fonts give continuity to the site. Even with effects, it's best not to overdo it. For example, if we want to insert the effect of falling snow, it's better to do it only on the home page and not across the entire website, so as not to weigh down the final result.

However, some might disagree. Some may find that Monet's paintings are better than Kandinsky's or Andy Warhol's, while some will say the opposite. The same goes for websites. It's a matter of taste. Personally, I find these basic rules to be a good starting point on which you can base your site."

And with WebSite X5, were you able to put these principles into practice?

"Absolutely! WebSite X5 has allowed me to stay in touch with the people I care about during a difficult time in my life and create the website I wanted. I can't help being more than satisfied!"

Professional hotel websites

Incomedia — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 22:00:00 GMT

It’s time to start thinking about vacation! There have been a few family discussions, and we’ve finally decided on a timeframe and destination. Now it’s a matter of setting up the travel itinerary and making all the reservations. Open up Google, and let’s begin…

Initial results are encouraging. Let's arm ourselves with a bit of patience and begin exploring the many alternatives available.

This turns out to be a typical situation - you might say it happens like this for you as well. So why are there still so many hotels, B&Bs, vacation homes and, more generally speaking, accommodations that DON’T offer a well-designed website?! Do they not realize how much they are missing out on?

It’s probably worth listing what makes a perfect hotel website: perfect for users who can easily find all the information they need and perfect for business owners who will ultimately see their direct bookings increase.

What’s a must-have in a good website?

To find out what makes a good hotel website, let’s play a little game. Let's pretend to be the user who’s looking for accommodations, and let's try to focus our expectations and reactions on the websites we might find.

Ideally, we click on the link of the first site, it opens and…

…everythnig is too slow!
…it doesn't work!
…it's nice, but I'm not convinced
…it's unappealing
…I give up, I'm lost
...it's nice, but where is it?
…can I trust it?
…ok, how do I book it?
…what if something comes up?

Everything is too slow!

It's not the connection, it’s the site that takes forever to load. I hate waiting…waiting is synonymous with inefficiency, we’re starting off on the wrong foot. Maybe let it go and move on to the next site.

In fact, it's a matter of seconds. Generally speaking, it’s said that a website has three seconds to capture your attention and seven seconds to make a sale. A hotel’s website, however, must be quick, and in order to be quick, all of its content (starting from the code, up to the images and videos) must be optimized correctly.

Loading time affects user satisfaction and conversion (data: Aberdeen Goup study).

It doesn’t work!

My smartphone’s screen is nice and big, but the text is unreadable, the content is arranged a bit haphazardly, and I’m unable to click on the links. Is it possible they didn’t think that by now, everyone navigates from their mobile device?

According to a study from Oberlo, 60.06% of global web traffic now comes from mobile devices. A hotel’s website, therefore, needs to be responsive and adaptable to navigation from any type of device, consistently ensuring a perfect user experience for users.

Over the past 10 years, mobile traffic has increased and now exceeds desktop traffic (source: Oberlo)

It’s nice, but I’m not convinced

I'm not saying it's unappealing or too expensive. In fact, there’s nothing wrong with it, but I’m just not 100% convinced. What’s special about it? Why should I choose this one? Let's keep it in mind and see…maybe there’s something better.

Let's face it: what hope does a person - or a hotel - have of being chosen when they end up in the friendzone? Realistically, very little.

It's a matter of personality more than beauty. To distinguish itself, a hotel needs to have a clear identity, and the website must be able to communicate this effectively. Only then will customers know why it’s worth choosing.

Aristide di Parigi positions itself as “a hotel for domestic cats”. It’s a perfect example of a hotel with a clear selling proposition and a strong identity.

It’s unappealing…

Look at that picture! Small, grainy, poorly done. It’s not clear if it’s the spaces and rooms that aren’t nice or if it’s the photos aren’t good enough. But from home, how do I know? When in doubt, we move on to something else.

Images are essential because they not only make us see people, places and things, but they also convey emotions. And if you can create an emotional bond with the visitor, it’s easier to turn them into a customer. A hotel website, however, needs to focus on the WOW images. Better to have just a few high-quality photos than many photos of poor quality. And if you decide to invest in a photo shoot, provide the correct prominence with fullscreen galleries that bring the user right into the atmosphere of the hotel and its surroundings. If, in addition to the images, you can also add videos, the result is guaranteed.

Hotel Splendido Mare in Portofino uses images and videos to instantly immerse us in its atmosphere.

I give up, I’m lost

I simply wanted to see the recommended itineraries for visiting places near the hotel, but I don't know where I need to click. Is this the right button?

A hotel’s website not only needs to be appealing, it should also be easy to navigate, otherwise it’s all useless. It’s extremely important that the various pages are organized in a logical way and that users can do what they want (find information, send a request via email, make a reservation, etc.) as easily as possible. Pay close attention, therefore, not only to navigation paths but also to labels and button icons. The watchword here is “KISS” (Keep It Simple, Stupid).

A solid navigation structure is the key to a user-friendly website.

It’s nice, but where is it?

I like everything about this hotel. I wanted to call for more information, but I can’t find the phone number. Is it me or did they just forget to include it on the site?

They probably didn’t forget; they simply included the phone number on a page or in a place on the template that’s so inconspicuous that it becomes inaccessible. And this (of course!) is a problem.

Telephone numbers, email addresses, contact forms, street addresses, interactive maps: everything you need for people to find and contact you are critical elements and must be prominently displayed on your hotel’s website.

Not only in the footer and on the contact page, Suvaki Hotel di Pantelleria also has its telephone number and email address at the top of page.

Can I trust it?

It all sounds great, but is it true? It’s obvious that a hotel will toot its own horn. However, it takes the opinion of someone who's been there. Otherwise, we’ll just book the one Paolo recommended.

Word of mouth is powerful. “If my friend (whom I trust) liked it, I’ll like it as well” is powerful. It’s easy to take advantage of these kinds of dynamics online. Request, collect and publish customer reviews. Reviews are valuable for a hotel. They increase the trust of potential guests, improve the online reputation of the establishment and, in the event of criticism, help identify areas for possible improvement.

81% travelers always or often read reviews before booking a hotel.
79% read between 6 and 12 reviews before making a decision.
52% people would never book a hotel without reviews.
Four out of five believe that a hotel that responds to reviews cares more about its customers.

OK, how do I book it?

Unbelievable! The site is really nice and well done, but now that I want to book, I can’t figure it out. Everything is so cumbersome that I almost don’t want to anymore!

So much hard work goes into convincing a potential guest to choose your hotel among the many others available and then you complicate their lives just at the moment when they’ve decided to make the reservation?!

Websites and booking engines are often two distinct yet connected applications. Investing in a great online booking system is essential because, after all, it’s the only tool for booking besides OTAs (online travel agencies). Booking.com, Expedia and other OTAs are essential for a booking strategy, but without an integrated engine, there will never be any direct bookings.

An online booking system offers advantages in terms of savings, convenience and efficiency.

What if something comes up?

It’s April, and I need to book for August. If something happens and I can't go at the last minute, I don’t want to lose all my money. I'd really like to know how they handle these situations.

To gain the trust of potential customers, you need to anticipate their every request and overcome all their doubts. In this case, transparency wins. On your hotel website, it’s important to make the terms and conditions clear, especially when it comes to the possibility of a cancellation. Information like this can be an important purchase lever and, as a result, it should be highlighted on the home page rather than relegated to the bottom of the contractual clauses.

On Booking.com, it says upfront that it offers free cancellation to make booking easier.

Creating a hotel website with WebSite X5

This is what happens when we stumble upon the website of a hotel or, more generally speaking, an accommodation facility that’s not very well done. We don’t like it, we can’t find what we’re looking for or we’re disappointed in something, and we end up abandoning it.

But now that we know some of the main points to pay attention to, we can proceed with greater confidence and create our hotel’s website with a tool like WebSite X5.

With WebSite X5, anyone can create an appealing, comprehensive and functional website, since it requires no programming knowledge and offers a simple and intuitive work environment. We proceed by steps. Once you've chosen a template, you can freely customize it. Then you can move on to the insertion of pages with the definition of all the content.

Choosing a professional template is the best way to guarantee a high-quality result.

All the features you need for creating the perfect website are at your disposal:

Insertion of text, images, videos, galleries, email forms, user reviews, interactive maps, social media buttons, etc.
Blog creation
Support for multi-language content
Integration with booking engines
Area reserved for login and password
Responsive design
SEO optimization

The solution also includes a hosting service with an automatic domain and free webspace for one year.

With a truly low investment, your hotel’s website will be online sooner than you think!

No more excuses. Don’t say that since you’re on Booking.com, you don't need a website. It’s not true! Customers will miss the chance to get to know you better. They’ll be left with the feeling that you don’t believe enough in your hotel to think you deserve a website. You’ll miss the opportunity to receive direct bookings and position yourself better on the web. With WebSite X5, you can finally create your hotel’s website. Go ahead and give it a try!

Physician Websites: Complete Guide

Incomedia — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Do you know him? They call him "Doctor Google". He's available 24 hours a day every day of the year and always seems to have an answer for any issues or questions regarding our health.

Of course you know him! If, like me, you're not a doctor, you've certainly already done more than one search to find a specialist, discover a remedy or understand more about a certain disorder.

If, on the other hand, you are a doctor, you probably view Dr. Google with a certain amount of suspicion. In reality, he could be a valuable ally for you and, in this article, we'll attempt to understand why.

Health: 1 out of 2 people educate themselves online

Let's start with the data. Presented in May '22 by the IPSOS Institute, it was one of several studies confirming that researching information on health continues to increase steadily. In the 12 months considered, 85% of Italians educated themselves on health and prevention and, of these, 51% chose to do so by searching for information on the internet (percentage consistent across all age groups).

But what is the most sought-after information on the internet? The top 5 are as follows:

Since 1 out of 2 Italians search for health information on the internet, which are the most used and considered the most reliable channels? The same IPSOS research tells us the following:

And they're all growing statistics compared to what was seen in 2020 alone.

The fact that people increasingly trust the information they find online is also demonstrated by another important fact. 83% of users say they follow online influencers or experts in the field of health (in most cases, doctors and pharmacists).

The same IPSOS study, however, also tells us that the internet alone is not enough. After getting information online, in fact, 57% of people go back to their doctor or go to the pharmacist (33%) to investigate further and make their decisions.

So, in the end, although it's steadily increasing, the online universe doesn't replace the more traditional offline channels. What we are witnessing, rather, is an increasingly close integration of the two areas. People are very sensitive to the issue of health and well-being and attempt to get information online but then turn to professionals for a more definitive opinion.

Why create a physician website?

Understanding these dynamics is essential for those who work in the healthcare industry. Institutions, companies, doctors and healthcare professionals cannot underestimate the fact that people are moving online with increasing confidence and familiarity.

Do we need a physiotherapist? Have we been referred to a dermatologist? Did they tell us about a particular clinic where we can get a general assessment? First, let's check online. We probably won't stop there, but doing a search costs nothing, and if we can learn more, we'll be pretty happy. If, on the other hand, we don't find anything, we'll be disappointed and, most likely, we'll tend to score one less point for the "candidate" we were evaluating.

So here's why for a doctor (as well as for anyone else working in the healthcare field) it's so important to have an online presence. The internet provides an opportunity to be discovered and, above all, to be recognized as an authentic, competent and professionally trustworthy.

But how does a doctor build an online presence? That's what we'll now take a look at.

The advantages of physician websites

It may seem trivial, but the starting point for a doctor looking to build an online presence is having their own website.

With a website, in fact, you can intercept searches made by users, present yourself as a serious and reliable professional, share accurate information and acquire new patients.

Going into a bit more detail, the main advantages for a doctor with his own website can be summarized as follows:

Greater online visibility: Patients can more easily find a doctor and learn about the services he or she offers.
Better communication: A website is an effective communication channel for informing patients on the latest news, hours of operation, rates and more. This allows you to reduce the time spent communicating directly with patients.
Relationships with patients: By providing valuable health information and advice through a website, a doctor builds and maintains a relationship of trust with patients.
Time savings: A website can be used for managing appointments and reservations online, thus reducing the time spent on the phone or at the reception desk.
Accessibility: A website is available 24/7, allowing patients to access necessary information at any time.
Better reputation: Ultimately, a professional website helps improve a doctor's reputation and patients' perceptions of his or her professionalism.

Creating websites for doctors and medical practices

Having clarified the reasons why a doctor (or anyone else working in the healthcare field) should have their own website, all that remains is to understand which features it should offer in order for it to be effective.

Creating a successful physician website involves several factors that need to be taken into consideration. The main ones include:

Graphic layout
Structure and content
Responsive design
SEO optimization

Graphic layout

A well-thought-out design can make a big difference by improving patients' perceptions of the doctor and their services offered, thus improving their online reputation.

This is why it's important for a physician website to have a simple and elegant graphic style that's capable of conveying professionalism, reliability and seriousness. In order to obtain this result, the following elements should be considered:

Colors: The psychology of color tells us that colors have the power to convey emotions and meaning. Specifically, cool, neutral colors like blue, green and gray can be used to create an image of professionalism. Warm colors like red and orange, on the other hand, are perfect for drawing attention to services.

You can create the color palette for a physician website with a tool like Adobe Color
Font: The font used must be easily readable and in line with the general style of the website. It's important to avoid fonts that are too elaborate or difficult to read as well ensuring that they're always large enough, even for older users and especially when browsing on mobile devices.
Template: For a physician website, you should choose a simple and clean template with a clear layout to facilitate navigation. The goal is to help patients easily find the information they need, thus reducing the risk of frustration and/or abandonment of the site.

With a template, you can quickly create a professional physician website
Headers and Logos: The medical logo and website header must be clear, legible and recognizable. It must indicate the name of the doctor, their professional title and, if applicable, the logo of the clinic or institution for which he or she works
Images and Icons: To convey a professional and reassuring image, you should carefully select the images used on the website. Patients have an easier time trusting when they can put a face to the doctor. For this reason, it's best to use real photographs which portray the doctor in a natural work setting. For more standard or decorative content, however, you can use stock images and icons. The important thing is that they're always high quality.

Focus on quality and real photos: It's the first step in establishing a good doctor-patient relationship.

Structure and content

A physician website must not only look neat and professional, it must have the ability to provide useful information to patients and be organized in such a way that it's easy to find and view.

Though it may depend on the specific needs of each doctor, there are sections and types of content that should always be included:

Home Page: This is the main page of the website and the first point of contact with visitors. It should be eye-catching and contain important information, including the doctor's name, specialty, services offered and contact information.
About Us: Here, the doctor can introduce him or herself by providing information on his or her credentials, including training, experience and specializations.
Services: This is the section that should describe the services offered by the doctor, including treatments and therapies available.
Contact Info: The office address, telephone number(s) and email address should be included here.
Privacy Policy: Describe how the physician or facility processes and protects patients' personal information.

These are the necessary pages, but there are other sections and types of content which, if present, contribute to making the site even more effective:

Online Reservations: Adding an online booking system can make life easier for patients, allowing them to book a doctor's appointment quickly and easily.
Blogs: These can provide useful information to patients and help position the physician as an expert in his or her specialty.
FAQs: These serve to provide answers to the questions most frequently asked by patients regarding the services offered, methods of payment and types of medical insurance accepted, etc.
Patient Testimonials: These are fundamental in building the doctor's reputation and in generating trust among new patients.
Social Media Links: Social media profiles are an excellent way for a doctor to connect with patients and promote their work.

Regardless of the sections that you decide to include (or not include) on the site, you should remember that all content must then be kept up to date over time in order to consistently guarantee accurate and punctual service.

Responsive design

According to a 2021 study by Statista, 54.8% of global web traffic comes from mobile devices. This means that if a doctor's website is non-responsive, users may find it difficult to navigate and decide to abandon it in favor of another one that's easier to use.

Ensuring that a website is responsive and automatically adapts to the screen size of the device used for navigation should therefore be one of the primary objectives for a good website. By the way, the fact that a site is responsive also has other non-negligible benefits:

Improving the user experience
Improving your positioning on search engines
Improving the doctor's reputation by demonstrating how committed he or she is to patient satisfaction

SEO optimization

Since, as we mentioned at the beginning of the article, at least 1 out of 2 people conduct online research related to health and well-being, when creating a physician website, special attention must be paid to SEO optimization, so it can successfully intercept a large portion of the queries and occupy a high position on search engine results pages.

Surely, you can start with basic optimizations such as selecting the keywords to implement, using header and description tags correctly, offering quality content, creating an intuitive navigation structure and, as we have seen, optimizing for mobile navigation.

In addition to all this, there are also specific actions that need to be implemented for a physician website. These are actions that generally fall under the category of “Local SEO”.

Most likely, the first and most important is to open an account on Google My Business, so the doctor or practice can be found by patients in that geographical area.

Let's look at an example. If a patient needs a pediatrician, they'll tend to narrow the field by looking for one nearby. They'll open Google and type "Pediatrician in Turin" or "Pediatrician near me".

Having a profile on Google My Business will allow the doctor to intercept these kinds of searches.

In the Google My Business tab of the pediatrician's website, the patient will be able to see reviews from other patients, services offered, hours of operation, whether the doctor makes home visits, photos of the office, blogs etc.

The great thing about this Google service is that it's free and easy to activate and update.

Physician websites: Between ethics and Google YMYL

The reasons doctors decide not to create their own websites often stem from legal concerns. In fact, there are legal requirements that you need to be aware of. In reality, though, they're not that difficult to comply with.

First, it's important to remember that on their websites, doctors, in addition to the usual information such as name, office address and email address, must also provide the details of their profession, including:

Registration with the Order of Doctors, degree obtained and, if applicable, medical specializations
Country in which medical training was completed

In all cases, it's very important to always use the correct title.

There are also a number of prohibitions you need to be aware of:

Descriptions of the services offered must not be formulated in a way that's misleading, self-promoting or promising success. You need to provide objective information
No form of advertising is permitted
Text on pathologies must be written in an exhaustive manner
The site must not aim to increase the doctor's popularity
The goal of the site should not be direct selling
Feedback systems or guest books can be used but must not be misused

As you can well understand, the goal is for the doctor to provide truthful, correct and unambiguous communication and this, in reality, is important not only from a legal standpoint but also for Google.

Since medical content can have a direct impact on people's health and well-being, Google classifies doctors' websites into the YMYL category (Your Money or Your Life) and requires that, in order to be well positioned, they meet more stringent quality standards.

For example, YMYL pages must be written by medical experts who have the experience and skills necessary to provide accurate and reliable information, and the sources cited must be equally authoritative.

Additionally, YMYL pages must provide complete and relevant information with a clear structure and organized content. Finally, they must ensure that the privacy and security of users' personal information is respected.

Ultimately in producing quality content, physician sites satisfy everyone: the law, Google and, above all, the end users.

WebSite X5: The right tool

So, we've clarified the many ways in which a website can be useful for a doctor, and we've resolved any ethical/legal issues, so what would still stop them from creating their online page?

Perhaps the fear of not having the time or the necessary skills to do it. This is where choosing the right tool comes into play. With software like Website X5, creating a website is not only easy - even for those without graphic or programming skills - it's also quick.

Discover WebSite X5 templates that can help you create sites for medical offices and doctors.

Starting from a template and, working in an entirely visual manner, you can customize any element in order to obtain unique and original results and insert your own content. You can rely on a rich gallery of images and all the features necessary for adding whatever you need in order to create a complete and professional site, including galleries, contact forms, protected login areas, blogs, FAQ and privacy info, etc.

The solution also includes a hosting service with an automatic domain and free webspace for one year.

In no time, your website will be online and ready to field requests from old and new patients.

How to start a food blog

Incomedia — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 23:26:00 GMT

When I started trying my hand at pots, pans and stoves, I'd look for recipes in books and magazines. Now it's all stored in a box in the cellar, and when I need inspiration or advice I look directly online.

Food blogs are plentiful and tasty. Others are more general, while others are more specific. Is there still room for new blogs on this topic? How do you start one?

In fact, knowing how to start a food blog for food enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys cooking these days is a great opportunity for sharing your own passion online and, if desired, to also earn money from this activity.

If you're also a food lover who wants to learn more about creating and managing your own food blog, this is the perfect article for you!

The name: what to call your food blog

Having made the decision to start a food blog, if you want to be successful you'll need to do things right. We discussed this thoroughly in the following article: How to create a blog You can't just jump right in, you need to think about the goals you want to achieve, the niche you're looking to fill and the audience you intend to reach.

Having clarified these points, you now have an important issue to resolve: figuring out a name for your food blog. A good name is essential. It needs to be intriguing to readers but, at the same time, it should be short and unique.

I know it can all be a bit complicated, but don't worry. To help you find the right name, we have some foolproof tips:

Choose a name that represents your niche. For example, if you like vegan food, you might choose a name like "Vegan Kitchen", or "Green Food". These are names that attract readers interested in a certain type of cuisine, who are looking for information, recipes and ingredients suited to their needs.

https://www.cucinabotanica.com/ - Can there possibly be any doubts on the recipes you can find in this blog?
Use evocative words. Choose words that remind you of the flavors, aromas and emotions associated to cooking. For example, "Gusto in Tavola" evokes the idea of a delicious and enjoyable experience shared around a table full of delicious dishes.

https://www.giallozafferano.com/ - Here, we have the energy of color combined with the flavor and refinement of a spice, all in a musical name that's filled with suggestion.

Choose a name that's easy to remember. Avoid complicated or hard-to-spell names. For example, "Gourmet Alchimie di Sapori e Profumi" (Gourmet Alchemy of Flavors and Fragrances) could create more of a problem due to the length and abstract nature of the words.
Use your own name. If you want to give your blog a personal touch, use your name as part of the blog's name. This is what one of the most famous food bloggers in Italy, Benedetta Parodi, has chosen to do.

https://www.benedettaparodi.it/ - Benedetta turned the focus on herself with a name that was already established in the field of journalism.
Do some brainstorming with friends and family. Ask them for advice to come up with a unique and catchy name. Sometimes the winning idea is hiding where you least expect it: in the nickname you were given as a child, in the quirks that only good friends know about, in a flash of genius from the most creative in your group.

Of course, you can mix suggestions. For example, you can use your name while referencing a niche. Something like "Sara's House of Cakes" immediately clarifies who you're addressing and, at the same time, create a relationship of familiarity with your readers. This is what another famous food blogger did. Does “Fatto in casa da Benedetta” (Homemade by Benedetta) mean anything to you?

https://www.fattoincasadabenedetta.it/ - The authenticity of home-made food combined with the name of the cook tastes great and inspires trust.

One last thing. When you think you've found the right name, check that the domain is available. It would be strange if the title of your blog didn't correspond to the address that users need to type into the browser bar to reach it!

Profession: Food Blogger. Who is this and what do they do?

Now that you have a name and a domain, you're ready to start your blog. With the right tool (and we'll talk about this later), you can be online faster than you imagine.

Super! You've taken your first step in becoming a food blogger.

But how do you actually go about food blogging?

Basically, a food blogger is a person who regularly writes and publishes recipes, restaurant reviews, food recommendations and news from the world of gastronomy, while sharing personal culinary experiences with readers.

The focal point of the definition lies precisely in the adverb "regularly". A successful blog doesn't work "in fits and starts". You can't publish something only when you have time, when you feel like it or when you feel you have the right inspiration. You need to establish a rhythm and follow it consistently.

THis said, the best thing to do is put together an editorial plan in which you'll determine your frequency of publication, rubrics and types of content.

https://www.misya.info - Have you noticed the weekly programming and the focus on the current holiday? This is the result of a solid editorial plan.

It can be as simple as a spreadsheet in which you'll list all your posts and record basic information for each of them, including publication dates, titles, tags and categories, sources, etc.

Having one medium to long-term strategy allows you to choose which content to focus on, to have time to develop it and to maintain a good pace by getting your readers used to a fixed schedule.

By working methodically, you can transform your passion into something more. There are many examples of bloggers who have managed to make blogging their primary profession. You could be next!

Not just text: the importance of photos and video recipes

Now, let's add another element to our definition of food blogger.

A food blogger writes, but not just that. He/she rounds out his/her texts with the appropriate images and perhaps creates video content and podcasts.

Generally speaking, photographs and videos are an extremely effective way to improve the quality and appeal of food blogs, making them even more interesting and engaging for readers.

In particular:

They attract attention of readers. Images and videos are much more captivating than written text and manage to attract the attention of readers, causing them to linger on the blog content.
They help people understand the recipe. Especially in cases where written instructions might be unclear, images and videos can make all the difference by helping someone better understand each step of a recipe.

https://www.salepepe.it/ - Like this, anyone can easily follow a recipe.
They make the blog more engaging. Watching a person at work brings everything back to a more personal dimension this helps people feel more engaged in the recipe making process.
They also improve sharing on social media. People are more likely to share engaging and visually appealing content. Captivating images and high-quality videos can, therefore, increase a blog's visibility and attract new readers.

What do we learn from all this? We learn that writing a great post is just the starting point. You need to accompany it with lovely photos and, if you want to aim for the best, also make a video version of it.

Which recipe do you choose? Which ever looks most appetizing. That's why photos are so important!

You can also see how important the visual component is from the number of tutorials, articles and courses you can find on the subject of Food Photography. Try conducting an online search. You’ll discover a whole new world!

Promoting the blog: from SEO to Social Media

Once the posts have been written and published, a food blogger's work has just began.

A food blogger must actively promote the blog in order to expose it to an ever-growing audience and increase the number of readers.

There isn't just one way to promote a blog. There is, rather, one set of strategies you can implement. You need to try something, monitor the results you get and figure out what works best for you, your blog and your readers.

The most-used strategies you can use include:

Social Media: This is a great tool for promoting food blogs and increasing visibility. Use the main platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, sharing your posts and interacting with the community.
Collaborating with other bloggers and influencers: This is a great way to increase your blog's visibility and gain new readers. In addition, participating in cooking events and/or food festivals allow you to build relationships and gain exposure.
SEO optimization: This is essential in order for your blog to be well-positioned in search engine results. Using relevant keywords, structuring the site intuitively and paying attention to the user experience are just some of the important factors.
Leveraging newsletters: This is a great way to keep readers informed of the latest blog news and entice them to revisit yours. Try offering exclusive content or discount coupons to further encourage reading.

https://www.sicilianicreativiincucina.it - A small form in a pop-up window can be very effective for attracting new subscribers to a newsletter.
Joining online groups: This is a great way to connect with new readers and build relationships with other bloggers and food enthusiasts.

Making money through a food blog? It can be done!

Let's complete our definition of a food blogger with one last important piece.

A food blogger can earn money through their blogs.

Numerous food bloggers who have succeeded in the endeavor demonstrate that it can be done. You can transform your passion for cooking into a second job to supplement your income or even into your full-time profession and main source of income.

Methods for making money through a food blog are many. It's best to diversify and not rely on just one method, but try to identify and use a hybrid of the ones that work best. So much will depend on the magnitude and popularity of your blog, in addition to the quality of the content and the level of interaction with your readers.

The most common ways to make money through a blog include:

Advertising: You can use services such as Google AdSense or collaborate with companies interested in sponsoring a blog.
Collaborations and sponsorships: You can collaborate with brands in the food sector to promote products and services related to the world of gastronomy.
Sales of products or services: You can create and sell products such as e-books, guides or online courses or offer consulting and/or catering services.

https://www.marcobianchi.blog/ - A site, a blog and numerous projects, including books that can be purchased directly through Amazon.
Affiliation: Promoting products and/or services through affiliate programs allows you to earn commission for every purchase you drive.
Events and workshops: You can organize events, workshops and cooking classes and monetize them through the sale of tickets or the participation of sponsors.

Our solution for your food blog

Now that you know what it means to start a food blog, you may be wondering which tool/service you should use to create the pages you'll put online.

The options are vast and varied. You should choose mainly based on how important the blog is to you. The more important it is, the more you should be prepared to invest in order for it to function correclty and have the greatest chance for success and growth.

Sometimes the investment required for the use of a professional tool is quite low, and this is the case with Website X5. It's the perfect software for creating blogs as well as showcase sites and online stores.

MyFAVRecipes - One of WebSite X5's templates that's perfect for creating a food blog.

With WebSite X5, you can begin with a template and customize it according to your needs. You can provide a home page where you present the project, a bio for introducing yourself, a page with your physical location and/or social media contact information and, of course, the actual blog. For the blog, you'll have a full-service editor which you can use to create posts as well as specific functions for their scheduling and online publication. You'll have the ability to round out the posts with images and videos, manage SEO optimization and promote their sharing via social media.

A bit of advice? Try WebSite X5 for free and discover everything you can do.

In this video tutorial, we'll show you how easy it is to create a blog using WebSite X5.

If you need information or advice, feel free to contact us.

2023.1: Discover what's new that'll make you say "Wow"

Incomedia — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:00:00 GMT

A new year, a new interface!

Yes, we've decided to start off 2023 by giving WebSite X5 a User Interface with new colors and lines, and we've made this change the centerpiece of Version 2023.1, this year's first new release.

Obviously, we didn't limit ourselves to the interface, since (as is usually the case) ideas and concepts fit together and often lead to unexpected unanticipated goals.

So, let's take a look at all the new features of Version 2023.1 and discover how they can help us make our sites even more attractive and functional, making us say “Wow!”.

User interface

Updating the Graphical Interface of software is not a simple "aesthetic bonus" -- something that, if it's done it's fine, but it doesn't matter if it's not improved.

Think of an artisan's workshop. He or she spends most of their day there, and it contains all the tools needed. What would happen if the rooms were never refreshed or the now obsolete tools weren't replaced, or it was never organized or cleaned? The artisan would find him or herself working poorly in an unpleasant and chaotic environment.

It's the same with software. A workshop is a virtual environment in which you should feel comfortable and able to quickly and easily find what you need when you need it.

In this way, we've taken the style and logic of Windows 11, a system with which many of you are already familiar, and we've revisited the colors, shapes, spaces and textures of WebSite X5. The result is a more up-to-date, orderly and welcoming environment that promotes concentration and, consequently, supports productivity.

Image Lists + SEO

Speaking of the tools to be revisited… the image galleries. We've always liked them a lot, but the rather long lists with the names of the imported files, not so much! Gray unattractive and unusable lists.

Luckily, that's all fixed. We've made sure that each image and video in a gallery is represented by a thumbnail.

You can drag the thumbnails to arrange them as you' prefer and use the toolbar buttons to define all the properties. Among other things, you can now also specify a Title and an Alternative Text for these images to serve as an extra tool for the SEO optimization of your pages.

Edit from Browser

If, on the other hand, we're talking about shortcuts, i.e., ways to speed up a step or procedure, we've introduced one you'll be quite happy with.

Here's how it works: you open the preview in your site's local browser, and you realize you prefer to change something in it, for example, the title.

Here's what you need to do: simply click on the button to enter editing mode, then click directly on the text you wish to change in the preview. WebSite X5 automatically opens the Object Settings window, so you can immediately change what you prefer without having to waste time to look for it.

As you can imagine, especially when your pages are complex and have a lot of content, this is a surefire way to go. Practical and effective!

Minimum order

We didn't want to release a new version without including something for e-commerce as well. Therefore, we've introduced (only for the Pro edition) an option to specify a minimum order amount for each product added to a cart.

If, for example, it's not convenient for you to accept an order of less than three jars of acacia honey in your organic products store, you can set this threshold. The customer will be notified, and you won't receive orders with incorrect quantities.

Everything will be clearer and more efficient for your satisfaction as well as for your customers' satisfaction.

What else?

We decided that the new version had to be not only inside WebSite X5 but also on the outside, in the websites that are created with the software. We replaced ten of the default Pro templates and five of the Evo default templates. We hope they'll inspire you for your next projects.

Finally, the issue of data security is growing more and more relevant. One of the best practices is making software and language updates, so we've added the support of servers using PHP v8.2.

We'll stop here for this year's first version. As you update and explore everything you can do with WebSite X5, we'll be getting back to work.

There are so many new ideas in the pipeline that we're eager to develop and offer you!

As usual, the list of all the latest features included in the new 2023.1 version (and in previous versions) is available on the News Page.

If you already have an active WebSite X5 license, you can install this new version right away. Just launch the program, and you'll find instructions for doing so in just a few clicks.

If your WebSite X5 license has expired, renew it today to receive the new 2023.1 version.

Website content: what it is and how to use it

Incomedia — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 23:00:00 GMT

There's a moment when you stare at the blank screen of your PC with the cursor flashing and time seems to stand still, blocked like your mind which can't produce anything.

Creating website content isn't always easy. Luckily, something finally unblocks, and ideas and words then begin to flow.

To help you overcome this "writer's block", it might be useful to take stock of the various types of content you can use and reiterate why and how you should use them. If, at the end, you're still looking for ideas, we'll take a look at some tools which may be effective for unblocking the situation.

A brief introduction

If you're getting ready to produce content to insert into the pages of your website, this means you've already done a bit of thinking and, consequently, you've made a few decisions.

You've defined your goals i.e., what you want to achieve
You've identified your relevant audience
You've established the tone of voice to maintain

What's that? You didn't? Take the time to do it. Only with clear ideas on these points can you create content that truly interests those you're looking to reach, leading you to the results you're looking for.

If, on the other hand, you've done your homework, you're on the right track for creating excellent content, i.e., content that's capable of satisfying people's needs for information, training or commerce and has the ability to stand out in the vast sea of the internet.

Types of content

Not all content is the same. Each type has its own specificities and lends itself well to certain purposes compared to others. As such, they're typically at their best when they're used in combination with each other.

Let's take a look at main types of content we can use for a website.

Text

This is THE quintessential content. It's into this category that all written material falls, from short bits of news to long blog articles, from product descriptions to reviews. Text can be used for many purposes: to provide information regarding a company or an organization, to present products or services, to tell a story, etc.

To be high quality, it's not only what's said that's important but how it's said. As such, it's always good to keep in mind the rules of good copywriting. It must be written in clear and easy-flowing language that's consistent with the website's style and is relevant to the reader.

Finally, the text must respect SEO rules so it can be optimally positioned on search engines.

Images and animations

Another type of content that never fails, images make web pages more attractive and appealing, set moods, suggest emotions, show products and clarify the concepts expressed in the text.

Given the importance of the role they play, it's wise to choose the images carefully, aiming for quality and, when the budget allows for it, investing in ad hoc professional images.

In addition to static images, you can also use animations. You can create GIFs and use them, which are especially popular on social networks, or go for more complex HTML5 animations depending on the situation.

In any case, images and animations must be carefully optimized, so their size doesn't excessively hinder the loading of pages.

Infographics and diagrams

Infographics and diagrams can make information easier to understand and more attractive. They can be used to explain complex concepts, show data or statistics, or present information in a visual way.

Considering that the human brain takes a long time to process letters and numbers, and after a few days, 90% of this information is forgotten, replacing a wall of text with an infographic can significantly help the reader, making him or her more able to remember the information you're looking to convey.

With the tools available today, creating an infographic is pretty easy, but it still requires a bit of effort and work.

However, the investment is justified if we consider that infographics are one of the most viral types of content on the internet.

Video

Another type of content that's extremely effective and potentially viral is videos. Videos are a great way to tell a story and therefore convey engaging content with a high emotional impact.

At the same time, videos are also good for communicating a brand's values, presenting products/services and providing information and training.

Of course, making videos requires more effort than more traditional content, but with the tools available today, it has become a task that's within everyone's reach. Naturally, we must always aim for quality videos optimized for the internet, but a certain number of technical imperfections are forgiven if the basic concept is successful.

Podcasts

Finally, we can't forget podcasts which, in recent times, have risen to prominence, capturing an increasingly large audience. It's basically audio content that's usually saved as an MP3 file.

The most common examples are radio podcasts, but there are many others in these truly diverse times. Generally, they have the purpose of entertaining, informing or training. People appreciate them because they can also listen to them at their convenience, perhaps while they're busy doing something else.

Content styles

So, in your web pages, you can insert texts, images, animations, videos or audio tracks, but to create what? With these ingredients at your disposal, you can create surprisingly different recipes and dishes.

Here are some of the most common and most used formats on the internet:

Lists: Numbered or bulleted lists are ideal for presenting information in a concise and easy-to-follow way. Use them to avoid creating walls of text or endless monologues.
Storytelling: Storytelling can make content more engaging and interesting, helping to create an emotional connection with the audience. After all, everyone loves to hear a story.
Interviews: You can use interviews to provide a different perspective or to present an expert opinion on a topic.
Long-form: Long-form content is great for providing detailed and in-depth information regarding a topic. Useful for SEO, it requires a greater commitment, both on the part of those who create it and on the part of those who read it.
Reviews: These help potential customers form an opinion about a product or service. They're actively sought out since other customers are thought to be more trustworthy than a company.
Reports: These are a good way to tell the story of a company or an organization, thus offering a glimpse inside.

Tools

At this point, you know what types of content you can rely on, and you also know how to combine them to create some of the formats that work best on the internet.

It could still be, however, that you don't know which topic to develop your content around, or you may realize that you don't have the necessary skills to create it. Luckily, there are tools that can help you.

Google Trends

The first tool you absolutely need to know about is Google Trends, a service that, as you can easily imagine, is available for free from the Mountain View giant.

This tool allows you to see, in real time, the most popular search topics. In practice, Google analyzes the searches that people do every day within Google Search, Google News, Google Images, YouTube and Google Shopping and determines the trending topics.

You can use Google Trends in different ways. For example, you can start from a search query of your choosing to see how much interest it's experiencing, or you can simply view the list of trending topics for the last 24 hours.

In a short time, you'll be able to gather ideas and useful information to decide which topic to create your next bit of content around.

AI tools

Speaking of trends, one of the topics that has recently undergone a surge on Google Trends (and remember that "surge" means an increase in search volumes of more than 500% over a specified amount time) is precisely that of Artificial intelligence.

The promise of AI is to help us solve tasks that, until recently, were completely up to people.

GPT Chats is something has really sparked everyone's interest and curiosity. It's an artificial intelligence-based chatbot with whom you can speak in order to receive answers on any topic. But it can do much more than that. It can write text, proofread, summarize, translate, simplify complex concepts and create tables from texts. It can also write code. The only subject it's not good at is math.

It's currently free. You can simply register, chat with it and let it help you create your content.

Chat GPT, of course, is not the only AI tool to consider. There are others for text editing (also optimized for SEO), there are those for image generation (such as Dall-e and Midjourney), those who work with video, audio, code, etc. There's also Futurpedia.io, a directory that collects AI tools, and it's growing at a rapid pace.

The debate on the use of AI tools is ongoing. There are many issues still to be resolved, but these are tools that can help us with many tasks. It's worth staying informed, trying them and discovering how to use them to increase our productivity.

In closing

Of course, you can get help from an AI tool, but the fact remains that creating content, especially if you want it to be useful and of high quality, requires a certain investment of time and energy. Why, then, limit yourself to using a piece of content just once?

Keep in mind that content can be recycled. If, for example, you have written a long, in-depth article, you can use it to obtain an abstract to publish on Linkedin, or a series of snippets to publish on Facebook or even an infographic to share on Instagram. It's a smart way to optimize your investment.

By working this way, with passion and a process, you'll be able to overcome the infamous writer's block, produce interesting content and - what ultimately matters most - satisfy your audience.

I'm dropping everything and opening a pastry shop. The turning point in Federico's life also passes through the internet.

Incomedia — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Post written by Federico and Stefano Ranfagni, CEO and CTO of Incomedia.

Federico Battaglia is a true friend. One of those with whom we shared beach holidays as children and, as adults, numerous family lunches and gatherings at the lake during important occasions. Years ago, he decided to make a radical change in his life. He moved from Milan to Valencia and went from being a lawyer to a pastry chef. At that point, he needed to put together a website for his shop, and we (of course!) advised him to do so with WebSite X5.

He may be a bit biased 😉, but we're very happy to share his experience with you.

Hi Fede, how about telling everyone a little bit about yourself?

"I'd love to! I'm 47 years old, and I now live in the fabulous city of Valencia, where I'm a pastry chef. I still love law. In my previous life, in fact, I lived in Milan, and I was a lawyer.

But fourteen years of practicing law were enough for me to understand that I needed something different, so I gathered up my courage and left for Valencia. Here, I began to cultivate my passion for pastry. I attended courses and obtained a professional pastry certificate. I was then able to open my first "Fedemuyrico" shop.

In the beginning, I only catered to bars and restaurants. Then I opened up to everyone with my shop in the Ruzafa Market, located in one of the most iconic and cosmopolitan parts of the city.

It hasn't always been easy, but I'm happy with the choices I've made."

…then one day we spoke, and you asked us for advice…

"Exactly. Once the shop opened, one of my recurring thoughts was, 'What can I do to promote it? How do I find new customers?'

I soon realized that I needed a website and, at that point, the easiest thing was to ask you. I knew you had developed dedicated software even though, and I have to be honest here, I had never bothered to look into it much.

You explained to me that WebSite X5 was made especially for people like me: professionals working in the most diverse fields who are looking for an easy, fast and economical tool for creating their own web pages.

I tried it, and I have to say you were absolutely right."

What was it like to create your shop's site with WebSite X5?

"It was, and still is, a great source of satisfaction; the same satisfaction one feels about a cake that turned out well.

I won't deny that in the beginning, I had some doubts. Would I be able to complete it? And, above all, would I be able to create an attractive and functional site? I've been a lawyer and now I'm a pastry chef, but I never considered myself a web designer!

The website had to be the shop's business card. It couldn't be unattractive or unprofessional.

However, in the end, I decided to trust you, and I did a great job.

I love working with WebSite X5. I appreciate composing the pages in a visual way without having to deal with code. I've been using it for years now. I've seen it grow from version to version, and I'm still thrilled with it."

For the online promotion of your shop, you've created a website along with social media profiles. How do you use those?

"Unfortunately, I don't always have the time to follow the shop's Facebook and Instagram accounts as closely as I'd like.

In any case, I think they're important, but they can't replace the website. The site, like the physical shop it represents, is mine. Its pages are "home". Conversely, on social networks, I'm always the guest of someone whose rules I have to follow.

On the site, I can present my projects and my creations, and I can take the space to bring out the human side as well.

After all, behind every business, there's always a person with their own experiences, dreams and passions.

And I always have new ideas to propose.

What kind of new ideas?

"Not just new cakes or new cupcake flavors.

For example, since I enjoy hosting people in my laboratory, I began offering courses. I teach people how to make lasagna, gnocchi and pizza using my mother's famous recipes.

Then recently, I thought of creating the "Patas Bravas" line of biscuits. Even our dogs have a sweet tooth.

Each idea finds its place among the site's pages and, consequently, its audience of admirers who then come to the shop."

And if you were to attempt a budget?

"Absolutely positive. I have a website that I like and that I can manage on my own, despite having neither great technical skills nor much time to devote to it.

The investment required to maintain the site is low and, above all, pays off easily through the visibility it guarantees me.

In fact, my clientele doesn't consist only of people who live in the neighborhood. A lot of people find me online through Google Search and Google Maps. I know that they arrive first on my site, where they're enticed by the photos they find, and then they come to my shop to try my specialities.

In short, and I'm not saying this just because we're longtime friends, with WebSite X5, we really hit the jackpot."

Websites for photographers

Incomedia — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 23:00:00 GMT

As I see it, there are two possibilities: the first is that photography is your big passion; the second is that photography is not only your passion, but also your main source of income. In both cases, you still need a website: if you are a professional photographer, in fact, this website will be one of your working tools; if, on the other hand, you are a hobby photographer, it will instead be the right way to get your photos out there, letting everyone see them, as they deserve.

But what are the characteristics of a good website for photographers? What are its special features and what precautions must be taken when creating one? We'll find the answers together in this article.

The characteristics of a well-designed photography website

When we browse online we come across a multitude of websites: some we like, some we don't. We will tend to spend more time browsing those we like, and we will abandon the latter immediately without any major regrets.

It's not just a question of aesthetics: what determines the opinion that we will form in just a few seconds on the website in front of us is a mix of different factors. For a photography website, 3 of the most important factors that determine its success in the eyes of visitors are the following:

A beautiful and captivating template
A clear and functional structure
Full compatibility with mobile devices

A beautiful and captivating template

The first thing that strikes us when we land on a webpage is, of course, its graphic aspect. We look at the elements present and how they are arranged, we allow ourselves to be influenced by the colors and spaces and, in the end, we feel welcomed or underwhelmed by the environment we find.

This should be enough to give you an idea just how important the role played by the template your choose for your website is.

In the specific case of a website for photographers, the template adopted should be quite minimal and clean, so as to allow the photographs – the real protagonists of the pages – to focus all the visitors' attention on the pages themselves. Typically, the best choice is to adopt a basic palette in which a few colors are carefully combined, taking advantage of a dark background or, conversly, completely white, without being afraid to leave empty space.

If you have decided not to use a predefined template for your website, but to create your own original one, keep these tips in mind and look for ideas by also checking what other photographers have already done. We have selected a few websites to use as inspiration: you can find them at the end of this article.

A clear and functional structure

Having decided that we like a website, we begin to explore the first content to understand if we are really interested in it. Here, another fundamental aspect comes into play: the structure of the website, in other words its articulation in pages linked by a navigation menu.

Typically, a website for photographers does not require too many pages and, consequently, offers a rather simple navigation structure that leads visitors to reach the content they are looking for in just a few clicks.

The essential pages for a photography website are:

The Home page
As we often hear, the home page is the gateway to a website and it is here that the possibility of making a good first impression comes into play. You have to be able to present yourself and your work, immediately clarifying who you are, what you do and where you are located.

Many photographers make the mistake of not including textual content on their home page: it is true that the photos must be the protagonists of the website, but the narration must also not be neglected. A short text accompanying the photos will be sufficient to clarify, for example, that yours is a photography site and not a travel agency.
Portfolio galleries
In this case, galleries represent the very heart of the website: they are the pages where visitors discover your photos. First of all, you must come to terms with the fact that it is not necessary to include every single one of your photos: better to choose only the best, the most representative ones, and organize them by theme so that it is easy to understand what they are dealing with and what the underlying style is.

Take advantage of galleries that best showcase your shots and remember tooptimize each image to maintain good quality but, at the same time, making sure they do not weigh too much and, therefore, are not too slow to load.
Who am I
This is an often unjustly underrated page: this is the page where visitors have the chance to discover and learn more about the person behind the camera. Try to go for a more personal approach: include a photo of yourself, perhaps offer the possibility to download your CV, and write some engaging content in which you tell visitors and potential clients something about yourself in a friendly way. You can start with your professional history, but you could also talk about your approach to photography, your interests or your sources of inspiration.

Remember that you are creating this page to define and amplify your personal branding.
Contacts
The goal of a website is to get your name out there, to find new customers, to establish new relationships: it is therefore essential that it includes all your contact information. Name, address, phone, email: you should put all your contact info directly in the footer of the template so that they are always available and easy to find. In addition, you should also neatly collect them on a special contacts page, perhaps including an email contact form for requesting more information and a map with directions for potential customers to reach you.

Full compatibility with mobile devices

Anyone browsing the internet these days no longer does it just sitting at their desk on their desktop computer or on their laptop: on the contrary, in most cases, they surf using their smartphone and still expect to be able to enjoy all the content in an equally satisfactory way.

It is very important, therefore, that a website is responsive – and a photography website is no exception to this rule.

Your goal must be to make the pages of your website perfect even on smaller screens, while maintaining the quality of the photos, the general usability of the content and the simplicity of navigation.

Extra features, but not too many

We talked about design, content and optimization in order to make webpages responsive. Addressing these aspects in the best possible way already guarantees that you have a good quality website. Obviously more can be done, aiming for the top. There are a number of optional – but highly recommended – sections you can include in your website and good practices that can be implemented.

The extra sections that can give an edge to a photography website are:

The Blog: While it's true that a picture is worth a thousand words, it's also true that people love stories. In a blog you can tell the story of what's behind a shot, explain the techniques you used, describe the emotions you experienced. If you really think about it, you have a lot to tell and to share with your readers. It will help you connect with people and it will also help you with Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
The online store: Your website can be much more than a showcase. In fact, it can become a store where your can directly sell your photos online. You probably already know that you can offer them on microstock sites, but why stay in someone else's home when you can have a home of your own? We talked about this extensively in the "How to sell photos online and become a champion" article, in which you will find many useful tips.

The actions that can help you position and "push" your photography website are:

Search Engine Optimization: It's not enough to create a website and publish it online. You have to do the right work to position yourself well on search engines. This is the only way that your website will be proposed as a search result and will attract good traffic. There are many strategies that can be implemented to optimize web pages: in a photography website, you need to start from the images themselves, reducing their weight (as we already mentioned) and adding meaningful descriptions and ALT Text.
Active promotion: In addition to the focus on organic positioning, you can implement various activities to bring traffic to your website. You can start with simple things, such as mentioning your website as much as possible (using business cards, flyers, word of mouth in local shops, etc.). You can, of course, take advantage of the social media channels on which you are active. And, if you have a budget to invest, you can also consider launching an advertising campaign. The idea is that your website will "transform" part of this traffic into customers, definitively convincing them of the quality of your services.

A special case: wedding photography

So far we have treated websites for photographers as if they were all the same – but, of course, they are not. Certainly the basic characteristics and needs are the same, but things can change a bit if you deal with nature photography, still life, reportage or fashion.

Take, for example, the case of websites for photographers whose focus is primarily on weddings. The competition is quite strong in this sector and to stand out, you should focus on 3 key levers:

Emotions: Couples will often choose their wedding photographer for the emotions he or she is able to capture in their shots, but also for those that they are able to arouse through their words. This is where a blog can really make a difference: narrating the backstage and the story behind the photo shoots you've already done is a perfect way to engage and make potential customers dream.
Social media feedback: nothing convinces more than the positive comments left by satisfied customers. Add a page or a section with customer feedback: talking about yourself is a perfect way to increase your reputation and convince new potential customers.
Professionalism: In the end, it's all a matter of trust: to earn the trust of future spouses, you must demonstrate all your professionalism. You do this through every detail (from the logo to the privacy policy) and every piece of content (from photographs to texts) included on your website: explaining everything you offer in a services page and providing a way to be contacted through a contact form will give you that extra edge.

Wordpress alternatives: try WebSite X5

At this point, the theory should be pretty clear, so let's move on to the practical side: how do you actually go about creating your own website?

There are different roads you can take: you can decide to delegate the task to an agency or a web designer rather than choosing to do everything yourself, relying on WordPress or on an online service. If the idea of being autonomous and free to create your website as you see fit entices you, the most advantageous and economic solution, however, is to use software such as WebSite X5.

WebSite X5 is simple and intuitive, as well as also being perfect for those without any prior programming knowledge. It offers a selection of templates designed especially for photographers: you can start from one of these or choose to create your own template from scratch.

Everything is highly customizable and you have all the options you need to activate each function we have talked about: from galleries to blogs, from contact forms to e-commerce, from user feedback to social media buttons.

Your website will be online in no time, perfect on mobile devices and optimized for search engines. You can update it with new shots and new content as often as you want, without depending on anyone and without having to wait.

You can test WebSite X5 by downloading the trial version valid for 15 days. You will be able to try all the available tools and functionalities, save up to 15 pages and publish your project on a reserved space. And in the end, if you decide that WebSite X5 is right for you, you can upgrade to the full version of the program without losing your project.

Inspiration websites

We promised it at the beginning of this article and the time has finally come to take a look at some examples. Here, then, are some photography websites that you can use as inspiration:

Free websites: Let's dispel some myths

Incomedia — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 23:00:00 GMT

If there's one thing I hate when I ask a specific question - for example: "How much does it cost to create a website?" - expecting an equally clear answer, is to hear, in spite of all my desire to simplify, a vague "It depends".

Yet, to be completely honest, sometimes it's the only answer that makes sense because, effectively, the cases can be numerous and varied to the point that they can't be lumped into just one category.

So if you're really asking me how much it costs to create a website, you might as well resign yourself. My answer can only be "It depends," and now I'll explain why.

The main types of websites

It's easy to say "website", but what's really behind this simple word? A diverse world, comprised of many types of sites, each with its own characteristics and objectives. It goes without saying that, differing in complexity and size, websites also entail different construction and maintenance costs.

We've already discussed how many types of sites exist. Let's recall the main ones and try to define what types of costs they might entail:

Blogs

Since they first appeared on the internet, blogs have experienced ups and downs, and today (despite those who predicted their disappearance) they're extremely popular because people like them - especially Google.

In itself, starting a blog is quite simple and not very expensive. A few static pages and a good template are usually more than enough to get started.

Difficulties and costs are actually hidden in the creation of content and maintenance over time. The success of a blog, in fact, lies in the quality of the content it offers as well as in the frequency and consistency it manages to maintain.

One-page websites

A website isn't always a group of pages. Sometimes it all boils down to a single page divided into sections: one piece of content per section, one after another, with anchor links in the navigation menu.

A one-page website doesn't suit every situation, but it's perfect for when you have a small amount of content to communicate, and you want to create a site that's relatively simple yet impactful.

In the end, a one-page website means you only need to create one page rather than many. The costs are more affordable, and the site will be online even faster.

Institutional sites

This is the classic showcase site in which companies or institutions present themselves. The goal is clear: to provide all the information and contact details necessary to make yourself known to users and allow them to get in touch.

These types of sites, which don't have dynamic parts (such as blogs, private areas or stores), are still relatively simple.

Here, the costs can begin to rise, mostly due to the research related to the image you're looking to convey (the layout must be carefully defined in addition to the text copy) and the number of pages that need to be created.

Sites with product and/or service catalogs

A company's website should not be just a business card but a true working instrument. For this reason, it's often augmented by a presentation of the catalog of products and/or services offered.

It's important that everything is presented in the best possible way, and obviously as the catalog grows, so does the cost of production and site maintenance.

Online stores

It all begins with a simple online presence, progresses to presenting one's products and/or services and naturally arrives at selling online. An e-commerce site must be a "machine" designed and optimized for sales: a mechanism designed to present, convince and reassure the customer.

Among all websites, an e-commerce site is the most complex and the most expensive to create, although it varies greatly based on the specifics of the project.

Cost elements

Given that costs vary according to the type of site you're looking to create and, more generally, to the complexity of the project, which elements contribute to increasing the budget?

Domain and hosting

This is the first expense for any type of website. No matter how simple or complex it is, in order to go online, a website needs a domain and a webspace.

The domain is the URL, the address that users will enter into the browser bar to find your site.

The server space (hosting), on the other hand, is where all the files and any databases that make up your site will be hosted.

The baseline costs for domains and hosting are not that high. You can find plans that offer good value for money for just a few euros a month. Obviously, the plans then increase to meet more specific needs.

Graphics and design

On the internet, looks matter, and how! A website must be attractive, captivating and functional. You can achieve great results even if you're not a graphics expert by relying on a template. There are many, and they exist for a wide range of sectors. They can be free or paid but, generally speaking, their costs are quite low.

The alternative is to rely on a professional. In this case, you'll have a website with a more unique appearance that's perfectly in line with your wishes, but in order to get it, you'll need to be willing to pay more.

Content

Once the template has been taken care of, the fact remains that you'll need to fill it in, and to do so, you'll need content. Content can consist of images, text, galleries, videos and animations, etc. The important thing is that it's always high quality.

Just to give an example, you can use completely free stock images, purchase them or opt for a photo shoot. The investment changes, but so does the result. Evaluate according to your budget and your goals.

Development

We're now at a critical point. With clear ideas and the template and contents ready to go, the site can be "assembled". But how? Here, too, the paths are different: from the least expensive, done by oneself, to the more complicated, which is entrusted to a programmer or a web agency.

Here again, there's no right solution, but simply the most appropriate solution for you. Consider your level of preparation, the time and budget you have and, above all, the goals you're looking to achieve.

Maintenance

We tend to forget, but even after the website is published online, the work continues.

The website, in fact, must be kept up to date at various levels:

Technical - Things change on the internet, and only constant updating guarantees adequate levels of compatibility and security.
Graphics - Those who visit a website may think the company is also "old" or "outdated" if they believe the website that represents is such.
Content - Whether for contacts, timetables, products, prices or events, people should find only updated and correct information on the site.

This maintenance work also entails a cost which, obviously, is lower if it's not delegated to third parties.

Beware of free websites

So, is the promise of creating a website for free nothing but a lie?

No. There are online services that allow you to do this, but are we sure this is really the best way to go?

After all, a website is like a suit. You can decide to spend €5 for a t-shirt at the local market, €50 for a shirt in a shop or €250 for a tailor-made shirt. All three alternatives can work. It all depends on what you're looking to achieve.

At this point, it should be clear that, in principle, the more important your website, the more you should be willing to spend and invest.

Do this exercise with me. Try answering these three questions:

Why do you need a website?
Is it just a project in your spare time or is it related to your professional activity? Is it for fun or are there interests at stake?
What kind of website do you want to build?
Do you need a showcase site, a blog, an event site or an e-commerce site? Do you need just a few relatively simple pages or are you aiming for something more complex that'll need to be kept up-to-date over time?
What are your goals?
In your strategy, do you need this website to make yourself known, to grow the brand, to acquire leads or to sell?

It will also be clear to you that the more the website grows (in complexity and also in terms of importance within your strategy) the more it deserves to enjoy the appropriate investment in order to get off on the right foot.

Our solution: WebSite X5

Once you decide that your website deserves an investment, you can begin looking for the solution that allows you to achieve the best results for the least investment in terms of time and money.

The answer to your search is WebSite X5. With this software, you don't need to be an expert or know how to program. It's easy and intuitive and allows you to instantly create websites complete with blogs and e-commerce carts that are perfect for mobile devices and optimized for Search Engines.

WebSite X5 has no fees or subscriptions. You simply purchase a license and the software is yours forever. Plus, you can use it to create as many sites as you'd like: for yourself, your friends or your clients.

In addition, WebSite X5 gives you 12 months of free web space and automatic domain registration.

Consider the benefits:

You won't need to depend on anyone.
You can create, customize and update your site as you see fit.
Using the predefined templates and wizards, you'll end up with professional pages.
You'll save time.
You'll save money. Do the math. The WebSite X5 license is cheaper than the monthly fees of the best-known CMSs.

Try WebSite X5 now! Learn about everything you can do, and create your first website right away.

Photography and Web Design: How René brought his photos online

Incomedia — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 23:00:00 GMT

The need for a website comes with different reasons. It could be for instance a way of bringing a business online and consequently increasing the customer base, but it could also represent a personal challenge: build a website to share what we love and, at the same time, learn something new.

That’s exactly the case for René Staab, a Munich lawyer with a great passion for photography and technology. Despite not having ever tried something similar before, René decided to put himself out there and create a website to show the world his photos. That’s how https://www.renestaab.com/ was born, from René’s initiative and the help that only WebSite X5 could offer him.

Let’s find out more about his experience.

Hi René! I quote from your website: “I created this website for fun”. Can you tell us more?

«Of course! The sentence you reported perfectly represents my initial approach to renestaab.com.

I read about WebSite X5 on an IT-magazine, and what caught my eye was the claim to be a software conceived for people who weren’t necessarily web or website experts. I wanted to test my abilities and, above all, test the software by creating my own website, just for fun. In the end, despite being a newbie, I achieved a really nice and satisfying result!»

What subject did you choose for your “experiment”?

«Despite being a lawyer, I’ve always had a great passion for photography. So, throughout the years I collected a great number of very heterogeneous shots: landscapes, architecture, macro, animals, art and so on. For many years, they where stored on some hard disk, without a real audience, which was a pity!

With my website, I wanted to increase their visibility. The purpose of photos is for them to be looked at, regardless if the photographer is a professional or a hobbyist, like in my case. Visibility is crucial for photography, and a website can really make a difference.»

You have been using WebSite X5 for some years now: can we say you have become an expert?

«Well, maybe not an expert, but indeed I have had experience in this field and I have learned many new things. I have appreciated all the functions that the program has, without having to code.

Throughout the years, I also tried other tools, but they generally needed some level of programming skills if you wanted to get a good result. That’s never happened with WebSite X5: I could create a good website with no effort, and I’m really satisfied with the result!»

You surely had the opportunity to expand your knowledge about web design: do you have any tips for who would like to create their own website like you did?

«Something I understood is that the most important thing about a website, is its readability: if you want to attract visitors, the pages must be neat and well organized. Everything you add must be there for a reason.

Your goal is to make pages which aren’t overloaded with elements: it is better to have less but significant contents which can interest the visitors, so they can decide to stay longer on the website and learn more about the presented activity or business. That’s the rule I followed while working on my website, but I think it applies in any case.»

Let’s go back to the first question: How would you rate your experience with WebSite X5? Did you actually have fun?

«I did! But not only: I also learned new skills and now my photos are no longer hidden on my PC, but available online for everybody who wants to find out more about them.»

Bye bye, 2022. Welcome 2023!

Incomedia — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 23:03:00 GMT

December: time to take stock. Time to discover what the most googled words are. To open the Spotify wrap to find out our musical personality. Time to note that perfection isn’t that much of a deal, given that the Oxford Dictionary elected goblin mode as word of the year. And even the Pantone Institute reminds us that we’re living in unconventional times by choosing the bold color Viva Magenta for 2023.

And so -inevitably- we find ourselves thinking about all we have done during this year. It’s the perfect moment to congratulate ourselves for our accomplishments and reconsider our flops to understand how we can improve.

So, we’ve decided to report it all in an infographic.

While preparing the infographic, we lived once again what we felt when the Mobile Kitchen in Rome that we made with our friends of the NPO Progetto Arca was finally ready, when we published the 3 new versions of WebSite X5, and when we launched the brand new WebAnimator 4.

It’s a good way to think back to the year that is about to end and, to find the right motivation to start the new one, with all its surprises. We do of course hope you will still be with us, on this exciting journey.

Beauty and the Web: Maurizio explains the advantages of a website for beauty salons

Incomedia — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 08:37:00 GMT

Up to ten years ago, it was enough for a hairdresser to know their way around with scissors to attract customers. Today, however, the Internet has radically changed our habits and competition is stiffer than ever. It is no longer enough for hairdressers to improve their technique and manage their shop as best as possible: close attention must also be paid to a solid marketing strategy, keeping in mind the opportunities that the web can offer.

Maurizio Amadio is a hairdresser with over 40 years of experience, a brilliant career behind him and many ideas for the future, with a well-established beauty salon in Rome. Using WebSite X5 he created the www.maurizioamadio.com website on his own: so who better than Maurizio to talk about beauty and websites?

Hello Maurizio, could you introduce yourself briefly?

“Of course. My professional career began when I was very young, in some of the most renowned beauty institutes in the center of Rome. In these ateliers I had the privilege of crossing paths with film and television actors and actresses, both Italian and international, as well as many of Rome’s personalities of the 1980s.

My work also made me travel a lot: for example, I have often been to Venezuela and New York. At the end of this international adventure, I decided to return to Rome and here I opened my own salon, that represents for me, a meeting place where I can discover every woman’s beauty, with a touch of personal style.”

Why did you decide to make your own website?

“Being a hairdresser allows you to establish a special relationship with the customer. If you know how to listen and then translate a desire – not always well defined – into reality, you can win the customer’s trust and this will make them come back to you.

At the beginning of my career, the personal relationship with the customer and the word of mouth that was spontaneously generated were more than enough. But when the web began to explode, I quickly realized that I had to get my name out there, even outside my usual contacts.

So I decided to create my salon’s website and, it certainly was a winning intuition. Over the past 10 years my website has seen a great deal of traffic, which translated into many new clients for the salon. In short, thanks to a site capable of conveying the same sense of trust, professionalism and seriousness, the business and the name of the salon have experienced a steady growth.”

What led you to choose WebSite X5 to create your beauty salon website?

“For me, the most important thing was to be independent. I didn’t want dependencies on suppliers: I don’t like being tied up in any way to others, I even have a Facebook page, but I never use it. Second, I didn’t really want to spend too much, also because I wasn’t actually prepared to use a program like this: I'm a hairdresser after all!

With these 2 points in mind, I did a research on the web and came across WebSite X5: I carefully checked the reviews and trusted them.

I must say that I immediately liked the simplicity of the program in terms of use. For a layman like myself, it turned out to be the right solution at the right time. It has really given excellent results and, I have even been asked to create sites for third parties. ;)

Now I’m actually working on a new site, for my salon as well. The center is being expanded and so the site also needs to be modernized. I think keeping it updated is very important.”

What guides you when you create the pages of your site?

“I work in the beauty industry, so I can't afford to neglect the more graphic or visual aspects: I know how important the image is and I want my pages to be beautiful, captivating and in step with the times. As I was saying, it is important that the website communicates professionalism and seriousness: the visitor must feel that he or she can rely on us with full confidence.

Beyond the graphics, I then try to ensure that visitors are able to immediately find the information they are looking for.

Trying to put yourself in the shoes of a potential customer who might be searching for a hairdresser on Google, perhaps on their cellphone while not even at home, is a good exercise. You immediately realize that it is essential to make sure that contacts, information on the location, a brief presentation of who is behind the site and the services that are offered are clearly spelled out and easily found.”

In the end, would you recommend WebSite X5?

“Absolutely, I have already recommended it and I will continue to do so in the future because, if I was able to master it and to create my site, anyone can do it.”

How to create a blog

Incomedia — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 08:54:00 GMT

Once in a while, you’ll hear someone who claims that blogs are dead because they’ve been replaced by videos or the latest social media platform. Yet, today's blogs are more alive than ever and, in fact, simple online journals have become true mainstays as marketing strategies.

With a blog, in fact, you can enjoy major advantages. From a SEO point of view, blog content really appeals to Search Engines, so they’re rewarded with increased visibility. This, in general, translates into increased traffic and, consequently, into more potentially interested people and greater opportunities for conversion.

A blog also serves to assist with branding, form connections with readers and customers, increase transparency and add a human face to a company, thereby contributing to customer loyalty.

Starting a blog, therefore, is the right move if you’re looking to acquire new customers and build a close relationship with your clientele. But how do you create a professional blog? You'll find out by reading this article.

When to start a blog

Let's begin with a warning. Everyone loves to immediately reap the rewards for the work they do, but a blog doesn’t operate that way. You need to be patient and assume a medium to long-term perspective. You should start writing and publishing so that the search engine has time to index your content and, if you're good at it, elevate it to a higher position on the SERP. At the same time, readers will begin finding you, reading your posts and liking them.

It takes time, however, before what you sow bears fruit. That's why you should begin as soon as possible. At first, you’ll publish your posts and perhaps very few people will read them. Use this time to experiment, refine and improve. By the time your audience becomes more consistent, your blog will already be populated with lots of interesting content, and this will benefit your image and credibility.

In short, if your question is, "When should I start a blog?”, the correct answer is: “Yesterday”.

How to establish a content plan

The blogosphere is a crowded place. It’s estimated that by the end of 2020, there were more than 500 million blogs in the world with a total of more than 2 billion posts published per year.

If you want to succeed in carving out a space for yourself in the midst of this proliferation of personal and professional blogs, you’ll need to proceed with a strategy and a method.

Here’s what you should do to properly set up your blog:

Focus on your goals

Before you even metaphorically pick up your pen and begin writing a post, you’ll need to understand the reason you’re doing it. What are your objectives? What are the values you wish to transmit? What’s the message you’re trying to convey?

Don’t overlook this step. Having a clear cut goal will help you in the choices you make, moving the needle each time you need to make a decision.

Choose your niche

Now that you’ve defined the goals you want to achieve, you’ll need to address another fundamental issue. You’ll need to decide what to talk about in your blog.

The topics you can cover are virtually endless and, in fact, there are blogs of every type. Among the most popular are those having to do with travel, cooking, DIY, fashion, technology, fitness, politics … and the list goes on and on.

Obviously, your choice will depend on your interests and needs. If your idea is to start a personal blog, there’d be no point in writing about what you’re not passionate about or knowledgeable on. If you want to create a business blog, you’ll instead need to start with the product/service you’re selling, with the goal of attracting potential customers.

Identifying the general subject area, however, is not enough. In areas too broad and already widely discussed, the competition would be too steep and your chances of success too low.

What you need to do is specialise. Find a specific niche where you’ll fit in.

So, for example, it wouldn’t make sense for you to start yet another general cooking blog. You could, however, focus on starting a blog based on mouthwatering strawberry recipes. You’ll have less competition and a greater chance of positioning yourself.

But how do you identify an interesting niche in which you can operate?

You’ll need to do a bit of research. Services like Semrush and Seozoom can help you feel things out. Remember that a niche is interesting and profitable if:

it attracts a significant number of people interested in the topic
is inherent to a topic you know well
people who are interested are also willing to spend money
you have something to sell in this niche

If you find a niche that hasn’t yet been overrun and can satisfy all four of these requirements, bingo! You have all the makings of a blog that’ll give you great satisfaction.

Identify your audience

While doing the research to identify your niche, you’ll inevitably also begin thinking of your audience, i.e., the recipients of the articles you’ll publish, the readers of your blog.

This audience of "yours" is only a rather small percentage of the millions of visitors active online every day, and that's okay. Your goal, in fact, is not to speak to everyone; your goal is to speak only to those interested in what you’re offering.

Who are, then, the people who make up this group? What are their true needs and interests?

Try to create a profile of your typical customer/reader. Give them a name, an age, a profession and perhaps even an appearance (experts would say, “create a persona”). This will help you think of them as a real person. With this sketch in mind, each time you need to write a new blog post, you can ask yourself:

“Is this content valuable to him or her?”

“Which problem(s) does it solve?”

This will help you write quality content since writing to a friend with the goal of helping or entertaining them is easier than writing to a stranger.

Prepare the keywords

You've got a specific niche - and therefore a subject area - and an audience whose main traits you have identified. How do you now choose what to talk about in the post you’ll be publishing? The topics can be many. Is a post on strawberry jam better than one on how to grow strawberries in pots?

You’ll have the answer only after doing a good keyword search.

Try doing a preliminary search on a forum like Quora, for example, or on Facebook Groups or the other blogs that feature recipes with strawberries, and try to figure out which questions are asked most frequently. A very powerful tool in this regard is Answer the Public. It allows you to find all the questions asked on a topic, providing dozens of ideas for new articles.

Write a list of all the questions and insights you found and supplement it with the topics you’d like to cover.

With this list in hand, you’re ready to move to the next phase: checking search volumes. Using a tool like Semrush, you’ll need to check the number of monthly searches for each keyword. This will lead you to figuring out which ones to invest in by writing a post.

The best keywords for a blog still in its infancy are those having search volumes between 200 and 700. If they have a lower volume, in fact, they risk not attracting enough traffic. Conversely, those with higher volumes may be overly competitive and will put you up against already more established blogs.

A good strategy is to work with medium- or long-tail keywords. These are keywords composed of multiple words which generally have lower search volumes but are also less inflated and can provide good results.

Typically, keyword research tools also offer useful information on long-tail keywords, showing you how they are used by competitors, what their research volumes are and how you should structure your article to have a greater chance of visibility on the SERP.

Organise your editorial plan

At this point, with a clear idea of your project, you can begin to envision the type of content to produce and organise it into an editorial plan.

If you work strategically early on, you’ll find that in your blog, you’ll need to publish different types of posts, and the editorial plan will help you maintain a common thread and pursue various goals. In general, you’ll need to produce:

long, in-depth posts that work with specific key words → objective: SEO
short, catchy posts → objective: ENGAGEMENT
membership support posts → objective: LEAD GENERATION
sales support posts → objective: CONVERSION

To manage your publications over time, it’s a good idea to then translate your editorial plan into an editorial calendar. An editorial calendar can be a simple spreadsheet in which you list all the posts by reporting, for each of them, information such as the date of publication, title, tags and categories, sources, etc.

Very often, those who start a blog at first tend to have an "instinctive" approach. If and when inspiration comes, they write a post and publish it. Having a plan and an editorial calendar helps you take a big step forward. It gives you a medium-term perspective and allows you to prepare content that you can then schedule in order to maintain some regularity and consistency in publication.

How to generate traffic through SEO

We now understand how blog articles can work wonders for your website and, more generally, for your business. Obviously, however, there’s no useful return if these articles aren’t well positioned and, as a result, are neither seen nor read.

This is why it’s so important to work on SEO and make Google one of your best allies.

Analyse research intent

We’ve already discussed audience awareness and keyword research but, in reality, you should dig a little deeper and try to figure out, not only which queries are the most searched, but also the information needs of the people you’re trying to target and the intentions guiding their research.

When people research something, it’s because they want something. In other words, they have a need they’re looking to satisfy, i.e., to get an answer, receive information on a service, figure out which product is worth purchasing, etc.

The reason a user does an online search with a specific query is what’s referred to as search intent.

To simplify, search intents fall into one of the following query categories:

Navigational searches: The user is already familiar with the site or product; he or she just needs to reach it. Their interest can be summed up by the verb Go.
Informational searches: The user wants to document and increase his or her knowledge on a given topic. Their interest can be summed up by the verb Know.
Business searches: The user wants to collect information before completing a purchase.
Transactional searches: The user is looking to take action, for example, to sign up for a newsletter, download something or complete a purchase. Their interest can be summed up by the verb Do.

As you can imagine, if you can understand the search intent, you’ll understand why your audience has a need, since someone is performing a search but, above all, you’ll understand why (and how) you’ll need to create content that can intercept it.

Types of content: the importance of evergreen articles

Identifying keywords, knowing their search volumes and understanding their underlying intentions puts you in the position of figuring out what kind of content you’ll need to create.

We’ve already seen that posts can be distinguished by the objectives they’re attempting to fulfill (SEO, Engagement, Lead Generation or Conversion). Posts created for SEO, in turn, can be of three different types, and it’s important that they’re all present and well balanced , within your editorial plan:

Evergreen: There are keywords for which interest remains constant over time. To intercept these topics, you should invest in creating content such as tutorials, in-depth guides, interviews and case studies. This investment will be repaid by the content guaranteeing a minimal level of site traffic, thus laying the foundation for long-term growth.
Hype: Other keywords are related to current events. In this case, you can write news in order to ride the wave and insert yourself into the current discussion. With this content, you aren’t aiming for an increase in steady traffic, but you will get momentary spikes in traffic.
Seasonal: Finally, there are keywords for which interest is concentrated only at certain times of the year. If you can identify these, you can work ahead to seize the moment with ad hoc content.

An additional tip: A good evergreen article results in strong positioning, organic traffic and, at times, natural links. It has a long shelf life but can "age out”, so remember to keep it updated so it can continue to be as effective as possible.

How to promote a blog

If you want people to read your article, you can't just write it, publish it and then simply wait for readers to spontaneously arrive. You’ll need to get to work and go after them.

If you have a budget at your disposal, naturally, the first thing you can do is sponsor it through advertising. Fortunately, however, there are many other ways to promote your content free of charge. In these instances, the process will perhaps be a bit slower, but it will be just as effective.

Social Media

The first place to promote your blog content is on social media. Don't make the mistake of sharing your articles everywhere. Rather, do some testing and find what content works best on different platforms in order to prepare the appropriate communications for each social network.

In general:

Videos and training content work well on Facebook.
Photos and Stories are preferred on Instagram.
News, blog articles and GIFs are most seen on Twitter.
Videos are posted on TikTok.
Professional content and news are preferred on LinkedIn.
Infographics, photo tutorials and visual content are successful on Pinterest.

Guest Blogging

Writing a guest post entails writing content to be published on another blog in exchange for a backlink, i.e., a link back to your blog.

You should look for blogs that operate in the same niche. Try contacting them to offer original and high-quality content that’s, above all, not too self-promotional.

Some will turn you down but others will accept, and little by little, you’ll start weaving a collaborative network.

Writing guest posts will help you establish yourself as an authoritative source in your field, increase traffic to your site and, above all, obtain valuable backlinks that will increase your blog's Domain Authority.

Through the pages of your blog, you offer valuable information, and many of your readers will be happy to give you their email addresses to ensure they stay up-to-date on what you're publishing and offering.

However, don’t forget to to provide a registration form and build your own list of contacts. You can use this list for sending out periodic newsletters where you can promote your content.

There are numerous tools that allow you to build/manage contact lists and send informational emails. One of the most useful is Brevo.

How to earn money with a blog

Up to this point, you’ve done everything you can to create great content, optimise it on the SEO side to see it increase in terms of organic searches and actively promote it in order to reach your audience.

What should you do now to help your personal blog become an actual source of income to compensate you for the investment of your time and resources?

Earning money with a blog is possible, as is evidenced by the many bloggers who now earn a living from this activity. However, don’t expect to make money right away or without having to work hard to achieve success. As we’ve already mentioned, it takes time, perseverance and strategy.

There are many ways to earn money with a blog. The best advice is to diversify. Don't rely on just one method. Experiment and figure out what works best for your project and your target audience.

The paths you can take include:

joining Adsense or other advertising networks
selling banner space
joining affiliate programs
selling info-products (e-books, video courses, templates, etc.)
writing and publishing reviews to promote third-party products and services
publishing sponsored posts
for nonprofits and associations, adding a button/form for collecting donations

Additionally, if you can achieve a certain level of credibility and notoriety as a blogger, you might even consider earning money by offering training, organising courses and participating in events or other similar activities.

Creating a blog with WebSite X5

We’ve covered it all: goals and strategy, editorial plans and content, SEO, promotion techniques and monetisation methods. One question remains that’s important to answer: “Where do I create my blog?”

If your goal is to create a free blog, go to Wordpress.com, Blogger (Google’s platform) or Medium. You’ll sign up for the service, and it only takes a few seconds to start writing and publishing.

Sure, you’ll have your free blog, but you’ll always be a guest in someone else's home, so you’ll have to abide by their rules, perhaps settle for an unflattering third-level domain and accept that you’ll never be independent.

The greater the importance the blog has in your web strategy, the greater the investment you should be willing to make for it to function at its best and provide you with the greatest opportunities for growth. Sometimes, the investment required is quite small.

If you’re willing to give up the idea of creating a free blog in order to invest in a more professional solution that’s still very affordable, you may want to consider creating your own site and blog using WebSite X5.

WebSite X5 is €89.95 for the Evo Edition and €199.95 for the Pro Edition. The license is yours forever with no additional fees or commissions, includes hosting and allows you to create as many websites as you’d like, whether for yourself or for third parties.

WebSite X5 is also extremely easy to use. You can choose one of our ready-made templates and customise it to fit your needs and style, and then proceed to insert your content.

As you can see, many templates already include a blog along with the customary pages, including “Home”, “About Us" and "Contact Us". Some also have an e-commerce page.

Regarding the blog, it’s worth pointing out that you can choose the page layout, write and schedule the publication of posts, deal with article optimisation and supplement your writing with pictures and videos.

Finally, remember that with WebSite X5, free web space is also included for one year, along with the option of registering your own domain.

Find out how easy it is to create a blog with WebSite X5 by reading the guide or watching the video tutorial in the link: How to Create a Blog

Conclusion

We’ve now come to the end of this guide, where we’ve attempted to answer the questions that, if you’re considering starting a blog, you’ve surely asked yourself. As you may have guessed, blogging is a powerful tool. It certainly requires application and perseverance, but it’ll allow you to achieve significant results, both in terms of branding and sales.

So, when will we be reading your next post?

One-Page Website: Do you need a single-page website?

Incomedia — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 23:00:00 GMT

We usually think of a website as a set of pages organized in a tree-like manner, from the main homepage to the content pages. Not all sites, however, are set up this way.

There are also (and in recent years, they’ve become quite popular!) one-page websites, i.e., websites consisting of a single page, generally divided into sections - one after the other - into which all the information you’d like to present to users is condensed.

So, with a one-page site, we don't have an entire page for each menu item, we have a section in a page. And in the navigation menu, each item, has anchor links leading to specific points within the only available page.

It’s easy to see that one-page sites, as a result, are immediate, simple and direct. They’re perfect in situations where you don’t have a lot of content to communicate, and they allow users to quickly find the information they’re looking for.

Think about, for example, a website for a restaurant or pizzeria. When you’re looking online for a place to eat, you don’t need a lot of information. You simply want to know where it’s located, the menu it offers, its prices and the level of quality you can expect. Plus, you’re most likely doing the search from your smartphone. In this type of situation, a one-page website is perfect. With just one scroll, you have all the information you need, you’ll have a positive experience, and the chances that you’ll decide to book a table are proportionally higher.

Single-page websites: advantages and disadvantages

From what we have said so far, it’s easy to highlight the three main advantages of a one-page website:

Better speed and immediacy
In a one-page website, the information is all there. You don’t need to go from one page to another to find what you’re looking for. There’s not much information, but it’s clear and immediately available.
Lower development and maintenance costs
In the end, you’ll only need to create one page rather than many. Creating your website won’t be so expensive, and you’ll be online more quickly, not to mention the fact that it’ll be easier to keep it updated.
A better navigation experience on smartphones
Vertical scrolling of a one-page site is well-suited for mobile browsing, much better than opening several pages through links in a menu.

Despite these advantages, however, there are some disadvantages to using a one-page website, which are mainly related to positioning and SEO optimization of the page:

Fewer keywords to compete on
Only a small number of keywords can be included on a single page, and obviously there are fewer elements such as titles and descriptions to work with.
Imbalance of backlinks
Backlinks are links received from the site. From the SEO standpoint, they should be balanced between the various pages of a website, but with a one-page site, you can only put them on the homepage.
Slower loading speeds
In order to include everything, a one-page website stands the chance to become very long, leading to excessive scrolling, but more importantly, it can become quite cumbersome and therefore slow to load, a negative factor, not only in terms of the user experience but also in terms of SEO.

When it’s best to create a one-page website

As we’ve already mentioned, one-page websites are a great choice when you don’t have a lot of content to communicate and when you want to create a relatively simple, yet impactful site on a low budget and in a short amount of time.

This is why one-page websites are the ideal choice for example when you need a showcase site, especially for:

Small businesses who wish to promote their business online
Freelancers looking to advertise their services
Artists, photographers and painters who want to showcase their artistic creations
Small accommodation facilities like Agritourisms and B&Bs who want to be visible on the internet
Events, exhibitions and conferences that would like to communicate their agendas and sponsor their events online
Mini-sites promoting individual products and services created as appendices to larger, more structured websites

Templates for one-page websites

At this point, If you've decided that a one-page website is the best choice for achieving your goals, go for it!

If you are going to fit everything into one page, it’s important that you choose a template that’s divided into sections that will allow you to tell your story while people scroll downward.

Sections that should be included in your website’s template have:

Your identity - This section is where you take the opportunity to make a good first impression. Include your logo, an image that makes it clear at a glance what you do, a few short sentences that immediately tell who you are and what you offer. In other words, it’s here through a few elements that you’ll clearly introduce yourself to your users in order for them to understand that they’re in the right place, so they can continue to follow you in your narrative.
Services/offerings - At this point, explain what you do. Try to clearly and concisely detail the highlights of your offer. Your goal is not so much to create a shopping list as to highlight what sets you apart from the competition.
About us - Here, you have an entire section to introduce yourself. Include a short paragraph explaining as best you can who you are and why people should choose you. Don't forget to include pictures of yourself and/or your team. They’re important as an immediate sign of transparency.
Portfolio and references - To permanently earn the trust of the reader, it's time to reveal your portfolio, i.e., a selection of your best work. It's important to demonstrate with facts what you can do, and if you have reviews, it's a good time to share them.
Contact information - At the end, all that remains is to include all your contact information so they can contact you. Some people will prefer to communicate with you via email, some by filling out a form, and others by telephone. Satisfy everyone by opening up as many ways to contact you as possible.

How to create a one-page site

In the eyes of users, a one-page website should be like a little jewel of perfection. As we have seen, for it to be so, you’ll need to start with a good template.

You’ll find many interesting one-page designs on the WebSite X5 Marketplace: PetShop, Ideal-Location, Recording Studio, GoodBoy Foundraising, Hope Church, PetsVet or CoffeeLovers. As you can see, you have an incredible number of choices.

Remember that you can easily customize these templates to meet your needs and your preferences. When that’s done, you can move on to inserting your content, curating your text and carefully choosing your photos, videos and micro animations. All these elements are good for attracting attention and adding emotion by creating just the right atmosphere.

In our Creating a One-Page (single-page) Website guide, we explain how to correctly set up the navigation menu and how to create anchor links.

Eventually all that will be left for you to do is to put your new one-page website online, perhaps simply by taking advantage of the Web Space already included in WebSite X5. You’ll see… it’ll be online sooner than you imagine!

Selling antique jewelry around the world: Roberto talks to us about his e-commerce site.

Incomedia — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Gold, jewelry and precious stones…a magical world that acquires even more charm when cloaked in the patina of time.

Roberto Borghesi was so captivated by it all that, at a certain point in his life, he decided to transform his passion for precious antiques into a profession that led him to achieve significant results.

Today, his business is also growing online. He's active on the main social networks but, above all, thanks to WebSite X5, he created robertoborghesi.com complete with an e-commerce section as well as a blog.

As such, from his locations in Trieste (Italy) and Sežana (Slovenia), he can offer his services and sell his jewelry all over the world, from China to the United States.

Let's follow Roberto into the glittering realm of antique jewelry.

Hello Roberto, when did you decide to make a change and dedicate yourself to precious antiques?

"At the end of 1994, with a degree in international politics, I had moved to Barcelona and began working as an IT professional at a hydroelectric company in Catalonia. However, as soon as 1996, I realized this wasn't my path. It was then that I decided to turn my passion into a profession.

I returned to Trieste and opened Dr. Roberto Borghesi - Vintage Jewelry, a company dedicated to precious antiques and to the appraisal of jewelry and precious stones, offering brokerage of precious objects, estimates, legal appraisals and representation at major international auctions."

From there, a journey rich in significant milestones began, which led you to open a second business.

"Exactly. In 2014, wanting to somehow return to uniting my passions - computer science and precious antiques - I set up Roberto Borghesi d.o.o., based in Sežana, Slovenia, a company specializing in vintage jewelry, silverware and watches, as well as in investments in certified gold and diamonds.

Of course, the combination of two such extreme passions could only be synthesized in the creation of a new website, but I was totally lacking in HTML, JAVA skills, etc."

How did you resolve this issue?

"I started out by trying different types of software until, somewhat by chance, I discovered WebSite X5. I was immediately impressed by its extreme ease of use, excellent help guide and, above all, the fact that this software has, in a certain sense, evolved with me, sometimes anticipating my operational needs with its updates.

I was able to create my company's website and, in this way, give it the image and visibility around the world that I was looking for. Today, thanks also to the interaction with Instagram and Facebook provided by WebSite X5, I sell my jewelry all around the world, from China to the United States, and I'm sure that, when I manage to acquire the necessary knowledge and tame the concept of SEO, it'll be even better!"

Yours is not a simple showcase site, but a true e-commerce site. In your experience, what does it mean to view antique jewelry online?

"Offering unique antique jewelry online isn't always easy because normally, a piece of jewelry must strike the wearer's heart, and they need to try it on. This obviously can't be done in an online store.

Yet, with the constant process of improving the photos and content published on the site (not to mention the horrible years of the pandemic which changed our buying habits), e-commerce has accelerated which, even for me, has turned out remarkably well.

Obviously, the sale doesn't always take place directly over the internet. Quite often, a visit to the website brings customers into my shop to purchase what they saw online or to offer me objects of their own for sale. Even in this case, it's still a success - an excellent example of a virtuous cycle."

In addition to e-commerce, the site includes an in-depth bio page as well as a blog. Can you explain to us why you (rightly so) included them?

"Certainly not to brag or to congratulate myself. Quite simply, the customer needs to trust the seller, and I thought I'd let the facts speak for themselves.

On the bio page, I assembled the most significant achievements from recent years. Since 2006, for example, I'm proud to have curated the selection of exhibitors for the TriesteAntiqua exposition, one of the largest antique fairs in Northern Italy. I was also happy to have been involved in the analysis and appraisal of precious assets owned by the Ministry of the Treasury for the State Archives, conducting expert appraisals and restoration of judicial repositories belonging to the Austrian administration and delivered to Italy at the end of World War I.

I believe that citing these and other experiences, in addition to writing articles for the blog, is the best way to demonstrate my skills and professionalism in addition to making it clear to those who visit to my site that their trust in me is well justified."

Can we say that for an e-commerce site specializing in antique jewelry, the watchword must be “authenticity”?

"Yes, absolutely. Not only for the products it deals with (which I'd like to take for granted) but also in the communication it provides. Authenticity rewards.

If I had to give a bit of advice to someone getting ready to build their own website, I would say BE REAL. Don't use photos that aren't yours, don't exaggerate what you do. Give your content a human touch! Show your face because even in China, Australia or the USA, whoever looks at your site will want to picture speaking directly with you."

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. In conclusion, do you have any interesting anecdotes you'd like to share with us?

"In the beginning, immediately after publishing the first version of my website, I was discouraged. The data told me I had visitors, but no one was writing to me for information, requests or anything else. At the time, I had not yet prepared a contact form, but I had included my email address in the footer of the Home Page.

So, what was the problem? I finally figured it out. I had typed in the wrong email address!

So, be careful when publishing. Always double-check everything!"

Create portfolio sites. Complete Guide and Practical Examples

Incomedia — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:06:00 GMT

Are you wondering if you should create a website with your online portfolio? If you're even asking yourself the question, the answer is: Yes.

Whether you are a young person looking for your first job, a freelancer looking for new clients or, a professional looking for a new opportunity, you need a website that functions as a business card, resume and showcase for your projects , all in one.

A site like this will give you online visibility and more chances of being found. It will also showcase your personality, which can set you apart from the crowd and give you an edge in the eyes of recruiters and potential clients.

Now that that's out of the way, let's get to work. Here is a guide for creating a portfolio site you will be proud of.

Find inspiration
Choose your template
Start with the Home Page
Prepare the "About me" page
Create your portfolio
Add contact information
Enter customers and reviews
Make your website mobile-friendly
Conclusions

1. Find inspiration

If you are still just starting out, you might feel a little lost: where do you start to create a beautiful, complete and effective portfolio site? What you need is an idea to start from.

Don't sit there and struggle staring at a blank sheet of paper: you could get stuck for hours, only thinking about what to eat to fill the emotional hunger that has taken over your stomach!

Instead, start looking around: surf the web and look at the websites of people who are already more or less established in your sector. I am not suggesting you to copy: but to study your competition and, if possible, learn from those who already have experience in the same field. Although this browsing may seem aimless at first, it will help you find out what you like and what you don't; you will realize what you think can work and, little by little, you will begin to understand what you want to have on your site.

Remember: you are setting benchmarks , you are not wasting time. When the inspiration has blown you away, or - more realistically - you have found a core of ideas that you find interesting enough to be developed, then you will be ready to move on to the next step.

2. Choose your template

Now that your ideas are a little more clear, you can get to work: it's time to choose a template.

Be careful: this is a very important choice . A template doesn't just have to be aesthetically beautiful - it also has to work. A template works when:

it has a clear architecture: only the right pages and all in the right place;
it is easily navigable: users can find the information they are looking for in just a few clicks;
communicates an emotion: in other words, it's all about the "feeling";
it is highly customizable: you can adapt it to your needs without going crazy and wasting time.

Is that too much to ask? I don't think so. There are great templates that offer exactly these benefits. Check out these templates designed specifically for creating an online portfolio site.

Among other things, this kind of template is also a guideline you can trust with confidence: you could limit yourself to inserting your content without changing anything else and have the guarantee of having done a good job.

However, if you aim for maximum originality and working on the graphic design does not scare you, remember that you can always start from an empty template. In short, the choice is yours.

3. Start with the Home Page

It's time to start getting your hands dirty - you need to create your home page.

Take a breath and reflect: what is a home page for? By definition a website’s home page is the starting point from which your visitors begin to navigate your pages. Think of it as the cover of a book, a cover that must be used to:

welcome your visitors;
give a brief overview of who you are and what you do;
give a quick hint and easy access to the various contents of the site.

This is your chance to make a good first impression and the moment in which your visitors decide to continue browsing your site rather than abandon it for other shores (read: “the competition”).

Use everything you have at your disposal wisely: curate the graphics, use the right words and find catchy phrases, arrange content by importance knowing that sometimes people don't scroll all the way down, persuade them with reviews and data (if you have them) .

You have to intrigue and stimulate visitors to read your content, so don't say everything on the home page: give a preview of the most important topics but remember that you will have specific pages to treat them in detail.

Think of the entire website as a 1-hour presentation and the home page as the 1-minute elevator pitch to convince your boss about something! Are you ready for the challenge?

4. Prepare the "About me" page

Don't get carried away by the title and spiral into existential doubts. You know who you are. You are a professional - or aspiring ex-student - confident in your skills, strong in your wealth of experience, rich in personal skills and interests, who aims to make yourself known and find new job opportunities.

Your task now is to create a page to introduce the prepared and brilliant professional that you are to the public.

Anything goes: photographs, illustrations, hand-drawn drawings, texts, videos. Use whatever you think can help make the reader understand who you are . You can enter a short bio, give essential information about yourself, your values and what you do. Don't forget to highlight your successes and maybe present your current employment status, or talk about the results you still want to achieve. An interactive timeline could also be striking.

Allow me, however, a few small suggestions:

Choose the tone of voice based on the image you want to give of yourself as a professional: informal photos and a light-hearted tone are perfect for a creative person, but perhaps less so for a notary. ... one thing's for sure, this is not the place for your beautiful wedding photos!
Find a good balance: only share what's important , not all people are avid readers and, above all, few are interested in knowing how you were doing in pre-school.
Do not try to be funny if it doesn't come naturally: a more neutral tone is always the safer bet.

Need some hints? Introduce yourself with a photo and nice, concise bio. Then insert a link to your CV and offer it as a downloadable PDF. Attract with likability and strike with professionalism: it’s the best strategy!

5. Create your portfolio

It's time to show what you're worth: dig through your archive and create your portfolio.

The point here is not how to put your portfolio on a page on your website - that's easy. The Portfolio object will take care of that part for you. You can add an image, a title and a description for each job; customize the style of the wall, set categories and search filters; provide links for further information, etc. In short, you have everything you need to create an impactful, beautiful and functional portfolio.

The complicated part, rather, is upstream: how to pick the work that deserves to be included in a portfolio?

First: don't get caught up in performance anxiety.
Second: don't think that quantity is worth more than quality.
Third: don't overlook the power of storytelling.

Now let me explain. Regarding the first and second point, you DON'T need to insert ALL the projects you have developed. Doing so could even be counter-productive. Use a critical eye and only select the best, those which really say something about you and which highlight your strengths. A few great works are better than many poor quality ones: viewers will appreciate your work and the fact that you are not wasting their time.

Finally, when it comes to the power of storytelling, don't overlook the importance of the descriptions that accompany your works. Make sure you provide concise descriptions and always explain the role you played. Remember that when viewing works in a portfolio, visitors are often more interested in understanding how the author arrived at a result, rather than the result itself.

You may be asking, "What if I'm just starting out and don't have a list of projects to show visitors?"

Use your imagination and show your dedication . Everyone has to start somewhere: state your situation and present your study projects or personal work. Resourcefulness and initiative are qualities that are always appreciated!

One last thing. Don't forget to update your portfolio: by presenting and sharing your most recent creations, you will demonstrate that you are active, that you get work, and that you have experience. It's important.

6. Add contact information

You are doing all this to find new clients, new collaborations, new job opportunities: so allow those who fall in love with your work to contact you easily .

Your online portfolio site must include one or more of the following elements: a contact form, your e-mail address, your telephone number, links to your social media. Where and how to insert them is up to you: you can make a dedicated "Contact" page, you can add this information to the "About me" page, you can insert a toolbar on the side of the page, etc.

Whichever solution you choose, I recommend that you include your contact details in the footer of your website as well, so they will always be available to anyone.

By the way: if there is any content on your social media profiles that is not relevant to the type of job you are looking for, consider changing your privacy settings and restricting who can see it. You probably don't want your future employer to see the photos from Saturday night at the club.

7. Enter customers and reviews

No false modesty: you're working on building your brand , your image, and you should do everything you can to convince visitors that you are the right person to bet on.

Have you won any prizes? Mention them.

Have you written articles or are there articles that talk about you? Link them.

But most importantly, do you have testimonies from satisfied customers, previous employers, or colleagues who speak highly of you? These are invaluable, so be sure to add them! In fact, genuine feedback that doesn't sound exaggerated has a magical effect for increasing the credibility of your portfolio. It's like getting a boost and going twice as fast to the finish line.

Getting reviews takes a bit of work: when you complete a project, don't hesitate to ask your client to write a testimonial. If the client is reticent, you can always offer to supply a draft to review or ideas to start from.

Inserting a roundup of the logos of the companies you have collaborated with or the reviews you have collected is an easy way to enrich your page. All you have to do is use the two specific Objects: Slider logo and Testimonial & Rating.

What if you're just starting out and you have no customers to mention or reviews to share? In this case, positive comments from teachers, friends or people with whom you have collaborated, perhaps for volunteer projects, can also work. As long as they're not from your mother.

8. Make your website mobile-friendly

Now that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, your doubts have been resolved and you've added your content, your online portfolio site has taken shape and is almost ready to go online.

That's right: almost. Because there is one more very important thing to take care of: making sure your site is compatible with mobile web browsers.

Everything works on desktop, but what about on smartphones? Considering how many people now browse the web from their mobiles, you can't afford to overlook anything. This is not about creating a "scaled down" version to work on small spaces: instead, you should rethink content, layouts and interactions to makes sure the visitors' user experience remains unchanged .

Don't worry: the Portfolio Object you used - like the templates and other WebSite X5 Objects - are already meant to be mobile friendly. You can manage the responsive view in a very simple way: so that even if your future employer looks at your portfolio on a smartphone while on the subway, everything will look just the same as it does on a desktop in the office.

Conclusions

It took a lot of effort, but it was worth it: now your site is ready to go online.

WebSite X5 includes 12 months of webspace and an automatic domain: all it takes is one click. Your site is online, finally navigable, and ready to work for you.

Take a moment to gloat in front of the monitor as you look at your website in all its glory, pat yourself on the back, and then… get back to work.

That's right! Because now you have to start promoting it and making it grow. In the meantime, let everyone know that you have a portfolio site: share it online, insert it in the signature of the emails you send, quote it in the bio of your social profiles, print it on your business cards and in any other place - physical or virtual - that comes to mind. Then keep updating it: whenever you have new content or a new project to include, a new feature to implement, or an aspect to be improved.

Your portfolio site is your best ally: pamper it a little and it will give you great satisfaction.

2022.3: Fly high with lighter and faster web pages

Incomedia — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Here we are at this year’s third appointment, with a new version of our favorite software, WebSite X5. Over the past few months we have come a long way and enriched the program with many interesting features that are worth mentioning:

with the release of v2022.1 in March we focused on Personal Branding with the Portfolio Object, the integration of PayPal's Buy Now Pay Later service for payment in installments and, on the SEO side, on the integration of Google Analytics 4;
with v2022.2 released in June, however, we got to the heart of the program, working on the Resource library and the File selection window, as well as introducing the Project analysis and optimization feature.

And now it's time to find out what we've been saving for the last few months of the year with the new 2022.3 version!

Optimize your images: for faster pages

What is it that we just can't stand doing when we surf the web, especially on mobile phones? Waiting! A page that takes more than a few seconds to load annoys the heck out of us and the temptation to close it becomes irresistible.

The goal, therefore, must be to create "light" web pages that load as quick as possible.

To make this possible, starting today, you now have a few more valid options concerning image processing and optimization.

First, we added the SVG format support, so you are now free to enrich your pages with vector graphics which, compared to traditional bitmap images, are lighter and can be resized without loss of quality.

But, perhaps the most relevant new feature, is that we have introduced the ability to save in WebP format. While working with the Pro edition, it was already possible to select the image compression level (None, Low, Medium, High). But now, you can save compressed images in WebP, instead of JPG format. WebP is a web-specific compression format introduced by Google that allows even greater compression, at the same quality.

We carried out some tests and the results are impressive.

By applying a medium level of compression to the images found on a test website, enabling the saving in WebP option and activating the Lazy Loading function, we obtained a 47% increase in speed.

In addition to the ability to save in WebP format, we also enhanced the Lazy Loading image functionality, to take advantage of the native support of the latest browsers. Using this technique, you make sure that the images are not loaded immediately when the page is opened, but only when they actually need to be displayed. In fact, by postponing the loading of images, you can significantly improve page performance and save bandwidth.

Overall, optimizations of this kind are sure to have a positive impact on Core Web Vitals used by Google as further page ranking factors.

Web Vitals are parameters that measure people's behaviors and experiences when they browse web pages. Among these, there are 3 main parameters which Google defines as "Core":

the loading speed of the main page element or LCP (Largest Contentful Paint);
the response time of the server to the first user activity or FID (First Input Delay);
the stability of the page elements or CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift).

It is obvious that by optimizing the images, when they represent the largest content of the “above the fold” section (the immediately visible upper part) of the page, there is a corresponding improvement of the LCP.

The correct management of Lazy Loading, added to some optimizations introduced at the page code level, also guarantee better CLS performance.

In short, as you can see, you now have more tools at your disposal to make sure that your web pages are light and fast, ready to fly high in search engines.

Work at your best: the new interface

One of the elements that best characterize and distinguish WebSite X5 from any other software or CMS on the market for website development is its page creation system designed around the Drag & Drop of Objects within a Layout grid.

We asked ourselves: "Is there a way to improve this page construction mechanism without distorting it?"

It turns out that, in fact, there is a way: adding – only for images – small previews next to the Object icon, directly inside the cells of the Layout Grid.

Thanks to these small Grid previews, finding your way around content already inserted on a page – especially if it is complex – will be much easier: you can move around efficiently identifying the Objects to work on.

Also in the Page Creation window, you can now find a new and more recognizable button to access the complete list of Optional Objects that you can install and use.

Again at the interface level, we have also improved some contextual menus (you can now easily access them with a right mouse click), adding the most commonly used commands and thus making it easier, for example, to paste the URL of a video.

Finally, we have completed the File Selection window, adding commands to update the contents of the selected folder, to open the Explorer window at the location of the selected file and to open the file properties. The file name and size can now be seen using a tip displayed on mouse over.

… and then? From e-commerce to web animation

In addition to everything we have talked about so far, the 2022.3 version also introduces a new e-commerce feature, essential for keeping the product catalog of your online store up to date. From now on, in fact, you can easily hide products that are temporarily unavailable. A hidden product is not deleted: it exists, but it cannot be seen. When it is available again, you can make it visible and available for purchase again with just one click. Convenient, right ?!

Moving from e-commerce to web animation, we have added the ability to accept files generated with WebAnimator 4 for the Animation Object. By the way: if you haven't done it yet, we totally recommend delving into the fantastic world of web animations. WebAnimator 4 has a great deal of useful features and fun in store for you!

Finally, we have updated the Chromium browser engine used for the local preview, the graphics libraries used for image generation and file compression and added compatibility with servers that use PHP v8.1: all to guarantee you the best performance, compatibility and security.

So what do you think of this 2022.3 version of WebSite X5? Test all the new features in your projects now. While you will be busy developing and improving your web pages, we will keep working hard to make WebSite X5 even more complete and high-performing. We already have a couple of ideas in mind… but we'll talk about them next time!

As usual, the list of all additions included in the new 2022.3 version, as well as in previous ones, is available on the News page.

Those who have an active WebSite X5 license can immediately install this new version: just launch the program, and you will find instructions on how to do it in just a few clicks.

Those who, on the other hand, have a WebSite X5 license that is no longer active, can renew it now to receive the new 2022.3 version.

Finally, those who do not have WebSite X5 can take the opportunity to buy it immediately. The user license includes our Hosting service, the guarantee of receiving updates and new versions that will be released in the next 12 months, as well as access to our Priority Support service.

Five types of animation that are easy to create

Incomedia — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 08:17:00 GMT

Animation is an extraordinarily effective communication tool. It grabs the attention of the viewer, keeps them focused, stirs up emotion and, through all of this, ensures a better understanding and longer retention time for the information or message you're looking to convey.

Despite these undisputed advantages, we often hesitate to use animation because we're afraid it's too difficult and, therefore, too expensive to create.

In reality, with the right tools and a few tricks, the ability to create most types of animation is within reach, even to those who are not exactly experts in the field and who don't have a lot of resources at their disposal.

Let's take a look at five types of animation that are easy to create, suitable for all contexts and on a tight budget.

Interactive infographics
Moving text
Stop Motion
Screen recording
Whiteboard Animation

Interactive infographics

As you may already know, infographics are one of people's favorite types of content, and most importantly, one they enjoy sharing the most.

Have you ever wondered why infographics are so popular? The key elements of their success can be summarized as follows:

They're enjoyable to look at. They use images, graphics, diagrams, shapes, texts and colors that make them visually appealing.
They summarize. One of the great advantages of a well-made infographic is being able to condense and effectively present a lot of information. At a glance, they provide the same information that would otherwise require reading long paragraphs of text.
They're useful. Organizing data into a simple structure helps people understand, assimilate and remember information better and faster.

To date, most of the infographics you happen to find on the web are still static. These are images saved in JPG or PDF and are usually quite long, requiring several scrolls of the page to be fully viewed.

However, there's a better way. You can create animated and interactive infographics in which the various elements appear with motion effects and, if desired, in response to users' clicks. In this way, the infographics become even more lively and engaging.

Do you have a static infographic? Perfect! Use it as a starting point to create an animated version. With HTML5 animation software like WebAnimator 4, it's extremely easy to add entry and exit effects, make the text move and animate shapes, graphics or images.

We're sure your interactive infographic will look great in your next post!

Moving text

Technically it's called "kinetic typography" but more simply, we can call it “text in motion”. It's an animation technique that uses moving text to grab the reader's attention and entertain them. These days, it seems to be everywhere. It's used in advertisements, music videos, apps and websites to make certain messages more powerful and, at the same time, add an artistic touch.

However, it's not the latest fad. It's actually a technique that has been around since the 1960s, when feature films started using animated rather than static opening titles. And we're ready to bet that it'll remain in use for a long time.

Sequence of the opening titles of North by Northwest (1959) by Alfred Hitchcock, the first feature film to make extensive use of kinetic typography

If you're already thinking about how to create animated text in your web pages, we have great news for you! Text animation is, in fact, one of the easiest to create.

With WebSite X5 , for example, you can animate text in many ways, but always with just a few clicks of the mouse. Look at these examples of what you can achieve with Objects like Textilate or Animated Headlines.

Stop Motion

Yes, you know! “Stop Motion”, or Step 1 shooting, is a film and animation shooting technique that starts with a series of photographs and transforms them into a video through editing. Quite simply, static objects are photographed and moved a few millimeters with each shot. By assembling the images in succession, the illusion of movement is created.

It's like in cartoons, but instead of drawings, we use photos of objects.

Various sub-categories of Stop Motion exist, including:

Claymation (from Clay Animation): Consists of animating clay figures. Remember Pingu?
Cutout: When newspaper clippings, clothes and other common objects with an overhead view are used. The effect is like a moving collage.
Object animation: The animation of actual objects. The LEGO Movie is a good example of this.
Puppet animation: Puppets, marionettes, dolls and models are animated on a custom-made set. It's a technique that's widely used in cinema. Famous examples include Tim Burton's films, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Model animation: Consists of the animation of moving subjects within a full-length film or short film.
Pixilation: The animation of actors photographed while interacting with objects in their physical surroundings.

In short, with the Stop Motion technique, you can really give free rein to your imagination and end up with incredible animations and/or movies. This is why it's so widely used in cinema and in advertising.

The disadvantage is, as you can imagine, Stop Motion takes time, patience and creativity - unless you decide to rely on animation software. In WebAnimator 4, for example, you can load the elements you wish to animate and then use the Motion Path tool to make them move in an extremely natural way along their desired paths. Can you imagine everything you can do in no time at all?!

Screen recording

It's often easier to show someone how to do something than to try and explain it using only words. This is true, for example, with using software, an app or an e-commerce portal. However, it's not always possible to physically assist people. In these cases, the solution is to create screencasts.

A screencast is a recording of the screen output, a video where you see everything that's displayed on the monitor while the expert works. A screencast is usually accompanied by the voice of the person doing the demonstration with explanations of what's visible on the screen. Sometimes a window with the presenter's face is also included along with a soundtrack and, perhaps, an opening and closing segment for the video.

Recording a screencast is a task within everyone's reach. All you need is a screen recorder or a special program. A short search on the internet, and you'll discover that there are many, both paid and free. They generally offer several options. For example, they allow you to choose whether to record the full screen or just a portion, whether to include the movement of the mouse, manage the sound or choose between different saving and publishing options.

Some of the better free screen recorders include:

Free Cam: Easy-to-use software with an integrated audio/video editor. There's no watermark, time limit or advertising, but it only saves in WMV format.
ShareX: Open source software that offers almost everything that paid screen recorders offer. It might be a bit complicated for those who are inexperienced.
Ezvid: Specially designed to save time, it's perfect for producing videos for uploading directly to YouTube. This is why it's very well known among gamers.
OBS Studio: One of the best open source software packages for live-streaming. It allows you to draw from multiple sources (images, text, webcams, etc.) and offers many features and options, including advanced ones. It can be a bit difficult to learn how to use it well.
Debut: One of the best solutions in the industry, it offers very interesting advanced features, including greenscreen. On the other hand, it has a somewhat outdated interface and no option for adding interactivity.

Whiteboard Animation

Have you ever seen those videos where someone is drawing a story on a whiteboard while explaining something? Cool, isn't it?! They intrigue and enchant, forcing you to watch them all the way through to find out how they end up.

They're called Whiteboard Animations or Doodle Videos because, at least initially, real people were recorded drawing on a whiteboard. Today, however, we prefer to accelerate time and reduce costs by using digital animation software to achieve 100% similar results.

The success of Whiteboard Animation lies in how it manages to combine voice, drawing and the written word to create a particularly effective communication style, especially when it comes to simplifying complex concepts.

Whatever your goal: brand promotion, marketing, sales or training, a video made with Whiteboard Animation will be of great help in capturing the attention of your audience and conveying your message.

Want more details? This video, obviously “drawn” on a whiteboard, explains seven instances in which you can use them and provides seven useful tips on how to best create them.

What is and how to create a Doodle Video (Beginner's Guide) by Infographics Archive

In closing...

We've seen five types of animations, and we've found that, with the right tools, we can easily create them even if we're not exactly experts and don't have big budgets.

Now it's up to you to figure out which type of animation is best suited to the audience you're addressing each time and the type of message you're looking to convey. In any case, we're sure that, through animation, your content will now have that extra edge.

Friends of Progetto Arca prepare for Christmas with a new Solidarity Gifts website

Incomedia — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Incomedia and Fondazione Progetto Arca onlus crossed paths a couple of years ago, and it was immediately clear to us that they were the friends we were waiting for, the ones who could help us help do something concrete to improve the conditions of those who, already marginalized by society or in a state of fragility, found themselves even more vulnerable due to the pandemic in progress.

With their help, we've achieved an important goal: the founding of the Mobile Kitchen of Rome which, since February 2022, has distributed more than 20,000 meals. However, Progetto Arca is constantly evolving and has decided to prepare for Christmas by offering companies a new way to support them, so we helped them create the site https://regalisolidaliprogettoarca.org.

We discuss this with Marta Etrelli, Corporate Fundraising Officer for Progetto Arca. She's one of the minds behind the new site and, most importantly, the hand that created it.

Good morning Marta. Can you explain, for those who don't yet know, what is Progetto Arca, and what does it do?

"For the past 28 years, Fondazione Progetto Arca onlus has been committed to providing concrete help to those in situations of severe poverty and social exclusion. This includes homeless people, families with economic and housing emergencies, people suffering from addiction and migrants fleeing wars and poverty.

Each day, Progetto Arca offers listening and assistance on the street, hot meals and food packages, the option of a safe sleeping shelter, medical care and hospitality in actual homes for thousands of poor people. In the past year, it has served more than 2 million people and 600 thousand meals, offered 340,000 nights of hospitality and 3,000 medical consultations 1providing help to more than 25,000 people."

And you, in particular, what do you do for the foundation?

"At Progetto Arca, I build relationships with companies.

Since the beginning of my university studies, the relationship between the profit and non-profit worlds has always really fascinated me because I think it's precisely from the meeting of these two worlds comes the greatest initiatives with the greatest positive impacts.

At Progetto Arca, I'm fortunate to meet many companies committed to the social sector and interested in building a lasting relationship with us. Having an opportunity to co-design and carry out initiatives that help so many vulnerable people is what makes me love my job more and more each day!"

Progetto Arca is a hotbed of ideas that are constantly percolating. One of the latest projects centers around Solidarity Gifts. Can you tell us about it?

"Christmas has always been considered a time of joy but, unfortunately, for people who are living on the street, the approach of the holidays means that the cold weather is going to arrive as well.

This winter, unfortunately, will also be marked by an increasing number of vulnerable families who, unable to cope with continuously increasing costs due to inflation and the cost of basic necessities and bills, will need to rely on us for help.

It's therefore a very challenging time for Progetto Arca, and for this reason, we need all the support we can get.

As such, we decided to offer a new way to support us by offering gadgets and Christmas items on https://regalisolidaliprogettoarca.org that companies can give to their employees, collaborators and suppliers.

Thanks to the contribution of the companies who have decided to choose products dedicated to Progetto Arca, we have a way to bring the joy of Christmas to the streets and homes of the people we help every day and who, even more so during the holidays, need our kindness and our attention."

For the new Solidarity Gifts website, you used WebSite X5. What convinced you to make this choice?

"First of all, Incomedia is a friend of ours that has been supporting us for a long time, and when we asked for help in creating a site for solidarity gifts, they immediately offered to help us by suggesting we build the site with WebSite X5.

The software ease of use is what impressed me the most!

Having to manage construction of the site, I was a bit scared at first since I'm not an expert in the subject, but thanks to Incomedia's support and the usability of WebSite X5, everything turned out to be very simple, and I was able to get a site up and running in just a few weeks!"

The Solidarity Gifts site is currently celebrating its one-month anniversary of being online. What were the reactions and preliminary results? And, more importantly, what does the future hold?

"First, all my colleagues were amazed at how I managed to put a well-constructed site online so quickly with software that I wasn't familiar with, and this serves to underscore WebSite X5's clarity and ease of use!

For companies, of course, being able to view the site is an advantage. It makes it easier to see to choose our products and, for new companies making contact with us for the first time, it allows them time to stop and learn more about our background and our work.

Surely, our wish is to continue to grow the site, both by making it known to more and more people and by gradually increasing product offerings, and not just for Christmas. It'll be a way for companies to support us and also receive something in return!"

We salute and thank Marta and all our friends at Fondazione Progetto Arca.

For Christmas, you can give your support too: https://regalisolidaliprogettoarca.org

Building a professional website: the viewpoint of a graphic designer

Incomedia — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 13:35:00 GMT

The web can be a perfect springboard for anyone: we have often spoken about artists and businessmen who, despite not being web design experts, became popular and boosted their activities with a website. Today, we will do something different and consider the viewpoint of someone whose business depends on website creation.

We are talking about François Schmitt, a former violinist who moved from the musical to the graphic design field back in 2001. After attending a course and doing an internship, he became a freelance graphic designer and video editor. François also creates websites for those who want to be online but don’t know where to start.

Discover his trips & tricks!

Let’s start with something more generic: what is a website in your opinion?

«Websites are showcases we can use to present our work to potential customers, the best way we have to convince them. I designed my own website schmitt-graphiste.fr for this reason: I wanted it to be a space I could use to talk about my business and show off my projects.

I organized it in different sections so that it could be easy to browse and my users can find what they are looking for immediately: a section is for photos, another for videos, and a whole part describes my activity as a web designer.

The leitmotif is somehow still linked to my musical origins though: the protagonists of my projects are, in fact, involved in the musical field, music never really abandoned me.»

Do you have any tips as an insider?

«In my opinion, the most important suggestion is to pay extra attention to the website graphic design. As I mentioned earlier, websites are meant to attract new customers: for this reason they should be neat and clean to be more reliable. At the end of the day, the graphic design of a website is the first thing which drags our attention as soon as we click on a link, even before its contents. Consequently, it is the first thing we need to pay attention to when we build it.

This is a concept most of us are familiar with, however, it may be difficult to put it into practice, especially if we do not have the necessary knowledge. I started creating websites for other people following my customers’ requests: they wanted me to help them bring their business online and achieve a professional-looking result.»

Which tools of the trade do you use as far as the website creation process is concerned?

«When I first started, about 10 years ago, I used Dreamweaver. Then, as the years went by and smartphones took hold, nowadays they practically substituted computers as far as online browsing goes, I looked online for any alternative tools. That’s how I came across WebSite X5. I still use it today to build websites for my customers and I used it for my personal website too, the Pro edition.»

What advantages does WebSite X5 have compared to other tools, according to your experience?

«The first thing that comes to my mind is the possibility of sparing a lot of time. Especially when you’re used to programming everything manually using HTML and CSS codes, you can’t but be pleasantly surprised as soon as you see how much easier it is to get professional results by using a tool which does most of the work, while you simply have to set up the options available on the user interface. Creating a website becomes so much easier!

I really appreciate the user Community too: I like to follow the discussions on the official forum and I provide my help and suggestions for the other French users when I can.»

One last question: after you’re done creating the website, are you also in charge of updating it, or do you usually pass the torch to your customers?

«Well, it depends on the case, but generally speaking, as no programming skills are needed, I tend to recommend WebSite X5 to my customers. I create the website according to their needs and, if they want to, I provide them with the project file, so they can access and update it on their own. WebSite X5 helped me work better and quicker, and I recommend it to my customers, so they can improve their activity too.»

Create your company website in 3 days. Mission impossible? Not for WebSite X5!

Incomedia — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 07:39:00 GMT

The story we’re about to tell is actually pretty usual: a company realizes the corporate website is old and outdated and decides to finally update it.

In our story, the company is Premobil s.r.l., an Italian home furniture manufacturer founded in 1988, and our hero is Marco Pedoni, an employee who one day is faced with a challenge: recreating the company website from scratch and bringing it online in 4 days only.

Fortunately, this story has a happy ending, because Marco didn’t lose heart and, with WebSite X5, he created the new website www.premobil.it in 3 days instead of 4. Today, he will tell us how he managed doing it.

Hi Marco, let’s get to know each other first: can you tell us something about yourself?

«Sure! I graduated as an electronic technician but, as it is often the case, I ended up working in a completely different field. In fact, my passion for technical design in 2D and 3D brought me on a different path. Now, I work at Premobil, and I take care of the technical as well as graphic design aspects.»

How long have you been creating websites?

«I have always had a passion for web design, but I haven’t got any specific technical skills. For instance, I don’t know anything about HTML. Because of that, over the years I have looked for and tested many tools which would allow me to work visually. More than 10 years ago I discovered WebSite X5 and, I must say, I honestly think that there isn’t any better software as far as user-friendliness and performance are concerned.»

One day, your company faced you with a “mission impossible”. How did it go?

«Yes, it is clear to us at Premobil that the company website represents a crucial tool to get known and to promote our products. Unfortunately, our website was outdated, and we absolutely needed to renew its style and contents.

However, we had very little time to do this. I only had 4 days to build and publish the new official website online.

I therefore decided to use a WebSite X5 Template. It offered a clean but very attractive layout, which was just perfect to present our furniture collections. I started by customizing the contents and took advantage of the product pages to speed up the process even more. Of course, all the renders and pictures had already been prepared and were ready to be imported. In the end, I managed finishing my task in just 3 days with an amazing result, for me and for the company as well.»

What benefits did the more modern and more functional website bring to the company?

«The new website surely boosted the company image, but we also noticed a big improvement as far as our online visibility is concerned. This probably depends on the fact that I connected our social accounts, which are often used to reach out to us. We don’t sell directly to the public, but can always redirect people who are interested in our products to our trusted retailers. »

What tips would you give to someone who needs to create a company website?

«I think a website should have a good graphic impact, be easily browsable and have a well-structured contact section reporting all the necessary information to communicate with the customers.

Over the years I have created a dozen websites with WebSite X5 and I have always recommended it because, as I mentioned before, I think it is the most simple and user-friendly tool in the field.

So, with WebSite X5 and possibly a little extra time than what I had for this project, I am sure that anyone will be able to build a beautiful company website.»

Thank you, Marco. And congratulations on accomplishing your “mission impossible”.

Web animations: What are they, and why do you need them?

Incomedia — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 22:08:00 GMT

We probably don't even realize it, but we live in an endless stream of visual stimuli, all competing to win the ever-coveted prize of our attention.

And what's one of the stimuli that we cannot escape? Movement. It's written in our DNA. When we catch something moving quickly out of the corner of our eye, the brain alerts us in a split second. We react instinctively because movement can mean danger and, in other times and places, not paying attention can prove fatal.

So if a static picture is worth a thousand words, how much would an animation be worth? This is what we'll try to understand in this article. We'll discuss web animations in particular, and we'll try to answer the following questions:

What are web animations?
What are the most popular types of web animations?
Why is it worth using web animations?
How to create web animations?

What are web animations?

If we look it up in the dictionary, the word "animation" comes from the Latin verb "animare", which means "to vivify, to give life". If, on the other hand, we consider the practical side, animations are the display of a sequence of images in rapid succession to create the illusion of motion. If we put the two together, animations are the way we give life to our imagination.

I know you're already thinking of Mickey Mouse cartoons, but it's not movie animation that we'll be talking about. Instead, we'll be focusing on web animations.

Web animations include so many different things, ranging from a button that jiggles when clicked to a transition that acts on the opacity or color of an element or even complex interactive games. In its simplest form, however, a web animation consists of changing a property of an element in time.

What are the most popular types of web animations?

As we've already mentioned, many different types of animations fall under the umbrella term "web animation", from the simplest to the most complex ones. Let's take a look at some of the most common and widely-used animations.

Hover animations

It's a classic. You hover your mouse pointer over a button, and you notice that it lights up or changes colors, shape, or it does something different. And then, after you click, the button changes its appearance, so it is clear you have just clicked it.

Animations like these are beneficial to the user because they provide visual feedback, making clickable elements easily recognizable, helping to understand its function and indicating whether the actions performed were successful or not. They're so useful that they've become a standard element of a good web interface.

Page scrolling animations

Again, there are many variations on this theme. As you scroll down the page, you can see elements appear one after the other with transitions, or you can simulate block navigation, as if the page were made up of different sheets replacing one another, and so on.

However, the basic idea is still the same. The animation is linked to the page scroll and, therefore, is under the user’s control. This makes the web page interactive and, as a result, more engaging and attractive.

Background animations

We already know how important it is to make a good impression right away. This is why people often try to make the header of websites unique and memorable by adding animation to the background. Among the most popular, we find animations of particles or geometric elements, as well as short videos and 2D/3D animations.

Sometimes these animations have interactive components (for example, particles can follow the movement of the mouse) but, in general, their function is entertainment. They serve to welcome and accommodate the user, so they continue on with their navigation.

Animations as content

When animations become the actual content of a web page, the options are truly endless. So, what can we produce as animated content? Practically anything. We can make a simple promotional banner or a fantastic gallery with our most beautiful photographs, an interactive infographic for a blog article or a 3D rendering of our flagship product to be included in our online shop.

In these cases, the ability lies in harnessing the animation to create actual added value. To illustrate: creating a static infographic takes less time and is less costly than creating an animated infographic, but the interactivity of the latter can significantly increase the understandability of the data and make the content more usable and viral.

Another idea - a humorous animation could be great content for a unique and memorable 404 page.

Loading

We hate waiting, but sometimes we need to wait for a page or an individual piece of content to load. Two tricks are necessary. You can do everything you can to make this wait time as short as possible, or you can provide one of those loading animations that spins, skips or disappears for loading.

Examples of loading animations

Loading animations are not only for entertaining the user while they wait, but also for reassuring them that everything is working properly: a few moments, and they'll be able to see what they're looking for.

Another idea - You could possibly work on your company logo to create a loading animation that not only enriches your site's UI, but also reinforces your brand. Can you think of anyone who does this?

Google's loading animation

Why is it worth using web animations?

At this point, the reasons why you should use web animations should be quite clear. Just to make sure, let's summarize the most important ones.

They allow you to stand out.
Use animations effectively and your website design will have an edge over those of your competitors.
They help focus attention
A bit of animation can shift the user's attention to the very element or information you want to bring to the foreground.
They offer essential feedback
A button that assumes a different state or an alert for a failure to fill in a field are examples of messages that need to be provided to users, so they can easily interact with our pages without getting confused.
They guide navigation
Buttons, bars, tabs and menus are all elements that, when animated, become even more useful in guiding users through the pages of a website.
They entertain people while they wait
An effective loading animation is fun and reassuring. It makes the user continue to wait patiently without getting irritated and abandoning the site.
They tell stories
Animation adds a dimension of time to a static image. There can be a before and an after. Additionally, the user can be called upon to actively interact by making selections. We all love stories, and animations can be a great way to tell them.
They convey emotion
After all, animations inform us, reassure us, entertain us, amuse us, amaze us, etc. and convey emotions that may lead us to want to prolong the experience on one site rather than on another.

It's fair to mention that, despite all these positive aspects, using web animations can also have disadvantages.

They can be costly
Especially when we're talking about complex animations, it's easy to see that they're costlier to create than a simple static image.
They can be heavy
Animations should also be optimized. Otherwise, they risk having the opposite effect and, instead of entertaining and engaging users, they might drive them away with excessive loading times.
They can distract and confuse
The trick is to use animations as tools and not allow them to steal the show.

So, in the end, do we say yes or no to the use of web animations?

The answer is, "Yes, but in a smart way." Use web animations only when they are needed to achieve your intended purpose.

Don't get carried away. Always ask yourself if using an animation improves the user experience. This is what will always help you take the right decision.

How to create web animations?

We now know what kinds of web animations we can use, and we also know how to employ them to attract and engage users, offering them a rich and satisfying user experience. Only one question still needs to be answered: How do you create a web animation?

In reality, the solutions for creating web animations are diverse. In the beginning, to liven up some otherwise static pages, there were only GIFs. Then the Flash boom occurred, which led to the "baroque" period of web design, with so many (too many!) animated elements crowding everyone's screens.

Today, having decreed that Flash has become obsolete, we have solutions like HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript and SVG that allow ample opportunities for expression and interactivity in addition to ensuring compatibility on all major devices and browsers.

So, when it comes to creating web animations, do you need to be a professional developer or, at any rate, know how to work with coding and libraries?

No, with the proper tools, anyone can create great looking animations to enrich the pages of their website.

With website creation software such as WebSite X5, for example, many of the animations related to micro-interactions, page scrolling and display effects are already provided for and managed by the tool itself. Let's consider the case of a button. In setting it up, the program gives you all the customization options for you to define its appearance, behavior and effects in all its various states.

Basically, when building your pages in WebSite X5, you're also defining the animations, and eventually you'll have a website that's capable of providing a great user experience for the visitors.

However, if your purpose is to create an animated banner, an interactive infographic, a small game or a 2D/3D animation, you'll need a tool such as WebAnimator, now available in its Version 4.

WebAnimator 4

With WebAnimator, you have a canvas on which you can place all the elements you need, a timeline for managing keyframes along with numerous panels in which the many functions and properties you manage are clearly and intuitively organized.

You can work visually by taking advantage of the powerful drawing and animation tools, as well as numerous preset effects which allow you to speed up your work even more. And, at the end, you can export your animation to HTML5 to publish it on the Web or to some of the more popular video formats to give everyone a demonstration of what you've created.

WebAnimator also offers an editor for adding code, which is perfect for more expert users.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, web animations may not be the solution to every problem, but they certainly can help you on many occasions, such as giving feedback, entertaining and garnering attention, etc. We've seen that, when used properly, they can be fantastic tools that aren't even that difficult to create, even if you're inexperienced.

Now, what are you waiting for? Discover all you can do with a tool like WebAnimator, and boost your imagination!

An online art gallery for Gerard Slegers

Incomedia — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Art is expression and elevation of one’s spirit. Something intimate, which however communicates with those who benefit from it. Because of this, each art form needs its own space where it can take advantage of the visibility it deserves.

Today, in addition to exhibitions and galleries, artists can rely on an extra showcase: the Internet. On top of that, and especially following the restrictions introduced with the pandemic emergency, the web has proven to be a real lifeline for artists all over the world. The painter Gerard Slegers is one of them: he used WebSite X5 to create his website, his own online exhibition space, where he can display and sell his unique art.

Hi Gerard, let’s start: now you’re a full-time painter but you haven’t always been, have you?

«Hi! It’s true. My passion for art has always been there, but it hasn’t always been my job. For many years, I worked as an audiovisual assistant in several psychiatric institutions. I was in charge of making films and interviews with the patients, and developed e-learning programs for psychiatrist training. Since I retired, however, I became a full-time painter.»

Why did you decide to build a website at one stage?

«If I’d reply with a single word, it’d be: visibility.

I decided to create a website years ago, when I realized that a website had a unique chance of becoming popular both nationally and internationally.

In the past, when potential customers contacted me, I had to send them photos and information via email, and this was pretty time-consuming. Now, thanks to my website, they can get an idea of my work even before visiting my atelier, and when they do, they already know what they will find there.»

Do you think your efforts paid off?

«Of course. The website really boosted my activity as a painter: it makes it easier for me to access exhibitions and events, as well as find potential customers and get an economic reward for my efforts too.

I then have to admit that my website has been crucial especially during these two Covid-19 years, with all the shutdowns and lockdowns we experienced: it kept my business alive. Without a website, it would have been a lot more difficult!»

Did you have any particular needs when you realized you had to create a website?

«I didn’t have any specific technical needs: for me, the most important thing was to be able to give an online overview of my paintings, as well as to easily keep my website up-to-date whenever I had a new entry to my list.

I surely required a good contact page though: today, those who are interested in my art work can directly contact me on my website.

It may have taken some time in the beginning, especially because I was a novice, but the results definitely pay off!»

Did you already know about WebSite X5 at this point?

«Not really. As it often happens, I did try several software programs before choosing WebSite X5.

At the time, the solutions I tried were available on CD and DVD. Most of them were suitable, but they were not user-friendly and that’s what I was looking for: at the end of the day, I am a painter, not a web designer.

One day, I was visiting an online review portal, and I came across WebSite X5. The description impressed me, so I decided to buy the CD and since then I keep the software updated just to make sure my website is up-to-date too. »

What convinced you that WebSite X5 was indeed the tool you were looking for?

«First and foremost, the user-friendliness I was mentioning earlier. The workspace is simple and clear, and it leads you step by step during the creation process, this is perfect for those who have little experience. Not much can go wrong, really!

On top of that, there are many functions which convinced me that I had found the best solution for me: many templates for example, that can be used as a preset and fully customizable design when you create your website.

I have been using WebSite X5 for years now - I also had the chance to recommend it because it’s just so easy to use - and I must say, I’m really satisfied with it!»

Michele Agostinetto's story of rebirth: Un Viaggio da Sclero

Incomedia — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 22:00:00 GMT

There are moments where everything suddenly changes. Everything we knew. Everything we were once sure of falters and casts doubt over everything we've been up until that very moment. When this upset is the result of a disease, an additional challenge arises: not falling into the trap of identifying ourselves with the disease itself.

For Michele Agostinetto, this moment came in 2020 and revealed itself with a series of symptoms which, unfortunately, lead to a terrible diagnosis. Multiple Sclerosis: a degenerative disease that causes him perpetual physical and mental fatigue which is difficult to imagine and to communicate to non-sufferers.

After a year spent in fear of being unable to recover, however, Michele realized that he is not that; he is so much more. He still has his dreams, his goals, and most importantly, he has a new message of rebirth to communicate in order to raise awareness of this disease as well as provide support to those affected by it. To do so, he decided to set out again, literally. His goal is to take his message from the mountains of the north to the seas of southern Italy by walking nearly 2,000 km.

This is how his project Un Viaggio da Sclero was born. And to promote his initiative, Michele decided to rely on WebSite X5, which he used to create his website unviaggiodasclero.it.

Today, Michele is here with us to share his experience.

Hi Michele! Let’s start from the beginning. Receiving such a diagnosis must be very difficult, but you managed to pick yourself back up. Can you tell us more about it?

2020 was a pretty tough year, both physically and emotionally. Receiving the diagnosis was like coming to a wall in the middle of a road after a curve. I felt lost. My job, my convictions, my plans...everything was lost. I spent months waiting for the therapy to work. In the meantime, my life became unrecognizable, and I saw no future. We all grew up seeing commercials that only showed people in wheelchairs, and the only idea you have is what you've seen on television.

The turning point for me came on May 1, 2021. After throwing the crutches into the living room, I decided to take back what was rightfully mine and began walking. Initially, it was 100 meters, then 300. After a week, I walked an entire kilometer! Needless to say, I came home crying like a baby.

And, as I walked and improved my stamina day by day, I thought back to when, as a child, my parents took me to Puglia to visit my grandmother. This is how the idea of Un Viaggio da Sclero took shape: I would set out from Valdobbiadene, my father's hometown, and walk to Puglia, the region where my mother was born, to take my message of hope from the mountains of the north to the sea of the south. No sooner said than done! All that was needed was money and lots and lots of training.

How did you prepare for this endeavor, and what goals did you have in mind when you thought of Un Viaggio da Sclero?

The first year was basically physical and organizational preparation. For all of 2021 and until April 2022, in fact, I planned the stages, came up with the logo and name and began to look for funding and sponsors to get me going. Preparation for the actual journey was then needed. I began walking at least 10 kilometers every day, not only to strengthen my muscles, but more importantly to understand my limitations due to the disease. So all that remained was to decide when to leave. I chose May 1, 2022, just one year after rediscovering my new life.

However, the main purpose of the project is to show people with my condition that it's not all predetermined, that it's often possible to be reborn through an abundance of willpower. And this seems to be working because I get messages all the time from people who are picking themselves back up, just as I did.

You've been on the road for a long time now. How are you doing? Is it as you imagined it would be?

My journey began almost two months ago, and I must admit that I had thought it would be completely different. After initially following a different route, when I arrived in Viterbo, I shifted to the Via Francigena, and now I'm on the outskirts of Rome, halfway through the journey.

Beyond the physical effort, which I had obviously taken into account, what I did not expect is the notoriety that this project has brought me. More and more people are joining and accompanying me mile by mile. I feel like Forrest Gump!

Let's now turn to a topic related to your trip: the internet. In fact, at some point, you thought of sharing this idea of yours online as well. When and why did you feel the need to create a website to support your project?

Initially, I promoted my project through social media, specifically on Instagram and Facebook. I also have a YouTube channel where I post videos of my walking days, so everyone can accompany me. But I needed a web page that was visible to everyone and that was not just a social media page: a kind of hub to which I could connect all my contacts and where I could provide more information about my story and my initiative. This is how I decided to create my website, unviaggiodasclero.it, which sums up my entire experience. Basically, those who want to learn about me will find everything there.

And as your traveling companion, you chose WebSite X5...

That's right! WebSite X5 is a program I was familiar with and have used non-professionally in the past to create sites for friends. To bring myself up to speed a bit, I decided to upgrade to the new version, first downloading the Go edition, which I used to create the foundation of my current site, then upgrading to the Pro edition and supplementing it especially in terms of the responsive aspect.

Why did you rely specifically on WebSite X5, and which benefits did the online visibility bring to Un Viaggio da Sclero?

I definitely chose WebSite X5 because it was a tool I was already familiar with. Moving on to the latest version, I greatly appreciated the program's obvious improvements, especially with respect to the ease of managing the content to be inserted. The greatest satisfaction is in looking at the finished site and realizing that it looks like it was done by a professional, but yet it was done by me! Now, I have people outside my circle of friends who are asking me to make them one.

My website has proven to be a great business card. As I mentioned earlier, it collects all my contact information and also allows me to insert links and references to external products. It was also very helpful to me in raising money to help me fund my initiative. In fact, I have included a page devoted specifically to crowdfunding in addition to one listing all the newspapers that have mentioned me.

WebSite X5 has helped provide visibility to my journey and, as a result, share the message of awareness that I want to take with me.

Let's end with a positive message. What would you say to those who find themselves faced with a difficult situation like yours?

Everyone deals with their lives and situations as they're able, but sometimes you need an example in order to move forward. And if you can't find an example, be your own!

Who uses WebSite X5?

Incomedia — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 22:00:00 GMT

A couple of months ago, we sent you a brief survey. This isn’t the first time we’ve done this, but we wanted to verify how accurate and up-to-date the snapshot we have of you still was.

First off, we are happy with the large number of responses we received. They confirm your dedication to us. Second, we thought we’d share some of the results that have emerged by adding them into a fun infographic.

So, are you ready to discover the profile of a typical WebSite X5 user?

Can you see yourself in this snapshot? Let's go over it together.

Our survey shows that the majority of you (51%) discovered WebSite X5 through a Google search, while 24% of you found reviews on specialized portals and websites,12.8% instead, has a friend or colleague that recommend it.

The reasons you chose it as a tool for creating your websites are mainly related to its ease of use and to the fact that it doesn’t require programming skills (21.26%). This is followed by not being required to pay a monthly fee (14.34%) and the possibility to create an unlimited number of websites (13.74%).

Semantic analysis of the open-ended responses you gave included "simple", “easy”, “mine forever”, “no programming” as words that stood out.

“Website X5 is brilliantly simple!”

It’s further proof that, once learned, you enjoy working with WebSite X5, and we were able to calculate that each of you creates 2.5 websites on average.

“One rate, unlimited websites, no subscription”

Additionally, the topics your sites deal with are extremely varied and diverse, since 37.55% of you created them to share your hobbies and passions. Reasons for creating a site include increasing sales and finding new customers (29.84%) and developing sites for resale to third parties (16.12 percent). Less popular reasons, but still well represented, are the following: opening an e-commerce store, collecting donations and creating a blog.

“My hobby wasn’t visible. I was the only one could see it :) Then I discovered WebSite X5, and now I'm sharing it with the entire world. I had visitors from 145 countries. Thank you.”

We were pleased to see that you were very quick to implement your projects. It may be because WebSite X5 is so easy to use, but as many as 70% of you say you created your site in less than two weeks. For 22.49% of you, two or three days was enough. That’s lightning fast!

Additionally, the fact that you don’t consider website development as a "hit and run" activity was demonstrated by the frequency with which it’s updated. 30.13% of you update your pages at least once a month, and 23.6% update them at least once a week. This says a lot about the importance of the sites that you’ve created.

“With a little imagination, you can create a professional website with no programming skills at all. All offline, no monthly payments, and the cost is very reasonable.”

In the end, however, it all comes down to one question: “Would you recommend WebSite X5?” There’s no better measurement of your satisfaction with WebSite X5. After all, no one would recommend something they’re not fully happy with at the risk of making a bad impression on friends or colleagues. As many as 82% of you said that you would recommend WebSite X5.

“I love WebSite X5! It’s a wonderful program! I have looked at many CMS systems, but I have come to the conclusion that WebSite X5 is a very convenient and well-balanced system for building even the most complex website.”

In short, these are very positive results which tell us we’re on the right path.

2022.2: Step on the gas

Incomedia — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Do you ever think of WebSite X5 as a car? One of those stunning cars with shiny bodywork, a cozy interior and a powerful and snappy engine? We do... And this time, we decided to open this car’s hood and tune up an important “part”: the resource management. Our goal? Allow you to speed up, of course!

Let’s find out together, what the new 2022.2 version has in store for everyone.

Resource Library

Creating a website is often a trial and error process and, even when a convincing solution is found, it usually does not take long before you decide that a change is needed. It’s inevitable: websites evolve and change over time.

So we often find ourselves adding new images and deleting others, linking a pdf presentation, updating product photos in the catalog, replacing old brochures and price lists, etc. But where do all these files go?

The answer is simple: in the Library, linked to the project file.

Every time you import a file into your project, it is automatically copied into a Library. This leads to 2 important advantages:

Even if you lose the original file, your project will continue to work properly because, it uses the copy found in the Library;
You can use the Library to find a file that has already been used in the project and reuse it somewhere else;

WebSite X5 uses an optimized copy of the files in the generated sites: the Library allows you to always start from the originals, for example, for changing the size of an image.

Convenient, isn’t it?

For a complete description of the new File Selection window, check out the How to use the File Selection window with the Project Library

Project analysis and optimization

There is one more point we’d like to highlight: the file is intelligently added into the Library. Each file, in fact, is added only once, even if you import it several times within the same project.

This avoids duplicates, it helps you handle library size and, consequently, project file size. It’s easy to understand that a lighter project file is also faster to open and manage. So the question is pretty obvious: is there a way to optimize project files? Yes, indeed.

We have introduced a new Project Optimization window: you can find it in Step 5. You can check your project file status any time you want. This will allow you to see several information: for example, the total size of your project file, but also that of all the files that are part of your Library, as well as those that are no longer used within the project.

Once you have identified the files that are no longer linked, you can make a backup copy of them – better safe than sorry – but, above all, you can delete them from your project file. This way, you will not lose anything and you will have a truly optimized project file, not even a “bit” more than what is strictly necessary.

Do you want to learn more about this? We have prepared a short step by step guide to explain how to do this: How to optimize a project?

Anything else?

Ok, as we said, this time we focused on the engine but, in the end, we couldn’t resist the temptation to add a couple of “optional extras”.

We redesigned hamburger menu behavior. Just so that you know: the hamburger menu is displayed when there is not enough space for the normal navigation menu. We have added an option for subitems to be visible on a click and not on mouseover. This makes the navigation smoother and clearer.

And with this I thank you for your attention! We are sure that with the new tools available in v2022.2, your journey with WebSite X5 will be even more enjoyable and fruitful than ever. Just enjoy the journey and in the meantime, we will think about new improvements for the next pit stop.

As usual, the list of all additions included in the new 2022.2 version, as well as in previous ones, is available on the News page.

Those who have an active WebSite X5 license can immediately install this new version: just launch the program, and you will find instructions on how to do it in just a few clicks.

Those who, on the other hand, have a WebSite X5 license that is no longer active, can renew it now to receive the new 2022.2 version.

Comics, caricatures, logos and… websites: Andrea’s thousand souls, aka BuonG

Incomedia — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Give me a pencil and, in the best case scenario, I will just make a doodle; give the same pencil to Andrea Buongiorno, and he will create a little masterpiece: cartoons, caricatures, logos…it all depends on your needs and his inspiration of the moment.

Today, Andrea put to good use his talent and has become an illustrator, a comic artist and a graphic designer. His first business card is his website www.buong.it, which he of course created with WebSite X5.

Are you ready to come into an artist’s fanciful and colorful world? Andrea is here to lead us in this journey.

Hi Andrea, I know you’d rather draw a caricature to introduce yourself, but can you tell us something about you?

«Hi everyone, I’m Andrea Buongiorno and I have been signing my works with the pseudonym “BuonG” since 1993. I was born and I still live and work in Monopoli, one of the most beautiful places in Puglia, Italy.

I work in the communication, I creating comics, illustrations and graphic design products in collaboration with agencies, publishers as well as clothing and gadget companies.

Furthermore, I'm specialized in sports design, caricaturing and mascots - I created more than a hundred - as well as in the graphic design of paper products.»

At one point, the PC entered your life, besides the pencil. What can you tell us about that?

«In 2003, after some local collaborations as cartoonist and illustrator, I decided to purchase my first PC, so to associate freehand drawing and digital tools. I was planning to move online so to reach a wider audience or potential customers.

My need for a website arose practically immediately: unfortunately, as far as computer graphics goes, I was self-taught, so you can imagine how difficult it was for me at first. I wanted to use my website as business card for my contacts with agencies, magazines and publishers all over Italy, I had thousands of ideas, but no technical skills to put them into practice.»

So you didn’t use WebSite X5 right away, did you?

«Unfortunately I didn’t. WebSite X5 is a recent discovery for me: I already had a website, but it was pretty outdated, and I was looking for a tool which I could use to redesign the entire project. The positive feedback I found online and the affordable price are the elements that led me to try out WebSite X5, and I’ve never regretted it.

I immediately liked how easy it is to create a complete and modern website. Moreover, WebSite X5 offers a very useful guide and a community where you can solve any doubt related to website creation.

On top of that, with social plug-ins, I can communicate with my customers on my website, using Facebook and Instagram: it only takes a few clicks.

I remember that when I published my first WebSite X5 website, my friends and colleagues asked me if I had attended web design classes, because after my website had been static for years, I finally had a dynamic web page! It was great satisfaction for me.»

What advantages did you get by introducing yourself with a website?

«As I imagined and hoped, the web widened my field of action by reducing the geographic distances. Many potential customers and partners all over Italy and abroad got to know me: many fans of the genre discovered and appreciated my work, especially as an illustrator.

I definitely have to thank the great communication potential the Internet has if, throughout the years, I have been able to enjoy many creative collaborations with Italian and international partners in a remote working form.»

According to your experience, what’s the difference between drawing a comic and creating a website?

«In my opinion, because in both cases we have a form of communication which combines textual and graphic elements, there aren’t as many differences as it may seem at first glance. Comics and web have their own peculiarities, of course, but after all, the author always needs to ask himself the same questions: “What do I want to tell?”, “What can I do for the readers/visitors to get involved?”, “What inputs do I want to convey with the user experience?”. Answering to these questions means building a solid foundation both for a comic story and for a website.

Every comic, just like every website, needs some eye-catching elements which can immediately describe and explain the soul and the philosophy behind the subject or the project. Here we go, these are the keywords: soul and philosophy. They are two essential elements for any communication project, no matter what kind it is.»

Going back to WebSite X5, and coming to the end of today’s chat, would you recommend it to someone who wants to create their own website?

«Yes, of course. Actually, I’ve already recommended WebSite X5, especially to those who want to build a website and don’t have any particular skill in the field. I mentioned the ease of use and user-friendliness, the wide variety of customization options that allow anyone to create a nice, dynamic and functional website to introduce themselves, their business or hobbies.»

One last routine question: any projects for the future?

«I surely have many projects and ideas. As far as my website is concerned, I am going to work on the online shop. The current one is managed through an external e-commerce platform: I didn’t know WebSite X5 back then.

WebSite X5 has all the necessary tools to create a complete and functional online shop, I will therefore use it to create mine. By managing everything with a single tool - I mean the presentation part as well as the sales - I am pretty sure that I will be able to get a better result and improve the website browsability, as well as the users’ experience. You know, there’s always room for improvement!»

How to Choose an Efficient Domain Name

Incomedia — Mon, 23 May 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Whoever’s worked on a website, knows it well: the domain name is extremely important for website credibility and recognizability, and it can even affect its ranking among search results.

But what is a domain name, how does it work, why is it so important and, above all, how can you choose the best one for your website?

That’s what we will find out together in this article.

What’s a domain?

The domain name, shortly domain, is the address used to visit a specific website. It's the part of the web address you find after the // , and after @ in the e-mail addresses.

For instance, in the following URL https://www.websitex5.com/en/tutorial.php, the domain name is "websitex5.com".

As you can see from the example, domain names and URLs are connected, but they aren’t the same thing. For instance, if your website was a house, the domain would be the address (house number and street), and the URL the directions necessary to get to it, or to a particular room.

How does a domain work?

Internet connects to one another services and devices, worldwide. To put it simple, each and every computer, mobile device and web service available online is connected to a unique IP address (for example, 93.183.216.34), the TPC/IP protocol uses this address to identify the device or service and to reach it.

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates these IP addresses into domains, they are easier for us to read and to remember, for instance www.example.org. This process is known as "name resolution".

In other words, while we identify a website by its domain name, computers identify the same website by the IP address: the DNS translates the website domain into an IP address that can be understood and can communicate with a computer.

Why is it important to pick the right name?

Your domain, as mentioned previously, is how your visitors find you online. There are 3 reasons why you should choose a good domain name:

It makes you look more professional: a customized domain helps brand image by adding professionalism and prestige.
It is easier to find your website: an appropriate and easy-to-remember domain helps potential visitors find and reach your website more easily.
It helps your SEO: the domain is important for your SEO strategy.

Now you should be able to understand why you have to pick a good name, easy-to-type and to remember, unique and that identifies with you. Want a couple of examples? amazon.com, apple.com, change.org. Each one has been chosen and carefully analyzed by its owner.

10 Tips For Choosing The Perfect Domain Name

Choosing the perfect domain name for your business or website is crucial and, with the right tips, you will be able to find the one that suits you best.

Here are a few tips to help you pick a domain name that will make you stand out:

Be clear and concise
Choose a brief and concise domain name, it can help your visitors remember it and type it easily on their browser. Technically, the domain can have up to 63 characters but, actually, it should be between 3 and 12 characters long.
Make it easy to pronounce
Easy to pronounce = easy to type. You don’t want potential visitors to have a difficult time trying to spell your domain name or trying to remember it after they’ve heard it. Try to keep it simple and don’t choose words which may cause doubts or misunderstandings.
Avoid hyphens and numbers
Avoid using hyphens, numbers and special characters within your domain name: they could complicate user experience and increase mistakes.
Promote your business:
You already have a business name, but you do not have a domain? Consider using your business name as domain name.
Don’t forget SEO
A good SEO tip is to include a relevant keyword in your domain name: this can help both people and search engines better classify your website for a specific topic. But don’t overdo it: add a keyword in your domain only if it really fits in, otherwise it could be considered as spam.
Avoid legal action
Make sure to search for existing trademarks before registering your domain. You don’t want to build your domain and website only to run into legal issues.
Creative and appropriate TLD
Top-Level Domain (TLD) is your domain extension, the last part of the address: .com is the most common, but there are many. Consider building a TLD into your domain name both to better explain what your website is about and, more creatively, to create some alternatives if the domain you want is already taken. For instance, .org clearly identifies an organization, .co.uk identifies a country, .travel could be perfect for a travel agency.
Check social media availability
There’s a good chance you will be promoting your business or website on social media. It’s not a bad idea to check first if the domain you want to register has the same username on all of the most popular social network sites as well, or at least on those that are useful for your business.
Think long term
Pick a domain name with your future in mind. It’s good to be trendy, but if you want to choose a lasting domain name that gives you a professional image, you have to go beyond that.
Protect your brand
You should consider registering the most popular TLDs to protect competitors from registering alternative versions of your domain (not only .co.uk for instance, but also .com and all the extensions that could be useful for your business).

How to register a domain name

At this point, you should know what your website domain name will be, and we can help you register it.

Find out more about our domain registration service and discover the domain that suits you best.

With WebSite X5 you get 12 months Hosting included for free and an automatic domain, like name.websitex5.me. Then, once your website’s ready, you can bring it online immediately without extra costs. By using a customized second level domain, like myname.com for example, you could go a step further and have access to the extra benefits mentioned previously, and achieve online success.

But mind you: a huge number of domains are registered around the world every day. The risk for your domain name to be taken by someone else increases every second, so don’t get stuck when you decide whether to activate a domain or not, or if you have doubts on the perfect domain choice. Think carefully, but try to act quickly: in the end, as Google puts it: "An average domain name is better than no domain name".

A BeeYouTiful website: Mauro brings his beekeeping business online

Incomedia — Thu, 19 May 2022 22:01:00 GMT

The Orta Lake: a small treasure chest set in the beautiful landscape of the Piedmont Alps, close to its much more famous relative, the Maggiore Lake.

It’s the environment where Mauro Rutto, a construction engineer and architect with a huge love for bees and for the place he lives in, has started his beekeeping business “Gocce di Miele”, i. e. honey drops. His organic honey is available both in the local stores and on his own online shop.

In fact, Mauro has created his website https://www.goccedimiele.it with WebSite X5, and he has set up a small e-commerce too.

Let’s find out more about Mauro’s story.

Hi Mauro, you are a sweet-hearted engineer: where does your love for bees come from?

«Hello! My love for bees dates back to my childhood: the first sweet substance I tasted, that should never miss at home, was honey…chestnut honey, actually. We could say that honey is in my DNA!

During my studies, I moved to Pavia and lived there for 16 years. Then, I moved back home to Omegna and, in 2012, I created my first apiary made up of 9 hives. Two years later, I started my beekeeping business Gocce di Miele, and since then I have been leading a double life: I am a construction engineer and architect and in my spare time, a beekeeper.»

Between studying, construction sites and apiary, when did you decide to move online too?

«I needed to get known both as an engineer, at first, but then later as a beekeeper too, and internet was just my natural harbor. I think the web is a fundamental tool to improve one’s visibility.

I’ve always had great interest in IT and graphic design: because of this, I developed my first web pages by programming in HTML myself. I then decided to look for a more intuitive software in orderto avoid coding, and finally I discovered WebSite X5.»

Was it love at first sight with WebSite X5?

«Yes, I was looking for a user-friendly and affordable software, I stumbled upon it and never left it ever since.

I like it because it is easy to use, and I can get very nice results with little effort. What I prize the most is that with WebSite X5 I can work on my website locally and without internet connection.

I also appreciate the possibility of creating responsive websites: nowadays, having a website which is perfectly browsable on desktop and on mobile is a real must.

I like WebSite X5 so much that I use it for all my websites, and I often recommend it to friends and colleagues.»

You are mentioning different “websites”, because goccedimiele.it isn’t the only project you created and brought online. Apiario d’autore is another project of yours: Can you tell us something about it?

«Bees are wonderful beings, crucial from the food chain, but also highly threatened. I wanted to contribute to the protection of bees and pollinating insects in general. But how?

I thought art could be a good way of raising awareness, so back in 2019 I started the project Apiario d'Autore ®, now in its fourth edition. Every year, 15 artists decorate hive front walls, then, they are used and “refined” by the bees themselves. The result is then exposed in traveling exhibitions.

I tell everything about that on https://www.apiarioautore.it/: for this website, I started off one of the WebSite X5 templates and then developed a blog and a shop where I sell my apiculture products.»

Web and bees seem very different worlds, but…

«…but the former one helps the latter, and to some extent, they aren’t different at all.

What I mean is that in my experience, websites and social media can be fantastic sounding boards for any kind of initiative, whether it is commercial or social, and they can therefore give any project the visibility it needs. However, in order to get the most out of these resources, they need to be regularly and carefully followed, looked after and updated.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if we’re talking about a website or a bee family: in both cases, you need to take care of them in order for them to thrive and bear fruits. And if we have a good season, it’ll be well worth it.»

I’m online, therefore I am: the experience of the web designer Gerd

Incomedia — Wed, 04 May 2022 22:01:00 GMT

If you aren’t online, you don’t exist. A mantra -which does sound a bit threatening- we all are more or less consciously aware of, including the owners of the about 1.83 billion currently online websites, as well as the administrators of the e-commerce platforms, a field that has never before lived such a great moment of flourishing growth and that should reach 4.9 billion dollars of sales by the end of 2021. Also Gerd Gratenau, a graphic designer who’s active on the web, is more than convinced about this. With WebSite X5, in fact, he shares his experience with who wants to take advantage of web potential. I’m online, therefore I am.

Hi Gerd! So, what do you think: is being online that crucial nowadays?

[image:image-0]Of course it is! In my opinion, you need a website as a sort of legitimation of your own existence, regardless of the field you’re in. How to go online, whether by using a simple showcase website or something more complex and structured, is another story which depends on a personal choice. The important thing is to be there, to be online and to use the space we have to talk about a topic, a product, a service.

If you had to give out tips on good website creation, what would they be?

I believe that a website is a showcase that can be used to talk about ourselves to a wide audience. The best way of doing this is using images. We used to say a picture is worth a thousand words, now we talk about communicating via images. Two ways of conveying the same message. And with a website, we have endless possibilities to take advantage of the strength of the images: better not miss it! And, it’s important, like for any creative project, to carefully plan the website we’re building by asking ourselves some crucial questions: “What do I want to show? Who is it for? And how?”. This is how we can achieve good results.

Can you tell us about some of the websites you’ve created as a web designer?

I worked on many projects throughout the years, my favourite is www.amberundberg.de, the website I created for Liv Amber and Alexander Berg, authors of crime novels based in Berlin. A novel is a world on its own made of printed words, and the website is a way of providing more context and creating a base for this parallel universe. Surely a more effective way than the simple text printed on the cover of a book.

With the author-duo, I immediately arranged the website style, which should have somehow reflected the color and atmosphere of the novels. That’s how the newspaper layout was born.

And you used WebSite X5 to bring this virtual world to life, didn’t you?

Precisely! I ran into WebSite X5 during online searches and what hit me at first was that it wasn’t an online editor based on subscription, but a desktop software which could be used offline as well, something I find very useful. I never left it since, and I still use it to create my clients' websites.

I also like the way the website creation process and the contents are managed, because you can really focus on the structure of the page and therefore get a more effective result. It’s also possible to check out the work you are doing using the internal preview function: so I can see how the website looks on the different resolutions, and that’s a huge help.

Can you tell us 3 reasons why people should be using WebSite X5?

Well, I would say its user-friendliness: you don’t need to code and still get great results both as far as the graphics and the ranking are concerned. There are in fact many options related to SEO, and you don’t have to be an expert to use them.

There are many useful guides and tutorials explaining step by step how to get this or that particular effect, and that’s for sure a great pro!

And then I like the fact that you can work offline and have all of your files stored locally on PC, like I mentioned before.

The Amber & Berg website isn’t the only one you made with WebSite X5...

Actually it isn’t. Another example I could mention is the one I created for the writer Sybille Schrödter, www.sybilleschroedter.de: here, I managed the menu by creating clickable graphic elements for each entry. You just need a bit of creativity and, thanks to the included functions, you really have a lot of possibilities.

The ones I mentioned are just some of the websites I created with WebSite X5, and I am sure that I’ll keep using it for my future projects as well.

Creating powerful contact forms: Ten things you can do to increase the number of your subscribers

Incomedia — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 06:43:00 GMT

In spite of what they say, email marketing is alive and well. In fact, as we had the opportunity to say in one of our previous posts (An irreplaceable evergreen. Five great reasons why you too should be doing email marketing), it’s in excellent health.

Have you too been thinking about using this extremely effective promotional tool? Great, so you’ve already been planning to include an email form on your website so you can gain subscribers to whom you’ll send your communications and offers.

But how can you create a truly powerful form, a form that’s capable of populating your list of qualified contacts in a reasonable amount of time? Let's find out together.

Best practices for contact forms that work

If you’re looking to collect contacts or, as those in the industry like to call them, “leads”, it’s not enough to simply insert an email form on just any page of your website and sit back and wait.

Think about what you do when you’re browsing and come across a form. I bet you don't provide your information for just any reason. Instead, you decide to fill it in only if what you’ve found on the site has convinced you that enrolling will provide some type of benefit, and that this benefit is enough to reward you for the time you’ll spend answering the questions.

To ensure that your form truly convinces your website visitors to give you their contact information, you're going to have to try a bit harder. So here are the ten things you’ll need to do to be successful at increasing your number of subscribers:

Introduce the form at the appropriate time
Make the form visible but not intrusive
Create a context for the form
Ask only the questions you need to
Use appealing copy
Make the form visually pleasing
Always keep it simple
Provide feedback to users who’ve filled out the form
Comply with GDPR
Use A/B tests for continuous improvement

Introduce the form at the appropriate time

When users see your form, they should be at least interested in your offer. You can't expect them to fill it out if you haven't first explained to them what you do and why they should choose you over someone else.

Try to create a navigation path within your site to welcome your users and lead them gradually to discover what you do or offer. It’s only after you’ve won their interest and trust that they’ll be willing to fill out your form and click on the "Submit" button.

Make the form visible but not intrusive

We've said it before - the form is important to you. That's why it wouldn't make sense to hide it or make it inaccessible. Therefore, you’ll always want to place it in a prominent position, so that it’s more likely to receive traffic. Give preference to the portion of the page above the folder (the upper part that’s visible without scrolling) and also consider repositioning the form on various parts of your site, depending on the navigation paths you've created.

However, you’ll need to avoid making the form too intrusive, for example, by putting it in a large pop-up that aggressively interrupts the user. It's unlikely that an annoyed user would be inclined to provide you their information.

Create a context for the form

Now that you’ve determined the appropriate page on which to insert your form, how should you present it? You can't display it full screen. You need to create a context that guides users to the form and breaks down their barriers by compelling them to fill it out.

Creating a context means focusing on the copy and images surrounding the form within the web page. Regarding the copy, you might provide:

a thank you for their interest
an explanation for the purpose of the form that makes it definitively clear to users why it’s important for them to fill it out
an indication of the time required to complete the form to give users an idea of the commitment you’re asking for

Additionally, according to website design rules, inserting an image next to the form can be advantageous, being a way to add emotion. Choose your image carefully. It should be high-quality and in line with what you’re offering. In many cases, an image of a person is a good choice because it can reassure and create an emotional connection.

There’s another element that should be included near the contact form: a list of alternative contacts. Do your users prefer to email or telephone you? Why not accommodate them? Here are all the alternative contacts you might consider offering:

email address
landline and mobile phone number
Skype username
Live Chat if applicable

Ask only the questions you need to

Asking users to fill out a form means asking them to commit some of their time to performing a task that isn’t particularly appealing to them. The chance of them doing so is greater the more you ensure that the task is quick, easy and painless.

So keep the questions to a minimum and include only the ones that are truly necessary.

Many forms are extremely basic and simply ask for the following: name, email address and purpose. Upon closer inspection, of these, the only required field is email. Requesting a name is optional.

If you’re happy with a name and an email address, you might be able to collect more contacts, but you would know little about each one. If, on the other hand, it’s important to you to better qualify each contact, you can ask more questions. You’ll end up with fewer but more complete entries.

In this second case, a good rule is to include one to three questions for each of these sections:

Contact Information: Includes fields such as name, email address and telephone number.
Business information: Allows you to better understand who you’re dealing with. Examples of these fields include company website, business activity and main contact.
Project Information: Allows you to correctly frame the request. Examples of these fields include: project type, budget and estimated timeframe.

If there are many questions and the form gets too long, divide it into sections so it seems more manageable to the user.

Now, deciding how many and which questions to ask is up to you in relation to the types of goals you set for yourself.

Use appealing copy

Writing copy for a form sounds easy, but those in the industry know that writing microcopy is more difficult than writing volumes of copy. When you need to say a lot in only a few words, you really need to make sure you choose the right ones.

Fortunately, for most fields on a form, you don't have to come up with innovative solutions. Instead, you can replicate what you generally find online. This has the advantage of asking users questions they’re already familiar with and are therefore easier to deal with. So, if you’re asking for an email address, naming the field "Email" will be obvious, but it’s also the best choice.

Another issue comes with the introduction of formulas or CTAs (Calls To Action) on buttons, you’ll need to go beyond the standard wording. More creative formulas than the standard "Sign Up," in fact, lead to better results. The trick is to use phrases in which the user's advantage is explicitly highlighted, such as “I want to stay updated" or "Receive the latest news". Here, you should give it your best effort.

Make the form visually pleasing

The same care and attention that you devoted to composing and formulating your website graphics should be used in designing your contact form.

On their own, forms are not particularly attractive, but by paying close attention to things like colors, fonts and the spacing between elements, you can accomplish a lot. Above all, you can ensure that the form is consistent with the rest of your site.

Don't underestimate anything. You'd be surprised how much better a form’s subscription rates can be just because the color or look of the "Submit" button has changed!

Always keep it simple

Surely you’ve figured it out by now. If you want users to fill out your form, you’ll need to reduce all possible issues and try to make the task as easy as possible for them.

This means not just figuring out the number of questions, copy or length of the form (things we've already discussed), but also choosing the best way to allow the user to reply.

There are several things you can do when deciding which fields to use. For example, you can:

include appropriately sized text fields for more discursive questions
take advantage of drop-down fields to facilitate choosing between various options
provide a calendar for dates
activate automatic checks on the correctness of some fields, for example, to verify that e-mail addresses are written correctly

Here’s a unique and effective alternative to the usual fields. With Image Form Objects, you can create short questionnaires with closed questions and visual answers, collect user responses and information and respond with personalized offers and quotes. See them in action and discover how to use them correctly.

Provide feedback to users who’ve filled out the form

You got what you wanted. The user has filled out the form and has sent you their information. Out of politeness, you’ll want to thank them for their time and attention, and the best way you can do that is by directing them to a special thank you page.

With a thank you page, you can also:

tell the user that their information has been sent successfully
reassure the user regarding the timing of an eventual response from you
guide the user on how to continue browsing your site
set up tracking to monitor conversions

Comply with GDPR

Since forms are tools through which user data is collected and submitted, they need to comply with GDPR (i.e., General Data Protection Regulations).

Our advice is, of course, to thoroughly inform yourself regarding the applicable regulations to ensure your compliance and avoid the risk of sanctions.

In general, European legislation requires that:

When personal data is processed, the user is informed of the processing activities carried out through a privacy policy.
In order to proceed with data collection via a registration form, the user's informed consent is first obtained.

Consent must be explicit and verifiable, and the user must be guaranteed the right to revoke it. This is why you must always provide a cancellation link.

Creating your form with WebSite X5 gives you the option of linking to your privacy policy and inserting the link for deletion directly at the bottom of the fields. You can also easily require double opt-in to fulfill your obligations. Read the guidance available on the Object Contact Form.

Use A/B tests for continuous improvement

Finally, remember that everything can be perfected and that we never stop learning. So after you’ve created your form, published it online and begun collecting contacts, don't rest on your laurels. Instead, ask yourself what you can do to make it even better.

An A/B test is an experiment in which you compare two alternatives to see which one performs better. Place alternative CTAs, positions and colors in competition with each other and see what works and what doesn’t. Results won’t be long in coming.

Conclusion

At this point, you know what you need to do to create a form that’ll convince users to provide you their information. Soon you’ll have a list of e-mails at your disposal, and you can begin sending informative newsletters, quotes, sales offers or any other kind of communication you’re planning.

Have you already written your first newsletter? If you have not yet done so and are a bit confused, you’ll find this article useful: Creating an effective newsletter: Tips and best practices.

Enjoy reading!

From Italy to Cuba: a website for Gabriele’s B&B in Havana

Incomedia — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 08:34:00 GMT

That’s it, I’m quitting everything and leaving! Many of us have had this thought at least once in a lifetime. Gabriele Righetti, however, went a step further: he actually managed to turn his dream into reality. But he didn’t escape at all: he pursued and achieved his goal instead.

Today, Gabriele is the owner and manager of a Bed & Breakfast in Havana, Cuba, and he can proudly say that he reached a perfect balance between his work and passion. In order to present his business to the world and to get more customers, he used WebSite X5 and built his very own website, https://www.bebcentral.com/.

This is what he told us about his experience.

Hi Gabriele, from Zocca (Modena) to Havana (Cuba): how did your adventure begin?

«Hi everyone. It all began out of passion, as it often happens.

I’ve always loved the seaside, the tropics and diving: I started searching for a country where I could find good job opportunities and fulfill my interests. Cuba turned out to be the answer.

I left Zocca, where I worked in the 2 tourism companies of my family - a little hotel and a holiday farm in the countryside - and went to Cuba. Today, I am the owner and manager of a B&B downtown Havana.»

I must ask: what’s it like to live in Cuba?

«Cuba is a complicated country, full of contradictions. I can’t hide that it was pretty difficult to get used to this reality at first: working here isn’t that simple!

Apart from having to learn a new language, the cultural context may appear “strange” to Europeans. But, the initial difficulties are definitely repaid by the typical Cuban cheerfulness and joie de vivre. From its landscapes to the amazing seaside, a never-ending summer, music and colors.»

Let's talk about the internet now: when did you decide that you needed a website for your activity?

«Luckily, it was quite clear to me immediately. I was still living in Italy back then, and I managed a B&B in Bologna: I noticed how everything was starting to move online, so I understood that the Internet could turn into a fundamental tool to get new reservations from tourists.

Being the first B&B owner that had a website back in Bologna and then later in Havana too, I gained several advantages: my website improved my image and helped me to significantly increase my customers.»

You chose to build your B&B website by yourself, with WebSite X5.

«Exactly, I came across this wonderful tool by searching online and keeping an eye on reviews. By testing the trial version, I understood immediately that it was the perfect tool for me.

I achieved professional, satisfying and elegant results and was very pleased with it. You can indeed get amazing results in very little time! But, you shouldn't be fooled by this, because despite the ease of use, the possibilities of WebSite X5 are endless.»

Your B&B website has a linear and clean design. What features do you think are a must-have in a tourist facility website?

«I think a good website should always have beautiful high-quality photos as well as interesting text, that must not be too long. Of course, everything should then be elegantly assembled together.

A website should also be available in several languages, especially in my field: our clients are worldwide, therefore guests should be welcomed in the best possible way with user-friendly content. My website speaks Spanish, Italian and English, just like my staff at the B&B.

Finally, social networks are a must-have: we’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and, above all, on TripAdvisor where we got back in 2020, the Traveler’s Choice prize.»

One last question: would you recommend WebSite X5 to any other person that needs to create a website?

«I have been using WebSite X5 since 2011, and I could not live without it. I have always recommended it and, as long as its quality level stays so high, I will certainly continue to do so.»

A passion, an association, a website: the story of Tino and Irpinia Trekking

Incomedia — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 09:54:00 GMT

You may not know it, but the first to talk about trekking were the Dutch. In the 19th century, after having suffered defeat at the hands of the British in South Africa, they had to cross inhospitable lands in order to evacuate the country.

Today trekking, or hiking, is synonymous with nature walks: a new way to regain a slow pace and keep fit, as well as to visit new places, rediscovering your love for nature and the slowness of the path.

Vincenzo Tino knows this very well. He is a nature lover, a member of the Irpinia Trekking Association and the creator of its official website https://www.irpiniatrekking.it.

Let's get to know him a little better!

Hi Vincenzo, how about introducing yourself briefly?

"Hello everyone! I have a degree in accounting and work for a well-known insurance company.

I live in a beautiful land: "green Irpinia", located in the central-eastern part of Campania, which more or less corresponds to the province of Avellino.

It is an irregular territory, carved by valleys and punctuated by reliefs with numerous rivers and streams meandering through them. It's a paradise for those who, like me, love hiking, nature walks, trekking and cycling in their free time."

Your passion for hiking is so strong that it led you to join an association...

"That's right. Since 2017, I have been part of Irpinia Trekking (FIE division of Avellino), an association that accompanies visitors in the mountains, with trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding, caving, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hiking, all in complete safety, to discover new landscapes and natural beauty. It offers a variety of itineraries and routes, with particular attention to the area of the Partenio Regional Park."

You don't limit yourself to walking along the trodden paths, however: you have also made a "path" on the web.

"Yes, it's true. When I joined the Association, I offered to create and publish the website, free of charge. So, with the approval of President Tonino Maffei, I got to work and, in the end, the website https://www.irpiniatrekking.it went online to everyone's great satisfaction."

Was this your first website?

"No, I had known about WebSite X5 for a few years and had already used it to develop other projects as well. If I remember correctly, I discovered it in 2014 thanks to reviews I read in PC/IT magazines. After trying it, I bought the license and always kept it updated, which I consider fundamental given all the improvements introduced over time."

How did you go about creating the IrpiniaTrekking.it website? Are you the kind of person who studies theory first or the kind that immediately throws themselves into the practical aspects?

"I have to confess that I didn't use the manual but some free webinars I attended were very helpful. In general, I prefer practice to theory but, in my defense, I must say that WebSite X5 is so simple to understand and use that you can achieve excellent results that way too.

I decided to start from one of the templates offered in the Marketplace: it seemed to have been designed with us in mind! Once the project was downloaded, I entered our content, made some necessary customizations and I was practically ready to go online already."

What prompted you to create a website and not just settle for a social media profile for your association?

"I am convinced that a website is still essential for building a stable, lasting and professional presence on the web. All the different social networks are certainly widely consulted and can be successful for targeted campaigns, but they don't allow you to have full control over everything at all times, and the content is often replaced very quickly. It is much more difficult for users to be able to have a complete overview of a complex reality such as an association through social media alone, without the support of an official website."

In the end, do you think you would recommend WebSite X5?

"Yes, absolutely! I would recommend the program for its ease of use, for its content, and also for the technical support, which proved to be efficient and prompt. I remember having a hitch in the project export phase: they took me through it step by step, solving everything quickly.

There is still one, almost necessary, final question: what is your next destination?

"Are we talking about hikes or the web? In terms of excursions, the Association has a very rich program. As for the web, however, I am working on a personal project I will soon publish as www.outdoorexplorer.it.

2022.1: Focus on yourself with Personal Branding

Incomedia — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 23:00:00 GMT

We asked ourselves: "What could really be of use at this start of the year to those who are looking for new stimuli to kick-start or give renewed momentum to their careers?"

WebSite X5 already allowed you to create a personal website complete with everything you need: a bio page, image/video galleries, contact forms, blogs, reviews, social media links... However, there was still one thing missing: an an item that would make it possible to create a simple and instant overview of all the best work that has already been done. That's how the new Portfolio Item was born, and today we are presenting it together with other new features introduced in the 2022.1 version.

Portfolio Item: Show off what you are capable of

There are many reasons to create an online portfolio. If you are a freelancer, you can use it to showcase your work and encourage potential customers to contact you. If, on the other hand, you are a professional or a student looking for a job, you can build your online portfolio to prove your skills and convince companies to call you for an interview. In short, an online portfolio helps you promote yourself, attract new customers and find job opportunities in line with your skills and experiences.

Thanks to the new Portfolio Item - you can find it in the list of Items installed with the software - adding a portfolio of your most important work to your personal website is really very easy.

Prepare a picture, a title and a short description for each of the works you want to include: you will need them to make presentation cards. You can complete each card with one or two buttons and decide to use them to link to an in-depth page, a gallery, a pdf file or any other type of material you need. The cards will automatically compose a wall: you, of course, can customize the various graphic elements and animation effects. If the works included are numerous, you can complete your portfolio with practical search tools: filtering by category or date, or by performing a free search, your users can quickly find the works that interest them most.

Ready to create your portfolio? We have prepared a short, step-by-step guide explaining what you need to do: What is a portfolio and how do you create it?

Increase sales with installment payments

While the Portfolio Item is designed for those who have a personal website through which they need to work on their Personal Branding, the other important new feature introduced in v.2022.1 will appeal to all those who use WebSite X5 to create and maintain their e-commerce site.

If you're part of this group, you'll be happy to know that with PayPal'sBuy Now Pay Later integration, you can give your customers the ability to pay in installments. Think about the benefits: customers pay in 3 or 4 installments (set by PayPal based on the country) with no added interest; you increase sales and receive the full amount immediately (PayPal manages the installments). A win-win situation for everyone!

Think about it! By allowing payments in installments, you lower the barriers that prevent clients from checking-out and obtain a resulting boost in sales. In addition, you will stand out from other stores by offering a service that will positively impact customer satisfaction and increase customer loyalty.

Bet you now want to know what you need to do to activate installment payments on your store right away? In reality, it's pretty simple. If you are already using the PayPal Commerce Platform, you just need to enable an option to ensure that the ability to pay in installments is properly displayed at all necessary points. We explain everything in this guide: How to offer payment in installments thanks to PayPal's Buy Now Pay Later service

The Buy Now Pay Later service is currently active in the following countries: United Kingdom, France, Germany, United States, and Australia. It will soon be made available also in Italy, Spain, and Canada. To check countries and availability dates, rates, terms and conditions, check the PayPal website (paypal.com).

What happens next?

We have also planned for Google Analytics 4 integration, enhanced video insertion on the entry page, and added a search field to instantly find the items you need to insert into your pages.

As far as Google Analytics 4 is concerned, it is worth noting that this is the new version of Google's well-known monitoring and analysis service. Compared to the well-known and still widely used Universal Analytics, it offers a completely different graphic design and operating system: the approach, in fact, is centered on the detection of user interactions and behaviors, rather than on the users themselves.

If you're curious to try Google Analytics 4 on your site, all you have to do is get and enter the tracking code. In the guide How do I activate Google Analytics™? we explain how.

That's about it. We are confident that the new tools in v2022.1 will help you to make your personal website or e-commerce site even more efficient and effective. While you are busy checking out all the new features, we are already working on the next v2022.2. We'll be in touch soon with other interesting news.

You can find a list of all the updates added in version 2022.1 - as well as the list of updates from older versions - in the News page.

If you already have an active WebSite X5 license, you can install this new version right away: just launch the program and you'll find instructions for doing so in just a few clicks.

If your WebSite X5 license has expired, renew it today to receive the new version 2022.1.

Finally, if you don't have WebSite X5, take this opportunity to buy it now. The user license includes a 12-month guarantee of receiving updates and new versions as we release them, as well as access to our Priority Assistance service.

Solidarity in motion. The Mobile Kitchen of Rome hits the road.

Incomedia — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 23:00:00 GMT

The inauguration. It's finally time to set off.

Thursday 17 February was almost a spring morning in Rome, with a clear sky above and the grandeur of St. Peter's Square in the background. We were there, in the company of the friends of Fondazione Progetto Arca, excited and proud to finally be able to inaugurate the new Mobile Kitchen that we helped to create.

A canteen on wheels. Brilliant!

The Mobile Kitchen of Rome is a food truck equipped with ovens, stoves and kettles: it is literally a canteen on wheels that moves through the streets of Rome to reach those in need right where they are. It will serve 450 hot dinners a week and distribute essentials such as sleeping bags and hygiene kits. The idea behind it is as simple as it is brilliant: don't wait for those in need to come to you, but go directly to where help is needed.

At work. Distribution begins.

The event was an opportunity to see the volunteers and social workers of Progetto Arca in action: assisted by Leo Gassman, representing the Italian National Singers, they distributed numerous meals and hygiene kits to homeless people in the area, who were attracted by the presence of the Mobile Kitchen parked on the street. We thus experienced first-hand the truth of what Alberto Sinigallia, President of Progetto Arca, never tires of repeating: "A hot dish donated as a gesture of care is the most direct way to establish a relationship".

Back at home. It doesn't end here.

We returned home with a new awareness and a stronger determination.

The awareness of how urgent it is to provide a solution to a problem that the pandemic has only made even more acute: there are more than 7,000 homeless people in Rome alone, as well as all those who live in vulnerable conditions despite having a home.

The determination to continue with our solidarity campaign to collect hot meals in order to supply the cabinets of the Mobile Kitchen. We have decided to donate up to 5 meals for each copy of WebSite X5 sold. We are on track to reach the goal we set at 1,000: do you want to help us too?

#AiutaciAdAiutare – To find out what our friends at Fondazione Progetto Arca do every day, visit: https://www.progettoarca.org

Together with Fondazione Progetto Arca for the new Mobile Kitchen in Rome

Incomedia — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 08:17:00 GMT

Life is often unpredictable: paths intertwine and new situations arise, which - it is soon clear - are destined to bear new fruits.

This is exactly what happened last year. Incomedia's path crossed with that of Progetto Arca non-profit Organisation and it was evident that they were the friends we were waiting for: those who could help us help others, to do something concrete to improve the conditions of those who, already on the margins of society or in fragile conditions, find themselves even more exposed because of the ongoing pandemic.

Progetto Arca non-profit Organisation. Their motto: "Help first, always".

Fondazione Progetto Arca has a history of almost thirty years of hospitality, assistance and food support for those living in a state of poverty and social marginalization, especially the homeless and needy families.

In Milan, it had already set up a food truck and created a Mobile Kitchen with which it distributed 150 hot meals a day.

It wanted to extend the service to Rome: how could we just stand by?

The Rome Mobile Kitchen. A goal achieved thanks to Incomedia.💛

We liked the project immediately: a food truck is a real kitchen on 4 wheels, equipped with an oven, stove, and kettles. It is autonomous and travels the streets, distributing complete, hot meals to the homeless people it meets along its route.

We are proud to have contributed to the creation of the Rome Mobile Kitchen. It will be inaugurated on Thursday, February 17th, at 11 am, in St. Peter's Square (corner of via Rusticucci) and will be operational that same evening.

Our next goal. 1,000 hot meals, now!

There is still a lot to do, however: now that the Rome Mobile Kitchen is here and active, we must be able to guarantee the necessary hot meals. This is why we have decided to launch a solidarity campaign. Starting today, we will donate 5 hot meals for each Pro, 3 for each Evo and 1 for each Go to the Progetto Arca non-profit Organisation. We want to reach 1,000 as soon as possible.

Your investment will multiply threefold:

you will have the software you need to create your site
you will provide a hot meal for those most in need
you will have the joy of having done something good

Alberto Sinigallia, president of Progetto Arca non-profit Organisation, never gets tired of saying:

[image:image-1]

Let's all work together to support our friends at Fondazione Progetto Arca so that they help as many people as possible. To find out what they do every day: www.progettoarca.org

When tradition meets digitalization: Pius’s story

Incomedia — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:00:00 GMT

No matter how well a company is rooted in time and space, and no matter how large or small it is, changes should always be welcomed. That’s surely a difficult approach, but staying stuck in the past without seizing the opportunities that arise with new technologies comes with a risk: not being able to keep up and to inevitably get lost.

Pius Furter, owner of the Furter Schreinerei, a 132-year-old joinery based in Switzerland, has surely been able to adapt his business to changing times. In fact, he has brought his company online and taken advantage of the potential the web can offer, by connecting history, tradition and digitalization. A great challenge for sure, but luckily, Pius wasn’t alone during this journey: WebSite X5 helped him step by step create his website https://furter-schreinerei.ch/ !

Today, Pius will tell us all about his experience.

Hello Pius! Well, 132 is a pretty long time...where do we start?

I would start from 1889, the year when my great-grandfather started the joinery in Beromünster, in northern Switzerland. I am part of the fourth generation that since then has been managing the family business. We produce kitchens, furniture, fixtures and much more, both wholesale and retail. We are a 15-people team, and I am in charge of the administrative management, as well as of the customer advisory aspect and of operational and commercial planning. I have been working hard to get where I am now: apart from the basic carpentry training, I also attended further training courses until I became Schreinermeister, master joiner, which is the top level for this field in Switzerland.

What challenges did the company have to face, at least during its recent history?

Throughout the years, we surely had to adapt an historic company to changing times. Technically, the usage of modern production plants and an advanced planning infrastructure allowed us to diversify and widen our product range. We have also moved towards a more ecological and sustainable production: for instance, we tend to prefer working with Swiss wood and with regional partners, so to limit long road transport, and we employ hydropower as well as energy-friendly equipment.

Digitalization has been a challenge as well. We in fact felt the need to present our activities and our offers to a broader audience, which only the web could offer us. That’s why we needed to create a website.

And that’s how WebSite X5 kicks in. Let me put it this way: how did we meet?

Initially, I used another software, which worked completely differently and offered a lot fewer customization options. I then started looking for a more professional tool, because I wanted my website to be more modern and attractive. I noticed that specialized online portals always presented WebSite X5 with very positive reviews, so I started by testing the free version first. After a while I decided to switch to the Evo edition, which I then used to create my current website, furter-schreinerei.ch.

However, we could say that web design wasn’t really your cup of tea...

It surely wasn’t. In the beginning, I had to allow myself some time to really understand how the software worked, but after the first attempts I have been able to get very professional results. I in fact took advantage of all the different customization and configuration options, especially as far as the responsive is concerned. I also appreciated how easy it is to change texts and images to keep the website up-to-date.

Would you advise other entrepreneurs to create a website for their own business?

I think that having a website is a vital step for any company because it is both a good advertisement and a showcase for the business as well. We intend it as a true showroom that we can use to present our products as well as our project and team to a worldwide audience of potential customers. And we report some interesting facts, too. For instance, we often welcome apprentices, so they can complete their training with us, and when someone finally reaches the goal, we write about it on our website. In this way, we can keep our customers up-to-date on our company life, the perfect way to create a bond with them.

According to your experience, would you recommend WebSite X5?

I already did and I would do it again! Not only I used WebSite X5 to build the company website, but I also used it to create the website for a colleague’s organization. In my case, WebSite X5 helped me get many daily visits, I have a better chance of gaining new customers, and this is an opportunity no one should ever miss, that’s for sure.

Trade show events and websites: Andrea explains how he brought the Bologna Mineral Show online

Incomedia — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 23:00:00 GMT

A world exists that's unknown to most, one of perfect geometry, colors and dazzle. It's a silent world that has so much to tell and that, despite looking cold, manages to ignite strong passions in the hearts of those who can listen.

It's the amazing world of minerals and of the many scholars and collectors who inhabit it. Andrea Ortelli, holder of a degree in economics and employed by a multinational company, is one of them: a mineral enthusiast who, along with a group of friends, founded the Bologna Mineral Show, a company who manages the major mineralogical trade shows throughout Italy.

Andrea, though not an expert in web design, with the help of WebSite X5, has himself created the official websites of the trade shows he organizes: http://www.bolognamineralshow.com and https://www.euromineralexpo.it.

We met up with Andrea. Here's what he told us about his experience.

Hello Andrea, let's break the ice right away. Can you tell us how you got into the Web?

«Actually, my interest for websites stems more from curiosity than from a true need. At first, I just wanted to find out how an internet domain works and how to get a personalized email address. From there, I began a journey which led me to better understand how the Internet works and to gain more insight into the "behind the scenes" of the web. Of course, I didn't stop there and soon started searching for the necessary tools to create my first site. This research led me to make some preliminary attempts with a few web-assisted platforms. Early results, however, proved insufficient. I encountered a lot of inflexibility and little room for customization.»

Thankfully, you didn't give up. You kept searching....

«Yes, indeed, in fact I eventually came across WebSite X5. Credit goes to a good friend of mine, someone who kept up- to-date by checking out IT blogs and portals.

About seven years ago, he asked me, "Why don't you try this program?" He had downloaded the free trial version, and so did I. Needless to say, after the first few weeks of using it, I quickly upgraded to the higher versions which allow for a lot of flexibility in building the desired site.»

What's it like to work with WebSite X5?

«The first site I created with WebSite X5 centered around another one of my passions: sports. That site was a kind of gym, where I learned about all the program's functions. I immediately appreciated two features that, for me, were essential:

its simplicity of use, thanks to its modular work system
the number of options for customizing formats and colors

At one point, I realized the software's true potential. Above all, I realized that I could also use it for our trade show organization business. We wanted to improve on the situation we were in.»

And this is how the www.bolognamineralshow.com and www.euromineralexpo.it websites came to be. What benefits have online visibility brought to your business?

«That's right, I jumped in and created the official sites for our mineralogy trade show activities.

Incidentally, having a presence on the Internet and effectively communicating the content/services offered is now a fundamental requirement for any business. People expect to find the information they're looking for quickly and easily on the Internet. If you don't meet this expectation, you can be sure that you'll be cut out of an increasingly large slice of the business.

I believe that being present on the web and responding to the expectations of users with your own easily recognizable domain, rather than with a simple social media page, allows you to portray a much more solid and professional image.

Now, after some time, I am nothing but satisfied with our choice to create our own websites. We were able to better communicate all the activities offered by the trade show and available to the public. This has led to a significant increase in average visitors over the last five editions. It's truly an amazing accomplishment!»

In your opinion, what must be included on a website? Are there any tips you feel like giving to those who are just starting out on this adventure?

«I believe the beauty of the Internet lies in the fact that it's a world without limits, where everything has a place and everyone can get the visibility they deserve. At its foundation, there's the content. Without it, the site practically doesn't exist.

Once you have the contents, then you can take off, and the altitude at which you'll fly can be freely determined by the pilot.

This is the beauty of the Internet. It's the only place where both the "little boat", created from the heart of an amateur, and the super-advanced "ocean liner", created by a professional, can find equal opportunity.

If I had to give three simple suggestions, I would always recommend:

Ease in navigation
Quality graphics and images
Tools for statistical analysis of site visits

But I'm convinced that what makes the difference is and always will be the content.»

In the end, Andrea, would you recommend WebSite X5 (or maybe you already have) and why?

«Absolutely, I would recommend the use of WebSite X5 to anyone who wants to get involved, and especially to anyone who has the need and the desire to ultimately gain independence in the management of their own website.

Unfortunately, for many of us, the lack of knowledge makes the web a "taboo" and forces us to turn to a third party, even for creating a basic website for our business. This is the beginning of a sort of dependent/subservient relationship with intermediaries who often perform this service with a poor "quality/price" ratio. It often happens, in fact, that after getting a website up and running, significant amounts of money and time are required for any modifications. It's a dynamic that may be fine for a large company, but for small and medium-sized companies, it represents a perfect stumbling block.

Instead, what I'd like to share is a message of trust: Understanding the basic mechanisms of how the Internet works is not impossible, it's within everyone's reach! Additionally, with a tool like WebSite X5, you can really make something beautiful with just a bit of effort, and if you want to go further, you can even obtain very advanced solutions with database integrations and e-commerce dynamics.»

Farewell 2021. Welcome 2022!

Incomedia — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Are you eager to put another year behind you or feeling nostalgic about the time going by?

We’re reaching the end of 2021, a year that has seen us struggle to control the pandemic and work towards the return of a new day-to-day life.

Now, as we raise a sparkling glass of fizz to our many hopes for 2022, we cannot resist the urge to share a recap of our progress.

The Incomedia team can consider itself satisfied with the important milestones we’ve achieved. To name a few: we’re proud to have launched our new Hosting Service, tailored to sites created with WebSite X5. Significant software updates have been implemented, e-commerce functions and more (view the full list on the News Page). And, new Objects and Templates have been added to complete and enhance projects, as well as guides, screencasts, video tutorials and live webinars to find out everything there is to know about WebSite X5.

Instead of delving into a long list, we thought it might be better to explain it with an infographic: WebSite X5’s 2021 in numbers.

Have fun browsing the figures of the past year. Creating this infographic helped us take stock, ready to move ahead with new projects. If you want to know what’s in the pipeline for 2022, check what’s written in the stars ✨ …or keep on following us 😉.

From Wordpress to WebSite X5 to renew the company website: Marco's story

Incomedia — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Perimeter security systems are certainly a niche sector where, without the right showcase, it is difficult to get noticed by end users such as military facilities or embassies.

For at least 20 years now, the best showcase for a business of this kind has been the Internet: Marco Capula, Business Strategist at his family business, GPS Standard, and leader in the field of security, is fully aware of this.

Marco personally took care of restyling the http://www.gps-standard.com site and chose WebSite X5 to do it.

We met Marco: here's what he told us about his experience.

Hi Marco, how about telling us a little bit about yourself to start with?

"Hello. To introduce myself, I'll say that I am a young, second generation entrepreneur who had to earn his place in the family business. In fact, after receiving my Master Degree in Business Administration, I gained experience abroad: 8 intense years, of which 2 in Holland and 1 in the United States, at different multinational companies. Eventually, however, I returned to Italy and started working at GPS Standard.

Our company has been operating for over 45 years in the field of perimeter security and intrusion detection. At our headquarters in Arnad (AO), we design, develop and produce a wide range of products, all technologically advanced. Then, thanks to a network of branches, subsidiaries and specialized partners we export all over the world."

For a business like yours, how important is it to have a website?

"I'd say it's strategic. You have to consider that we are a technology company that works internationally: over 40% of our turnover comes from what we export abroad.

The website allows us to have the international visibility we need: it is currently localized in 4 languages and, from statistical data, we know that more than half of the traffic it receives daily comes from outside Italy. It's our best calling card."

Your company already had a website. What made you realize it was time for a complete makeover?

"That's right: we had a website made in Wordpress and, over time, we realized it had a number of problems. I can sum them up like this:

Security - Wordpress is perhaps the best known platform in the world and therefore also one of the easiest to "hack": as a result, our site was often subject to hacker attacks.
Flexibility - With the exception of a few R&D developers, no one in the company knew Wordpress: this meant that for every small change we wanted to make to the site, we either had to ask them to intervene - effectively interrupting their research and development work - or we had to find external help, with high management costs.
Image - By now the site's graphic appearance was outdated: it was clear to everyone that we had to intervene to make it a little bit fresher.".

So you decided to step in and take care of implementing the new site yourself?

"I'm not an expert in the field, but some satisfied customers recommended WebSite X5 to me: I tried it and realized how easy and flexible it is. I realized that I would be able to work independently on the site. I transferred a lot of the content from the old site and fixed anything that wasn't working anymore.

Let me give you an example that may seem trivial. In the old site, you couldn't navigate from one product to another in a comfortable way: you always had to go back to the main menu and choose the new product to display. Thanks to WebSite X5, I was able to insert navigation arrows (previous and next) for this purpose. It took me a very short time to do this, but the site is a definite step forward in terms of navigability.

Having sorted out the navigation structure, I then focused on the graphics: it was very easy to manage images and graphics."

Finally, were you able to fix all the problems with your old site?

"Yes, since we switched to WebSite X5 we haven't had any more hacker attacks, I've made myself independent of third parties and I can implement any changes and updates I think are necessary for the site, whenever I want.

I'd say we've taken a definite step forward!"

So, what would you recommend to people like you who are in the process of restyling their website?

"I'd recommend trying to look at the site with new eyes, trying to put yourself in your user's shoes and remembering that the pages we create should not only please us but above all those we address.

It is important that the message you want to give is clear from the home page. What are you offering? What needs do you serve? What's your story? These are the crucial elements: a message, a mission, a clear and easily understandable proposition.

And finally, never forget that a site is something alive that you should be constantly updating, so that it remains constantly aligned with the activity it represents on the Web."

Teacher by day, comic artist by night: Andreas’ secret

Incomedia — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Close your eyes and imagine: a child’s bedroom. On the shelves a slew of comic books, lovingly lined up next to a battered Big Jim and a never completed Rubik's Cube. On the bed, a dreamy child reading the adventures of The Incredible Hulk or The Amazing Spider-Man, imagining being the hero of his favorite adventures.

It’s the 70s, the bedroom belongs to Andreas Möller and his comic books are his greatest passion. Andreas isn’t only an avid reader, he also experiments with his own creations, that he then proudly shows to his family and friends.

Today, Andreas isn’t a child anymore and his art work isn't accessible only to his family now: thanks to WebSite X5 and to his website thelonercomics.de, in fact, it has become know outside Germany as well.

But how did Andreas Möller get where he is now? We directly asked him.

So, Andreas: teacher by day, comic artist by night. Tell us more about this!

How true! I have been a comic artist for more than 12 years now, but I am “officially” an art teacher. My passion for comics dates back to the 70s, a decade in which this kind of art was really popular. I especially loved the typical graphic design of the comic artists of the time. During my student years and when I first began working, I put my passion aside: I studied Arts, German, Philosophy and Educational Theory, and I became a professor at an art high school. But right when my artistic vein seemed to have abandoned me forever, it came back to me stronger than ever. I then came up with the idea of showing my work online.

Did you want to have your own website immediately?

No, I initially posted my art work on the my-comics.de Community, a place for comics and graphic novel fans. Over time, I then discovered I needed my own space: to me, having a website means having the chance of presenting my work to the public with complete freedom of action, both as far as the definition of the contents and of the style and the design of the website are concerned.

I know you initially used WordPress: why did you decide to switch to WebSite X5 instead?

Primarily because I needed more flexibility, which unfortunately I couldn’t achieve with WordPress. I then started looking around and trying many demo versions. With WebSite X5 I immediately got the sense that the software could perfectly fulfill my needs, allowing full control of any aspect of the website creation, which is crucial to me.

Do you think your website contributed to your success as a comic artist?

Of course! Thanks to my website, I have been noticed by the author and screenwriter Michael Mikolajczak, whom I worked with to create my first graphic novel “Die Spinne”, published by Kultcomics in 2019. It’s a crime story set in the American 70s, a setting I particularly wanted because I could then give free rein to my creativity: big American cars, evil sheriffs...it’s been a unique experience!

Which are the elements that should never miss on a website?

As an artist, I find galleries are crucial: WebSite X5 offers many solutions, which I find very useful, so I can decide how to present sketches, drafts or original work for instance. I think the website should be a touch point with the audience: I try to keep my visitors up-to-date on my latest publications, as well as to be easily reachable via contact page. I really love receiving feedback from visitors who saw my work online and got impressed! Reviews and links to social accounts should also never be missing: I use Facebook and Instagram for quicker and more frequent updates, as well as to show my own website to a wider audience.

And do you think WebSite X5 can fulfill these needs?

I really do! What I like the most about WebSite X5 is its intuitiveness and user-friendliness. In fact, I have been able to easily create an elegant, modern and well-optimized website, and to a pretty affordable price. Generally speaking, I think that the first graphic impact is fundamental, especially in my field: I already mentioned the galleries, but I also enjoyed using the many graphic effects available, such as the parallax. In this sense, I also play with the website structure by connecting different graphic elements to one another, this improves browsing experience.

"I think WebSite X5 offers the right balance between ease of use and a wide adaptability to one’s specific needs: I would definitely recommend it!"

One last question: Any future plans?

I am currently working on my second book, called “Tinkerville Blues”, where we will see some of the characters introduced in “Die Spinne” again. And I have already used WebSite X5 to inform my visitors on this brand-new adventure!

Pegman's Wonderful World of Maps

Incomedia — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 07:00:00 GMT

He's internationally famous, world-renowned, and extremely in-demand, but we were lucky enough to snag an interview with this helpful fellow. It's Pegman. We'll chat with him to learn more about who he is, what he does, and most of all, how he can help us build our websites. It will be a chance to discuss the importance of a good Contact page and how to complete it with the new Multiple Location Map Object

Hello Pegman, You're world famous, and yet we seem to know so little about you. Is there anything you'd like to share?

Hello everyone! Many of you may already know me, but allow me to introduce myself: I'm Pegman, the Virtual Assistant at Google Maps and your official Street View guide.

I was born on May 23, 2007 in Mountain View, California. Since then, I've sure covered a lot of ground! Literally. I've travelled all around the world, exploring every corner of the planet with anyone who asks for my help.

Travelling is more than my job, it's my reason for living. In July 2013, however, following a Google Maps update, I was taken out of commission and went dark for a moment. Luckily, you clamored for my return, which is why in November of that same year, I was back up and running, ready to get back to work.

What did you do during that time off?

Let's just say that I spent those months resting, and I took the opportunity to get a little make-over.

Some people say I look like a peg (hence my name) but I must admit I’m pretty happy with my current appearance. Maybe it's because I’m a helpful, outgoing guy, not to brag, but I’m generally a hit and I always have a good time with my travel companions. On special occasions, I also get to have fun with my peg friends.

You accepted this interview because there was something you wanted to share with us. What did you want to say?

Yes, you’re probably wondering: “What is Pegman doing here? What does he want from us?”

That's easy: who else is better qualified to tell you how important it is to let people know where they can find something or someone.

I know many of you have already made a website, or several, or you’re at least thinking about making one. Great! You've probably already planned a “Contact” page, and I hope you remembered to include your company's address as well as its e-mail and phone number.

I’ll never get tired of repeating this: if you have a store, a restaurant, a hotel, a studio, or any other business that is open to the public, do your potential clients - and yourself - a favor! Remember to include a map in your “Contact” page, with a beautiful red pin over your address. It is the simplest, quickest way to let site visitors know where to find your business.

And when they activate “Street View”, I’ll be there to show your visitors around: like a good butler, I’ll guide your guests to your doorstep, and if possible, I’ll give them a tour of the interior, too.

Can you tell us how to insert a map into a web page?

Adding a map using Google Maps is very easy: the first step is to register on the Google Maps Platform to obtain an API Key, then the rest is a walk in the park. In any case, our friends at WebSite X5 have thought of everything. They have prepared a brief guide that explains each step. It is called: Google Maps Object. How to create a map.

I know you're excited to introduce our latest update to the Maps feature...

Yes, I can't wait.

I’ll start with a little introduction. As they say, “appetite comes with eating,” and some of you may be thinking: “Putting a pin on a map is easy. But my company has 3 locations: how do I place 3 pins on a single map?”

All you need is to use the right tool. In this case, it's the brand new Multiple Location Map Object. It is still based on Google Maps, and works just like the previous Object. This time, however, you can create a list of addresses and see all the corresponding locations on the map. There are also interesting options for personalizing or changing the style of the maps: in other words, you can make them look great. This guide explains it all: Multiple Location Map Object. How to display a list of locations on a map.

And remember, the Multiple Location Map Object isn't just for businesses with several locations. Just think: if you're making a travel blog, a city guide for tourists, or a wine and food itinerary, wouldn't it be great to be able to list all the suggested stops on a single map?

Before we sign off, is there any little secret about yourself you'd like to tell us?

Since we’re sharing, there’s one last thing you should know, although it's a little embarrassing. Well, let’s just say that there are certain places around the world which have... a special influence over me. Take me to the Florida Keys: I’ll turn into a mermaid! If I approach Area 51, I turn into a flying saucer.

What can I say? It's not my fault: they drew me this way!

Gotta run. See you around!

Characters and situations are fictional and pertain to the author's creativity, Incomedia editorial staff. 😉

2021.5: your e-commerce is growing and ready for social media

Incomedia — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 09:24:00 GMT

We know: more and more of you are using WebSite X5 to create e-commerce stores. And we're thrilled!

After all, it's obvious: we've all grown confident in the world of online shopping. For sellers, the web is an opportunity you can't pass up.

So, what choice did we have? We rolled up our sleeves and introduced a few new features to make your online stores even more profitable and easy to manage.

Are you ready to find out what lies in store for you in version 2021.5? Let's go.

Social Commerce: in other words, how to sell on Facebook and Instagram.

Oh, social media, our modern joy and torment.... At first, we used it for fun, to distract ourselves from everyday life, and to enjoy ourselves online. Things have changed however: now, social media is much more than simple entertainment.

For example, social media now offers extraordinary storefronts through which companies can sell their products online.

Facebook and Instagram have already moved in this direction. All you need is a company profile and a page to open a Facebook Shop or start selling your products through shoppable Instagram posts.

Since Facebook does not yet allow in-app transactions (except within the United States), however, it's best to connect your shop to your own online store: this makes it easier to keep your catalog up to date, and most of all, to complete the sales.

This is where WebSite X5 comes in. Now, in just one click, you can activate the option to have the program generate a file with all the necessary information about the products in your store. Upload the URL for this file into Facebook and you're all set!

Your WebSite X5 e-commerce and your Facebook Shop now work together: the catalogs on both your site and your social media will always be synced, and sales will be completed through your e-commerce page. All that's left to do is to use all of the promotional tools available on Facebook and Instagram to reach a vast, targeted audience.

Has your interest in Facebook and Instagram suddenly shot up? We've prepared a step-by-step guide for you: How to sell products through Facebook Shops and shoppable Instagram posts

VAT management: when you make sales throughout the EU

Social media alone won't cut it: let's talk about more “serious” tax questions.

If you're already selling your products throughout the EU as well as in your home country, you are probably aware that on July 1, new VAT legislation came into force regarding indirect e-commerce in the B2C sector.

To put it simply, this legislation introduced a single threshold for all member states, which is €10,000. In practice, if an e-commerce generates more than €10,000 in B2C sales in another EU country, it must apply the VAT tax that applies for that product in the purchasing country.

In order to help you meet this new legislation, we updated the entire VAT management system in WebSite X5. Now, you can easily manage VAT rates depending on each product and specify what rates should be applied depending on the country in which the customer is making the purchase. You can also make decisions for cases in which, depending on the country, extra tax may be placed on the same item.

This might sound complicated, but don't worry. We've written a guide with many examples to explain how to do the technical part, although we won't get into the fiscal side. How do I set up and manage VAT in my store?

Order tracking: for flawless service.

Customers love being able to check the status of their order. It's useful: so that they know when to be home, or at least organize the pick-up. It's reassuring: it wasn't a scam, the package is on its way! It's exciting: especially when counting down until its arrival.

Well, now you can offer your online customers the option to track the packages you send them. How? Just specify the URL of the shipping company that will deliver the package, and remember to insert the tracking code that you receive through the online control panel or the WebSite X5 Manager App.

All of the tracking information will be included in the shipment confirmation e-mail that your store automatically sends to your customer, so you won't have to worry about anything else.

Want to learn more? Read our guide to find out everything there is to know: How do I set up order tracking?

Anything else? Of course

More good news for e-commerce owners: from now on, you will be able to assign each product its own SKU code. SKUs are unique codes that allow you to identify and track products within a store. This code will not be visible in the product sheets or the shopping cart, but it can be used as a search key, both while you're working in WebSite X5 and in the online store. Furthermore, the SKU code will be added to the structured data that is used to optimize your products for search engines.

Setting aside e-commerce for now, we've also added the option of using animations for line backgrounds. We know how useful they are for creating sections within pages to highlight important content: with this new feature, they will look even more spectacular.

Finally, we added 9 new templates to the preset template included in Pro. This brings us to a total of 150 templates! After all, we know that templates are like chocolates: they're so great you always have room for one more.

And that's all for now... Until the next WebSite X5 update!

As usual, you can find a list of all the updates included in the new version 2021.5, as well as the older ones, in the News page.

If you have an active WebSite X5 license, you can install the new version right away: launch the program and follow the instructions for doing so in just a few clicks.

If you no longer have an active WebSite X5 license, you can renew it now to receive the new version 2021.5.

Finally, if you don't have WebSite X5, now's your chance to buy it now. The usage license includes the Hosting service, a 12-month guarantee for receiving updates and any new versions, as well as access to our Priority Assistance program.

How many types of websites are there?

Incomedia — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 14:24:00 GMT

It’s easy to say “website”. But let's think about it for a moment…how many types of websites exist? And most importantly, how are they created?

Although creating categories isn't always easy - sometimes the boundaries are blurred and there’s a risk of forgetting something - there are at least 7 + 1 main types of websites. Each, of course, has objectives and specific requirements that need to be considered in the development phase. Either way, you'll be happy to know that with software like WebSite X5 at your disposal, you’ll have no obstacles and can tackle any type of project.

So, identify the type of site that's right for you and get to work! Your website will be online sooner than you think!

1. Business website

2. E-commerce website

3. Portfolio website

4. Blog

5. Non-profit website

6. Educational website

7. Personal website

+1. Landing Page

...So which type of website are you?

1. Business website

While surfing, you’ve no doubt seen many. They’re the online windows through which companies present themselves, the products/services they offer and the teams they’re composed of. In other words, they’re sites that have a clear objective: to provide all the information and contact details necessary for making a company known and allowing people to contact them.

For: Companies, agencies and freelancers

Objective: To present your company and offer contact opportunities

To do: In WebSite X5 you’ll find many professional ready-made templates for creating the perfect business website. Or you can always start with a blank template and create fully customized graphics.

A tip: Start with your company logo to identify a coherent color palette and consider the sector in which you operate in order to build a professional and convincing brand image.

Organize your content well. Provide a home page and other necessary pages to communicate the company’s mission, what sets it apart and the range of products and services offered, in addition to providing the contact details necessary to locate or contact your business.

A company website, however, can also be more than just the online version of a business card or paper brochure. With WebSite X5 you can, for example, augment your project by adding a blog and a news area, or you can create protected areas to be accessed with passwords. If you have a business that involves managing customer appointments, you can implement an online booking system that’s more efficient than the traditional paper calendar. Finally, if your company has an international reach, you can easily manage the creation of a multilingual website.

Get to work: For a basic website, WebSite X5 Evo is sufficient, but if you want to add dynamic elements like a protected area, we recommend using WebSite X5 Pro.

2. E-commerce website

In recent years, e-commerce has literally exploded. You’ve most likely made at least one online purchase, perhaps after doing a bit of research and reading a fair number of reviews. If you have physical or digital products to sell, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to gain thousands of potential customers. Therefore, you’ll need to set up an e-commerce site.

For: Companies as well as artisans or hobbyists

Objective: Selling physical and/or digital products

To do: First of all, we should emphasize that not all e-commerce sites are the same. A lot depends on what you’re selling. If, for example, you’re an artist or a small farm that produces honey, your product catalog will be quite small. In this case, you can focus on excellence and exclusivity. Use your website to tell your story and communicate what sets you apart. Try to engage users on an emotional level and include a shopping cart along with the more narrative content for purchasing products.

On the other hand, if your business has an extensive catalog of products (for example, a bookstore, a clothing store or a home furnishings store), you’ll need to maintain a decidedly more commercial approach. Omit the more narrative part and put the shopping cart front and center.

Whatever the scope of your e-commerce, WebSite X5 will allow you to manage it better and, in fact, can help you set up your product catalog, activate a search engine for your products, create effective product presentation sheets and implement discounts and promotions, etc. Through a special online control panel, also available via App for mobile, you can control the entire sales process and have access to the latest data.

An essential prerequisite for any e-commerce site is to have an SSL certificate which guarantees secure payments for customers. With WebSite X5’s hosting service included with the software, you already have an SSL certificate for HTTPS browsing.

Get to work: Website X5 Evo has the basic functions for creating an e-commerce website, but if you want to take full advantage of all the tool’s potential, we recommend using WebSite X5 Pro.

3. Portfolio Website

The Internet is a huge virtual meeting place where freelancers have the opportunity to introduce themselves, present their work and, above all, find new partnerships and employment opportunities. If you’re a creative, an artist or a freelancer, you shouldn’t settle for a simple CV on paper. Instead, develop your online portfolio and present yourself in the best possible way.

For: Artists, creatives, and freelancers, as well as people looking for a first job or a new job opportunity

Objective: Telling your audience (including prospective customers) about yourself and presenting your work

To do: Portfolio sites often have a very simple structure and elegant, minimalistic graphics. The goal is to capture the viewer’s attention and convince him or her of the quality of the work presented.

With WebSite X5, you can create your portfolio through a one-page site, perhaps adopting high-impact visual solutions such as parallax or vertical tab navigation. You have several types of galleries to choose from to organize your best work. And, of course, you can easily insert a contact form for any requests.

Remember to integrate all your social media profiles, and if you want to tell more about yourself, don’t settle for a simple bio: start a blog.

Social media is great for finding an audience, but it's not enough on its own. The portfolio website serves as your headquarters, your identity, and the house you’re the owner of and not just a guest in.

Carefully choose the works to include in your portfolio. It’s better to feature a few high quality pieces than fill your portfolio with a lot of mediocre items that detract visibility from your best works.

Get to work: WebSite X5 Evo gives you everything you’ll need to create your own online portfolio.

4. Blog

Blogs started out as online diaries. In the beginning, they experienced a real boom. Then they were somewhat pushed aside due to the success of social media. However, they never disappeared completely and still remain extremely popular. After all, they’re an excellent tool for conveying content, as well as the reason why content is so appealing, not only to people, but also to search engines like Google.

For: Bloggers, journalists and influencers

Objective: Regular publication of editorial content for information or entertainment

To do: If, in your field, you feel you have something to say and you like to write, you are definitely on the right track in starting your own blog. With WebSite X5, setting up a blog, creating an attractive graphic design, and writing the posts is really very simple. You can complete your articles with images, videos and galleries, encourage and manage comments, and schedule publication based on the timetable that suits you best.

Obviously, the success of your blog depends, not only on the quality of the content you create, but also on how frequently you post. Additionally, having a blog will definitely come in handy as it will serve to develop your image as a subject matter expert to get more people to follow you, and it will also help your pages rank better on search engines.

If you decide to invest in content creation, offer it through a newsletter as well. Ask your readers to register to stay up to date.

Get to work: You can set up a Blog using WebSite X5 Evo. With WebSite X5 Pro, you’ll have more advanced options for managing comments and SEO optimization.

5. Non-profit Website

The entire nonprofit world has experienced significant momentum in recent years. in Italy alone, for example, non-profit organizations have grown by 28% since 2001. As such, the Internet provides an opportunity to present your organization, raise public awareness about your key issues, find new supporters, and raise funds.

For: Non-profit organizations, NGOs, associations, foundations and committees

Objective: Presenting the organization, raising public awareness, and raising funds

To do: As with a corporate website (and perhaps even more so), a non-profit website must successfully present the organization. From graphics and text to page setup, everything must contribute to capturing the readers’ attention, arousing their interest and participation and, possibly, moving them to action by pushing them to do something specific to help.

It’s important to tell the organization’s story by retracing its fundamental steps, describing its projects, sharing its most significant successes, and introducing the people involved, from founders to volunteers to those benefiting from their work.

With WebSite X5, you’ll have specific templates for volunteer organizations, sports associations, or social advancement organizations. You can use any media, create galleries, and integrate social networks. You can also set up a blog, offer subscriptions to a newsletter and, if applicable, a small e-commerce area.

We've made it so that you can easily implement a donate button with PayPal or rely on a more comprehensive service such as DonorBox.

Get to work: As with business websites, you can use WebSite X5 Evo to create a non-profit site, but if you want all the customization options at your disposal, and not just graphics, you’ll need WebSite X5 Pro.

For: Educational institutions of various types and levels and companies or individuals offering courses or educational materials, whether in-person or online, free of charge or paid

Objective: For educational institutions, presenting their facilities and educational offerings, providing service information; for more commercial sites, earning money by selling courses or offering educational materials free of charge, but with advertising.

To do: An educational institution’s website has two purposes: to present and inform. On the one hand, it must "tell the story" of the school, showcase the facilities and describe its initiatives so families and students can get an idea of what it offers. On the other hand, the site is a formidable tool for facilitating school/family dialogue, especially on regulatory and bureaucratic levels.

Easy-to-use software like WebSite X5 is perfect for allowing the school to manage its own website and post newsletters and calendars as often as it needs to.

On the other hand, sites that offer educational materials or actual paid online courses, can take advantage of WebSite X5’s e-commerce capabilities enabling agile management of both physical and digital products.

If you then want to provide materials and courses for free to earn through advertising, with WebSite X5, you’ll have no problem entering the code needed to activate the advertising banners.

A good plan of integrated activities between website, social media channels and targeted newsletters will help you get your business off the ground.

Get to work: To create a simple online presence, you can easily rely on WebSite X5 Evo. For more complex websites, especially if they involve the integration of a database or e-commerce area for the sale of physical and/or digital products, we recommend WebSite X5 Pro.

7. Personal website

In the end, not all websites exist to make money. Sometimes a website is nothing more than the free expression of its author, the perfect outlet for simply expressing one’s thoughts, talking about your experiences or providing an outlet for your creative side. Obviously, the story can have a happy ending. A personal website, in fact, can grow and become, bit by bit, something bigger and perhaps even profitable.

For: Anyone who wants to tell stories or share things about themselves

Objective: sharing thoughts, stories and experiences

To do: If you choose to create your own website, you will probably do it mainly because you feel the need to express yourself: perhaps to share your experiences, passions, hobbies or photographic journals of your travels. Obviously, you’re hoping that someone will read it and perhaps draw inspiration from your words, but mostly you want to do it so you can share things about yourself. For this reason, feel free to create the pages exactly as you like them.

Open WebSite X5, search for the template that best represents you, make it your own by customizing every detail and then begin inserting your content. You can create as many pages as you’d like, and include text, images, galleries and videos. Or you can decide to simply start a blog. If you’re interested in other people’s opinions, you can enable comments and manage them as you wish.

Experiment. In working visually, you don't have to worry about how to do something – only about what to tell.

With WebSite X5, you have web space and an automatic domain included. Everything is already integrated, so you can immediately publish your site online.

Get to work: WebSite X5 Evo gives you the ability to create your own attractive website. Obviously, if you want to get the most from your project, you can always upgrade to WebSite X5 Pro.

+1. Landing Page

In this case, it’s not really about websites. A Landing Page is a web page on which you want to "land" users in specific situations. It’s designed specifically with the goal of increasing contacts, conversions and sales. In short, Landing Pages are ideal for converting your visitors into leads.

For: Anyone who wants to implement an inbound marketing strategy

Objectives: Convert visitors by making them perform a specific action (sign up, download, purchase, etc.)

To do: In general, a Landing Page is a single web page which can be linked to the corporate site or can stand alone, to which users are directed with a very specific objective in mind: to convince them to perform a desired action.

For example, you could send an email to your list of contacts, inviting them to learn more about your new product. By clicking on the button in the email, users are directed to a Landing Page where you present the product in detail and offer it for purchase.

With WebSite X5, you can create all the Landing Pages you need. You’ll also find templates created specifically for this purpose. You’ll need to be convincing and organize information well and make sure buttons and registration forms are clear, compelling and visible. If you need to, you can create a very long page and experiment with various levers to persuade the reader. Remember, you have just one objective: designing a page that converts.

Buttons and email forms are two key elements of a Landing Page. Position them at the top of the page so they’re immediately visible, and if the page requires a lot of scrolling, repeat them at regular intervals.

Get to work: To create Landing Pages only, you may only need WebSite X5 Evo, but you'll probably also need to create a corporate website and maybe even an e-commerce site. The best solution in this case is WebSite X5 Pro.

…So, what kind of website are you?

In conclusion, we've seen that talking about "websites" is rather generic. There are various types of websites, and knowing what they are and how they differ can help you understand what you need and how to best set up your project. As you may have guessed, whatever the nature of your site, WebSite X5 will help you achieve it. In a short time and by working in a completely visual way, you’ll have your pages online, and you can begin reaping the fruits of your labor.

So don’t wait any longer! Choose between the Evo or Pro versions of WebSite X5, decide which type of project you want to build based on your established goals, and then get to work. It’ll be an exciting journey!

WebSite X5 Hosting: hosting has never been easier!

Incomedia — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:00:00 GMT

While you walk through your website creation, we want to hold your hand from the beginning till the end. And we want to make sure that it will be the best experience ever.

This is why we’ve decided that giving you our WebSite X5 software to make your site, wasn’t enough anymore. Now, we want to complete the picture and give you the Hosting you need to publish your website online without worries.

With the new software version 2021.4 we now present WebSite X5 Hosting, our new tailor-made hosting service for WebSite X5.

We bet you have loads of questions right now… Well, we are here to give you all the answers you need.

What features does the WebSite X5 Hosting have?

As mentioned before, the WebSite X5 Hosting is a tailor-made service made especially for WebSite X5 sites: as you can imagine, this will solve any compatibility issues due to operating systems or PHP versions.

But the main thing is that WebSite X5 Hosting is already in the software license. In other words, when you purchase a new license of WebSite X5 you get 12 months of free hosting.

With a click you activate the service, and you are done: you’ll find everything in the software so when you want to publish online it won’t be necessary to enter any connection parameters, neither for the server, nor for the database or e-mails.

Does the WebSite X5 Hosting service have plans and what do they offer?

We offer 2 Hosting plans, one for each WebSite X5 edition.

The Hosting Evo plan has 100GB of web space, and 1 mailbox.

The Hosting Pro plan instead, has 500 GB of web space, 5 mailboxes and database.

Both plans have SSD disk, HTTPS SSL certificate plus 1 automatic domain like *.websitex5.me. You can purchase and connect a custom domain whenever you prefer (necessary to activate e-mail boxes): we will follow and guide you through all the process.

What happens after 12 months?

As you know the WebSite X5 license expires after 12 months, when this happens you can decide if you want to renew your license and receive updates plus new versions.

Meanwhile, you will also be able to renew your Hosting service then use web space, domain and email. If you renew the license and hosting together, you get an excellent special offer with it.

And what if you already have an active license of WebSite X5 now?

Don’t worry about it: we have of course thought of our WebSite X5 loyal customers as well and, you will get the Hosting service in your license as well.

Open WebSite X5, update to the new version 2021.4 then go to Step 5 to export your site online. Select WebSite X5 Hosting, then activate the service in a click and you are done!

Your Hosting service will expire when your license does just like everyone else. And if you won’t have enough time to use the free Hosting plan because your license will expire soon, remember that only during this version 2021.4 launch week, you have a very special extra-discount if you update.

But, has Incomedia become a Hosting Provider with this new service?

No, we prefer to keep our first goal in mind: develop WebSite X5 and give our users the best software to create websites ever. To help you out with Hosting services though, we collaborate with HOST.IT, it’s a company with 20 years experience, it has a strong foundation and it has always invested in safety and innovation. For a few years now it is also part of Vianova spa, former Welcome Italia Group.

Why WebSite X5 Hosting?

Because Hosting is often seen and felt like an obstacle to overcome, especially for someone who isn’t an expert in programming.

For years we have been working and we strive to make sure that WebSite X5 is as intuitive and easy as possible. Now, it’s time to tackle and solve even the last obstacle to help you all land safely on the web: the Hosting service.

Now, you have a website builder and a space for it, together. This means that you won’t have to trace connection parameters or configure the server anymore: it’s all done and ready to use. All you have to do is enjoy making beautiful and successful Web pages.

Conclusions

And now we hope that all your questions have an answer. As usual, you will find a list of what’s new in version 2021.4 - as well as what has been added in the previous versions - in the News page.

Remember that if you have an active license of WebSite X5 you can instantly install this new version: please find more detailed and easy instructions when you start the program.

If, instead, your WebSite X5 license isn’t active anymore please feel free to update it now if you want to receive our new version 2021.4.

Last but not least, if you don’t have WebSite X5 at all, what are you waiting for? You can buy it now. The license includes the new Hosting service, we guarantee that you will receive updates and new versions for 12 months and, priority Customer Support.

Art, school and social commitment: Gianni’s projects

Incomedia — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 06:00:00 GMT

In an computer technician’s heart working for a multinational railway engineering company there is enough space for much more than charts, numbers and maps.

Gianni Vernì knows it well. In addition to his job, he always loved drawing and art in general, and since 2009 he developed a real passion for engraving and even opened his own firm in Rom where he prints his works, which he then shows in several exhibitions and events.

Gianni has known and used WebSite X5 for years and created many websites, which he still lovingly manages.

We asked him more about his most important projects, and that’s what he told us.

Hi Gianni, to begin with, let’s talk about your website #1, i.e. your personal one: http://www.gianniverni.it.

«Hi. As you mentioned, apart from being an engineer, I have always had a passion for art, and I decided to create a website so to give my works more visibility.

I remember choosing WebSite X5 after an online search - there was version 8 back then!- because of his user-friendliness and flexibility. I created my very first website, and then I carried on updating both the website and the software.

Please allow me a brief digression about updates. I never forgot the first sentence my IT professor said during my first lesson at the University: “An error-free software doesn’t exist”. That’s why I think the work you carried out throughout the years to bring WebSite X5 where it is today is incredibly important.

Going back to my personal website, I tried to make it as simple as possible: I used my own name for my domain and I gave it the Title “Arte incisa”, which means “engraved art”. I then used it to display my portfolio, to report some of the most important activities and events, and I added a contact page as well. I think I have been pretty basic but clear, and I hope I have been able to highlight my works in the best possible way.»

Let’s now move on to website #2, which you created for a kindergarten: http://www.scuolamariabambina.it.

«Yes, in more recent times I made my experience available for those realities I am personally involved with: the first one is indeed the kindergarten "Maria Bambina" in Rome.

A school has got much to say: it has to tell its story, explain its educational offer, provide useful documentation etc. Moreover, it needs to look homely and create a sense of trust which parents and children need to feel entering its classrooms and spaces overall.

Because of this, when developing the website, I tried to arrange the pages so to help the visitors find the necessary information right away. I then created a neat layout, with images, galleries and texts: I decided to focus on readability.»

And so we get to website #3, a “special” project for a “special” community: http://www.larche-ilchicco.it.

«Il Chicco is an NPO for people suffering from mental distress based in Ciampino, which I have been working with for many years now. It is a Community made of 3 foster homes where 20 people with mental disabilities live, together with aid workers and volunteers from all over the world. It offers many workshops, including the chalcography one, which I personally follow.

This one is surely the more complex project among the three: it has many sections, pictures as well as a part for all the stories reported by the volunteers and supporters.

I am particularly happy about the fact that I have been able to integrate a platform to get donations. It is a sort of e-commerce through which, according to the amount donated, it is possible to get one of the engravings created by the people that attend the workshop as a thank-you gift.

I must say that the initiative has been pretty successful and, thanks to WebSite X5, it has also been so simple to manage it all.»

The importance of a website for an art gallery: Marco’s story

Incomedia — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 08:30:00 GMT

Art galleries are the touchstones for artists, collectors and, generally speaking, for all those who are part of the art world.

According to the Art Market 2018 report, there are about 290,000 worldwide, but today Marco Emilio Bertona will tell us about a particular art gallery: the MEB Arte Studio in Borgomanero, a town located in northern Italy.

Marco has not only founded the art gallery, he has also created the official website with his own hands: http://www.mebartestudio.it. Of course, using WebSite X5.

Let’s let him tell us about his experience.

Hi Marco, can you tell us how your adventure begun?

«Hi everyone! I am actually an architect, and I have been working at a firm dealing with interior design and planning of residential solutions for many years now. I always loved art and finally my dream came true in 2012: I opened an art gallery which aims at promoting contemporary art in my region.»

Why have you decided to create a website for your art gallery?

«We’re living in an increasingly globalized world, therefore I think that being online is nowadays crucial for anyone who wants to start an activity, especially in the cultural field. In my opinion, being online means having a website which takes advantage of the social media as well: that’s the only way to be always “accessible” with a simple click, and to be taken seriously.»

Which challenges did you face once you started working on your website?

«First I had to face my little experience in this field: I needed an easy-to-use tool which could nevertheless allow me to create a professional website. I made some online searches and that’s how I found Incomedia’s website: WebSite X5 claimed to be a tool anyone could use to build websites easily and quickly. I decided to give it a try and got really impressed! Despite being green, I could create my website with very little effort and in no time.»

Did you follow any guidelines while creating your art gallery website?

«I tried to bring online the same mood of the “physical” gallery. I started off a blank page, so to avoid any graphic elements or colors which might have dragged the attention away from the real protagonists: the artworks. I then used images and galleries, both to showcase the exhibitions and the artworks of the many artists we work with.

I think the pages and the contents of a website must be easily readable: only in this way, in fact, it is possible to convey the wished message to the audience.»

What goals did you reach thanks to your website?

«The importance of the communication though our website and our social accounts has increased day by day. We noticed that we can reach a larger and even international audience thanks to our website, especially European and American visitors. As you can imagine, this represents a very significant achievement of ours!»

Last question: based on your experience, would you recommend WebSite X5?

«I personally used WebSite X5 not only for the art gallery, but to build the websites for two of the artist we work with as well:

I think WebSite X5 is a tool anyone who wants to build up their own online presence should definitely take into consideration.»

A Database for your website: what it is and what it is used for

Incomedia — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Maybe you don’t know it, but your website, no matter how little it might be, is far more complex than you think. There’s a lot going on backstage for it to function properly: data to be stored, requests to be handled, information to be displayed!

The presence of a centralized database is what makes the magic happen. For instance, the database linked to your WebSite X5 project reports:

the registered users having access to specific locked pages
the comments and ratings for blog articles or products
the orders placed on your online store

Luckily, you don’t have to learn how to work on a database to make your website work correctly. Still, it may be interesting to know what databases are and what they are used for. And now we’ll find out together.

What’s a database?

Databases are structured data archives which are used to rationalize the information update and management, so to make complex searches possible.

In other words, databases collect data (such as records or files) and typically organize them in rows, columns and tables to make them easily accessible.

Your database is located on your hosting provider servers, if you are wondering it. Basically, when someone visits your website, their browser send a request to the server where your website is hosted. The server sends the necessary information back and that’s it.

All the applications which generate, manage and query the data stored on a database are known as Database Management System (DBMS). Thanks to the DBMS is it also possible to define the admins and users of a system and provide security mechanisms and data check.

Any examples of DBMS? MySQL, Access, Oracle and DB2: these are the most popular and they vary according to the kind of syntax they are based on.

WebSite X5 uses MySQL, which is one of the most popular open source software.

Ok, now you know why your server database is called “MySQL Database”: because, when data are stored, edited or removed, WebSite X5 sends a query to the MySQL database.

Many database-related queries are automatically carried out. However, it is also possible to directly access the database and manually perform these kinds of commands, or alternatively you can use a database manager to simplify and speed up some procedures and activities which would be otherwise impossible to perform.

We will later see where you can find your WebSite X5 database and how you can access it, but let’s first find out which kind of tables are included.

How your WebSite X5 database organizes the data

Surely, you’ve already realized that databases can store a huge amount of data. In order for them to be easily and quickly accessible, data are organized in tables, each reporting a specific data category.

With the update to WebSite X5 2021.3, we have simplified the way the database is managed on your projects.

Before this update, it used to be possible to connect more than one database, and you had to report the name of the table to be used for any function for which a database was needed (contact forms, comments, user registration etc.). On the other hand, it is now possible to connect a single database to the project, and the tables are now automatically and transparently managed by the software itself.

WebSite X5 will then rely on a singe centralized database in order to create a table for the comments, one for the messages and so on. Tables like these:

w5_9ow386y5_cart_products
w5_7pq386x6_access_managemen
w5_3sd346n2_blog_comments
...

As you can see, each table has an ID which is used to uniquely identify the project and a name which helps understand the kind of data they report.

How to access the database

In most cases, your database is completely self-sufficient. You don’t have to access it to create contents or manage your website. Therefore, having a clearer idea about the database architecture only helps better understand how things work.

If you want to access our website database, you will need to contact your hosting provider, as it stored on their server. The access procedure may change according to the hosting service of your choice, however you will probably find a dashboard and an interface called phpMyAdmin.

We suggest you to always make sure you have a recent backup of your project before carrying out any operation on the database so that, in case of unwanted changes which are then difficult to cancel, you can rely on a backup to restore the original website status. In this way, everything will work properly again.

If you have a project created with a version previous to v.2021.3.1, and you are wondering how to update it, don’t worry! The architecture change won’t create any issues. You will only need to choose the database you want to keep on using. WebSite X5 will then duplicate the necessary tables so not to lose any data and therefore ensure the proper functioning of your website. For more information, please see: v.2021.3: Notes on the project conversion.

OK, the price is right! How to create a pricing page that converts.

Incomedia — Tue, 25 May 2021 10:21:00 GMT

Have you ever noticed the following? Often, on the websites of companies that are offering services, software or apps - in most cases, by subscription - there is a page with a special table that lists and compares different customer pricing plans.

Should you have a pricing page on your website too?
Why are tables so commonly used to display pricing?
More importantly, how do you make an effective pricing page?

These are just some of the questions we'll answer in this article. When you finish reading this article, pricing pages will no longer be a mystery to you!

Why is it important to have a pricing page?

Whether you offer painting services, sell coffeemakers or software, the strategy behind your website is the same. The idea is to create a group of pages to present your product or service in the best possible way in order to convince potential customers of the benefits of the solution you’re presenting, and then to guide them into making a purchase.

In this journey, researching prices is a natural part of any customer's decision-making process.

Some customers go immediately to the pricing page: they're comparing alternative solutions and want to know first if your offer is within their budget.

Other customers, however, become increasingly interested in your offer. As they continue to explore further, they also look at your prices and obviously take these prices into account when making their decision.

Whether customers start from your pricing page or if they get there only after viewing the other pages of your website, the point is that in all cases, they will go to your pricing page, and this page will be a decisive factor in whether or not they're convinced to complete their purchase.

Your pricing page offers you a huge opportunity to take control of the conversion process. If you design your pricing page well, making sure that it presents the right information and is easy to use, your sales will increase. If you don't, then unfortunately, you'll lose customers.

So, what does an effective pricing page look like? Let's find out.

Why should you use a table to present your prices?

After presenting a service or a product, there are many ways to tell potential customers about the purchase prices. For example, you could write a text, make a bulleted list or even create a nice image with a list. The point is that a well-organized table is much more effective than anything else.

Think about it. A table:

offers a clear, uncluttered outline;
summarizes a lot of information concisely and accurately;
allows an immediate comparison between the available options.

So, basically, a price table allows customers to inform themselves and then to proceed in a knowledgeable manner and, finally, to make a choice.

And not only that, a price table does something more: it doesn't limit itself to presenting purchase options, but can direct customers towards certain options instead of others. How? By relying on, as we'll see, a number of psychological levers and by wisely using some graphic devices.

Here's what you need to do to create an effective price table.

Step 1. Select your information

The first challenge you'll face when creating a table for your pricing page is selecting the information customers may need to make a decision and to present it consistently.

A few pieces of information may not be enough to earn your customer's trust or to allow them to be confident about their choice. On the other hand, too much information may distract or confuse customers and ultimately discourage them from continuing to read and to make a purchase.

For example, according to research conducted by Hiten Shah and ProfitWell, Zendesk's pricing page tends to overwhelm customers and to make their choice complicated.

In contrast, according to the same study, Campaign Monitor was able to create a simpler, clearer table that helps customers feel confident that the decision they're about to make is the right one.

While this may be easier said than done, it's important to find the right balance.

Remember, however, that a web page can have several levels of reading. Therefore, you should only include the truly essential information in the price table and make it easy for the customer to understand the difference between the plans. If the services you offer are complex, provide as much detail as you consider useful in a comparison that is included on the page or is linked in another page. This way, each customer can choose the level of detail they want to go to.

Step 2. Defeat indecision

Unless you're relying on luck, making a decision is a lot of work! The problem is that when fatigue gets the best of customers, it can lead to paralysis. In these cases, rather than commit any further, customers choose not to decide, and therefore chose NOT to buy, perhaps postponing their decision until a later date.

The first step toward avoiding this risk is to realize just how real it is.

What can you do to make your customers' decision-making process easier? Try starting here:

Narrow down the choices
On most pricing pages, the tables present three alternative plans. It's true that having more choices is appealing, but it's also true that this could end up making the evaluation more difficult: and that's exactly what we want to avoid.
Clarify the context
Customers may think that your product or service is "expensive," but ... compared to what? If you allow them to compare to a much more expensive option, the other options will seem more appealing. That's why you should try to go against the grain and sort your plans from most expensive to cheapest. Presenting the most expensive option right away may create a small shock, but the middle and lower tier plans will look excellent by comparison.
Give them a little push
One of the most effective ways to get those who are hesitant about making a decision is to play on urgency. By emphasizing scarcity (for example, with an offer which is only valid for a certain time or for a limited number of products) you can increase the pressure on customers to act before it's too late.
Offer a free plan
We've already explained that not every customer who comes to your pricing page is ready to make a purchase. That's why you should provide a free plan. By removing the price barrier, you'll allow customers to freely evaluate your offer and come back later to buy. If you can't provide a free plan, consider offering a trial version of the different paid plans anyway.

Step 3. Choose the right words

We get it: creating a good pricing page is critical to growing your sales. Not only is it important, as we said before, you must select the right information. It is equally important that you express and present this information in the best possible way.

So, keep these tips in mind when writing your texts:

Sell value, NOT products
People are interested in drilling holes, not in knowing everything there is to know about drills. Avoid clichés or generic phrases and don't just focus on the features of your product or service. Instead, try to highlight the problems you solve and the benefits for your customers.
Every word counts
The names of the different plans also play a role. For example, you can do what Bidsketch has done and assign names to plans that reflect your customer segments - this will help people find the right offer for them more easily.
Drive the action
Don't underestimate button texts. Choose action verbs: clearly tell your customers what you want them to do, and try to emphasize the action (e.g., "Add to cart") or the benefit they can get from the action (e.g., "Download e-book").

Step 4. Pay attention to the graphics

Summarizing what has been said so far, you already know that your price table should have three levels, or a few more, possibly ordered from the most expensive to the cheapest, including a free level.

To make life easier for your customers, it's a good idea to identify a recommended plan and to highlight it.

The most common ways to do this involve leveraging:

colors
sizes
banners

On its pricing page, for example, AdEspresso highlights its Premium plan by using a contrasting color, an oversized column, and by adding the words "Most Popular."

Step 5. Complete your pricing page

So far, we've mostly focused on tables that display the plans, but pricing pages also include other elements.

Here are a few that you shouldn't miss:

Reassurances
You're asking a potential customer to trust you and to make an online purchase. Under the prices, you should include elements that reassure potential customers about the benefits of your service or product, as well as about the security of transactions. So, you could add information on how popular your service is, instead of guarantees, such as "free returns" or "30 days money back."
FAQ
Be proactive and prepare a set of FAQs that answer the most common objections or inquiries you might receive. By answering these objections now, you'll encounter less resistance and help potential customers to buy more quickly.
Contact information
Now that your beautiful pricing page has "warmed up" your customers, at this point, it takes very little effort to convince them to buy, if they haven't already done so! Consider providing a chat service on your page: a quick question and a prompt answer could be all that's needed to make the sale happen.

Create your pricing page with WebSite X5

Now that you know what the reasoning behind an excellent pricing page is, you just need to put it into practice. If you're wondering how to do it, WebSite X5 has everything you need to create a foolproof pricing page.

In particular, for the price table, we suggest using the new Optional Pricing Table Object. Then you can manage the FAQ section with the Accordion Text/FAQ Optional Object and, finally, you can take advantage of the LiveChat Optional Object when offering a chat service.

Don't be satisfied with the first version: create, test and measure. Try making small variations on proposals, colors, texts, etc. Over time, you'll learn how to create the best version of your pricing page, the version that will help you to sell more.

Your Nonprofit Website Isn’t Generating Donations? Here are 6 possible solutions

Incomedia — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 08:00:00 GMT

As technology has seemingly seeped into every crevice of our lives, it has become inevitably harder for every business to shy away from it. The sheer benefits that come from embracing technology far outweigh any other reason to avoid it.

Nonprofits have been on the opposite end of this spectrum. While many have benefited hugely from the advent of the internet and media, nonprofits have only recently entered the fray. Gone are the days when reliance on traditional means of communication would work. The importance of phone calls and emails has diminished heavily in today’s world.

The best nonprofits have realized that the way to survive and even thrive is through effective engagement on the internet. This is why when you start a nonprofit, you have to put in massive efforts to create well-thought-out websites and use digital marketing more effectively.

Why go digital?

The most important aspect of going digital is the fact that organizations do not have to invest as heavily as they do in traditional marketing campaigns. A website and a digital marketing campaign cost a fraction of traditional ones. Their reach is also significantly wider. Statistics show that internet fundraising rose by 21% in 2020, and by 32% in the last 3 years.

Benefits of having a website

Through an optimized website, nonprofit organizations can benefit heavily. In this section of the article, we shall take an in-depth look at these benefits and help you understand why a good website is a must.

Why is having a website crucial?

Through a website, users can come and learn everything they need to know about a nonprofit. From the number of volunteers to their mission statement; every piece of information can and should be found on the website. A website should be the center of any nonprofit’s brand.

To make your website as effective as possible, take a look at some of the pointers below. Incorporating these into your website will enhance its reach and you are likely to get more conversions due to it.

Have a donation page or form on your website: Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of having a website is that you can put up a donation form or perhaps even have a dedicated donation page on it. Ensure that your form or page is optimized for mobile, and it greatly increases your chance of receiving donations from donors. The best part is that donation forms are easy to embed into your website and manage as well!
Have the latest information displayed: An updated website is perhaps the most important aspect of having one in the first place. You want to ensure that it does not look like an archaic site with little to no relevant information. Having up-to-date information on your website is the key. You do not ask donors to come to your website only for them to find out that there is no recent accomplishment or a progress report. You should ensure that there is a dedicated space on your website that showcases the nonprofit’s progress and goals. Doing this boosts engagement and people will want to get involved.
Engagement with the audience: When you are looking to attract people to your website you want to give them a reason to interact with the website. Interaction could range from something as little as giving the website an email id, to something as big as donating. While the latter might be uncommon, the former is a good way to lure visitors in the long run. You can offer visitors invites to events and newsletters in exchange for their contact details.
Content: “Content is the King” is a very frequently used term in the world of digital marketing and rightfully so. Having informative and creative content is what drives visitors to reach out and inquire. It is the best way to engage with the internet folks. The content that you publish has to be continuous. The internet is a very reactionary place and trends start very frequently. Pushing out good content regularly is considered a best practice. Nonprofits should aim to curate content that their donors enjoy and publish it frequently.
Mobile optimization: In a study, it was noted that around 53% of all internet users were using a mobile platform. This is because telecom networks have started reducing the rates of data by a huge margin. There is also the factor of smartphones being cheaper than laptops or desktops. These factors have been a major reason why mobile optimization is key. Most websites are built with desktops in mind, but ensuring that your site has good functionality for mobile devices will help you in the long run. Having a site that is optimized for mobile simply means you will be able to reach out to more people.
Social media: Perhaps the key to everything, social media rules the world today, and being active on social media will help drive traffic back to your website. The goal of using social media is to grab the attention of the users. Having a social media account that is active and stays engaged with many users is very beneficial. You can also have social sharing tools, i.e. embed icons on your website. Doing this allows visitors to share your website with their networks. It is also a good idea to make the website first if you are going to start a nonprofit, and then promote it using your social media.

Final Notes

Having a website can undoubtedly help nonprofits. Reaching people through the internet is an effortless way to ensure the growth of your nonprofit and websites are the key to the endeavor. Ensuring that you have a strong web presence, and also offer your donors the ability to donate through your website can go a long way in helping you reach your goals.

Do you want to get donations via website? Try our free Option Object right away and follow our partner DonorBox’s tips.

2021.2: New Frontiers in E-Commerce

Incomedia — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 12:25:00 GMT

You know that satisfying feeling you get when you can finally check off a difficult task? That's exactly the type of satisfaction and excitement we're feeling today. Because after introducing updates in recent versions like the product search page, personalized filters, and the PayPal Commerce Platform integration, we are now ready to share another, very useful tool with you: Product Sheets.

This latest addition gives you everything you need to take your online store to the next level.

But let's be clear: the Product Sheets aren't the end phase. They're just an important step in a journey which we believe still has many surprises in store.

Product Sheets: a key for success

No matter their size, online stores are generally built on a rather simple structure: there's a home page to welcome customers, category pages that “direct traffic", then a series of pages with product sheets - one for each item in the catalog - which describe the articles for sale.

These Product Sheets are often underestimated, and yet they are one of the most important keys for a successful online store. In fact, the product sheets are where your potential clients makes their decision. You've convinced them to visit your website and shared information with them, but this is where you turn them from visitors into clients, and they make the purchase.

The best approach is to consider Product Sheets as landing pages in their own right. Every detail counts towards reaching the goal: making sales.

But if I have a lot of products, how do I create Product Sheets for each one?

That would take so much time and effort... Which is exactly the problem the WebSite X5 update addresses by automatically generating Product Sheets for each item in your catalog. You insert the information, and the program creates the pages for you: it's quick and easy!

All of the Product Sheets are developed based on a structure designed to promote conversions. In other words, it sells.

The following information is displayed at the top of the page (which is known as above the fold): the name of the product, which becomes the page's title, accompanied by the category it belongs to, its ratings, and a brief description along with the price, any discounts, and its availability. And of course, the Buy now button The Hero Image is given ample room to shine, along with a gallery where you can insert all of the images and videos needed to best present every detail of your product.

When visitors scroll down, they'll see all the additional information that helps them make up their minds and complete the purchase. First, there’s room for an extended description, including the option to add tabs. This is where you can display all the technical details, warranty information, FAQs, etc.

Then, there's the reviews section. Customers tend to trust what other customers say more than the company: that's why encouraging users to leave reviews and ratings is always a good idea.

A visitor is 270% more likely to purchase a product when it has at least 5 reviews.

Finally, there is also the option to suggest related products from the same category. After all, once you have a customer's attention, why not take the opportunity to let them know about other products that may interest them?

We've also added social media buttons, because word of mouth is a simple and effective form of advertisement.

To learn more, read our guide: How to build a Product Sheet

Once the layout is perfect, how do I connect Product Sheets in my project?

Product Sheets are automatically linked within the cards generated by the Product Catalog Object or the online store's Search page.

Alternatively, we've also introduced a new link that you can use to connect a specific Product Sheet to a hyperlink, a button, or a menu option.

Overall, this is a truly comprehensive range of options for best presenting your products and maximizing sales opportunities.

For a complete overview, read our guide: How to present products from the catalog

We mentioned product reviews: how are they managed?

It's easy: using the online Control Panel or the WebSite X5 Manager App you're already familiar with. Reviews and ratings for the products in your store are managed the same way as they were already handled for Blog posts or through the Reviews and Ratings Object.

We also improved this part: viewing and managing comments is now easier than ever.

What about mobile?

As we all know, mobile commerce is growing fast, especially among younger generations.

By 2021, 72.9% of all retail e-commerce is predicted to take place via mobiles.

M-commerce, or mobile commerce, is different from other e-commerce only in the sense that transactions are made using smartphones or tablets rather than desktops. This might seem like a small difference, but think about it: smartphones are personal devices that are always available, always on, and that respond perfectly to the impulse to make a purchase, anywhere, any time. It makes strategic sense to take advantage of that!

That's why we made sure that our Product Sheets are responsive, so that they can display correctly on smartphones without compromising the purchasing experience.

Last but not least: improving SEO for Google and search engines.

We did our homework on this aspect, too.

In the 2020.2 version, we introduced structured data, which is metadata that is inserted within the code that Google uses to better understand a page's content in order to display rich snippets in the SERP instead of plain text. We took the opportunity to implement structured data in our new Product Sheets, too.

In fact, no matter what kind of store you run, Google can be a great source of new customers, especially if it displays rich snippets with reviews, prices, and availability on its results page.

Questions about structured data and its importance? We explain everything you need to know in this article; Structured data: what it is and how to use it for SEO

This concludes our overview of the new Product Sheets. To see all the new features included in the 2021.2 update - as well as all the features released in previous updates - visit the News page.

If you have an active WebSite X5 license, you can install the new version right away: launch the program and you'll find the instructions for doing so in just a few clicks.

If you no longer have an active WebSite X5 license, you can renew now to receive the new version 2021.2.

Finally, if you haven't yet purchased WebSite X5, take this opportunity to buy it now. The usage license includes the guarantee of receiving all the updates and new releases we'll release for the next 12 months, in addition to access to our Priority Assistance service.

2021.1: Here we go again

Incomedia — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 14:24:00 GMT

You know how, when times get tough, you suddenly feel the need to change something? You might get a new haircut, paint your walls, or re-arrange your furniture.

As we put the difficulties of 2020 behind us and looked for motivation to face the challenges of 2021, we also felt that desire to change something. So we responded in our own way: be giving our favorite software, WebSite X5, a design interface makeover.

Of course, one thing led to another: we also took the opportunity to re-organize some processes to make work more intuitive, sowing the "seeds" for the new ideas that will "bloom" over the course of this year's other updates. In other words, it is a change, but we did it in order to keep raising the bar!

Let's take a closer look

What did we do? We cleaned up, re-arranged, and re-finished... everything to create a more harmonious and orderly environment in which you'll love to work.

First of all, we lightened some elements of the design interface, like the title bar and the section tabs, and we overhauled the palette by choosing brighter colors. We also added a new, illustrated aspect that stands out in the welcome page as well as in the new avatars you'll be able to choose from when creating your online identity.

Speaking of the welcome page. Open the program, and see how much shorter the loading time is - that's right, we sped it up! Then, take a few minutes to explore the content on this page. Here, you will find information about the status of your license, links to helpful guides and articles in the Blog, and inspiring Objects and Templates for your projects. In other words, think of this page as a panoramic view of what's going on in the world of WebSite X5.

The most loyal fans among you will have noticed that in addition to the new design, one of the most important changes concerns how to manage open projects. In fact, you can now find a handy side bar next to the welcome page, with all the commands you need to start a new project or open an existing one.

We also updated the window in which you select the project you want to open. There's now more room for displaying the list of existing projects, but most importantly, the projects are displayed with an actual preview. Now, you can find the right project quickly and easily, even after you create a lot of different sites.

After tidying up the workspace, we also took the opportunity to polish our internal search engine, and - as many of you have requested - the line styles.

With regards to the internal search engine, you can now specify whether the search engine should search your entire website, or restrict the results to your online store's products rather than your blog articles.

As for line styles, we have added effects and transitions to the image gallery so that you can create horizontal bands that make your page even easier to read.

You can find a list of all the updates added in version 2021.1 - as well as the list of updates from older versions - in the News page.

If you already have an active WebSite X5 license, you can install this new version right away: just launch the program and you'll find instructions for doing so in just a few clicks.

If your WebSite X5 license has expired, renew it today to receive the new version 2021.1.

2020.3: a new version for the e-commerce boom

Incomedia — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 08:03:00 GMT

Here we are, on time as always, ready for our third update of the year for our favorite software: WebSite X5.

After digging into SEO with Structured Data in v2020.2, version 2020.3 puts the focus back on e-commerce, developing a product search feature for online shopping carts, introducing the option to adjust shipping costs by country, and increasing safeguards for supported payment systems. That's not all, of course: it was also time to review how user comments and ratings were displayed, and to update the Row Style window to make it more user-friendly.

We're sure that you'll appreciate all these new updates, because you requested many of them yourselves. Let's take a closer look at them.

Customized product search filters

When we launched v2020.1 in April, we introduced the e-commerce search engine, which was a hit. After all, when a store starts to offer a large number of products for sale, it's crucial to give Customers the ability to quickly find exactly what they're looking for.

Now, you can make your search page even more powerful because, in addition to the classic Search bar and standard filters that display items by category, by price range, or only new products or sale items, you can also add very useful customized filters.

The mechanism behind it is very simple. Want to allow your clients to search by "brand", "model", or "dimensions"? All you need to do is create and configure the right properties for each product, and you're all set. Each property you configure automatically becomes a filter that your Customers can use to search for products in your online catalog.

Want to learn more? Read our guide on how to configure customized filters.

Shipping costs by Country

If you're already selling your products in different Countries around the world, you know that each market is different: they each have their own particularities and require specific tactics.

One of the variables is shipping costs: for example, if you're based in Italy and need to ship abroad, you'll need to factor in a cost of X if you're shipping to France and a cost of Y, which is probably significantly higher than X, if you're shipping to Japan.

That's why it's important to be able to set different shipping costs depending on the Country in which your Customers place their orders.

All you need to do is configure a base shipping rate, then specify the cost difference for each Country you want to do business in. Easy, right?!

PayPal Commerce Platform payments

Last month, we enhanced WebSite X5 by integrating the PayPal Commerce Platform, PayPal's innovative new solution that makes life easier for sellers and, more generally, improves the online shopping experience for millions of users.

Thanks to the PayPal Commerce Platform, you can manage all the most popular payment methods in the world, including many local methods like MyBank, iDeal, Sofort, and Giropay, from one account. In practice, the system is designed to offer each client a selection of the most appropriate payment methods depending on their country and the device they are using. This improves the purchasing experience, increasing the likelihood that they will successfully complete the transaction.

We've now gone taken a step further: we integrated the 3D Secure protocol to increase the level of security for Credit Card transactions, and we've activated new measures to ensure that returns are processed correctly.

Basically, if you haven't yet done so, now's the time to connect your PayPal account to your online store and activate the PayPal Commerce Platform: you'll soon reap the benefits.

New layout for user reviews

We all know how important reviews are: people are more likely to trust those who have already purchased a product and tried it out, rather than what the manufacturer says.

What's more, asking your users to share their opinions, leave a comment, or give a rating lets them know that you're listening to them in order to improve your service, or that you're open to conversation if you're running a blog.

WebSite X5 has long included the tools necessary to integrate comments at the bottom of blog articles or within a page (using the Comments and Ratings object).

In this new version, we've updated the layout in which comments and ratings are displayed: with a more modern, clean, and user-friendly look, reading feedback from anybody who wants to share their thoughts is a pleasure.

As usual, for a detailed list of all the changes we've introduced in the new version 2020.3, visit the News page.

If you already have an active WebSite X5 license, you can install this new version right away: just launch the program and you'll find instructions for doing so in just a few clicks.

If your WebSite X5 license has expired, renew it today to receive the new version 2020.3.

8 Reasons Why You Should Switch to an Online Reservation System

Incomedia — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 07:38:00 GMT

What do a yoga center, a mechanic's shop, a dentist's office, and a B&B all have in common? At first glance, not much. A closer look reveals that they are all examples of the many types of businesses that need an effective way to manage appointments and reservations.

These days, continuing to rely solely on a receptionist with a phone, a planner, and a lot of patience is simply anachronistic. Regardless of your business size, it has become more convenient to switch to an online reservation system. Now, let's find out why.

What is an Online Reservation System, and How Does it Work?

It may seem intuitive, but let's take a closer look. An online reservation system is simply a software that allows potential customers to reserve and pay for an activity or a service directly through your website or an app.

This means that when a user finds a service that interests them and they decide to make a reservation, they can make it online: they can check your current schedule to view available appointments, choose the date and time that best suits them, and complete the process by making the payment. In the best case scenario, everything works on a self-service basis, considerably reducing your staff's workload and automatically resolving some of the complications that can arise when processing these kinds of reservations.

Thanks to online reservation systems, users no longer need to call you: all they have to do is visit the website to find all the information they need and to book their desired appointment or reserve your services.

Why switch to online reservations?

Managing appointment schedules manually is just not efficient: it means you always need to have staff available, and that person needs to sit with pen and paper to line up availability and requests. In this scenario, if you increase your offerings, or - even better - your demand grows, the work becomes more complicated, this brings more risks, longer waiting times and more frequent errors.

Once you set up your online reservation software, however, your customers are free to make their reservations any time - even in the middle of the night, if they feel like it! It makes managing every aspect easy, and the risk of errors is significantly lowered.

It's clear why switching to an online reservation system is the most advantageous solution for any business, regardless of your sector or the size of your company.

Of course, switching to an online reservation system doesn't mean completely abandoning traditional methods of taking reservations: in fact, these two systems can be used together. For example, customers with special requirements may prefer talking to a staff member to resolve any questions or particular requests. And in the end, it's all about satisfied customers!

What are the Advantages of Online Reservation Systems?

As we explained, online reservation systems have clear advantages compared to the traditional method. Let's take a closer look at the main benefits:

They Save Time

Traditional reservation systems require a staff member to spend a good part of their time managing customer calls. An automated, online system means that the customer does it all by themselves: they check availability, choose the best options, and complete the transaction, then receive an automatic confirmation e-mail. There's no need for any human interaction, so your staff can spend their time on other tasks.

They Resolve Bottlenecks

Taking reservations by phone means you can only receive them during that staff member's work hours. What's more, if you only have a single phone line, only one person can make a reservation at a time. This bottleneck, which limits your opportunities, doesn't happen with an online reservation system that all customers can access at any time, anywhere, and with any device.

It Works 24/7, 7 Days a Week.

As with all automated systems, one great advantage is that once you set up your online reservation system it will work for you all day, every day, all the time. Even if you're out of the office or at home sleeping, you'll continue to receive reservations without a problem.

They Lead to More Purchases

These days, it's more likely that potential customers find you through an online search than through any other means of advertising. Don't make them exit their browser to make a call: they might not feel like it. If you make the process easier by displaying all the information they may need and also allow them to make reservations and pay online, you're more likely to succeed. In technical terms, you've built a very effective customer journey.

It Works on Mobile

New online reservation systems allow your customers to use a wide range of devices: they can place their orders through their smartphones, tablets, or computers, and always have a satisfying experience. What's more, mobile access is convenient for you, too: you can access your platform and view the status of your reservations any time, anywhere.

It Provides Valuable Information

When they make a reservation online, your customers give you a lot of information that usually stays saved and that you can decide to use for your business. First of all, they give you their e-mail address: this means you'll be able to contact them to ask for feedback, or to offer discounts or new services.

Of course, this data must be protected and used according to privacy regulations, but in general, these platforms provide all the necessary guarantees, and any information that lets you understand your customers is valuable for optimizing your upcoming marketing initiatives.

It Manages Reminders and Recurring Appointments

If you set it up properly, your online reservation system will let you maximize your opportunities. For example, by offering alternative solutions if there are no available time slots left, or allowing loyal customers to book recurring appointments. Plus, the system will send an automatic SMS or e-mail reminder for every appointment, to make sure the customer doesn't forget to show up. In other words, you can automate many operations that can help you earn more.

It Makes Syncing Calendars Easier

Finally, many online reservation systems allow you to sync external calendars: for example, you can synchronize it with the Google Calendar you use for your personal schedule. In this way, each time a reservation is made, the system checks your external calendars for you to avoid setting appointments you may need to re-schedule.

Choosing an Online Reservation System

You know what your customers want: a convenient way to see all the information they need, easily make a reservation, and pay using their preferred payment method without any obstacles. Now, all that's left for you to do is to determine your own needs and priorities, and to identify the best online reservation system for you, based on these criteria.

There are many platforms available. To guide your search, start by considering your budget and how easy to use a solution is, both for you as the manager and for the customers who will use it to book appointments. The system should guarantee certain core features: for example, it must work with the Cloud, accept several payment options (credit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, etc.), and allow customers to make appointments in real time. Make sure that the system can be easily integrated not only into your website, but also with any social media channels or other platforms you use (CRM, e-mail marketing, etc.). Finally, check what reporting tools it uses to allow you to monitor how your business is growing.

Reservio: Managing Appointments is Easy

Reservio is a good solution for any business that needs to manage appointments online.

Working with Reservio is easy and intuitive: all you need to do is sign up on the website, enter some information about your business, and add a button for reservations on your website.

Visitors can click this button to view your available time slots and make an appointment at the time that best suits them.

To see it in action, click on the button below: it's a little preview of what you can add to your website.

What's interesting is that in addition to displaying it on your website, you can also connect this tool to your Facebook page so that your fans can easily make online reservations.

Conclusions

If you run a business, your website should be more than a simple showcase or digital calling card: if you limit yourself, you miss an opportunity.

Your website should become one of your main work tools: the tool that allows you to make yourself known, promote your services, turn visitors into customers, and earn money.

In this sense, adding an online reservation button to your pages is essential. As we've seen, it's a small effort that pays off with significant advantages.

So what are you waiting for? If you haven't done this already, set aside your old planner and switch to an online reservation system that better supports your business!

PayPal Commerce Platform: your Online Store's Payment System

Incomedia — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 22:01:00 GMT

Online shopping has now definitively exploded. Even countries like Italy, which always lag a bit in the adoption of new technologies, have now caught up, partly as a result of the isolation imposed by the coronavirus lockdown. The number of people purchasing items online is growing every day, and for those looking to do business in this sector, the playing field is increasingly full of new opportunities, becoming more complex to manage.

To make life easier for sellers, and in general, to improve the online shopping experience for millions of users, PayPal has launched a complete, innovative solution called the PayPal Commerce Platform.

We've integrated the PayPal Commerce Platform into WebSite X5 so that you can enjoy all the advantages of this powerful platform on your online store.

In this article we'll discuss what the PayPal Commerce Platform is, what advantages it guarantees, and how easy it is to use on your WebSite X5 online store.

What is the PayPal Commerce Platform?

The PayPal Commerce Platform is a solution that PayPal offers for any type of business, which provides a payment system that's both simple to implement and capable of guaranteeing the most straightforward possible purchasing experience for end users.

The PayPal Commerce Platform allows you to manage all the most popular payment methods in each country from a single account: credit or debit cards, prepaid cards, Paypal accounts, and most importantly, countless other local payment methods (for example, MyBank, iDeal, Soford, Giropay, etc., to name just a few) used in over 190 countries around the world, with over 100 different currencies.

The system is designed to offer each client a selection of the most appropriate payment methods depending on their country and the device they are using. This improves the purchasing experience, increasing the likelihood that they will successfully complete the transaction.

What are the Advantages of the PayPal Commerce Platform?

PayPal has been the global leader in online payment for over 20 years, this is a guarantee to its reliability and professional level of services.

There are also major advantages to using the PayPal Commerce Platform, worth highlighting here:

Ease of use: you can manage all payment methods from a single account.
More conversions: by accepting the most popular payment methods in each country, you can optimize your conversion rate.
Dedicated, competitive fees for Paypal or card payments.
Global growth: helps companies scale, allowing them to connect with over 346 million active PayPal users and to directly accept payment in over 100 currencies.
Simplified compliance: PayPal operates and is legally compliant in over 200 countries.
Increased security: PayPal uses advanced artificial intelligence systems, instructed with over 50 Petabytes of data every day, to prevent fraud and misuse.

PayPal Commerce Platform and WebSite X5

We integrated the PayPal Commerce Platform into WebSite X5's 2020.2.6 update to give you the best possible means for managing your online store. This allows you to benefit from all of PayPal's experience and capabilities and grants your customers the ultimate shopping experience.

If you already have an online store that relied on PayPal's old payment system, we recommend that you update it right away to transition to the new PayPal Commerce Platform. There are at least 2 excellent reasons for doing so:

the old system has been discontinued, meaning it will no longer receive any further development;
PayPal Commerce Platform offers more advantageous fees, starting at 1.20%*.

So if you already have a PayPal account, go ahead and connect it to your online store to activate the PayPal Commerce Platform; if you don't already have an account, you can create a new one and launch the service in just a few clicks. We created a special guide to help you get started.

Conclusions

After introducing the product search bar and optimizing the check-out process in version 2020.1 earlier this year, we decided to further enrich WebSite X5's online stores by integrating the PayPal Commerce Platform: this important component eliminates possible points of attrition by allowing customers to choose their preferred method of payment, which is crucial for ensuring that they complete the purchase.

What does the next WebSite X5 update have in store for users? We don't have anything coming just yet, but you can be sure that new and interesting updates to the online store will soon follow.

*Plus a fixed fee when receiving domestic transfers with advance credit card and debit card (like Visa or Mastercard) payments. Visit the PayPal website to view complete fee information.

2020: let's take a look back and continue that momentum

Incomedia — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 22:01:00 GMT

Today, I'd like to use this opportunity to take a look back and discuss this "special" year, 2020, with you. I'm Federico Ranfagni, CEO and co-founder of Incomedia.

I think we can all agree that this has been a September like no other. We're trying to pick up what we left after the virus shut so much life down, but getting back to normal isn't easy. In fact, it's a challenge. A challenge we must be ready to face, with a positive, constructive spirit.

Personally, whenever I have to tackle a very difficult challenge and I feel like I need a bit more confidence in order to succeed, I use a simple "trick": I stop and think about all the milestones I've passed on the road that led me to this moment, and ask myself, "If I made it this far, why wouldn't I take one more step forward?"

Basically, looking back to the past, helps me gain the momentum I need to face the future. That's what I'd like to do right now: look back at the important moments of this strange, unpredictable 2020 to face the coming months with renewed optimism.

So, what has Incomedia done since January?

Remote working
Digital Solidarity (and more)
Support and training
Developing WebSite X5

Remote working

First, we continued to work, and this was important:

for you, who have always been able to count on our support;
for us, since it allowed us to keep developing our projects.

Of course, we did this - and for the most part, continue to do so - remotely, while working from home. Our meetings at the office have been replaced with chats and online meetings. Although we miss our conversations by the coffee machine, work hasn't stopped. In fact, it's easier for those of us with children to manage our family responsibilities.

We'll assess the situation as we move forward: we have large, airy office spaces which we can safely return to. We'll find a solution, balancing in-office and remote work to meet everyone's needs.

Digital Solidarity (and more)

Throughout the months of the lockdown, as Italians stepped out onto their balconies to sing together and feel less alone, we took part in the Digital Solidarity Initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry for Technological Innovation and Digitalization. The project goal was to alleviate the impact of the restrictions put into place to combat the spread of the coronavirus, by providing digital services to businesses and individuals. We contributed 200 free WebSite X5 licenses, and we're certain that they gave many small businesses an important boost during this difficult period.

We were also selected as VISA partners as part of a project launched to support small, local business and SMEs, dealing with aspects of digitalization: in fact, WebSite X5 is part of a toolkit of digital services and tools which is offered through a special platform.

Like many of our fellow Italians who made tangible contributions to help our hospitals and health workers in the midst of the crisis, we took local action in support of the Ivrea hospital.

Support and training

Suddenly, many of us found ourselves confined at home with plenty of free time to fill. Between cooking, streaming shows, and exercising on the living room floor, we made the best of it. Many of you decided to be proactive and to invest your new-found time into creating, or overhauling, your professional websites, because you correctly surmised that solidifying your online presence could help you get started again.

We were at your side with all the support you needed. We improved our technical support response times, strengthening our e-mail and chat services. We expanded our software Guide: today, it includes over 200 articles, available in English and Italian, as well as, more recently, German. Finally, we organized a number of free webinars on various topics (only in Italian, for now). Your responses were always very positive.

Developing WebSite X5

Here at Incomedia, we're all firmly convinced that the Web is key: a good website, complete with an online store and potentially accompanied by a blog, can in fact be the best ally for any store, a restaurant, SME, or artisan faced with re-launching their business during complicated times like these.

That's why we've never stopped developing WebSite X5: so that we can always provide you with the most powerful software for creating the website your business needs, by yourself and on a budget.

We put particular focus on the e-commerce features, in response to the online shopping boom that resulted from the pandemic's impact on shopping habits. We're very proud to soon integrate the PayPal Commerce Platform, a new solution that offers 2 important advantages: first, it allows users to manage all the most popular payment methods, including local options, from a single account; second, it guarantees truly competitive fees for credit card payments. What's more, we also have new updates in the works for online stores. I won't say any more right now, but we're sure that you'll appreciate them very much.

Of course, we also worked on other things: we're glad that you enjoyed the collaboration with Depositphotos launched in March, and that you like the photos you can now add into your projects using the integrated image library.

We also implemented Structured Data and optimized SEO features, because once you create a website, you need to make sure people can find it, which means it needs to be "readable" for Google.

In addition to all these features (listed in the Updates page), we also added new Templates and Optional Objects for WebSite X5. Here, we also strove to provide stores and SMEs with tools they could implement right away. To do so, we created professional, comprehensive, and easy-to-customize templates like Jim Smartfit, Crafty Gift, and BakeNCake. That's also why we developed Objects like the one that allows you to integrate Reservio, an excellent service for managing appointments online.

In conclusion

The last months haven't been easy: 2020 has certainly been "special" and "unpredictable", and not in a good way. Despite everything, the Incomedia team stuck together and was able to cope with this crisis: for which I credit every member of my staff, I'm very proud of all that we've achieved so far.

We are moving forward confidently and we're not lacking in ideas or enthusiasm, either. We hope you will continue to accompany us on this journey for a long time: it's going to be fun!

How to Design E-commerce Logos: Methods and Tips

Incomedia — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 22:01:00 GMT

tatistics show that in 2018, 1.8 billion Internet users purchased 2.8 billion dollars' worth of goods. According to experts, online shopping is only going to keep growing. How can online store owners compete for customer attention? You need to create a positive image for your audience in order to stay ahead of the competition. Branding can help you achieve this.

Logo, Company Style, Brand: What's the Difference?

A logo is an image, a text element, or a combination of both that represents a company and defines its graphic image. A successful logo creates such a strong association that all it takes is one glance to evoke the desired emotions. When you see Nike's logo, for example, certain images immediately come to mind: sports, motivation, personal growth, and self-confidence.

The logo is part of the brand's company identity. A company's identity is a comprehensive concept. It is the sum of all the images and all the methods that create the brand's style. This includes the approved colors, fonts, and typographic elements all the way down to the shape and design of business cards and employees' clothing styles, among other things.

A company's identity is developed by the brand. And the brand is how the company is perceived: what people feel when they see the logo or hear the company's name or slogan. This is a unique image based on their perception of the company's identity, its products, and previous interactions with it.

Let's take another look at the example of Nike. Imagine that it was an unknown company. What would you think if you looked at a symbol without a name? Now you understand that there's more to their branding than the symbol. The way that the brand presents itself and the products it creates and markets - all of these factors influence the target audience's associations. The best e-commerce logos work with the brand rather than existing separately from it.

Developing an E-Commerce Logo: Step by Step

In order to create an e-commerce logo, you need to understand its purpose. Basically, this symbol will be used in your site's header as well as in accompanying elements: packaging, advertising materials, etc. The standard requirements for a logo are that it should be:

• unique;

• memorable;

• concise;

• expressive;

• universal;

• evocative.

To sum up: your online store needs a logo that is easy to remember and that users can quickly associate with your company. It needs to look just as good small or large, and be suitable for different types of screens. Now think about how to create a suitable branding element.

Preparation

First, take a moment to:

• study your niche in the market;

• identify your target audience;

• understand who your main competitors are.

At the same time, identify what it is that makes your project stand out from the competition, its current situation, and its potential. Write out your brand's philosophy and identify the various criteria that you think customers should value in your company.

Design Concept

After obtaining your analytic data, establish the precise tasks and goals and plan out your company's general strategy. This will form the basis for your image. Now think about which obvious images your brand evokes. Make a list of words, emotions, and associations.

Choosing the Elements

Now you can take a deeper look into your brand concept. Determine the main ideas for your e-commerce logo and start working on sketches and drafts. At the same time, you also need to choose your brand's font, colors, and graphic style (guidelines for how to edit your photos, create page layouts, and choose design elements). These elements should be consistent throughout your entire online store: from the home page's header to the product description pages.

Test

Soon, you need to let the public evaluate your logo options. To start, you could use your project team as a test group. Then, there are a few different ways to proceed: add your logo to your website directly, or use consulting services that run tests on target groups. Depending on your parameters, they'll choose people that best represent your target audience to select the image they think is most appropriate for your project.

Integrating your Logo

Now you're ready to begin integrating your approved online store logo into your project. Use it for your site header, as a watermark for your photos, as your social media profile picture, on your packaging, for branded products, in online advertising, and on the street - anywhere your company goes, it should be accompanied by its most important branding element.

Copyrights for Graphic Elements

People always try to copy successful images. But don't worry. Picture a copy of the McDonalds' logo. The original would still be recognizable. A logo's owner doesn't stand to lose anything if they own the copyright. As soon as you find an image you like and that seems attractive to the public, file for the appropriate legal protection right away.

Main Types of Logos

We can broadly define a few different types of logos that are often used for online stores' branding.

1. Graphics. These are especially popular among major brands. These logos are simple images, without accompanying text. They're appropriate for companies who already have well-defined connotations on the market. In these cases, audiences see more than one level of meaning in these simple symbols. The best examples are Mercedes-Benz, Shell, and Apple.

This category also includes the brands' characters - brand mascots - which can inspire public trust if used correctly. Some examples that immediately come to mind include Colonel Sanders, Mr. Proper, and Bibendum

2. Text logos are stylized (or abbreviated) versions of the company's name, designed as an icon. They are easy for audiences to understand. These logos are easy to remember and immediately call up the right associations. ASOS, Google, McDonalds', and Microsoft all chose this design option.

3. Combined. These logos combine the company's name with graphic elements. This is the kind of emblem that automobile companies often use. Intel, Nissan, and Amazon are all examples of combined logos.

How to Create an E-Commerce Logo: 4 Ways

The first option you might think of is to draw your logo yourself. Advantages: you know exactly what you want, you can control the whole process, and you'll get a unique design for free. But this is only possible if you are good at drawing and know how to use graphic design software. Prepare to spend around 20 hours of work on the design process.

The second option is to hire a professional to design your e-commerce logo. You'll need to prepare a detailed project brief. Advantages: a wide selection of designers, and high-quality results. Disadvantages: it can be hard to find the right professional, you'll need to monitor their work, and this option can be expensive.

You can also create e-commerce logos online using tools like Logopony. All you need to do is specify your company name and, if you like, a color palette, as well as your industry. The program generates dozens of unique options for you. You can download the one you like in any dimension and format (including with a transparent background). Advantages: completely automated process, low cost. Disadvantages: you can't use your own font or icons with this site.

The fourth option is a friendly one. Sign up for a crowdsourcing service (ex. crowdspring.com or designhill.com) and create an application. Interested designers will send in their sketches. You can choose the option you like best and purchase it. Advantages: a wide selection of options from designers with a variety of styles. Disadvantages: little control over the process. Many services charge a fee, even if you don't find anything you like.

Conclusion

How do you design an e-commerce logo to create a successful brand image? By developing all the elements of your company identity at once. Focus on your audience and on the benefits of your project. Remember that brand names can change over time. In fact, you might start by creating a logo with your company name. Once it becomes famous, try creating a symbol.

The Right Way to Promote Your Business on Social Media

Incomedia — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 07:32:00 GMT

Promoting your business on social media is one of the most professional ways to take advantage of the opportunities made available by the Internet. It allows you to reach a broad target audience, increase traffic and conversions, and raise your company's profile, among many other benefits. Let's take a look at how to choose a social media platform to start promoting your business.

Why Is Social Media Important for Promoting Your Business?

When comparing SMM - social media marketing - with traditional, offline publicity, the following advantages become clear:

• An affordable price for capturing new clients with advertising: you can configure your social media marketing to reach valuable target audiences;

• Targeted access to a broad audience.3.2 billion people around the world use social media;

• quick feedback from customers and the ability to respond immediately;

• increased brand loyalty among customers. Good social media marketing isn't about aggressive advertising, but rather about communicating and creating useful content. This ranges from entertainment to contests, special offers, and informal communications.

The Main Steps for Promoting Your Business on Social Media

How do you promote your business on social media? First, there are a few steps you need to take in order to prepare:

1. Set a goal. You need to understand why you're creating a company account and what results you expect from your promotions. These goals need to be specific: exact time frames, the profit you expect to earn, and the total sum you're investing. For example, "Increase the website's conversion rate by 45% in a year by investing $2,000."

2. Choose a platform for your promotion. The best social media platform for your company depends on the company, your product, your positioning, and your target audience. To choose your platform, start by conducting a preliminary market analysis, studying your target audiences' needs, and looking at what kind of social networks your competitors are using.

3. Create and publish your page. Nearly every social media platform offers the option of creating a separate business account (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest). Your profile includes a series of tools you can use to engage your audience, develop content, obtain analytics, and promote your business. Your main task is to create visual branding elements for your account (including a profile picture, a header, and a page description).

4. Fill your page with content. A company profile isn't a private page. The frequency of your posts, maintaining a uniform style (graphics and text), and alternating advertising materials with informative or entertaining articles are all important factors for your company page. Prioritize the quality of your materials: avoid making mistakes and avoid topics that could offend certain groups of people. You should also pay attention to the frequency with which you post (especially during periods of greatest activity among your target audience). That's why you should fill your page using a content publishing schedule that you plan in advance.

5. Building an audience. This is a comprehensive job: it requires you to prepare and publish posts continuously, to reply to comments, respond to reviews and criticism, configure your advertisements, track and analyze metrics, adapt your strategy, and so on.

How to Choose the Right Social Network to Promote Your Business

Let's take a look at the features and distinguishing characteristics of the world's most popular social networks in terms of promoting brands.

Facebook

This is the biggest social network in the world, with over 2.2 billion active users. Promoting your business on Facebook has many advantages: first, there's a target audience for nearly every sector, and second, its audiences are generally reliable adults.

Facebook's users appreciate high-quality content. Brands can choose from different paid promotion tools, performance analytics, and Facebook Pixel to collect information about user behavior, personalize Facebook Messenger bots, and dozens of other features.

In general, this is considered the best social network for all business sectors (except for those that are prohibited by the site's policies or the law). The effectiveness of your promotions depends directly on publicity.

Twitter

Twitter is known for its short messages. The most interesting of these are quickly spread by users' retweets. Think of marketing on Twitter as an opportunity to inform the public quickly, and to draw users to your website (increasing traffic). This social media platform offers advertising tools to brands.

In general, the consensus is that this platform is appropriate for companies that are active and have social engagement. If you can post 3-5 tweets a day that briefly share news about ongoing events - this social network is right for your brand.

Instagram

This progressive platform is growing fast. Its main characteristic is that content is posted in the form of images, photos, and short videos. Home to a younger audience, it allows clothing, accessory, furniture, and other brands with greater aesthetic value to convert customers quickly. Of course, you can use Instagram for business (creating and publishing high-quality content). It also provides advertising tools.

The general consensus is that Instagram can help you promote ongoing sales and grow your audience. It's recommended for companies that offer strong emotions or beautiful products to their audiences.

Like Instagram, this site mainly focuses on visual content. Advertising on Pinterest is advantageous for brands that offer products and services. Users often visit this social media platform to create "shopping wishlists": adding products they like to a list of planned purchases. According to statistics, 21% of users have purchased products they add to these lists.

The general consensus is: Pinterest is recommended for any business with something to show. To be successful, you need to offer attractive, beautiful content with a unique and intriguing page layout.

3 Strategies for Promoting Your Business on Any Social Network

Content marketing, community management, viral marketing, as well as organic and targeted advertising are all methods for promoting brand profiles that are important on almost all these websites. But what happens if we take a step back from the methods and tools and focus on general promotional strategies?

Listen to Your Audience

Respect all opinions. Thank each reviewer. Answer every question. Take criticism into consideration and try to understand the situation.

All opinions from your followers, even the negative ones, are useful for your brand. They demonstrate customers' negative emotions and can help you find ways to improve a product or service. That's why you should:

• read everything your customers write on your page. Participate in discussions;

• Conduct surveys to gain insight into customer opinions;

• turn problems (negative comments) into solutions.

Demonstrate Your Expertise

Publish content that offers new knowledge to your target audience. Present your expertise clearly. Talk about your company and your product. Show that you're a professional player in your industry. What can you do?

• film videos that show how your products are created, along with the people and technology involved;

• publish instructions (in video format) for using your product;

• develop a series of posts in which your company's representatives share information with the public.

Balance is key: use formats that are interesting and appropriate for the social network at hand, but don't leave room for incompetence. When you create content, your company's experts should combine forces with the creative team that handles SMM.

Quality is King

The formula is simple: it's best to gain 10 true fans of your brand than 100 "random people." It's better to publish 1 interesting post a day than 10 posts that just say "good morning", "have a nice day", and "good evening". It's better to proofread and double-check every single word than to let typos or ambiguity diminish your reputation. Quality social media content includes:

• tips, instructions, and professional opinions;

• real cases and success stories;

• news and important updates;

• thoughts and opinions from the brand's leaders;

• selections of books and movies that may interest your audience;

• interesting posts that intersect with the others.

Useful Promotional Tools

If you decide to launch a promotional campaign without working with SMM specialists, you can use these tools to design your pages and create your content:

1. Logopony - a logo generator that you can use to create profile pictures, cover images, and watermarks when posting photos.

2. Sproutsocial - a simple tool for editing images in the right formats for various social networks.

3. Crello - an assistant for developing cover designs for a company profile. You can use your own photos or choose from the service's image library.

4. Pexels - a gallery of free photos for creating posts and cover images for company profiles.

Conclusion

For many brands, promoting the company on social media is a priority. The ability to capture new audiences, increase business, and build a positive reputation is very appealing. Before you take your first steps, make sure you've defined your goals, chosen the right site, and created a solid plan for posting high-quality content. Criteria for success: respect for your public, attention to detail, and an expertise-driven approach.

The enduring fascination with web animations.

Incomedia — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 22:01:00 GMT

Today, you went online, browsed a bit, used Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube, and saw at least one meme, animated GIF, or video, although most likely you saw far more than one. In fact, hardly a day goes by in which you don't see and share at least one. We all do: the rate at which animated content is shared and goes viral is now extremely high.

But what is the basis for the success of this kind of content? Most importantly, how can you use it effectively in your websites or social media platforms to raise your profile and promote your business?

We'll find the answers in this article.

Animations and video clips: why do we love them so much?

Let's start here: have you ever wondered why you like animations and video clips so much? It may seem strange, but this is a question for your "Old Brain".

Although this may be a blow to the ego, remember that as much as we like to consider ourselves to be civilized and highly evolved people, our prehistoric instincts, from a time when we had to fight to survive in a hostile, dangerous world, are still part of us.

This has been made clear by neuroscience research which explains that our brain is divided into 3 parts:

The New Brain – this is the most evolved part, which processes facts and allows rational thought;
The Middle Brain – this is the part that handles feelings and emotions;
The Old Brain – the lizard brain, the most ancient and primitive part which, however, checks the information transmitted from the other two brains and makes the decisions that determine your actions.

The Old Brain has 6 key characteristics:

It's egocentric
It's sensitive to strong contrasts
It's concrete
It's good at remembering the beginning and the end, but not the middle
It's visual
It reacts to strong emotions

This explains why we're so drawn to videos and animations: they're moving images, and our Old Brain is wired to react immediately to these kinds of stimuli. After all, in prehistoric times, sudden motion could mean only two things:

"Look! There's food."
"Look! You might become food."

Either way: " Look! Do something right now: attack or flee."

That hasn't changed: movement catches our attention and demands a reaction. Once you understand this mechanism, you can use it to your advantage when creating web pages and promotional campaigns.

Animations: a brief history

This may surprise you, but the captivating power of animated images is so great that their story is as old as mankind.

The oldest known example of an animation is in fact a 5,200-year old terracotta bowl found in Iran spinning: it reveals that the 5 scenes painted on the bowl reproduce the movement of a goat jumping up to snatch the leaves on a branch.

In ancient Egypt and China, people cast shadow shows onto walls.

The end of the 1600s marked the arrival of the magic lantern, which led to fantastic-sounding devices called thaumatropes, zoetropes, and kinetoscopes, which finally led to the Lumière brothers' much more successful camera, using photographic film, rather than drawing strips, to create the illusion of movement.

That was at the end of the 19th century: from there, it was only a short step to developing animations for the cinema, and finally, for the web.

In the late 1990s, the web was a euphoric place, teeming with mind-blowing Flash animations, which were considered truly cutting edge. Then, once we all calmed down, we started to pay more attention to websites' performance and to reward usability rather than the power to amaze. Flash animations were becoming too heavy and weren't compatible with mobile browsing, which is when they became obsolete.

Today, thanks to the wide variety of development methods and tools, site creators have once again begun using motion to draw visitors' attention, but they're doing so with more awareness and restraint than before.

Why? Simply because it's still true that animations can:

grab people's attention;
make everything more attractive and enjoyable;

if used wisely, help users perceive changes and indications which can help guide them as they navigate.

Animations: Functional or Delightful?

From what we've discussed above, it's clear that not all animations are the same. In other words, there are animations that serve to explain a feature, provide feedback, or anticipate certain behavior, and other animations that simply serve to make browsing a website more fun. The first kind is known as functional animations: these are part of the field of interaction design. The second kind is called emotive animations: these animations are more related to motion design.

Some examples of functional animations on web pages include the transitions between screens, as well as "micro-interactions", such as when a button becomes slightly larger when you hover your mouse over it.

There are even more examples of functional animations in the apps you use on your smartphone: pulling a page down to refresh it, loading displays, swiping from one content to another, etc.

The key factor is that these functional animations aren't just used because they're pretty, but mainly because they can improve a concept or a process.

All other kinds of animation are emotional animations. Although they don't have the same purpose, they can still be useful, even if only because they reinforce the brand's identity and make the user experience more pleasant.

Emotional animations can be simple or complex: they help you tell a story or illustrate a message effectively and quickly. That's why they're not just perfect for enriching your website, they can also be used in your blog posts or on social media, where everything needs to be immediate and impactful.

Ok, but how do you create animations?

The starting point for anyone looking to create their own animations isn't necessarily learning how to use a specific tool, but rather gaining an understanding of the principles of classic animation. These fundamentals, by two of the biggest Disney animators of the 1930s, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, can be found in the 1986 book "The Illusion of Life."

Based on their vast experience, Johnston and Thomas believe that animation's power comes from its ability to create the "illusion of life", as long as you follow these 12 principles;

1. Squash & Stretch

2. Anticipation

3. Staging

4. Straight ahead action and pose to pose

5. Follow through and overlapping action

6. Slow in and slow out

7. Arc

8. Secondary action

9. Timing

10. Exaggeration

11. Solid drawing

12. Appeal

In fact, following the basic laws of physics, like gravity, reactions, and time, can result in more realistic animations, which not only improves their ability to tell a story, but also:

indicates causality → if you click on this button, the form disappears
provides feedback → if you click on this button, it remains pressed down
represents a relationship → zooming in on a point on a map provides more information about its physical location
indicates progression → like a loading bar, for example

... and much more.

In all of these examples, animations guide us through interactions, helping us to understand relationships, structures, and cause and effect. In other words, animations enrich communications with sensory input, which helps us better understand the situation and interact appropriately.

So don't just think of animations as decorative features that add a cute touch to your website. If you design them carefully and use them wisely, animations can significantly enrich our communications, making them more appealing and effective.

Why focus on Local SEO: Luigi Luongo explains it to us

Incomedia — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 22:01:00 GMT

The starting point is always the same: create a website for your business. Once you have your own website, there are a number of things you can do to promote your website more effectively and turn it into a real “war machine,” which is essential for promoting and selling your services/products.

Some of the most useful activities for anyone who has a bar, a shop or any other local business fall within the scope of Local SEO. Our friend and SEO expert Luigi Luongo explains what SEO is, how to do it and what advantages it offers.

Hello Luigi, can you tell us something about yourself so we can introduce you to those who don’t know you yet?

Thank you very much for the interview. My name is Luigi Luongo and I received my degree in Computer Engineering in 2010. I started working in the field of search engine optimization for a large consulting firm in Piedmont, which allowed me to do a lot of work for a number of clients. For seven years now, I have had my own search engine optimization agency. Over the last two years, we have combined artificial intelligence and optimization to make some activities scalable for large information portals that have a massive amount of content that cannot be optimized individually. This has allowed me to better understand the future of this profession and especially what its limitations are, which are the limitations of automatic learning algorithms.

So, what are your main activities?

I would say that my main activities are the technical optimization of search engines and the development of SEO-related artificial intelligence algorithms.

Today, we would like to talk with you about “Local SEO.” Can you tell us what this means?

Local SEO is a branch of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) that deals with optimizing websites in a way that is local and therefore limiting it to a region, province or town. While SEO in general deals with optimization on a national and/or international level, Local SEO focuses on specific geographical areas.

So, what are the advantages of Local SEO?

When it is done well, Local SEO offers many advantages. For example:

It can reduce competition by achieving better organic rankings than at the national level;
It allows you to bring people directly into your physical store;

And most importantly, it lets you make your business known to people who live nearby and to those who only pass by from time to time.

In your opinion, who should be doing Local SEO?

All companies that have a local business should consider this type of activity.

For example, some businesses that can benefit from Local SEO are:

Hotels
Dentists
Tradesmen
Restaurants
Ice cream parlors

In other words, all businesses that have a local presence should consider Local SEO for the free visibility it provides.

Based on your experience, what are the best on-site Local SEO strategies that businesses can use?

As far as on-site optimization is concerned, the best strategy is to create a highly focused mini website. When doing this, you need to pay close attention to certain factors and create a number of useful pages that help and support placing your business into a local context. The main pages that you should pay attention to during optimization are your homepage and your contact page.

Homepage

Your homepage should contain a description of your business, your services (who would benefit from your services? what problems do you solve?) and the area in which you operate. You should try to enhance your homepage with images and even some videos, with internal links to the various other sections of your website and to your contact page. Some of the images of your company could be the same as those inserted in the Google My Business tab.

Contact page

Create and optimize your contact page. This page should include essential information, such as:

The name of your business;
The address of your business;
Your contact telephone;
An embedded Google Map.

However, in terms of on-page optimization, the important factors you should focus on are:

Optimizing your website for viewing on mobile devices;
Defining the titles and descriptions of the different pages you create (remember to enter local terms);
Defining the headlines (H1, H2, H3, etc.). Pay special attention to the use of H1 and H2;
Writing simple and grammatically correct paragraphs of text. Avoid the use of subordinate clauses, long explanations in parenthesis and sentences in passive voice;
Formatting paragraphs by highlighting important parts of the text;
Creating internal links with anchors that use local terms;
Entering some structured data in the website that makes it easier for search engines to extract information about your business.

You mentioned structured data. Can you tell us more about this?

Structured data are the elements that enhance and simplify the extraction of certain types information from your website. This information, which is hidden to the user but is visible to the search engine, provides certain clues that help search engines to better understand the webpages they are analyzing.

There are different types of structured data that can be inserted in your main pages. Certainly, for local businesses, some of the most important structured data is:

Your logo
Local business

These two links lead to the Google Developer’s Guide, which explains how to insert this data, the formats available and recommendations on how not to misuse it. I find it very interesting and useful that the new version of WebSite X5 allows this and other types of structured data to be inserted almost automatically into the page code. Since the software takes care of the technical details, it’s easy to use the structured data with all the benefits that can be gained from it.

As far as off-site actions are concerned, what would you start with?

To create a solid off-site structure for a localized presence, I would start with a few activities, but be sure to do them well.

Google My Business

First, I would carefully open and detail the Google My Business tab. I would pay attention to the images and I would prefer to use the company’s own internal and external images. For the external images, it’s better if you can see the company’s sign in them.

When writing the company listing, I would pay attention to some key factors which are also explained in Google My Business Help:

Relevance
Relevance indicates the level of correspondence of a local listing with the user’s search. The more detailed and accurate your listing is, the more the search engine can understand what your business is about and then suggest it to potential customers when they’re doing local searches.
Distance
The distance is calculated based on how far away a certain business is from the terms contained in the search query. If potential customers search for an “electrician in Vercelli,” all the tradesmen in Vercelli and not those in Milan, will be displayed in the results.
Sometimes, potential customers may not enter locations into their search queries. In this case, the search engine uses the known data about your location together with the data about your business and suggests your business, because it is close to them.
Prominence
Some businesses and places are better known in reality, so the search engine also tries to reflect this situation when composing the final SERP (Search Engine Results Pages).

Local link building

It would take an entire article to explain what this means and how it should be done. At this point, however, I would like to draw your attention to one factor: link frequency. Most of the time, the link frequency is so high that websites are penalized for this, so it’s important not to overdo it.

I live in a small community in the province of Vercelli. In our community, there are several newspapers, businesses that have their own websites and that are our suppliers, locally managed traditional directories, etc. All of these places are great for creating a link building strategy. You could create or have someone create articles about the activities, initiatives and events that your business supports or does. You can register with these local information aggregators, etc. There are many opportunities at the local level for increasing the awareness of your business and for improving your local optimization. Focus on the quality of your links and not so much on their quantity.

Social profiles

I would also create my company listing on social networks. This would allow me to strengthen the signals that I send to search engines about my online business.

In closing, do you have one last piece of advice for us?

As a last tip, forget about special effects, and instead, create a website with useful information for those who are looking for you, without getting lost in stories that no one is interested in. Try to better explain what you do, where you do it and what geographical area you cover. Use text that is easy to understand, even for a search engine. Subject, predicate and verb.

Other than that, I wish you success with your Local SEO.

Health & Beauty: 5 templates for a stunning website

Incomedia — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 11:01:00 GMT

If your business revolves around beauty and wellness, you can't afford to present your services with an ugly, messy, or unprofessional website. Many potential clients would see that contradiction and find it hard to trust you, taking their services elsewhere.

For hairdressers, aestheticians, spas, and beauty parlors, having an attractive and inviting website that aligns with your brand's image is key. Your website should offer visitors the same, positive experience that they enjoy within your store or your studio.

It all starts with choosing the right template. We've selected 5 templates to help you get the best results for your beauty website using WebSite X5. When making your choice, consider the template's design as well as how it is structured, how much you can customize it, and which features and opportunities for development it includes.

OnHair

OnHair is a template specifically designed for any beauty-oriented business: from hairdressers, beauty salons, and aestheticians to make-up artists or nail technicians, and more. Its modern design can be adapted for any requirements, and it also looks perfect on smartphones. You'll find everything you need: an "About" page, price list, photo gallery, and a contact form. Just add a few personal touches to make it all yours.

Black Whale

Black Whale is a sleek, contemporary design that's perfect for tattoo and piercing studios, and any other professionals who create works of art on the skin. Everything is in the right place: just add your introduction, your contact form, and most of all, your photos. The result: an amazing portfolio that you can update quickly and easily. Your new clients will soon come knocking!

Orthocare

Orthocare is the perfect template for creating medical or wellness websites, or to open your online pharmacy. Not only does it have an attractive, professional design, it also has everything an online store needs: just add your products and you'll be ready to launch your online wellness store in no time.

Physiocare

Physiocare is a template whose clean, functional template will help you attract more clients thanks to full-width images and easy to customize blocks. It was designed for physical therapy businesses, but you can easily adapt to it your own health and wellness job.

Your Menthor

Wellness is about the mind as well as the body. Your Menthor is a template designed for all kinds of therapists and counselors, whether you specialize in marriage counseling, business consultancy, or life coaching. You can demonstrate your experience through the built-in Blog.

Conclusions

As always, remember that a template is a great starting point: just choose the template that best suits your tastes and your needs and add your content to customize it and make it truly yours.

You can find all the templates we mentioned above, and many more, in the WebSite X5 Marketplace.

Now we're curious. Share the beautiful websites you create using WebSite X5 with us: we'll add them to our Gallery, where they might provide inspiration to many others.

What is structured data, and why use it for SEO

Incomedia — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 07:54:00 GMT

We do it every day, even several times a day: we open a browser window and ask Google to answer a question, find information, or simply satisfy our curiosity.

Whether it's about work or our personal lives, we always expect a quick, accurate answer, and to its credit, Google does its best to satisfy us.

But how does it do it? How does it understand what it is we're really looking for?

It's not a trivial question: understanding how the most widely used search engine in the world works actually means learning how to build our websites in a way that allows them to be indexed better, and therefore to position ourselves better, perhaps even on the first page of search results!

In this guide, we'll discuss how Google tries to understand natural language, and how we can help it along by using structured data. We'll gain a better understanding of what it is, how to use it, and most importantly, what advantages it can bring us.

From key words to the search intent

Metadata: data that describes data

What is structured data?

What is Schema.org?

How to insert structured data

How Google uses structured data

Snippets and Rich Snippets

Benefits of structured data

Structured data and voice searches

Conclusions

From key words to the search intent

Let's start with an example: let's say you wanted to do a search, and you typed in “Mercury”.

If you think the search engine simply searches for pages that match the key words, I'm sorry to say that things have changed. Google tries to “understand” what we write, ever since the 2013 and 2015 updates to its algorithms introduced natural language analysis and artificial intelligence: now, semantics have become a key factor in Google searches.

Let's look at our example again. Google isn't simply searching for files that contain the word “Mercury". Instead, it tries to understand our search intent: are we interested in the planet or in the element?

As humans, we can resolve these kinds of ambiguities more or less automatically. It's a little more complicated for search engines, however. Google strives to overcome linguistic ambiguities and understand our requests, as well as the contents presented on web pages, using context clues.

But how does a search engine know what the context is? By reading metadata.

Metadata: data that describes data

Simply defined, metadata is data that describes other data.

This is not a new concept: for example, librarians use metadata to categorize books in order to be able to find them faster. For example:

“Title,” “Author”, “Year", and “Publishing House” are the metadata that serve to categorize the data.

Metadata needs to follow a classification system that everyone understands in order to work. In other words, there needs to be a set of rules, a standard that everyone follows in order for the system to be successful.

When it comes to search engines, metadata is called structured data, and they are implemented according to a set of rules called Schema.org.

What is structured data?

Structured data is meta information that has to be inserted into the pages’ HTML code in order to provide additional data which is used by search engines to categorize and better understand their contents.

This data is said to be “structured” because, as mentioned, it is organized according to the Schema.org vocabulary, a chart which allows entities and relationships to be defined by transforming content into data.

In practice, correctly inserting this metadata and following Schema.org's syntax rules allows Google to understand the meaning of the information available, and deliver more relevant search results to users.

As Google explains in its own developer guide: You can help us by providing explicit clues about the meaning of a page to Google by including structured data on the page [...] Google uses structured data that it finds on the web to understand the content of the page [...]”.

What is Schema.org?

Let's take a moment to look more closely at Schema.org. As mentioned above, it's a vocabulary of structured data (markups) which defines entities, actions, and relationships on the Internet.

In practice, the Schema.org vocabulary includes formats for structuring data relating to all kinds of people, places, and things on the web: the complete list of elements that the Schema markups can define is available on the Schema.org website.

For example, Schema.org has a lexicon for travel, which can define departure dates, arrival dates, and a description of the offers.

Schema.org was created in 2011, as a collaboration between Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Yandex. It's an open-source project that evolves over time thanks to the collaborative work of its community of followers.

How to insert structured data

3 different languages can be used to insert the markup defined by Schema.org into a page's HTML code:

RDFa
Microdata
JSON-LD

The format which Google recommends, and which is also the most widely used, is JSON-LD, which uses JavaScript to encode structured data at the beginning of the page, in a manner that's completely independent from the content present on that page.

Here is Google's description of the three formats.

Google also makes a tool available which allows you to generate and implement Schema for your pages: the Google Structured Data Markup Helper.

You can also use the Google Structured Data Testing Tool to test whether the markup you've inserted is correct.

With WebSite X5, you don't need to rely on any external programs or extensions: the software makes it easy for you to manage the implementation of the most common structured data and automatically inserts the necessary JSON-LD code.

How Google uses structured data

As we explained above, Google is fairly good at its job, and normally, the Googlebot (the spider that scans the web) is able to recognize the entities present on a page.

So why use structured data?

Because using a shared vocabulary means we speak the same language: the search engine no longer needs to “try to interpret” your page, and risk making mistakes, while you can be certain that the information presented in your web pages is received as correctly as possible.
Because Google uses structured data not only to better understand the contents of a page, but also to create elements like rich snippets, rich cards, and knowledge graphs, which it displays in the SERP.

Snippets and Rich Snippets

When we perform a search, Google shows us a page with a list of results: this page, as you may know, is called the SERP Search Engine Results Page.)

Each result within the SERP is made up of a title and a description: this description is called a snippet.

The snippet is very important:

in general, it contains key words which help determine a website's relevance for the search engine;
if it's well-written, it may convince the reader to click the link and choose that page instead of other pages displayed in the SERP.

In general, Google extracts the snippet from the Description metatag inserted in the pager's HEAD. We’ve discussed this topic in more detail in another post: What Meta Descriptions are and how to use them for SEO

Meanwhile, Rich Snippets refer to snippets enriched with graphic elements, which increases visibility and encourages user interaction. The search engine actually extracts this additional information from the structured data.

Let's take a look at a few examples.

Structured data for Recipes can enrich the snippet with stars and photos, as well as information about cooking time and calorie counts.

Meanwhile, structured data for Products can enrich the snippet with prices, in-store availability, technical specifications, and review stars.

Using the structured data provided by Schema.org for events allows the dates and locations of different events to be displayed in the snippet as well.

So in general, rich snippets are more visually complete and attractive than traditional snippets, meaning that statistically, users are more likely to click on the links they display. This results in an overall improvement of the CTR (Click Through Rate), which is the number of clicks compared to the number of times Google displays the snippet. If the snippet is displayed 100 times, and 50 people click on it rather than 10, that's quite an improvement, wouldn't you say?

Benefits of structured data

The results in the SERP aren't only displayed as blue links anymore:

as we mentioned earlier, Google uses structured data to enrich its results with additional information and multimedia elements, and it may display the results in different ways. In general, a search result's appearance may change over time, depending on the device used (desktop computer or mobile phone), the country, and many other factors: Google tries to display the result in the way it believes is most useful for the user.

This means Google may display carousels.

It may decide to display an artist's songs as a series of rich cards:

Or it may decide to group all of the page's structured data to create an info sheet:

The point is that Schema.org's vocabulary of structured data forms the basis for all of these solutions, which have the indisputable advantage of drawing users’ attention: and therefore their clicks.

As we've seen, more visibility means more clicks, which results in more traffic: which is what any site owner is aiming for.

Structured data and voice searches

Adding structured data is also useful if you're thinking about the near future, in which voice search will continue to play an ever-greater role.

According to forecasts by Juniper Research, the use of voice assistants is set to triple, from 2.5 billion digital voice assistants in use in 2018 to over 8 billion by 2023.

Voice assistants like Google Home and Alexa can perform different kinds of tasks, like turning on the lights in a house, for example, or playing a song for you while you're driving: these actions rely on voice commands.

Voice assistants can also answer our questions when we want to look something up online: this kind of action is called a voice search.

According to Google, a good 27% of the world's population uses the voice search feature on their smartphones.

Of course, all of this will also have an increasingly important impact on SEO.

When we ask our voice assistant, “Hey Google/Alexa, find me the best restaurant in Turin,” the voice will respond with a single recommendation. Many studies on voice searches, including a 2019 study by SEMrush, shows that voice assistants rely heavily on structured data to select their recommendations, and that most of the answers transmitted via voice search use some form of Schema.

This means that the more structured data is used, the more pages will be ready for this new search frontier, and voice assistants will be able to interact with and transmit the information they contain.

Conclusions

To sum up, we discussed how Google continues to strive to “understand” natural language to identify the search intent that guides our use of the search engine.

In order to help it, we can try to “speak” a language that uses a shared vocabulary: this language relies on the use of structured data based on the Schema.org vocabulary.

Thanks to structured data, Google is not only able to better manage information and display more relevant answers to search queries, it also uses this data to enrich the snippets shown on the SERP with elements like stars, images, prices, etc.

Rich snippets draw users’ attention and are statistically proven to lead to an increased CTR. More clicks ultimately translate into more traffic to your website.

Finally, structured data also forms the basis for voice searches: voice assistants tend to use them to formulate their responses to our questions.

There's also another element to consider. Many sites still do not use these tools, forcing search engines’ crawlers to interpret them in a way that can be difficult and lead to mistakes. Providing structured data therefore makes crawlers’ work easier, allowing them to function more effectively. This could be the leg up that gives you an advantage over your competition.

2020.2: a new version to bring more meaning to the web

Incomedia — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 07:30:00 GMT

After integrating the Premium Image Gallery and the important e-commerce features we released over the past few months, we're ready to launch the newest version of WebSite X5, 2020.2. This time around, we've focused on SEO, exploring the fascinating field of structured data, and introducing the use of this metadata into the code created by WebSite X5 Pro.

If you haven't yet heard of structured data, it can add indisputable benefits for your website, and we've found a way for you to easily get the most from it.

To learn more about how this all works, just keep reading.

What is structured data, and how to use it

Structured data is metadata, meaning data which describes other data. This data is inserted within web pages' HTML code in order to provide additional information, which serves to:

help Google better understand the page's content;
allow Google to enrich its Search Engine Results Page (SERP).

Let's take a closer look at the second point: Google uses structured data to turn a snippet into a rich snippet.

As you can see, a rich snippet can contain a series of elements, including graphic elements, like images, stars, reviews, prices, availability, etc.

This means rich snippets draw a lot more attention from users, so they generate a higher number of clicks. This results in more traffic to those pages: and isn't that what we're all aiming for?

To learn more about structured data, read the guide we've prepared for you: "What is structured data, and how to use it for SEO".

Structured data in WebSite X5

To implement structured data within a webpage, it needs to be “written” using vocabulary that Search Engines can understand (the Schema.org vocabulary) and using one of the 3 approved formats: RDFa, Microdata, or JSON-LD.

With WebSite X5 Pro, you don't need to worry about a thing, it's all taken care of for you. Just insert your content as usual, which will provide the program with all the necessary information: it will then automatically transform all this information into structured data for use within the pages’ HTML code.

You don't need to use any external applications or manually edit the code yourself: just insert the information requested as you create your pages, blog articles, or your store's shopping cart. Easy, right?!

Let's take a look at a few practical examples for a better understanding of how using structured data can benefit you.

Structured data and Local Business

In the SEO section of WebSite X5, you'll now find a dedicated panel for collecting structured data. Here, you can specify a set of information that's essential if you own a local business like a bar, restaurant, store, or company.

This information (name, address, contact information, opening hours, etc.) is added into the pages code as structured data: this data won't be visible to users, but it allows Google to better connect your website with your physical store, and display your site in the SERP with a nice listing like this one:

Products and structured data

As you know, Google can be your best ally when it comes to finding new clients for your online store.

Thanks to structured data, Google can add your product to Google Images and provide detailed information about it, using rich snippets that display reviews, prices, and availability.

To obtain structured data about your products with WebSite X5, all you need to do is insert the information required to set up your shopping cart: the program will take care of implementing the rest.

More visibility with carousels

Google can choose from several different formats to decide how to display results in the SERP.

One of the more attractive options is the carousel: a collection of elements with a modern, eye-catching design that effectively draws users’ attention as well as inciting them to click.

Google uses structured data in order to create carousels. Although there's no specific option for this in WebSite X5, know that the structured data used in the carousels is automatically generated both for your store's product catalog as well as for your blog article archive.

Get ready for voice search with Speakable

Voice Assistants are here: we're increasingly turning to them with our questions, which they answer by carrying out searches and reading just one of the available results.

Once again, structured data is what allows search engines to identify the excerpts that can be read by Voice Assistants: in WebSite X5, these excerpts are automatically created for all Blog articles.

In conclusion...

Do you see how implementing structured data can benefit you? It allows Google to better understand web content, and therefore respond with results that best suit your search queries. But most of all, structured data allows Google to enrich its SERP, so that it can present your website with a rich snippet, a carousel, or another similar element, which grants you more visibility, more clicks, and ultimately, more traffic to your website.

7 tips for creating headers that will make you say, “WOW!”

Incomedia — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 22:14:00 GMT

As they say, you don't get a second chance at making a good first impression. That's why you always need to be prepared to give everything you've got in those first few milliseconds - 50, according to a Google study - in which users form an opinion about your website.

But what will people who arrive on your home page see in those 50 ms? Most likely just the header. That's why the header is so important for your website's success, and why you need to make sure it's truly effective.

What is a header?

The header is the top part of a web page, and the first thing the users see without having to scroll down.

Think of it as a kind of calling card that you present to anyone who stumbles upon your pages: if they like it, or if it intrigues them, they'll continue their visit; otherwise, the users will exit your website and you'll have lost a potential contact to your competition.

This means that the header plays a strategic role. Creating a header for your home page is important because it concisely tells your visitors who you are and what you offer. You should also create separate headers for internal pages, which may be smaller and briefer, but remain consistent with the home page header. This allows you to better welcome visitors who start their visit to your website on an internal page rather than from the home page.

Why headers are important

Some of the clearest evidence about the importance of headers comes from studies on website usability by the Nielsen Norman Group.

According to these studies, when users arrive on a website, especially for the first time, they don't explore it very attentively or carefully; instead, they tend to quickly skim the page for hooks that grab their attention and convince them to spend more time on that site.

In general, readers skim web pages in the following ways:

The Gutenberg or zig-zag pattern: usually used for pages with a lot of different content. The reader’s eyes move from the top left-hand corner towards the bottom in a series of horizontal movements.

Z pattern: often used for websites without a strong content hierarchy. The reader’s eyes move in a Z pattern, in which 2 of the 4 active zones are in the top header.

F pattern: most commonly used when skimming web pages. The reader's eyes move in an F pattern, in which they read shorter and shorter amounts of each horizontal line as they move downward.

Without getting too far into the details of this study of these patterns, we can clearly see that the one thing they all have in common is that the top part of the page, namely the header, is the only part that is always read.

With that in mind, we can conclude that a well-designed header is an advantage for:

your users → they’ll immediately find all the information they need to understand at a glance whether the website is attractive or ugly, and whether it's interesting and worth browsing more thoroughly.
you, as the site owner → you’ll be able to convince more people to spend time on your website, allowing you to introduce yourself, present your services/products, and accomplish your business goals.

What goes into a header

As we mentioned, the header’s job is to sum up all the important information in just a few words, so that users can get an impression at a glance, and potentially decide to stay on the site.

In order to do this, headers generally include the following elements:

logo and/or other branding elements
navigation menu
text and/or title that introduces the site’s topic/service/product
button (CTA) that incites the user to complete a particular action (buy, sign up, subscribe, etc.)
social media links
contact information (telephone number, e-mail, etc.)
language selection (for multilingual sites)
search bar
sign-up field

Of course, you don't necessarily have to include all of these in your header. Some of them, like the logo and the navigation menu, are crucial, while you may decide whether or not to include the others based on your needs and goals. Headers with too many or too few elements are less effective: it's up to you to find the right compromise.

Tips

The header is one of the sections where you can best express your creativity, but as we mentioned earlier, it's also a crucial element of a website. So don't get ahead of yourself, and make sure you channel your creativity in ways that are unique but also effective.

Here are some useful tips for creating a memorable header.

Define the dimensions

What should your header’s dimensions be? There’s no definitive answer: this mostly depends on your site’s goals and your own stylistic preferences.

Common sense suggests that the header's height should not obscure the site’s contents. For more informational websites, a smaller header could be a good choice: for a portfolio website or an online store, however, larger headers may be more effective.

If you decide to use a big header, make sure it doesn't take up the entire browser window: it’s helpful for users to be able to glimpse what's under it, which incites them to scroll down and navigate deeper into the website.

As we were saying earlier, you could create a large header for the home page as well as similar, but smaller, variants for the internal pages.

#ToDo: Large or small header? Decide based on your goals and the overall layout.

Introduce yourself with your logo

Your logo is one of the most important elements for establishing your identity. People expect to find a logo in a website’s header, and more specifically, they expect to find it in the upper left.

According to another study by the Nielsen Norman Group, in fact, users are more likely to remember brands whose logos are positioned in the upper left than in the center or the right.

#ToDo: insert your logo, perhaps in the upper left-hand corner

Choose a stunning image

A beautiful image is a must for creating a good impression immediately. Choose your header image carefully: you might decide to use a photo or an illustration, or, if you want something even more eye-catching, a video or an animation. In any case, it should be something imaginative that immediately evokes positive feelings and tells your visitors something about you.

Remember that the image won't be displayed alone in the header: it needs to fit in with all the other elements, including the logo, CTA, and intro text. So choose a clear, high-resolution image that can provide the right contrast with the rest.

Here’s a tip: We all love stories, and we like to see people’s faces: choose photos with faces to spark greater engagement and interaction.

#ToDo: Choose a high-quality image with care.

#InWebSiteX5 - If you’d rather insert an image gallery instead of a single image, with a title and CTA for each one, use the Content Slider Object. Find out how.

Incorporate navigation tools

A good navigation menu is based on an effective tree structure outlining the site’s pages. Visitors should easily understand where everything is and how to immediately find the information they’re looking for.

Make sure the menu isn't overly crowded, and use clear labels: don’t try to be original here, standard names are more immediate and understandable.

#ToDo: organize your site clearly in order to have a functional menu: simple paths allow users to quickly find what they're looking for.

If you'd like to emphasize your content, perhaps by highlighting images or videos, or if you're looking for a minimalist, modern look, you can replace the traditional navigation bar with a hamburger menu: that little button with three lines that displays the entire menu when clicked.

The hamburger button is definitely an interesting solution, especially on mobile, where space is limited and needs to be used wisely. However, it might not be appropriate for online stores, in which case clients need to be able to quickly access products, the shopping cart, and search tools.

#ToDo: Hamburger button: great for minimal, modern designs; not ideal for online stores.

Another interesting solution is the sticky menu: here, the menu is “stuck” to the upper part of the browser window, so that it always remains visible even as users scroll down the page.

Sticky menus are perfect for both desktop and mobile sites, since they provide easy access to all the necessary tools for browsing, purchasing, searching, or contacting the company.

#ToDo: Enable sticky menus to improve users’ navigation experience.

#InWebSiteX5 - Don't know how? We’ll show you. We prepared a guide for working with menus and we developed the Overlay. You can also read the guide to creating a sticky menu.

Write a strong message

An attractive image is important but it’s not enough on its own: support it with short, compelling text that tells your website’s visitors what to expect or what to do.

Choose messages that are simple and easy to read. You can try leading with a title followed by an explanatory subtitle. For large headers, you can use bold and more attention-grabbing fonts. For smaller headers, avoid more imaginative fonts as they may end up being harder to read.

In general, oversized text is a great way to emphasize a title and draw attention to the top of the screen before users start to read the other information present on the page.

#ToDo: write a compelling title in a few, carefully chosen words.

Create an effective Call To Action

You decided to create a website because you have a goal. Are you trying to offer a service, sell products, or gain subscribers? Regardless, your header is the perfect opportunity to ask your visitors to do what matters to you.

Build your CTA (Call To Action) carefully:

make sure that your site’s graphic elements work together to draw the eye to the CTA;
the button should stand out: use shapes, colors, and sizes that immediately make it clear that users should click on this element;
choose the buttons’ text wisely: be clear, direct, and concise. If the action benefits the user, highlight that. Even better, try to leverage feelings of urgency or scarcity.

There’s no rule stating that your header’s CTA should always remain the same. You can test out variants of different CTAs to understand which works best: you can also update the header itself, to correspond to your schedule of special offers, for example.

#ToDo: Create a CTA that users will immediately click.

Make sure that everything also works on mobile

The header, like every other element of your website, should also work perfectly for users browsing on a tablet or smartphone. That means it should be responsive and able to adapt to any device.

So check to see if every element you've inserted into your header will be resized and rearranged to fit smaller browser windows. Remember that some elements may be transformed when viewed on smaller screens (for example, the navigation bar may be turned into a hamburger button), or may even disappear completely.

#ToDo: Check that your header looks perfect on mobile too.

In conclusion

As we all know, a good first impression goes a long way. A well-designed header is a decisive element for a successful website. It’s the first thing users see when they arrive on your home page, and it's very probably also what convinces them to stay, or to exit your page in favor of your competition.

So plan your website header carefully, both for your home page and your internal pages. And keep following us: next, we’ll discuss how to create an equally stunning and effective footer.

How to create a good newsletter: tips and best practices

Incomedia — Wed, 27 May 2020 14:30:00 GMT

You want to send a newsletter to improve your communications and boost your business? Great idea!

A newsletter is a very powerful tool which allows you to keep your subscribers up to date on all the latest news and activities around your business. Communicating directly with your contacts increases your chances of turning them into clients, improving their image of you, and gaining their loyalty.

That said, there's an art to creating an effective newsletter. An art that you can learn, so let's start with the basics.

What’s a newsletter?

First of all, let's clear a few things up. You've surely heard terms like newsletter, DEM, or transactional messages before, but are you sure you know what they mean and the difference between them?

To make sure, here's a quick reminder:

Newsletters are messages which companies send out to their clients at regular intervals to inform them about their activities. This can include a variety of topics: new products, company updates, tips, testimonials, events, training sessions, etc. In general, the goal is to convince the user to do something: visit the website, read the blog, sign up for an event, etc.
DEM (Direct Email Marketing), on the other hand, refers to sales messages: they are short-term campaigns sent out to promote products. Usually, these messages link to a Landing Page with all the information relating to the offer. The goal is to convince the user to make the purchase.
Finally, transactional messages are messages that give the user feedback: to confirm their registration, to send them a receipt of an order or payment, etc. Their purpose is to increase the user's loyalty to the service.

How to create an effective newsletter

The success of your newsletter depends on a lot of things: some of them relate to the actual layout of the newsletter, while others have to do with how you collect your subscribers. The best way to proceed is to review each step that leads to a user, and learn about the best practices to keep in mind.

Choosing the platform

If you're serious about using newsletters as a marketing tool, you can't send them through your normal email client, meaning the email service you use to send and receive your personal and business correspondence. There are two basic reasons for this:

Your newsletter could end up in your contacts’ spam folder, or worse, in a blacklist that would block all your future messages;
These services are not suited for managing email campaigns; using them would not only be too complicated, it would also be ineffective.

There's a simple solution. Use an online Email Marketing platform, which allows you to automate the steps for creating and distributing your newsletter, increasing your chances of escaping the spam folder.

There are many platforms available: we chose Brevo for our email marketing campaigns, and we're very happy with it. Try this service for free: when you sign up, you can upload your contact list and create your newsletter using a number of templates, then send up to 9,000 emails a month and monitor your campaigns’ performances in real time.

Collecting contacts

Once you've selected your platform, you'll need to create a database of contacts.

To do so, you can start by adding an online form on your website, inviting visitors to subscribe so that they can always stay up to date with your offers. Don't ask for too much information: the longer the form, the fewer people will want to fill it out. All you really need to know is their name and email: you can ask for other information later.

One tip is to offer something in exchange, a little gift to reward subscribers: this could include bonus content like e-books, reports, and guides, or giving them a discount code as a welcome gift. Offering something of value significantly increases subscriptions.

Registration forms are great, but you can also be creative: any occasion can be the right opportunity to do a bit of lead generation. Instead of a customer satisfaction form, include a sign-up sheet that clients can fill out in your store in exchange for a loyalty card. These are just two examples of equally effective ways to request their email.

Your goal should be to grow your database: the more contacts you have, the more chances you'll have to convert them into clients for your products/services. Even if your organisation doesn't sell anything, the objective doesn't change: the larger your database is, the more people will learn about your mission and choose to support it.

The most important point to remember when collecting contacts is that people must agree to receive your newsletter. Remember: using someone's email without their consent is illegal, and violates privacy laws.

Anyway, email marketing platforms can also help you deal with this: you can use them to create registration forms that include opt-in confirmation, as well as to import and add contacts you've gathered using other methods.

At this point, you can organise your contacts into lists depending on the interests and preferences they've expressed, rather than on the products/services they've already purchased. This is interesting because it will allow you to send only the most appropriate content to each list.

Another thing: don't forget to periodically clean up your database, removing users who haven't opened your newsletter in a long time, or those who asked to unsubscribe. Although nobody likes to see the number of subscribers in their database decrease, an optimised database will give you a better open rate (more on this later) which will help evaluate how effective your campaigns are.

Establishing an editorial calendar

Great! Now you have a mailing platform and contact lists to work with. It's time to think about how to organise your activities in order for your newsletter to be effective over the long term. What you need is a strategy.

So before you go ahead and send your first campaign, take a moment to answer questions like:

Who is my audience? Who is the recipient of my newsletter, my target?
What am I aiming for? What do I want to get out of this? Website traffic, sales, better relationships with my clients?
What do I want to say? What will I send? Exclusive content, blog articles, special offers?
What mailing frequency can I keep up with? Daily, weekly, monthly?
What added value am I offering? Why should my contacts subscribe and follow me?

Having clear answers to these questions will help you set up your newsletters successfully and make sure that they become emails that your contacts look forward to, open, and read.

Your newsletter should become a regular appointment with your readers, so:

choose a fixed sending schedule and follow it;
select the best content you can offer;
establish a tone, a graphic identity, and a recognisable editorial voice
find a way to stand out from your competitors.

All done? Great, now you're ready to write your first newsletter!

Creating a newsletter

You made it: it's time to create your first newsletter. In order to have good chances of success, you need to pay attention to every detail, including those that may seem minor at first glance.

Sender

The email's sender is a crucial factor in whether people will read the subject line and therefore open the email.

Make sure that your e-mails’ sender is clearly recognisable as part of your company/brand. To make it feel a little more personal, you can use a person's name, like your communications coordinator or president for example. Above all, try not to use “no-reply”. If you need to send out more than one newsletter, use different sender names and emails so your readers can immediately identify the different kinds of messages, for example: support@mybrand.com and newsletter@mybrand.com. Finally, remember that the sender is one of the most important elements when it comes to avoiding spam filters.

Subject

Together with the sender, the subject is the element that decides your newsletter's outcome: if it catches the user's attention and interests them, they'll open and read the newsletter; if not, your newsletter will go straight to the trash, and all your efforts will have been in vain.

When writing your subject, try to be clear, direct, and go straight to the point: inboxes display up to 50 characters, so try to communicate the most important information up front. Your goal is to be convincing: try using words that express urgency (ex: “today only”) or scarcity (ex. last ones available). A good way to engage readers is to use questions (ex: are you with us?), numbers (ex. 5 tips for...), or emojis (ex. Just a few hours left ⌛)

However, don't make any false promises that could undermine your credibility. Avoid caps lock and don't use excessive punctuation or words that can be flagged and intercepted by spam filters: free, gift, money, etc.

Pre-header

The pre-header is the line of text that follows the subject and which gives the reader another preview of the message's contents: it helps them get a better idea of whether they want to open the newsletter or not.

Use this element to persuade your contacts: you have 100 characters available to highlight your main topics. Remember that unless you specify a pre-header, the first elements of text in your message will be displayed here, which may not be to your advantage.

Message

When writing the body of your newsletter, always keep your audience in mind: this will help you find the best way to communicate what you want to tell them.

You can follow the inverted pyramid method: display your most general content first, followed by more and more specific content, until you get to the heart of the question. However, try to be clear and concise, and to lead with the most important content: not everyone wants to read the whole newsletter all the way through.

Emphasise the advantages and benefits of a product or service rather than simply describing its features: people are busy and want to know right away why they should be interested in something, and what they can get out of it.

Provide accurate and precise information, and if you have both informational and promotional contents, try to strike a balance: a good rule of thumb is that the “right” ratio is 80/20.

Make your newsletter easy to read by structuring your text into paragraphs, using bullet points where possible, and making links quickly identifiable, as well as creating a good balance of text and empty space and choosing an appropriate font size.

Images

Your message should contain images as well as words. Select these images carefully, because they can do more than serve as graphic elements that make your newsletter prettier. Images can also draw attention, convey important concepts, support the text, and make it easier to understand and remember.

Choose high-quality images: ideally, you would use custom graphics created to convey professionalism and help you stand out from your competition. If that's not possible, there are excellent online services like Depositphotos that offer a wealth of stock images.

Always optimise the image's weight before inserting them in your newsletter, and include an alternative description (ALT text) to be viewed in case the image itself can't be downloaded.

Finally, remember that a newsletter should never be made up of only images, because this considerably increases the risk of being marked as spam.

CTA

As we've seen, your newsletter has a purpose: to bring traffic to your website, to have people read your blog articles, to sell products, etc. That means that your entire message should be built in order to lead the reader to perform the desired action: this action is made explicit by the CTA, or Call to Action.

In fact, the CTA is the fulcrum of your message: you can display it as a button, a clickable image, or a hyperlink in the text to capture the user's attention and incite them to complete the action you want them to perform.

Pay special attention to your CTAs: they need to be clear, easily identifiable, and visually attractive. Use text that is concise, clear, and direct: don't be cheeky, but don't be afraid to ask either. Use action verbs when writing your CTA text. If you can, emphasise urgency or scarcity, try to offer a solution or highlight a benefit. Make sure that the CTA and the Landing Page it leads to are consistent.

Template

When creating a newsletter, you need to define its visual layout: to do this, think about your objective, your audience, and the image your company/brand maintains throughout its communications.

In general, sending platforms provide you with an editor, with which you can set up your newsletter's graphics and content. They also have libraries of pre-set templates which you can browse to find the template that best suits your needs, and customise it.

A template should not only look good, it should also be clear and linear. The contents should be well structured, the key information should be immediately visible, and the CTAs should be highlighted appropriately. Users should want to open your newsletter, recognise it as yours, and easily under what you're offering as they read through it.

A responsive template is crucial: a significant part of your readers will open your newsletter on their smartphones, and they need to be able to read it comfortably.

Don't forget to include a few essential elements, like putting your logo in the header and legal information and unsubscribe links in the footer.

If you have a social media presence, you can also add buttons that link to your profiles in the footer or right above it.

Sending the newsletter

Your newsletter is ready, but don't click on the “Send” button just yet.

Once you do, there's no turning back: you won't be able to fix any incorrect information, spelling mistakes, or broken links. It's a good idea to do a test send and make sure that everything is correct, from the subject to the very last link in the footer.

Most of the programs for sending newsletters have a feature that allows you to preview what you're about to send. Use it to check that your newsletter also looks perfect when viewed on different email clients or mobile devices.

Once you're 100% sure that everything is perfect, you can finally click on the Send button, and immediately distribute that newsletter to your entire mailing list at once. Or better yet, you can schedule the date and time at which you want your newsletter to be sent.

Some studies show that it's best to avoid certain days and certain times of day: Mondays, for example, are the worst because working people's inboxes are full of messages that have piled up over the weekend. Unfortunately, there's no magic formula: think about your contacts’ daily lives and what might be the best timing for you. Then, all that's left to do is to try out different approaches until you find the one that works best.

Evaluating results

After all the effort you've put into creating your campaign, how can you be sure that it actually worked?

Luckily, you can measure everything: the sending platform will tell you exactly how many people you sent your newsletter to, how many received it, and how many opened it (open rate). You can also see how many of those who opened the newsletter then clicked on each link (click rate) to find out exactly what worked best and how many people you were able to lead to the Landing Page.

By combining this information with the information you can find in Google Analytics about the performance of your Landing Page, you can also assess conversions, or how many of the users who clicked on the newsletter then fulfilled your objective, like purchasing a product or reserving a service, for example.

All of this data is valuable information which you should collect and analyse carefully. In fact, it can provide you with useful feedback that can help you adjust your next newsletter to make it even more effective. Is your open rate disappointing, for example? Try writing your subject line differently. Does the click rate seem too low? Maybe the button's CTA isn't clear enough, or it's not eye-catching: sometimes, changing a colour is all it takes to improve performance.

To find out what works best, just experiment and investigate: as you gain experience, you'll find the best way to communicate with your audience.

We'll end with a fun fact.

As you know, the worst nightmare for anyone sending out a newsletter is for it to be marked as spam. Spam refers to junk mail: unsolicited messages and advertisements, often with low-quality or even malicious content.

But do you know why it's called “spam”? Spam is the brand name of a type of canned meat that was very popular in Great Britain after WWII. In the 70s, there was a hit Monty Python skit in which a restaurant repeatedly suggested spam-based meals.

Inspired by the insistence with which the waitress in the skit pushed spam on the diners, unsolicited advertisements were nicknamed spam.

Luckily, after reading this guide, you now understand the best practices for creating excellent newsletters and making sure neither your readers nor their mail clients will flag them as spam.

8 reasons why hairstylists should create a website... and a few tips for success

Incomedia — Wed, 20 May 2020 08:08:00 GMT

According to a report published by the SWG Institute, the re-opening of hairdressers’ and beauty salons was the most eagerly awaited of all businesses (as confirmed by 38% of interviewees, a number which rose to 62% among women over age 64), followed at a considerable distance by stores (25% of interviewees), bars and restaurants (18% of interviewees), and cinemas and theaters (15% of interviewees).

So, hair stylists, are you ready to tackle this sensitive, post-lock down reality? And I'm not referring to the new sanitary regulations that have been imposed for everyone's safety. I'm talking about everything you can do to promote your business, beginning with your website.

If you aren’t convinced yet that you need a website, or if you do have one but you're not 100% satisfied with it, keep reading: you might find a lot of useful tips.

Why you need a website

First of all, let's be clear: having a website is crucial for any business, including hair- and beauty salons. I'm sure you're well aware of some of the purposes of a website, but you may be less familiar with others. Let's go through them all together:

Introduce yourself, your services, and/or your products
Even the simplest showcase websites include an “About” page, and a section dedicated to the products/services. In these cases, the website becomes a kind of brochure, in which you explain who you are and what you do, so that users can learn more about you.
Communicate your style and personality
Your website is like your hair salon: you can customize it down to every last detail to make it an authentic expression of your own style and personality. This isn't possible on social media: on Facebook and Instagram, you're just a guest, and you have to follow the rules of the site owners.
Display your contact information and invite people to contact you
Every website has a contact page: this is where you put all your contact information and social media profiles, and invite people to contact you whenever and however they prefer.
Present and sell your products/services
Or better yet, in your case, share and explain the list of services you offer, and most of all, collect and manage reservations. If you also want to sell products, you can do so by adding a little online store and setting up deliveries.
Gather subscribers for your newsletter
Just add a form to one of your pages, and you can immediately begin collecting email addresses: now you're ready to create a newsletter to promote your services or share special offers with your clients. Remember: email marketing is still one of the most cost-effective and worthwhile marketing tools available today.
Attract new clients
Google can be your best source of new clients, especially if you build your website with SEO in mind, taking advantage of all the tools that the search engine offers local businesses.
Always stay up-to-date and accessible
Unlike printed materials, you can update your website at any time: changing photos, prices, and information as often as you like, without additional costs or waste. Plus, your website is accessible 24/7, providing information and attracting new clients on your behalf.
Convey a professional image
Having your own website (rather than a website on a free platform) with your own domain and an appropriate design and logo communicates that you're serious and professional. Clients aren't likely to trust you with their hair (and therefore, with their own image) if they don't think they're dealing with a capable professional.

How to set up a website for hairstylists

Now that we've explained why you need one, let's find out how to build a truly functional website for hairstylists.

We'll take a look at all the elements you need, one by one.

Home page

In most cases, the home page is your site's front door, and it's important for it to not only look beautiful, but also to answer most of the questions users may have about your business.

Put yourself in your existing or potential clients’ shoes as they search for you online and visit your website: what is it they might want? Maybe they want to see a gallery of photos of your work, or they need your phone number, or they're looking for how much your services cost.

This is how you determine what information to put on your homepage. Make sure to include:

A short introduction that tells them who you are and what you offer, which highlights why you're unique and what sets your offer apart from your competition.
A concise summary of the services you offer, perhaps divided into categories.
A photo gallery to display your work on clients: high-quality images are key here.
Your phone number, social media, and a map: to make it as easy as possible for clients to find and contact you.
Your opening hours: this information tends to be taken for granted, but it's important that you provide it, and especially that you keep it up to date.

Remember, unless you're creating a one-page site, you don't need to put everything on your home page. The goal is to introduce the various topics on your website: you can then link to specific pages where you have the space and opportunity to go more in-depth.

“About” page

This is the page in which you introduce yourself and your team.

Once again, think about what your clients may want to know, and try to answer sincerely, without exaggerating or boasting. You can talk about your training, how long you've been in business, and describe the most important steps in your career. Don't forget to mention any prizes or awards you may have earned, and give your staff members the space they deserve.

Your goal is to create a professional introduction, but don't be dry: let your style shine through and emphasize images to add a more personal, human touch. People love stories.

Services page

This is the page that can make all the difference: if you do the bare minimum and include a simple list of services, you're missing out on an opportunity. That opportunity is the chance to show the client the added value you can offer them.

You might start by including links to learn more about your most important services, which leads readers to a page where you can:

explain the challenge;
present your solution (the service you offer);
explain what it consists of;
illustrate its advantages compared to other solutions;
add a photo gallery to showcase past results, perhaps using before and after photos;
include a section for frequently asked questions, where clients can immediately find the answers to some of their concerns;
insert a direct contact and/or reservation form.

This kind of page is actually a Landing Page, and it should have a very clear goal: convince the client to perform an action. In this particular case, the action should be to contact you or request a reservation.

One great system for managing online reservations for your services is Bookeo. It includes a comprehensive range of tools and it's easy to integrate into WebSite X5: try it!

Contact Page

Contact information should be interspersed at strategic points throughout your website (Home page, header, footer, etc.) but it's still a good idea to have a page where you can display it all neatly.

Make sure to include your telephone number, social media profiles, and your full address. Even better, add a form for clients to request information, and a map so that they can find you easily.

Template

The template defines the layout of your website pages: just like in your salon, the colors, images, graphic elements, and the use of space creates an environment that reflects who you are, while also creating a pleasant user experience.

Basically, the template is what determines your online image, and you know how important that is!

So it's obvious why choosing the right template for your website is crucial. Consider the template's graphic appearance as well as how it is organized, what level of customization it offers, what features it includes, and how it can be developed.

On Hair is a great example of an ideal template for your beauty salon, and you can also find many more easily adaptable templates in the WebSite X5 Marketplace.

Conclusions

Until about ten years ago, hairstylists just needed to do great work: they didn't need to do any marketing. But today, competition is fierce and the Internet has radically changed people's habits. Now, people do research on their cell phones before deciding to buy a product or service: these days, no business can afford to go without a well-maintained web presence.

10 tips for working from home without having a breakdown

Incomedia — Wed, 13 May 2020 09:12:00 GMT

For many of us, it was just a dream, for others, it was already routine. Now, it's become a necessity for most: the ongoing pandemic has pushed everyone to make the leap if they can, and we find ourselves working from home instead of going to the office. This shift even became a new buzzword: smart working.

But doing your job from home can be a challenge, especially if you're not used to it.

At home, distractions and the risks of falling into "mental traps" are everywhere, meaning that organization is the key for high productivity levels and reaching your objectives.

If you are able to do your job from home, and you're still struggling to separate your work life from your family life, here are 10 tips that can help you manage it all without having a breakdown.

Invest in technology
Carve out a dedicated workspace
Organize your work
Dress professionally
Take breaks
Keep communicating
Learn to disconnect
Create routines and rituals
Clear agreements, lasting friendships
Be patient

Invest in technology

The technology we use at the office is often different from what we have at home. However, in order to do our work well, we have to be able to use all the tools we need, when we need them.

An old laptop, software that hasn't been updated, and slow internet connections are all manageable in theory: unfortunately, we don't always have the time, patience, or desire to wait, or to adapt to longer, more convoluted processes.

This is the classic, "save money by spending money" scenario. Invest in the right hardware, software, and bandwidth for your work: every cent you spend is a cent saved in terms of time and frustration.

Carve out a dedicated workspace

Provided your home is large enough, the best strategy is to create a dedicated work area that's clearly separated from the rest of your living space. Turning a separate room into a home office can really make all the difference, especially if you have to take calls and you have children in the house.

That said, even if you aren't fortunate enough to have a spare room available, you can still create an effective work environment in other parts of your home, like a corner of the living room. In these cases, remember that:

not all rooms are equally appropriate. Avoid areas of your home that are meant for relaxing: our brain identifies bedrooms as a place for sleeping, not as a place for being productive.

If you don't have walls to guarantee a bit of privacy, try to find more creative solutions by using furniture, screens, panels, or plants.
Opt for areas near windows to benefit from diffused natural light: but make sure your screen is angled away from the light to avoid glare.
Choose the right chair, since you'll inevitably be sitting on it for hours on end. A chair that allows you to maintain good posture as well as being comfortable is key for your well-being.
Wires and cables can be tricky to navigate at home: set yourself up close to electrical outlets, and wear slippers to avoid getting tangled up in them.

Organize your work

Once you've taken care of the "logistics", you can move on to organization. A big part of working from home successfully depends on how well you can get organized, and therefore avoid the many, insidious distractions that lie in wait around the house: children calling for you, the laundry piling up, the dog begging for a walk, that slice of cake beckoning from inside the fridge, etc.

Follow these best practices to get organized:

Plan your day. Decide on a schedule for your workday, just like if you had to punch a timecard, and stick to it. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to start at 8 AM, nor does it mean you have to finish at 5:30 on the dot. What's important is setting aside time for work, concentrating on your work during the entirety of that time, then turning to other things afterwards.
Make medium-term plans. Use a weekly calendar to balance your days, alternating days of heavy workloads with lighter days depending on the deadlines you need to meet.
Set daily goals. If you have a goal to meet by the end of the day, you'll be able to manage your time better and also feel more motivated. Isn't it satisfying to cross a task off your to-do list? The more satisfaction you can find, the more you'll feel driven to keep going.

Dress professionally.

The way you get ready for work is just as important as having a place in your home to "go to work".

Although it's incredibly tempting to stay in your pajamas or in sweats all day, dressing as though you're going to work is key, even if you're just commuting to the next room. Dress as though you were leaving the house and need to look professional: this will help you fully make the formal and mental transition between "home" and "work".

It might seem minor, but try it: you'll see it makes a big difference.

Take breaks

Breaks are important. In the office, these pauses are often opportunities to chat with your co-workers over coffee, and although things are a little different a home, you need to find the compromises that work best for you: don't give in to every little distraction, but do remember to step away and recharge your batteries every now and then.

You might take a few minutes every hour, or use a longer break at mid-morning to do something else, like a little exercise. Most importantly, take a real break for lunch and absolutely avoid eating in front of the computer: there might be exceptions for actual work emergencies, but don't let it become an ingrained habit.

Keep communicating

Working from home means missing out on the social aspect of working from an office: your co-workers aren't physically present, and you can't easily update each other at the coffee machine, or have a simple chat during breaks.

Although it may seem difficult, at least at first, try to keep in touch using the various tools that technology makes available to us.

In fact, to keep the distance from impacting either your work or your interpersonal relationships, try to communicate more than you normally would: an extra message to make sure you've included all the necessary information and that you're all on the same page about various details is better than letting unfortunate misunderstandings arise.

If you're thinking about just using e-mail to handle everything, keep in mind that there are much more effective solutions. Basecamp, Trello, and Asana are just some of the most popular tools used by companies to manage projects and organize teams: they're easy to use, and they become indispensable once the whole team gets onboard.

Learn to disconnect

The office has a set closing time, which is when you turn off your computer, say goodbye to your co-workers, and go home. The same thing needs to happen when you work from home: you need to be just as rigorous about setting an end to your work day, and sticking to it, as you are about getting to work and avoiding distractions.

Working from home shouldn't take away from your family life and life outside of work: so learn how to disconnect and keep time for yourself to continue to cultivate your personal life and passions.

Especially because it's so easy to fall into the trap of working all the time, taking time away from your hobbies or your family to do "just one last thing". You can't maintain balance for long without a clear division between the end of the working day and the start of your personal time.

Create routines and rituals

Some people work better early in the morning, others are more productive in the afternoons, or even at night. If you work in an office, you have to follow the office's hours regardless of your preferences, but when you work from home - as long as you meet your assigned objectives - you're free to organize your time the way you like.

Find out at which times you work best, and use them as the framework for your daily routine: you'll be much more productive than if you just try to replicate the schedule you're held to at the office.

At the end of your work day, reward yourself with a personal ritual like sipping a cup of tea or treating yourself to 10 minutes of relaxation. These habits will help you separate your work life from your home life, and prevent the former from taking over the latter.

Clear agreements, lasting friendships

Unless you live alone, you need to agree on some rules with the people you live with, whether they're your roommates, spouse, or children.

It's important for the people who live with you to know when you're available, and when you can't be disturbed. Determine times that are reserved for work, times that are reserved for your family or your hobbies, and above all, make sure everybody agrees and will follow as best they can.

The trick is to tell them in advance about moments in the day when you need to be left alone: don't assume that others understand how important, urgent, or complicated your various tasks are. Being clear from the start will spare you the frustration of being interrupted when you need to concentrate most, and keep relationships in the house more peaceful and relaxed.

Be patient

The last tip is probably the most important one: arm yourself with plenty of patience.

Sometimes, being patient is the only way you can overcome slow connections, miscommunications, children demanding your attention, or other snags in your routine.

After all, you generally also require massive amounts of patience - although perhaps for different reasons - to keep things running smoothly at the office.

So don't get discouraged: successfully working from home is possible, and it can also be very rewarding. Take it from me: I discovered smart working just a few months ago, and now I've just finished writing this post from my dining room table.

6 Templates for a Successful Online Store

Incomedia — Wed, 06 May 2020 12:32:00 GMT

The e-commerce sector is experiencing constant growth. This trend, already strong during “normal” times, has significantly accelerated now that we are all stuck at home due to the pandemic

We can't go out, so we shop online, overcoming our last hesitations about making online payments and trusting merchants we can't see in person.

There's a good reason why Amazon, the king of e-commerce, is working full steam ahead, increasing profits, hiring more people, and also paying them more.

But that doesn't mean Amazon is the only player who can benefit from this situation. The new consumer habits we've acquired will outlast the current crisis, and one widely shared opinion holds that there will be plenty of room on the scene for small and medium business owners to sell their own products through their online stores.

The challenge lies in being prepared. It doesn't matter whether you sell buttons or take-away meals: if you have a physical storefront, it's time to open your online store.

How? There are many different approaches to moving your sales online (for more information, read our guide: How to start selling online) and plenty of ways to create an online store. If you're looking for a quick, effective, and affordable solution, create your online store with WebSite X5: start with one of the following 6 templates to save even more time and enjoy guaranteed results.

BakeNCake

Let's start with something sweet! BakeNCake is a template designed for a bakery seeking to share its pastries, cakes, and chocolates with the whole world. It has everything you need to present and sell your own delicious treats: you can choose between different layouts and galleries and customize everything to make it your own.

Handmade

A fresh, contemporary template with the same attention to detail you put into creating your handmade products. Handmade offers different options for product galleries and the shop, as well as a contact page and a page for you to introduce yourself. You can also easily add anything else you need.

Organic Shop

As genuine, fragrant, and colorful as the fruits and vegetables from your organic farm. Organic Shop is a truly complete template: it has a captivating home page, a shop, and a blog. Choose between plenty of different layout options and take advantage of the many graphic details that make all the difference.

Cosmetics

It's not just pretty on the outside: Cosmetics is a template that delivers what it promises. It includes a simple, feminine design, effectively organized content, and a shop whose internal search function and filters makes it easy for clients to find and buy products.

Farm Products

Original and trendy: Farm Product has a bold Home Page, which is organized into product sheets that feature all the information usually displayed on separate pages, as well as a shop with a search feature to easily find the right products. Basically, the perfect blend of traditional products and a modern storefront.

Art Shop

Art Shop is a small art gallery: the perfect place to meet an artist, learn their story, discover their work, and - why not - buy one or two of their pieces. The minimalist design creates the perfect frame to spotlight the art: the built-in store is the best tool for putting them on the market.

Working with a template

We've introduced 6 fantastic templates for 6 different types of products: from sweets to vegetables, cosmetics, and local products, ending with fine art.

The best thing about templates is that they offer a great starting point, and they allow you to customize them easily and quickly: sometimes it only takes a few touches to transform them. So if you like the Handmade template but you sell baby clothes rather than home decorations, don't worry: just add your content and watch the results meet your expectations.

When you choose a template, don't worry too much about the topic presented: it's just an example Instead, consider the overall layout, the way it's organized, and what tools it offers: if it meets your needs, it doesn't matter if it was designed for selling cakes and you need to sell bolts.

For more information about how to best work with WebSite X5 templates, visit the Template section of our Guides: you'll find plenty of useful tips.

Get inspired

Lastly, here's a brief sample of online stores made with WebSite X5. Browse through their pages, and if you find something useful or fun, buy it. Bit above all, let yourself be inspired: if they did it, so can you!

Conclusions

BakeNCake, Handmade, and OrganicShop are templates you can buy on the Marketplace.

Meanwhile, Cosmetics, Farm Products, and Art Shop are part of the template presets available with WebSite X5, and they include one of the latest features added in the 2020.1 update: the product search function.

You can find many other equally appealing options both in the gallery of template presets available in WebSite X5 or in the Marketplace, and use them to create your own online store. In any case, remember that if you have specific requirements or you can't find the time to do it yourself, we're here to help with the X5 Design Lab: our new, dedicated web design service.

Website Planet interviews Incomedia's CEO

Tue, 05 May 2020 15:30:00 GMT

Curious to learn more about our story and how the idea behind WebSite X5 was born? Federico, our CEO, explains it all in an interview recently published on WebsitePlanet.com.

He describes the company's beginnings in 2002, when setting out to develop website design software seemed like a crazy adventure. At the time, programs like Microsoft Frontpage and Macromedia Dreamweaver ruled the scene: even trying to compete with these giants seemed unthinkable.

But it clearly turned out to be a good idea, since 20 years later, WebSite X5 continues to be sold around the world. It now holds 8th place in the global ranking of "Simple Website Builders" on BuiltWith.com.

What's the secret to our longevity? Continuous research and development, while keeping the same, founding goal in mind: WebSite X5 is meant to empower anyone to easily achieve difficult tasks.

Federico puts it simply: "We're the programmers. We should be the ones doing the heavy lifting, not the clients who choose to build their websites, blogs, or online stores with WebSite X5."

Finally, the interview also includes an overview of the present situation and a look forward into the future, in light of public health, social, and economic emergencies triggered by the ongoing pandemic.

As you know, here at Incomedia we are also working from home: our offices are deserted, but this hasn't stopped us from carrying on our work. We continue to offer customer support and are moving forward with our projects: in fact, we are proud to have launched the new version 2020.1 this month, among other accomplishments.

That's because, as Federico explains, WebSite X5 may be particularly useful during this difficult period, as businesses seek new options to get back on their feet. After all, the lockdown has forced us all to re-think many aspects of our lives and our work, leaving us even more reliant on the Internet than ever. "Once this emergency is over - which we hope will be soon - another large segment of the population will have become digitalized out of necessity. No business will be spared: everyone will need an online presence, and WebSite X5 can be a tremendous help in this matter."

Read the full interview on WebsitePlanet.com

An irreplaceable, evergreen resource.

Incomedia — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 08:45:00 GMT

The use of chat services and messaging apps is growing before our very eyes. That said, plain old e-mails continue to be an integral part of our daily life. In fact, they play a major role.

Not convinced yet? Actually, the data speaks for itself:

Worldwide, there were a total of 3.9 billion active e-mail accounts in 2019, a number which is expected to grow to 4.48 billion by 2024. (Statista)
73% of millennials prefer to receive communications from companies via e-mail. (Adestra)
99% of consumers check their e-mails every day. (DMA Insights)

And if that's not enough, think about your own habits, and that of your social circle...

It's clear that e-mail is an excellent communications channel, and if your company doesn't already do so, you absolutely must start using it as a marketing tool.

So let's take a look at 5 great reasons why e-mail marketing is vital for almost any company.

E-mail marketing is affordable

E-mail marketing has an additional advantage over all the other marketing strategies at your disposal (SEO, SEM, Social Media, Pay per Click, Affiliate Marketing, etc.): it's considerably cheaper. And that's more important than ever during uncertain times like these!

In practice, the main cost you'll incur is the cost of the e-mail software you'll use to send them. There are many e-mail services available on the market, and the good news is that in general, they all offer a free trial or a free, entry-level plan. Of course, they also allow you to upgrade to higher-level plans, which can be scaled depending on your specific needs.

Follow this tip: take your time and choose your e-mail marketing platform carefully. Your choice of platform will determine your options for personalizing messages, sending speed and security, the ability to monitor the campaign's progress, and other advanced features like polls or social sharing. Evaluate the features and costs to find the best solution for your purposes.

Want another tip? Try Brevo: it's one of the best platforms in the world for managing e-mail campaigns and newsletters. It's easy and you can start for free.

E-mail marketing helps you establish a relationship with your clients.

Ok, so sending e-mails is affordable. But why should you do it in the first place? Now we're getting to the heart of the matter. The answer is simple: because it allows you to keep people informed and to improve your relationship with them. And these factors are the very foundation on which your company's success is built, no matter what business you're in.

Let's take a closer look at what this means with a few examples.

Of course, the first step is to collect e-mail addresses. There are several ways to do this: you could ask clients for their e-mails in person, when they visit your store or restaurant, by inviting them to register for a loyalty card, or to sign up through an online form to receive updates.

Once you have a list of contacts, the fun begins, because a world of new possibilities is now open to you.

First of all, you can send purely sales-related e-mails to notify clients about discounts or special offers. These are especially important, because they help you increase your business, but don't limit yourself to only sending this kind of message: after a while, you contacts may get tired of them, and unsubscribe. Try to be useful. Instead of only sending sales-related updates, share information that could be interesting to your contact list, to encourage them to stay subscribed. For example, in addition to promoting seasonal menus, restaurant owners might choose to reveal a few secret tips or share some of their easier, more accessible recipes. Your objective should be to strengthen customer loyalty: after all, remember that the cost of acquiring new clients is, on average, four to ten times higher than the cost of maintaining clients that are already in your company database.

As your business grows, you'll realise that people like to feel unique, and that e-mail marketing platforms allow you to create targeted, personalised e-mails. The better you target your messages, the better results you'll achieve. For example, try sending e-mails wishing your clients happy birthday, or to celebrate special occasions: these are automated messages that are easy to configure, and that many of your clients will appreciate, especially if you treat them to a little present.

In the end, sending an e-mail is the perfect way to reach any client:

you can invite dissatisfied clients to fill out a brief questionnaire, letting them know that you care about their opinions, that you want to improve, and that you deserve a second chance;
you can nudge “dormant” clients to make a new purchase, perhaps by tempting them with an offer they can't pass up;
you can ask enthusiastic clients to leave a review, which is an invaluable commodity for any business.

E-mail marketing can be integrated with other marketing tools

Another advantage of e-mail marketing is its versatility: regardless of the campaign you have in mind, it's very likely that sending an e-mail to your contact list will give it an additional boost.

Let's say you want to promote an event: if you have the budget, you can certainly publicise it on traditional media (posters, print, radio, etc.), as well as use social media and try to collaborate with online influencers. Adding an e-mail campaign fits right into this strategy.

By directing all web traffic generated by these various efforts to a dedicated landing page for the event, you can collect e-mail addresses from people interested in attending: then, you can send targeted newsletters to these individuals.

Before the event, use e-mails to create anticipation and get people excited about it. It's a highly effective way to remind them of the date, and to encourage them to attend.

Once the event is over, you can use e-mails to share results, maybe share a few backstage moments, or ask participants for feedback: this information can be very valuable for organising your next date.

If you have different goals in mind - like gaining new clients, publicising a promotional campaign, launching a new product/service, etc. - the above strategy remains generally the same, and sending e-mails is still an excellent tool to integrate into the mix of other initiatives you're planning.

Email marketing is mobile-friendly

According to a recent study, 42% of all e-mails are opened on smart phones or tablets. (Litmus)

This means that e-mails offer another opportunity: you can reach and connect with your contacts anywhere they are, and at almost any moment of the day. Consider that around 50% of Americans check their e-mails in bed, and 42% check them in the bathroom (TechCrunch).

It's also interesting to note that 69% of clients are influenced by an e-mail before completing a purchase on their smart phone. (Disruptive Advertising)

What can we learn from all of this? That with e-mails, we can reach our contacts at the right time and share the information they're looking for, or the right reason to make their purchase sooner rather than later. But it also shows us that it's crucial for our e-mails to look perfect whether they're viewed on desktops or via smart phone or tablet.

That's something you should keep in mind when creating your newsletter: luckily, the editing software offer optimized templates or other features to help you compose your e-mails and make sure they are not only compatible with all major e-mail clients, but also mobile-friendly.

E-mail marketing is the “king of ROI”

If you're not yet familiar with all the acronyms used in marketing lingo, you should know that ROI stands for “return on investment”, and it's simply an indicator of how much you get back for the capital you invest.

Furthermore, it's important to note that for over ten years, e-mail has proven to be the channel that generates the highest ROI compared to all other tools available.

In fact, it is estimated that every $1 spent on e-mail marketing generates a return or $44 dollars (Campaign Monitor).

This means e-mails are 40 times more effective for acquiring new clients than Facebook or Twitter (McKinsey).

These are all reasons why all major marketers include e-mail marketing in their marketing mix, and they continue to invest in this tool in their future planning.

In conclusion: why is e-mail marketing worth it?

Here's a summary of e-mail marketing's advantages compared to other channels:

speed: preparation, sending, and receipt times are so low, they're almost instant;
effectiveness: they allow you to reach your contacts directly, increasing customer loyalty;
versatility: e-mails can be used in a variety of contexts and are easy to integrate with your other marketing tools.
convenience: they are cheap and grant an excellent return on investment.

Now it's time to get to work and try it for yourself! If you want to learn all the tips and tricks in this fascinating world, just keep following us.

Create a professional website: X5 DesignLab for Dr. Bertolini

Incomedia — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 07:19:00 GMT

In 2020, having a website for people to find you online is more important than ever. That's the story behind X5 DesignLab, the custom web design service by Incomedia, the company that makes the famous WebSite X5 software.

This service is for anyone who wants to build their own website or online store but doesn't have time to do it themselves.

Take Dr. Ilaria Bertolini, for example.

An Up-to-date Website for a Psychologist Psychotherapist

Ilaria is a psychologist psychotherapist who specializes in brief strategic therapy, with over twenty years of experience in the field.

As is the case with many of her colleagues, Ilaria began her career in mental health while working in a drug rehab center. After 4 years, she decided to move on and specialize in psychotherapy. 20 years later, she is still dedicated to that profession.

“I chose to become a psychologist psychotherapist, but in a way, it chose me."

Throughout the years, Ilaria not only continued to develop her professional skills, she also stayed up to date with technology. Eventually, she felt the need to update her website (www.psicoterapia-strategica.it/) to make sure her services are presented in a way that's fresh and accessible.

“Anyone whose profession revolves around communication knows that a site's image is the first factor in a client's choice, and sometimes the decisive one.”

The X5 DesignLab Relationship

After filling out an online form, a web designer from X5 DesignLab reached out to Ilaria for some additional information needed to put together the right quote.

“I told them what I wanted, and they understood my needs immediately.”

Once the X5 DesignLab team understood what Ilaria needed, they got to work right away. She approved their final project, and they also published it online for her. According to Ilaria, X5 Design Lab's customer relations are characterized by creativity, attention to detail, diligence, and efficiency.

“Knowing that the person on the other side understands what you need makes you feel like you're in good hands.”

Expert advice for a functional website

When a potential client visits a psychologist psychotherapist's professional website, it's crucial that they find the contact information quickly. That's why Ilaria wanted the option to make calls and send messages to be only a click away. It's not just an advantage for the site owner, it also benefits her clients. X5 DesignLab fulfilled Ilaria's request, and now she's thinking about adding more features soon.

“I'm satisfied with the work they did. In the future, I'd like to add a blog to my website to include more informal news for readers.”

In the end, Ilaria got the site she'd always dreamed of: easy to navigate, with optimized features, and built by a team of experts who designed it exactly the way she wanted it!

“I want my site to convey the right image to my clients: X5 DesignLab made that happen!”

Would you like to update or build your very own professional website?

Contact X5 DesignLab today for a free quote!

2020.1: a new version to boost e-commerce

Incomedia — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 12:42:00 GMT

Every new version of WebSite X5 we release is exciting: after working on an important project for many months, it feels great to publish it and start seeing people use and appreciate it.

This release, the first new version in 2020, is special though, because we're living through special times. The pandemic dealt a major blow to our society, and we're still looking for a way to respond and regain our freedoms.

For us, that means finishing the development of 2020.1 while working from home, and introducing lots of new features to boost e-commerce: they'll be more useful than ever now. Since we still can't go out, online sales will keep growing. That's why delivering even more powerful e-commerce tools seems like the best way to help businesses get back on their feet and set them on new paths for a successful future.

E-commerce: new Product Search Page

You asked, we delivered: a new internal search engine for online stores that can help your clients quickly find the products they want. As of today, it's finally available!

The new Product Search Page not only includes the usual search bar, it also comes with filters to search by category, price range, new items, or items on sale. The results are then displayed through product sheets with all the necessary information: titles, short descriptions, images, prices, and the "Buy" button.

If you have a lengthy product catalog, this search page will be very helpful for your customers, and therefore for your sales too.

Working with the Product Search Page is very easy. You'll find it listed directly in the Site Map: from there, you can access its settings to customize it and insert it into the navigation menu. You can also choose to create a link to it: in the Link window, you'll find a new type of link created specifically for this purpose. In fact, you can create more than one link to the Product Search Page, one for each type of main category in your store.

If you find yourself managing a catalog with a large number of products, a search bar isn't just useful for your clients, it can also help you administer your own store. That's why we also added it to the toolbar inside WebSite X5.

E-commerce: optimized checkout.

As leading online stores know, sometimes changing a single detail can significantly increase sales.

That's why we've decided to update another crucial aspect of any store: the checkout process.

We optimized the checkout page in two major ways. First, we redesigned the process to better distinguish the registration, selecting a payment/shipping method, and order confirmation phases. We also overhauled the design and layout of the checkout pages in order to make them even more clear and user-friendly for clients placing orders.

Data protection

As we all know by now, the GDPR has set forth requirements for handling data and security, which all websites must follow.

We already addressed this topic in previous updates, to make sure that websites created with WebSite X5 comply with current regulations. Now we're going a step further: we strengthened our methods for managing credentials and introduced a new procedure for resetting passwords, both of which improve our level of compliance with the GDPR.

Template pre-sets

Here's a little tip. We added 10 new template pre-sets to the 2020.1 library: 5 of which are geared at e-commerce and include the newly introduced features. For great results, start with one of these templates to create your online store or refresh an existing store.

There's more...

These are the most important new features, but that's not all: you might notice that 2020.1 also includes a few important changes to the interface. In both the Blog and the Online Store, we've separated the content management aspects from the design and layout elements. This allows more work on the online store Search Page and introduces the possibility of adding more interesting new features later on, which are currently in development.

Finally, here's a little something for those of you with lots of content and fans of long, detailed pages: we increased the maximum number of lines per page from 64 to 96. Don't hold back!

As usual, for a detailed list of all the changes we've introduced in the new version 2020.1, visit the News page.

If you already have an active WebSite X5 license, you can install this new version right away: just launch the program and you'll find instructions for doing so in just a few clicks.

If your WebSite X5 license has expired, renew it today to receive the new version 2020.1.

Finally, if you don't have WebSite X5, take this opportunity to buy it now. The user license includes a 12-month guarantee of receiving updates and new versions as we release them, as well as access to our Priority Assistance service.

https://youtu.be/105xPzXGQsw

6 beautiful examples of templates that are perfect for a photography portfolio

Incomedia — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 07:54:00 GMT

Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur, sharing your work with as many people as possible isn't just gratifying, it can also be very useful. First of all, it allows you to receive steady feedback, which can help you improve your style and technical skills. Second - and this is crucial if you're a freelancer - it allows you to put your name out there, and if you're talented, find new clients.

So that's why it's so important for photographers to have a website.

If you don't have one yet, don't worry. Creating a photography website is easier and less expensive than you may think, especially if you choose a tool like WebSite X5.

Get inspired: view photography websites that were made with WebSite X5

Curious about the results you could get with WebSite X5? You've come to the right place. We've selected a few of the most beautiful examples among the many photography websites made with WebSite X5. You'll find websites ranging from interior design photography to portfolios by wedding, portrait, landscape, and still life photographers. Despite the very different subject matters and styles, they all have one thing in common: they're beautiful.

Get to work: discover WebSite X5's templates for photographers

Some of the sites you just saw were created from scratch, while others are based on templates.

Templates are fantastic tools because they let you start off on the right foot and get your site online faster. They've been carefully designed to give you the best performance while allowing you to easily customize them with your own content.

Here are 6 beautiful templates designed specifically for online photography portfolios. Each template has its own style and personality. Find the one that best suits you.

Defocus

If you're looking for a bold, attention-grabbing template, Defocus has just what you need. Its strong personality begins with the full-screen images on the home page, while the clean, minimalist style lets your photos take center stage. You can also choose to put your best photographs up for sale: all you have to do is complete the Shop section included in the template. Finally, the template comes with a contact form, a map to show people where to find you, and social media icons.

Shootfolio

Shootfolio is the perfect template if you want to get right to the point and showcase the breadth and quality of your work without wasting words. It's organized in a way that's both simple and meticulous: one page per topic, with a gallery for each of your project pages. The galleries allow clients to browse through full-screen images and zoom in on important details. The simple, minimalist design makes this template perfect for displaying any kind of photo.

Marcus Land Photography

Marcus Land Photography is a template that's easy to browse and that instantly makes it clear what kind of photographer you are. All you need to do is upload your photos and let the amazing grid layout showcase your projects. You clients will get the picture at first glance. Fill in your About page with all the information they need and they won't hesitate to contact you using the simple, built-in contact form. From commercial photography to your more

personal images, this template gives you all the room you need to show off your talent and your abilities behind the lens.

Photogram

Photogram will let your images speak for themselves using a full-screen reel effect, elegant sliders, and beautiful galleries. This modern, one-page template is designed to showcase your work and help you grow your business. It has a responsive layout and allows clients to book photo shoots with you directly, using the built-in contact form. The integrated social media content and intuitive design are the cherry on top.

Photolica (free)

Photolica is a solid template with a balanced design: a great solution for a photo studio to best introduce all the services it offers clients. The template includes everything you need: beautiful galleries, a page laying out your services, an About Us page, and a contact form. Just add your content and a few personal touches to make it all yours.

Irina Smith

Meanwhile, if you're a model rather than a photographer and you're looking to launch your personal brand online, we have just the template for you too. The Irina Smith template includes a home page with full-width images where you can display your best shots. You can also choose among different page styles to best reflect your personality! Have fun exploring the different styles, choose your favorite, and launch your website online.

Stock Photography: How to Choose the Right Images for your Website

Incomedia — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 10:43:00 GMT

There's more to a website than the text: you need images, and choosing the right images is crucial. Why?

Because the images support the text: they help convey your message and make it instantly understandable.
Because images complete the page's layout, creating a pleasant visual environment that makes navigating and finding information easy and enjoyable.
Because the images help define and communicate your identity and values

Finally, choosing the right images is important because using unattractive or inappropriate rather than high-quality images can make the difference in your website's success.

Now we come to the second question: “How can I obtain high-quality images for my website?” There are only 3 options here:

Search and download images from Google: many people choose this option because it's free, but it's as easy as it is misguided. Keep in mind that the images you find may be under copyright, meaning you can't use them without permission.
Commission photos from a professional: this is definitely the option with the best guarantee of the image quality, but it's also the most expensive, and you may not always have the budget available.
Browse stock photo websites, which offer databases of millions of professional-quality images to choose from, either for free or at low cost.

What are stock images?

Stock images are budget-friendly, high-quality images that you can use for your projects.

In fact, stock images are created by professional or semi-professional photographers. Online agencies collect these photos and offer them to the public through their websites. These kinds of services share the following basic features:

They offer collections of millions of photographs, and often also include vector images and videos. Certain services are more focused on specific themes, while others are more general: all of them include work by many, many different creators. This vast range of options means you're sure to find nearly anything you're looking for.
They have internal search engines and filters to help you find the images you want quickly and easily. Given the quantity of images available in their collections, this is an important value add.
They offer images in different formats, with different types of usage licenses This means you can decide what to purchase depending on how you want to use the image: if you only want to display it digitally, for example, you can use a lower resolution than if you intend to use the image for print. Based on all these factors, the final cost of the image may vary significantly, from single to double digits.

How to choose stock photos

Since online collections include millions of images, it can be hard to choose which ones to use for your projects. Luckily, as we mentioned, these sites offer different levels of internal search engines and a varying number of filters.

Start by inserting a simple search key, like “computer", for example, to find the content you want.

You can then modify the search key (for example, “woman with computer”) to find images depicting a computer in a certain setting.

Or to find an image computer which you then can edit to meet your needs.

This allows you to start with a general ideal and quickly narrow down the search results to find what you need. Then, keep the following elements in mind when making your final image selection:

Orientation
The image's orientation must be compatible with the way you want to use it: a vertically oriented image will be hard to use in a horizontal layout.

Color palette
The image should match your website's color palette, or at least be easy to edit to suit your color scheme.

Consistent style
If you use several images, make sure they're harmonious together. Often times, images are part of image sets grouped by topic: try choosing images from the same set.

Don't obstruct the text
If you intend to use the image as the background for text, make sure that there's enough room for the text to remain legible.
Editing possibilities
Some images are more suited for cropping, cut-outs, compositions, etc. Think carefully about these possibilities, and consider your own skills with software like Photoshop and other similar programs as well.

#bonus idea

Did you find a stock image with the right subject but the wrong background? Try CutOut 8 professional: cut out the parts you need and place them against a new background, removing distracting elements. Now your image is perfect!

Where to find stock photos

As we've discussed, there are many advantages to using stock photos: there's a huge variety to choose from, browsing them is quick, and they don't cost much. So what are the main stock photography sites to visit?

Depositphotos is one of the most popular sites in the world, thanks to the excellent value of quality and quantity compared to price. A simple Google search will turn up more options, some of which are completely free, although these have less to offer in terms of quality and choice, of course.

If you create your website with WebSite X5, browsing stock images is even easier: the Depositphotos image collection is already included within the software. That means you can search, purchase, and download the images you want without leaving the program: it's easy and fast!

5 tips for boosting your business while your clients are at home

Incomedia — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 23:01:00 GMT

Now that we're all isolated in our homes, everything feels suspended as we sit and wait for things to get back to normal. But even though life is on pause as we await better days, you can still study and refine your ideas and strategies from your desk at home, to hit the ground running as soon as this is over.

In other words, take advantage of the time you have today to accomplish everything you've always put aside for later, and be ready for tomorrow when life goes back to normal.

Here are 5 local online marketing initiatives you can start with to boost your business and have new clients ready when you do get back to work.

1. Study your clients

Any business decision always begins with the same starting point: the client. Truly knowing your clients is the first key to success.

You probably already analysed your target client base before starting your business, in order to better tailor your offers to them. However, things may have changed since then, so why not use this extra time on your hands to take stock again?

Think about your usual clients and try to outline not only your typical client's profile, but also a profile of the type of client you'd like attract, even if you haven't yet managed to do so. Imagine what their interests and tastes are, what they might like to do, and where they can be found online. Use these factors, and anything else you can think of, to create actual "identity cards" for them. Give these typical clients a name, a face, an age, and a profession, to help you better understand them and determine the best way to satisfy their needs.

After completing this exercise, you'll have deeper knowledge of your target audience, as well as a sort of compass that will help guide you in all your future decisions: for example, you'll know how to modify your offers, lay out your upcoming communications, and create advertising campaigns based on these clients' interests.

2. Create your website

After setting up this"identity kit" for your typical client, the next step is to ask yourself, "How can I help them find me?"

Let's start with a simple fact: our shopping habits have changed.

When we're looking for a product, we don't ask expert friends or turn to our trusted stores' sales staff: we whip out our smart phones and immediately search online. So it's no surprise that some of our most common online searches are about businesses near us: bars, restaurants, shoe stores, etc.

That means it's also crucial for brick-and-mortar stores to have an online presence.

In other words, if you don't have a website yet, now's the time to catch up: your store deserves a website too.

Luckily, these days creating a website for your business is easier than you might think: in fact, there are many services and software options that can help you create your own website, often at low cost. WebSite X5 is one of them: this software offers templates to customise with your own content and configure with everything you need, like SEO features for Google and mobile browsing options.

With tools like these, you don't need to be a programming expert or a graphic designer to get professional results and create a trendy yet organised website.

So why not use this forced break to create your own website for your business?

3. Launch your online store

Once your website is up and running, you can explore and implement a wide range of strategies for promoting your business online and increasing your chances of success.

Among these, one of the first options to consider is launching an online store to sell your products and services on the Internet.

Remember, online sales volumes have been blowing up ever since we've all been advised to stay home. According to a study by the eCommerce B2C Observatory at the Polytechnic University of Milan's School of Management, in collaboration with Netcomm, in the week of February 24 to March 1, 2020 (just a few days after the start of the epidemic in Italy), online purchases of consumer goods increased by +81% compared to that same period last year.

This is certainly due to the effect of the coronavirus emergency, but you should also notice that there was also a 15% increase in online sales in 2019 in Italy, compared to 2018.

So it's clear that the emergency is even leading skeptics to turn to online stores and give them a try. There's also a good reason to assume that many of them will continue to make online purchases even after the emergency is over.

At this point, with an ever growing pool of potential clients, there's more and more to lose by not making use of the opportunities offered by an online store, especially if you're already managing a physical store.

Luckily for you, many of the services you can use to create your own website also offer online sales features: if you get to work today, by the time you open your doors again you'll not only have a website, you'll also be able to celebrate the launch of your new e-store.

4. Plan e-mail and newsletter campaigns

Together, e-mail and newsletters have become a pillar around which companies plan marketing strategies. The numbers show just how true that is: in 2019, there were 5.6 billion active e-mail accounts, and 99% of users stated that they checked their inbox every day. Furthermore, studies show that 72% of people preferred to receive promotional content via e-mail than through other channels.

That means that when it comes to sharing interesting news, sales, or changes to your opening hours, all of which are important updates, the most direct way to inform clients is by sending them an e-mail.

You can collect their e-mail addresses through your website, by suggesting that visitors sign up for your newsletter, or by offering a special deal or extra content in exchange for their e-mails. When your business re-opens, you can even do this in your physical store by having them fill out a form for a loyalty card, or in order to receive special offers.

The number 1 goal is to create an e-mail contact list that's as extensive as possible.

Meanwhile, your number 2 goal should be to create and send interesting e-mails, both in terms of the contents of your messages and the discounts they offer.

When done right, e-mail marketing will work wonders for both your audience engagement as well as sales and profits.

Don't know which service to use for your e-mail campaigns? Try Brevo: it's a comprehensive platform that not only handles e-mail marketing, but also allows you to use SMS messaging, segment your audience, and much more. Start now with the free plan.

5. Chat with your clients on social media

A website is a crucial tool, but social media is also important: you can't be present on every social platform, so choose the ones your clients use the most and start interacting with them.

Remember: we don't use social media to plan or make purchases, so don't promote your products too aggressively.

Your main objective should be to build relationships with your clients and local community, sharing your personality and business online. Try to be useful and engaging: you may not know it, but you have knowledge to offer in your field of business. Find a way to share that knowledge, and you'll become a trusted reference.

With a savvy mix of informational and promotional content, you'll keep your audience entertained while raising the profile of your products/services.

As a result, when your social media followers need to buy the type of thing you sell, they'll remember you, and with some luck, they'll arrive in your store - physical or virtual - to make that purchase.

Do you already have a presence on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube? Great: look over your profiles to see if there's any room for improvement, or add any missing information; check the insights that these various platforms offer to see what your followers like most; take a peek at the competition to see if there's anything others are doing you could do too.

Facebook has already prepared a list of tips for using its platform and confronting the changes we're living through: find out more on Boost With Facebook.

In conclusion...

As you can see, there's always something to do if you look hard enough: even if you're stuck at home and you have to close your business because of "force majeure". Start with these 5 local online marketing tips and try to apply them to your individual situation: you'll turn this forced hiatus into an opportunity for growth, both for yourself and for your business.

Finally, here's an extra bonus: a little tool kit with some of the most crucial digital tools for your business:

Google My Businessis a free resource that allows you to manage your local business's online presence on Google, including the Search and Maps features, which will help your clients discover your products and services, as well as contact you and find your store location.
Brevo is one of the most popular e-mail marketing platforms. You can start with a free plan and then, as your needs change, decide whether to upgrade to a more comprehensive, paid plan.
Facebook and Business Manager are both free tools. Facebook needs no explanation; Business Manager helps you best manage your advertisement campaigns on one of your clients' most-used social media platforms.
Canva is a useful free tool for creating eye-catching graphics for your special offers.
Pixabay is a site where you can find free, public domain images for your communications needs.

How, when, and why to create a wedding website

Incomedia — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 23:39:00 GMT

Congratulations on your engagement! We know you're looking forward to celebrating your love and beginning your new life together. Now that you've decided to get married, there's no time to lose. There's a lot to be done to make sure your wedding day is as perfect as you dreamed it would be, so roll up your sleeves!

That said, don't let anxiety get the best of you: of course, there are a lot of decisions to make and things to take care of, but with the right tools, you'll be able to handle everything smoothly, without added stress. Start by... creating your wedding website!

Are you surprised? In this post, we'll discuss:

why creating a wedding website is useful;
when is the best time to publish it;
how to create this kind of website.

Creating a website is easier and cheaper than you think. You can create a website for your wedding by yourself, even if you're not a web expert. You'll soon see that it's very useful to have one.

Why create a wedding website?

Because in the past few years, technology's role in wedding planning has grown significantly. Today, nearly 3 in 4 couples create a website for the wedding (+15% increase in the last 3 years), while over half of couples create a wedding hashtag for sharing posts on social media (about 10% than in 2015).

The wedding website trend began in the USA, UK, and Canada, and soon spread around the world. But why is having a "wed-site” useful? Here are the 5 main reasons:

It serves as your wedding's information center

A wedding website hosts all the important information for your big day and everything that goes with it. Addresses, dates and times, notes about presents and dress codes, etc...: post everything your guests need to know, and let them know they can check your website if they have any questions. It will save you a lot of headache.

Your website can keep guests up to date about any changes.

After all, no matter how organized you may be, you never know what surprises lie around the corner. Although we hope there are none, it's always better to be prepared. It's much easier to inform people about a change of plans by updating your website rather than by contacting each guest individually, and run the risk of forgetting someone.

It will spare you from being bombarded with questions

There are much more fun things to do with your time than answering guests’ questions: like picking out flowers, tasting cakes, and planning the stops on your honeymoon... In addition to the main information you post on your website, you can add an FAQ page, in which you answer your guests’ most common questions.

Your website is a great way to share your love story

A wedding website is more than just an online invitation or a reminder of the place, date, and time. We bet even your least romantic guest will melt a little when they read about the first time you met. Find a personal way to tell your story: you can use words, photos, videos, even a soundtrack... It's a nice opportunity to share something authentic with your family and friends, while also creating a lasting record for yourselves.

It resolves all kinds of communication issues, including RSVPs

Either you choose to trust the mail, or you look for a quicker, most efficient way to invite your guests and receive their confirmations. Managing these kinds of communications online is sure to make it all easier and faster. In just a few clicks, you can contact everyone on your list and save a little money, too. Not bad, right?!

When to create a wedding website

The truth is that it's never too early to create and publish your wed-site. As soon as you set the date, time, and place for your wedding, you'll have all the most important information you need to start thinking of a website.

One of the first things to do is to decide on a URL for your website, which the address your guests will type into their browser window to access you page. The sooner you choose one, the better. Why's that? Simply because you'll need to include it on your invitations, and in general, you'll need to remember to share it with all your guests.

Here's a tip: Choose a URL that's rather easy to remember, like: LucyandRobertWedding.com

Your guests will appreciate it!

Remember that hosting plans often include domain registration, which means you can choose your URL and purchase the space for your website at the same time.

If you decide to use an online website builder instead, you won't have to worry about hosting, but you may not be able to choose your own domain without paying extra.

As we were saying, define all of the important information and publish your website as early as possible. Your guests will generally appreciate being informed well in advance, especially since it means plenty of time to pick out a present for you.

Don't let the fear of having forgotten something delay you from going online. Websites aren't set in stone: you can edit and update them whenever and however you want. In fact, you can even sketch out all the important steps leading up to your wedding on your website, so that your friends and family can experience them with you. You could even think about creating a little blog: who knows, maybe you'll discover that you're a talented writer!

How to create your wedding website

Now that you understand why your wedding needs a website, you're probably eager to get to work.

The good news is that you can create your wedding website for free if you want to, without spending a dime and eating into the budget you set aside for the big day. There are plenty of online services that allow anyone to create functional, attractive websites using a series of templates as a starting point.

Of course, if you want to take your website a step further, in terms of personalization as well as adding more features, you'll need to pay, but these extras generally don't cost much.

The most well-known online wedding planning services which let couples create their own wedding websites are Zankyou, The Knot, and WeddingWire.

That said, if you want a solution that's as easy to use as these websites, while letting you fully express your creativity, try WebSite X5. You'll get truly professional results, without needing to be a web expert.

Once you've decided which tool to use, you can begin:

Choose or create the best Template for your needs

Some couples are more romantic, others like to break the rules; some are sweet, some are more ironic. There's no right or wrong way to approach this: just think about what kind of couple you are and how you want to present yourselves to your family and friends, and choose the template that best represents you. Or create your own, custom template.

Looking for inspiration? In addition to browsing Pinterest, you can also take a look at the gallery of wedding websites curated by awwwards.com.

Remember to include all the important information

If you've ever taken a look at other couples’ wedding websites, maybe those of your friends and family members, you'll have noticed the pages and features that every website has in common. Here's a short, useful recap to make you don't forget any of the essentials:

Our story: this is the page that's all about you. How did you meet? How did the proposal go? What is your fondest memory together? This is where you can answer anything your friends have been wondering about. And don't forget to accompany your story with photos, videos, and maybe even the playlist that served as the soundtrack for your best times together.
Contact information: this is another essential page, which ensures that your guests can contact you and have their questions answered. If you create a contact form, you'll receive all their inquiries by e-mail, which makes it easier to answer them all than fielding a ton of phone calls.
Maps: don't just paste in the addresses of the various places you'll go (the bride or groom's house, the church, a restaurant, etc.). It's best to directly insert maps: inserting snippets from Google Maps is very easy.
Wedding registry: there are several ways to approach this section, which will be one of the most-viewed pages on your site. You can simply insert a link to the stores you've created registries with, or use more sophisticated solutions: a lot of this depends on what your registry can provide you with.
Guestbook: adding a space where you guests can write messages or post photos is a cute touch.

Got any more ideas? Of course you do. Explore all the features the website builder offers and add more. That said, remember that your wedding website's main purpose is to clearly present all the necessary information for your guests, and that it should be easy to navigate.

Don't forget the mobile display

Many of your guests will view your website on their smartphones. To ensure that you don't get off on the wrong foot with a mobile website that's slow, illegible, or hard to navigate, make sure that your website is responsive, meaning that it can adapt to any device. The steps for taking care of this depends on the website builder you've chosen.

Protect your privacy

At this point, if we were dealing with any other kind of website, we would discuss what you need to do to make sure search engines, like Google, can index it and list it in their search results. But the purpose of a wed-site isn't to climb to the top of Google’s results page and be viewed by as many people as possible: it's simply to provide a carefully selected group of family and friends with the useful information they need. Depending on the software you use, you may have the option to hide your website from search engines. Remember that you can also password-protect pages with more sensitive or private information.

Publishing your page online

As we said earlier, it's best not to let perfection get in the way. Once your site is complete enough, publish it online and start sharing it with your guests. You can always update it later.

Once the wedding is over, you'll have to decide what to do with it: many couples don't renew their website's hosting or domain. However - at least if you've decided to use WebSite X5 - you could decide to save your website on your computer: it will be one more memory or nostalgic souvenir to look at a few years later.

... what about social media?

No, we haven't forgotten about social media. Social media can't replace a wedding website, but it is a valuable tool. In fact, in the last 10 years, the number of couples who decide to snap, share, or tweet their “wedding adventure” has continued to grow.

Social media can also be useful in planning your wedding: Pinterest, for example, is an endless source of inspiration. It's a great place to find ideas for every little detail: from hairstyles and bouquets to the wedding cake itself. Social media is also a great way to share your ideas with your suppliers: so you can be sure that you'll get exactly what you want.

But if you're really social addicts, you can even take it a step further and use social media to share your wedding day in real time. Today, there's a wide range of options for doing so: from live streaming it to using personalized hashtags and Snapchat filters.

To get the most out of social media on your wedding day, take a look at this infographic.

In conclusion

Among all the aspects that go into planning a wedding, a website is truly the step that requires the least energy and money: but the results will help you keep everything under control, and save you a lot of stress.

Have fun creating your wed-site, and congratulations once again! We wish you a long and happy future together.

The importance of speed

Incomedia — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 23:45:00 GMT

It's now clear that how fast a web page loads is an increasingly important parameter for Google.

The latest news on this subject came from a short post on the Mountain View-based company's official blog, in which Google's engineers explained that future versions of Chrome will use specific badges to let users know that a site is loading slowly.

This may be done using design solutions very similar to the one reproduced below: faster pages will have a green load bar; slower ones will be penalized in visitors’ eyes because they'll be preceded with a warning.

“Badging is intended to identify when sites are authored in a way that makes them slow generally, looking at historical load latencies,” Google states on its blog, Chromium. “Further along, we may expand this to include identifying when a page is likely to be slow for a user based on their device and network conditions.”

For now, it seems that this new solution will only be adopted for mobile devices at first, before extended to desktop computers.

Of course, the classification of slow and fast sites will take place gradually. While we wait to find out when this system will come into effect, Google continues to recommend that webmasters seek to improve their sites’ performances, perhaps by taking advantage of Chromium’s own learning platform.

You're probably asking yourself:

"What exactly does a site's load time refer to?

“Why is a site's loading time so important for Google?”

“How can I check my site's load time?”

“What can I do to make my site load faster?”

Read on to find all the answers to these questions, so you can avoid having a “slow” stamp slapped on your pages.

What “load time” means

Let's start by clearing a few things up. The expression ”page speed” basically refers to the amount of time needed for a web page to be downloaded from the site's host server and displayed in the web browser that requested it. In other words, a page's load time is the time that passes between the moment the user clicks on the link to the full display of the page in their browser.

That means that a page's speed is assessed according to:

the time it takes for the browser to receive the requested resources and the associated HTML code;
the time it takes for the browser to respond to the pages’ load requests;
the user's perception when the requested page finally displays in their browser.

Don't underestimate this issue. As we'll discuss later, a website's performance influences the user experience, and therefore its ranking among search engines. While developing your website, make sure to include fast load times among your objectives, and look for the best compromise between style and performance for each page you build.

Why a website's speed matters

A lot of website creators tend to invest a lot in its appearance and personalization, but overlook one of the users’ main goals: finding what they're looking for as quickly and easily as possible.

A website that loads quickly means happy users, which makes Google happy too. In fact, search engines place a lot of emphasis on user experience and rewards sites that excel at this with higher rankings. Plus, if we consider how many users navigate the web on mobile devices with spotty internet connections, there's all the more reason to focus on creating lightweight, fast web pages.

Let's take a closer look at each of these 3 points.

1. Fast websites are especially popular among users

This is something we all know from experience: the faster our Internet connections become, the less patience we have. We don't like waiting, and if a page takes too long to display, we abandon it and try another one; after all, the web is full of resources!

Studies in the sector all confirm it: Google itself revealed that if a page takes between 1 and 3 seconds to open, there's a 32% chance that users will abandon navigation before it finishes loading. This percentage increases exponentially with each extra second needed for the page to load.

If the site in question is an online store, rather than a simple showcase site, this issues becomes even more important: pages that load too slowly don't “only” result in less visits, but also in lost income.

According to a study by the Aberdeen Group, each second of delayed page load time reduces client satisfaction by 16%, page views by 11%, and conversion rates by 7%. 46% of users don't return to websites that don't perform well. Website owners only have 5 seconds to win over visitors before they decide to exit the page. 74% of users who access a mobile website would exit if it took more than 5 seconds to load.

On the other hand, faster load times have clear results. For example, when Mozilla increased its page load time by 2.2 seconds, Firefox downloads increased by 15.4%, which translates to 10 million downloads a year! And Walmart earned a 2% increase in conversion rates for each second it shaved off its page load times.

Amazon knows this all too well. Jeff Bezos's company engineers used specific A/B tests to show that each 100-millisecond delay in the time it takes for a page to render translates into a 1% loss in sales. Despite the millions of products in its catalog and a homepage that's anything by lightweight, Amazon manages to make it load in barely 1 second!

In the end, it's clear to see: as users, we don't like to wait, which is why as webmasters we need to do everything we can to make our webpages load faster and keep our visitor counts and conversion rates from crumbling.

2. Google likes fast websites and they're good for SEO

Whatever users like, Google likes too, since their efforts always revolve around satisfying web users’ demands as best as possible.

Google considers speed to be part of a positive experience for users, and began using it as indicator when determining site rankings in 2010.

In July 2018, Google's speed update ramped up these efforts, making speed an important page ranking factor. From then on, in fact, all other factors being equal, faster pages began outranking slower pages.

Of course, speed is only one of over 200 ranking factors which Google's algorithms consider when determining a page's position, and the search query's intent continues to be a very important indication. That means that a page with excellent, relevant content can still be ranked highly, even if it's slow.

So what happens when a page is slow, from Google's perspective? As we said earlier, users don't like to wait. So, many of them will exit the page before it even finishes loading, or if they do view the first page, they won't want to wait longer for the rest of the pages to load. This means that Google Analytics will record an increased bounce rate, and decreased page visits and time spent on the site. All of these are factors which will lead Google to evaluate the website's offerings as low-quality, which will have a negative impact on its rankings. The lower ranking has a knock-on effect, leading to an overall drop in page visits.

What's more, loading speeds don't just impact the site's ranking, but also how it's indexed. Google assigns each site a crawl budget, which is the amount of resources that can be used by the Googlebot (the spider software Google uses to analyze the contents of the web) to scan that page. Improving page speeds helps you use your allocated budget more effectively: instead of using it all up to scan a few slow and heavy pages, you can allow the bot to venture deeper into your website and better index all its contents.

With all of this in mind, it's clear why a website's speed is important for SEO, and why Google prioritizes websites that perform well.

Looking back, a year after introducing its speed update, Google has recorded a series of positive changes regarding the web ecosystem as a whole. For example, in 2018, the proportion web traffic classified as “slow” (a third of the total) has actually become almost 15% faster, and over 95% of countries have noted an overall increase in speed. These are all signs that point to a future with less and less space for slow, low-performance websites.

3. Fast websites are important for mobile browsing

Mobile web browsing has now surpassed desktop browsing.

According to certain statistics, in 2017, 56% of web traffic came from mobile devices.

Data confirms that we spend more and more time online, and that mobile web users are more likely to make purchases than desktop users.

In light of this, it's worth noting that people browsing the web on their phones are often not using WiFi, and therefore have slower connections. Which makes it all the more clear that these users need lightweight pages that load quickly.

In response to the importance of content loading speeds during mobile browsing, Google launched its AMP project (Accelerated Mobile Pages) in 2015. The AMP version of a page is based on HTML, CSS, and Javascript (like other webpages), with a series of constraints added to significantly reduce its weight and allow it to load faster. On average, AMP pages load 4 times faster and are 10 times lighter than standard pages. Furthermore, AMP pages are saved into Google's cache, which allows them to display their contents nearly instantly.

According to a study published on StoneTemple, implementing AMP significantly improves rankings. Google denies any direct correlation between AMP and rankings, but what's still obvious is that an overall improvement in the site's performance as well as a better user experience are two important indicators which search engines use to determine the page's ranking.

How to manage your site's speed

Now that you understand why it's important for your web pages to load fast, you need to know exactly where you stand. The first thing to do is to run a speed test on one or more of your pages.

There are various free online tools to do this, both by Google and by third parties. Here is a list of the most popular ones:

Pagespeed Insights

This Google's tool. It's very easy to use: just insert your site's URL and run the analysis. The tool will provide you with a score out of 100, along with a list of tips for optimizing your website.

GT Metrix

This tool was created by Yahoo! in collaboration with other companies, including Google and Firefox. This tool provides a more complete analysis compared to Pagespeed Insights, and it doesn't focus only on Google's search engine.

Pingdom Tool

This tool was developed by third parties rather than by search engines. It offers similar metrics and features as GT Metrix, with the advantage that it organizes data into tables, making it easier to read and interpret.

Don't be alarmed if you get different results, even significantly so, when running the different tools’ tests or even repeating the same test at different times. Each tool uses different parameters and calculates points and times differently. Regardless, it's not the score itself that matters, but rather determining your starting point, getting recommendations for what you should do to improve it, and monitoring performances to see if the changes you make have the desired results.

How to increase your site's speed

After running a speed test on one or more of your website's pages, you may find out that they don't perform as well as expected. Don't despair: there are a number of things you can do to improve them. Let's go over them together.

First, however, we should specify 2 things.

The first is that there isn't an optimal target speed, if you've been wondering. Of course, a faster site is better. In general, you should aim for an average load time of 2 seconds, and you should never exceed 6/7 seconds.

Second, you may have noticed that while some of these tips for improving page load speeds are accessible to everyone, there are other aspects that are more technical, like configuring the server, or which deal with the page's code. Although it's good to know all the options at hand, you can ask the experts about more technical processes if you're out of your depth.

With that in mind, let's get back to practical advice: how can you improve your site's load times? Here are some of the most important aspects to consider:

Hosting

It all starts here: if your site uses a good hosting service, your response times will be minimal. Here, you get what you pay for. That means that choosing a very cheap hosting service is likely to result in more modest performance levels and costly seconds added to your load times.

Our advice is therefore to choose your hosting service very carefully, instead of just picking the cheapest one. Try to find the option with the best price/quality ration, depending on what kind of site you want to create.

For personal websites with only a few pages, for example, shared hosting plans may be enough. This is the most widespread and cheapest option: your website will be hosted on a server with a large number of other clients. All these clients share the same machine's resources (memory, bandwidth, disk space, database, etc.), and if some of them use more resources, all the others will feel the effects.

The more important and strategically significant your website is to your professional undertaking, the more you should be willing to invest in a high-quality hosting service, perhaps even choosing dedicated hosting. With dedicated hosting, each client uses resources individually allocated to them: the service costs more, but both the service and the resulting performance are significantly higher.

The middle ground between shared hosting and dedicated hosting includes all the cloud hosting solutions: these are solutions that rely on shared environments, but with more resources and guarantees.

Images

According to HTTP Archive, images represent 21% of a website's total weight on average, second only to videos.

Heavy images also makes your pages load much more slowly: luckily, it's not hard to optimize them and see immediate results.

When optimizing an image, your goal is to find the right balance between file size and quality. Choosing the right combination of file format and compression type can help you significantly reduce the image's dimensions without compromising its quality.

Remember that the 3 main file formats are JPEG, GIF, and PNG, and that information compression may be lossy or lossless.

The JPEG format is perfect for static digital images, photos, and images with lots of colors and/or nuanced shading. It uses lossy compression, meaning information can be lost, and results in a proportionately very lightweight format.

The GIF format uses 256 colors, allows transparency, and can be animated, all using lossless compression. This format is lighter than JPEGs, which is why it's used especially for animations, web graphics with few colors, and simple digital images.

The PNG format uses lossless compression and is divided into two types: PNG-8, similar to GIFs but smaller, uses 256 colors and allows transparency; PNG-24, which is very similar to JPEGs but larger, uses over 16 million colors and a format without compression. The PNG format is used for web images (including logos that require transparency and fading), process images, and complex images (like photographs, depending on dimensions).

For a recap of the features and uses of these 3 formats, take a look at the great infographic on WhoIsHostingThis.

You can optimize your images using one of the many photo retouching programs available, some of which are free. Remember to save your images in the dimensions at which they'll be used in your pages, and if possible, use the Save for web command.

You should also consider the options available through your chosen website creation software/service: many of them offer tools, features, or plug-ins to minimize the weight of the images you import. Regardless, it's always worth it to try to optimize images before you insert them into your website.

Code

The more elements a site has, even if they're hidden from sight, the more time it will take for everything to load correctly.

In this case, unless you're a programmer, you won't be able to directly edit the page's code, and you'll need to trust the quality guaranteed by your chosen software or service, or the professional you've chosen to work with.

However, it is important for you to know that optimized code is also code that is clean and lightweight, without any elements that could weigh it down without adding useful features. That's why code minification - which refers to the elimination of any comments or extraneous characters like spaces and line breaks - helps make sites faster: so choose this option if you can.

If you decide to insert advertisements within your website, pay attention to what kind of code they implement: often, it's the kind of heavy, un-optimized code that slows down your pages. Slow loading speeds linked to excessive advertisements significantly impact user experience. Be careful when assessing the cost-benefit relationship here: you might realize that in the end, it's not worth the effort.

Is that everything?

No! There are many other tips you can implement to speed up your page load times: for example, you could manage your site's cache to make it work better, or enable gzip compression.

Like we said earlier, some of these steps require specific technical skills, while others are accessible to just about everybody. What's important is that as a site owner and/or author, you need to understand how vital it is for your pages to load quickly and perform well, and know what to do or what to ask for to get the best results.

Giovanni Lombardi’s online school project

Incomedia — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 07:58:00 GMT

The Internet has won a central role in our day-to-day life, and basically everything we do on a daily basis takes place online through a specific website: we shop, we read, we get information, we share experiences. However, a website can be more than mere content. It can become a way of teaching, and a way of learning.

Giovanni Lombardi, school teacher, knows it perfectly and that’s why he decided to bring WebSite X5 to school and to apply its potential to an educational project. In this way, primary school children from the 6° Circolo Didattico R. Girondi in Barletta have learned this lesson too. And with much enthusiasm indeed! When they first heard about their teacher’s idea, the 5th grade children couldn’t wait to create their first website.

See how WebSite X5 has supported them in this learning path and helped them build their first online project!

Teaching and learning in the web era

The topic of Giovanni Lombardi’s class was pretty clear: the students had to create some digital monographs about their town, Barletta. Though, the teacher’s challenge was different, and far from being trivial. It was necessary to convey the concepts related to his class, but above all he should have found an interesting way of doing this, to stimulate children’s attention and creativity. Giovanni understood that the answer was to do something different:

“I hadn’t been told precisely which instruments I should have used for my class, so I decided to go beyond the good old Powerpoint and to use something more captivating, that could also be published online.”

What Giovanni had in mind was to surprise his students by designing a website. By doing this, apart from teaching what was strictly requested by his course, he could have also gone one step further: online presence.

In his class, the concept of website itself has changed: from a simple showcase for sites of cultural and historic interest in Barletta, it has become an educational tool to discuss the web and its central position in everybody’s every-day life, as well as to convey technical skills.

Creating a website: real child’s play!

Once the working method had been identified, it was the turn of another important question, choose the program the students would have used to create their website. Not a big deal for Giovanni this time, as he already knew the answer: WebSite X5.

In fact, the teacher was already familiar with the software: the first time he heard about it was on Facebook, and he’s been using it since version 10 in the Pro edition for his own online projects. The possibility of creating a professional website with no specific technical skills and its constant growth in functions are the elements that convinced him to keep using WebSite X5 from 2014 until today.

Still, there are two other aspects that have played an important role in Giovanni’s decision of using WebSite X5 for his educational project: simplicity and intuitiveness.

”I wanted to show an intuitive and easy software, something even a child could use, like a puzzle.”

And creating websites with WebSite X5 is indeed like composing a puzzle: just pick your template among more than 100 free included ones, follow five steps in the program and give each piece the right place to get a professional and complete result in no time and with no efforts. Showcase websites, blogs and online shops: WebSite X5 has a solution for all needs. Check out the website as it takes shape by using the local preview. It must be said: a real child’s play!

Learning through creativity

This experience taught the students of the 6° Circolo Didattico R. Girondi that being successful online means being unpredictable. With WebSite X5, they unleashed their creativity and started something new. And of course they are thrilled with the outcome.

That’s how http://www.mixarte.it/pon/ came to life, a school project but also food for thoughts and an inspiration for new websites. With WebSite X5 always, and that’s for sure!

How to create a "smashing" product sheet

Incomedia — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 07:55:00 GMT

Years ago, our sales manager asked me, "Do you know what's worse than having a bad product?" And he answered my questioning look with, "Having a good product, but not saying so."

This is actually one of the most common mistakes online stores make. They focus on the template, take care of the user experience, and then forget to provide a concise, compelling description of their products. They rely on sparse product sheets that don't explain much, are often copy-pasted, and in some cases, even use machine translation.

It's easy to imagine how potential customers react to product sheets like these: they're not tempted at all to make the purchase

An online store's product sheet is a decisive factor in terms of conversions: if you don't want all your efforts and investments to be in vain, don't underestimate their importance.

Follow the best practices we've put together to create truly effective product sheets: which can not only answer all of your potential customer's questions, but also convince them to click on the "Buy" button and make their purchase.

In this article, we'll look at:

What a product sheet is, and why it's so important
The anatomy of a product sheet: everything you need to include

Title
Product photo and gallery
Brief description, technical details, and detailed description
Variables, quantity, and price
Add to Cart button
Testimonials, ratings, and reviews
Related products
Social media buttons

Convincing product sheets: copywriting tips

Emphasize original content
Invest in quality translations
Choose your words and tone of voice carefully
Anticipate responses
Talk about the benefits, not the products
Leave room for emotions

Successful product sheets: tips for User Experience

Organize information above and below the fold
Avoid the "wall of text" effect
Choose your CTAs carefully

E-commerce product sheets: SEO tips

Security, speed, and responsiveness
Title, Title and Description
Images
Structured data and Rich Snippets

What a product sheet is, and why it's so important

In general, all online stores, regardless of the products they offer, use a rather simple hierarchical structure: they start with a home page, category pages that sort traffic, and finally, the product sheet pages.

A product sheet is simply the page that contains the description of the product for sale. As you've probably noticed, they have a pretty standard format: text is presented alongside images, and sometimes videos. This provides the necessary information to incite the user to click on the "add to cart" button, and complete the purchase.

Because it's the last page the user visits before making their purchase, the product sheet plays a key role: you need to build it correctly if you want to increase your sales.

Here's a tip: think about each product sheet as though it were its own landing page. Don't leave anything up to chance, and take care of every detail. You should be exhaustive, but also persuasive. Your efforts will pay off.

The anatomy of a product sheet: everything you need to include

Think about it this way: when you go into a store, the more the salesperson is available and capable of telling you about the product, the more likely you are to believe them and buy it. On the other hand, if the salesperson is standoffish and unfriendly, you'll be in a hurry to leave and do your shopping elsewhere.

There are no salespeople online. Their job is done by product sheets, although the mechanisms at play are the same. The better the product sheets, the more your customers will be likely to make a purchase.

So what are the key elements in a product sheet? Let's find out.

Title

The title's job is to welcome and inform: usually, the title of an online store page corresponds to the name of the product or service. This is an important element: try to use the words which people might use to search for the product, rather than its particular features (brand, color, etc.), but make sure to always be concise.

Product photo and gallery

Images have the advantage of immediately drawing the user's attention. Emphasize high-quality images and insert as many as necessary to showcase the product from every angle. Customers are unlikely to purchase products they can neither touch nor see.

Here's another tip. To overcome even the most skeptical users' reluctance, try to include videos as well as images.

Brief description, technical details, and detailed description

Visitors viewing a product sheet are looking for information. Seeing a photo isn't enough: before purchasing, they'll want to understand everything there is to know about the product. So the description must be both clear and exhaustive.

Careful! First, make sure the text isn't copy-pasted: Google will spot this right away. Second, don't stuff the product sheet with too much information: organize it into an initial, brief description, followed by technical details, and then add a more detailed description if necessary.

Variables, quantity, and price

Imagine a clothing store: for each product, the customer will want to choose the size and color, and they also might be interested in buying more than one item.

Don't overlook these variables. Make sure the user can identify them as easily as possible.

Also, remember to clearly display the price, the VAT, and any discounts: the user wants to know all this information when deciding whether to make the purchase.

Add to Cart button

The entire product sheet is designed to channel the user's attention here: this is the button they'll need to click to proceed with the purchase.

Make sure the button is very visible, and use a clear CTA (call to action). Add everything that might help push them to click on it: free shipping, discounts, delivery times, ease of purchase, secure payments, guaranteed returns, etc.

Testimonials, ratings, and reviews

As we mentioned earlier, people are looking for information that supports their decision to make the purchase. It has been proven that in this phase, they tend to give a lot of credit to the testimonies of people who have already bought and tried the product.

So make sure to include customer reviews in your product sheet: they are reassuring, and can give the visitor the last push they need to complete the purchase.

Related products

You have the attention of the user who is viewing your online store's product sheet. Why not seize this opportunity to show them other products for sale in your store? That's exactly what the "related products" section does: it introduces them to new resources, and may convince the customer to add more products to their shopping cart.

Here's a tip. Carefully examine correlations to make sure that useful products are suggested to the user: you'll get better results.

Social media buttons

These days, we tend to share everything we like or that seems interesting to us. Encouraging this trend can be a way to gain indirect advertising and make your online store visible to a wider audience. So don't forget to add social media share buttons.

Convincing product sheets: copywriting tips

If you review the elements that make up a product sheet, you'll notice how many texts and micro-texts you'll need to prepare: titles, brief descriptions, technical details, calls to action, etc. Don't underestimate the importance of this content: these are the words that will convince customers to make the purchase. So you need to be thorough but not overly wordy, and be engaging and convincing. Above all, remember that you're not just writing for your customers, but also for search engines.

Here are a few tips for successful copywriting.

Emphasize original content

The bigger the project, the greater the temptation to copy content from other websites or from manufacturers' catalogs. You must resist this temptation, though. The success of your online store depends on it.

Search engines severely penalize copied or duplicated content, while rewarding original, high-quality content. Plus, if you're just copying text from elsewhere, you're losing out on the chance to implement a few persuasive levers that could help increase your sales.

Invest in creating unique, original text for each product sheet: maybe start with your most important products, then complete all the rest later.

You can use the same descriptions only for products that differ in size and color, but in this case, make sure to add canonical tags to these pages.

Invest in quality translations

Writing original text is always the best solution, but if you decide to translate text made available by foreign producers, at least make sure that you're providing good translations.

There's nothing worse than text that's hard to understand or that has grammatical errors: users will immediately recognize machine translations, and they'll think the company who published them is unprofessional. Your credibility depends on it!

Choose your words and tone of voice carefully

You don't just need to know your products well, you also need to understand the people you're talking to: this will allow you to know what to say, and to find the best words to do so.

Try to establish a direct dialog, using clear and simple language while maintaining a tone of voice that's consistent with the brand's positioning. Unless you're working in special sectors, like luxury items or very formal businesses, you can address your customers informally, to be more personal and engaging.

Anticipate responses

Put yourself in your potential customers' shoes: what information would be useful to them, what would convince them, what might bother them, or what might they ask?

Try to anticipate them by immediately providing all the necessary information and answering all the most common questions up front. This will result in more persuasive text and - another advantage - it will reduce the amount of time customers need before deciding to make a purchase.

Talk about the benefits, not the products

There's a famous quote by Philip Kotler, one of the world's most influential marketing experts:

"People don't want a drill machine, they want a hole in the wall"

What does that mean? It means that in reality, people aren't buying a product: they're buying a solution to their problem. Sometimes they're buying a better version of themselves, or the social prestige that derives from purchasing an object.

That's why the product sheet copy shouldn't only describe the product's technical features: these are important, but they should be accompanied by the main benefits that the product guarantees. In other words, talk about the hole, not just the drill!

Leave room for emotions

Although we're convinced that our decisions are completely rational, neuromarketing reveals that our decisions are much more influenced by cognitive bias and emotions than we'd like to admit.

Understanding these mechanisms can help you create more persuasive text. In general, if you can transform the benefit resulting from the purchase of your product into an emotion, you'll achieve a higher level of customer engagement and you'll significantly improve their likelihood of making the purchase.

Successful product sheets: tips for User Experience

As we saw earlier, there are many elements that go into a product sheet. You'll need to organize the text, images, and "buy" buttons in a way that gives everything the right emphasis and leads to the final goal: finalizing the sale.

So here are a few useful tips to help you best organize your product sheets, and therefore guarantee an ideal user experience for your online store's visitors.

Organize information above and below the fold

Only a more or less consistent percentage of users who arrive on your page will read it all the way through and truly view all the content on it. This means the top part of your product sheet is crucial.

The part of the page that is immediately visible in the first scroll is often referred to as the part that's "above the fold". This limited space should include everything that is most crucial for the customer:

title
images
brief description
price and payment information
availability
"buy" button

What about all the rest? That goes below the fold, or after the first mouse scroll. If you succeed in capturing the customer's interest with the information placed above the fold, they'll scroll down and you'll be able to cement their decision with the content located below the fold.

Avoid the "wall of text" effect

Like a physical store, the product sheet's page should look attractive and welcoming: customers should feel at ease and enjoy browsing through the content on offer, finding everything in its place, exactly where they would expect it.

Avoid creating pages that are too full and crammed: make empty space your ally in creating a balanced, airy feel. Try to make your pages easy to read and help them load quickly: use titles and bold font wisely, organize your text into paragraphs, and use bullet points or numbered lists where possible. This improves legibility, not just for your users, but also for the search engines.

Choose your CTAs carefully

A product sheet's call to action is represented by the classic "Buy" or "Add to cart" buttons.

As we mentioned above, the customer's attention should converge upon this element, to encourage them to click and proceed with the purchase. Given its importance, it's never a bad idea to run A/B tests, if possible, to find out which version of the button leads to more conversions. In any case, it's good practice to make sure it's highly visible, easy to click (including on mobile, where there's less space), and located close to all the elements that can help make the sale: guarantees, discounts, etc.

Online store product sheets: SEO tips

When creating your online store's product sheet, you need to consider not just your potential customers, but the search engines too: Google, Bing, and Yahoo - to name just the largest ones - can in fact become your best allies in bringing relevant traffic to you, meaning new potential buyers.

So, here are some best practices for optimizing your product sheets that you can't do without.

Security, speed, and responsiveness

Regardless of the optimizations you'll make on each individual product sheet, there are also some tips for SEO that apply to the entire online store.

Let's start with security. Data tells us that more and more people are shopping online, but in order for them to do so, they need to feel safe. The most important thing an online store should do, therefore, is display the SSL certificate that allows the transition from HTTP to HTTPS.

Careful! In July 2018, Google started to flag sites that still used HTTP protocols as unsecured, making the transition to HTTPS basically mandatory for everyone, not just site owners handling sensitive information and financial transactions, like with online stores.

If you want to learn more about this topic, read Google's guide on Protecting your website with HTTPS protocol.

The second factor to consider is your pages' load times. Not only are users unwilling to wait, many search engines also demand fast-loading pages.

Amazon, for example, knows that there's a correlation between its performances and its sales: it estimated that every extra 100 milliseconds spent rendering the page results in a 1% loss of sales. That's why, despite the thousands of products in its catalog and a Home Page that isn't at all minimalistic, Amazon makes it all load in barely 1 second!

Final point: responsiveness. If we consider that over 33% of purchases in Europe are made via smartphone, and that this trend is growing, it's clear why any online store must be optimized for mobile browsing. Even in conditions of low connectivity, pages should always be lightweight enough to load quickly, and all elements should be easy to read and click.

Title, Title and Description

These are the first three elements you should take care of to optimize your product sheet.

First, you should set up the title tags (Header): remember that these serve to organize the page's content, and are divided according to their priority, with H1 indicating the main title, down to H6 for any notes or additional details. Your product sheets should include the product name under H1 and use H2 for the name of the brand and secondary keywords.

Next, create a unique tag title for each product sheet. The tag title specifies the page's title, and it's very important because it will be linked to your site in the SERP (search engine results page).

Tag titles should be no longer than 70 characters, and begin with the key word. Depending on whether your online store sells one brand or multiple brands, and on the weight of the brand, you can try to structure your tag title as "Brand | key word" or "Key word | Brand".

Finally, pay attention to the meta description: although Google doesn't directly use this element to increase the PageRank, it is often displayed in the SERP snippet. If it's persuasive, it will have a positive influence on the CTR (click-through rate), or the percentage of clicks.

Highlight benefits (discounts, free shipping, etc.) in your meta description and don't forget to insert a call to action.

Images

As we mentioned, a product sheet absolutely must have images, for a very simple reason: if you want your online store to be successful, you need to try to satisfy your customers, and since your customers can't physically touch the products, they'll at least want to see it up close and from different angles.

Once you have them, make sure they are optimized for the web:

Crop the images so that they are not larger than they need to be, and reduce their weight as much as possible by saving them in the most appropriate format: JPG for photos, GIF for animated images, PNG to maintain transparency. Try out different options until you find the best ratio between image weight and quality.
Rename the image files using the names of the products they portray: use keywords within the file names to improve your positioning.
Insert the ALT text tag for each image: you can use both the product's name as well as a few secondary keywords.

Especially if you have a lot of products and/or many images, this optimization process can be rather long and onerous, but remember:

Reducing the image weights contributes to faster load times for your pages: this is important both for improving navigation, especially on mobile, and as a factor for positioning.
Optimizing product images can help direct organic traffic through Google Image Search.

Structured data and Rich Snippets

A good title and a valid meta description will give you a SERP snippet you can be pleased with, but competition is so fierce that it's worth taking an extra step. Use the microdata provided by Schema.org (a standard supported by Google as well as Bing and Yahoo) to create Rich Snippets.

As you can guess from the name, Rich Snippets are snippets enriched with extra elements like stars, number of reviews, and prices.

[image:image-4]

Rich snippets, like meta descriptions, don't have a direct effect on page rankings, but they definitely catch users' attention and make your message more compelling, increasing your total CTR.

Conclusions

Now that you've learned how much you can do to optimize your online store's product sheets, you're ready to get to work. Of course, if you haven't begun working on your online store yet, there's plenty of information available about how to get the best start: choose the version of WebSite X5 that best suits your needs and create your virtual storefront today. Your customers are waiting online.

Website under construction: how and why you should create a "Coming Soon" page

Incomedia — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 09:54:00 GMT

People often think they should wait for their site to be online before promoting it. Wrong! Don't repeat this common mistake: you'll only be losing valuable time.

It makes sense if you think about it. If you start telling people right away that the website for your new store, upcoming event, or your start-up will be online soon, you can lay the groundwork and generate interest and anticipation, so that when your site finally goes live, you'll already have an audience waiting for it.

In the meantime - from the moment you tell everyone a new website is coming until it actually goes online - you'll need a "Coming Soon" page.

But take care! That doesn't mean making a sad little page with a timid "Coming Soon" in the center: this approach won't do much for you.

Keep reading to find out:

Why you need a page that tells visitors your site is under construction.
Which elements are key for a perfect "Coming Soon" page.
Which tools you can use to create your website's "Coming Soon" page.

We'll show you plenty of practical examples to help you understand what we mean right away.

Why you need a "Coming Soon" page

We already mentioned the first reason for having a "Coming Soon" page: it lets you immediately start to promote your website, without having to wait for it to be finished and published.

The "Coming Soon" page also allows you to start sharing information about your project: for example, you can tell people what your online store will sell, what your blog will discuss, or what your start-up is all about.

What's more, you can also use your "Coming Soon" page to post a newsletter sign-up form: this is a valuable tool for collecting subscribers and building an audience.

A "Coming Soon" page also has advantages for your SEO: it allows you to index your domain before publishing your website.

Finally, a well-made "Coming Soon" page piques people's curiosity and generates anticipation, encouraging visitors to return. This allows you to lay the groundwork for a successful launch: once your website is ready, it won't go unnoticed, because you'll already have an audience waiting and you'll start to see results immediately.

But what's the best way to create a winning "Coming Soon" page? Let's find out.

Which elements are key for a perfect "Coming Soon" page?

Your "Coming Soon" page should serve to pique viewers' curiosity, generate anticipation, and encourage people to come back once the site is ready.

So here are the most important elements for your "Coming Soon" page.

Logo

Your "Coming Soon" page is your official introduction to the world: so start by telling us who you are. If you don't have one yet, now is the time to design a logo.

As we discuss in the article, How to Design a Successful Logo, it's best to choose a logo that's simple and original, which represents your work and can be adapted to fit the various contexts you may use it in. Your logo helps people associate your name with an image, and therefore makes you more memorable. Logos are a key element for building brand awareness and beginning to grow your presence, so design it carefully.

#Let's learn with an example

Typetalk's "Coming Soon" page not only features a logo, it centers around the logo, making it very clear who this page is about. Then the rest follows: the description, form, and contacts.

Presentation

In addition to logos, you should include a short introduction about your company, your product, or your blog. People rarely return to a website if they don't understand what it's about.

Try to be clear. Your text should explain:

what your website is for;
why it's a useful resource;
what needs it serves.

But above all, try to be concise: don't write more than 2 paragraphs and don't reveal too much, otherwise you're removing a reason for people to come back.

#Let's learn with an example

Phloem does a great job in clearly and concisely explaining who they are, what they do, and what value they add. Straight to the point, without being overly wordy.

Sign-up form

Even if your "Coming Soon" page is amazing, there's always a risk that people will forget about you and your website. That's why you should include a sign-up form: this allows you to get back in touch with people when your site is finished.

It's also an important tool for beginning to understand how many people are truly interested in what you offer, and for keeping their attention with interesting content and updates, invitations to exclusive events, and coupons for their first purchases.

Two tips for creating a successful sign-up form:

minimize the amount of fields to fill out: in most cases, usernames and e-mail addresses are all you need. People hate wasting time.
write a clear and direct call to action, and highlight the benefits to signing up.

#Let's learn with an example

In its "Coming Soon" page, Fixers uses a sign-up field with a single field and a particularly catchy CTA. Instead of the usual "Sign up" CTA, they wrote "Take Me Away", which catches readers' attention and promises something much more enticing: "The vacation you never thought you could have."

Countdown

A countdown is a powerful way to let people know when your project will go live, as well as for generating that sense of anticipation and excitement that will incite people to come back.

However, a countdown can also be a double-edged sword: if you do give people a date for your launch, you'll have to meet that deadline or disappoint your audience and start off on the wrong foot.

So if you're not 100% sure that you can keep that deadline, don't add a countdown, or at least set it to display the month or year to give yourself some margin and avoid missing the target launch date.

#Let's learn with an example

Revista's "Coming Soon" page embraces that risk, and uses a countdown as the central element of the page.

Meanwhile, CleverDever Wherever uses a softer approach: rather than a countdown, they use a more general time frame. This changes the sense of urgency, but it's still an effective means of communication.

Contact information and social media profiles

Think of your "Coming Soon" page as a calling card which people will use to find you again. This page must have all the information they'll need to contact you: e-mail, address, telephone number. This information makes you look available and professional, in addition to allowing interested visitors readers to request more information.

Don't forget to link to your main online profiles: they can also become important channels for keeping people up to date about your project's progress, and keeping them interested in your work.

#Let's learn with an example

Blackpacker Travel relies on Facebook and Twitter, and displays these buttons clearly on its web page. You don't need to be on every single social network: choose the ones that are most relevant to your target audience, and use them wisely. It's better to have a good presence on a few channels than to haphazardly use too many.

... don't forget design.

Although it's not a single page element, design is also crucial for a successful "Coming Soon" page, of course.

If you look back at our previous examples, or search the web for more inspiration, you'll notice that no design element is left up to chance. Choose your photos or illustrations, color palettes, and font families to suit the type of communication you're aiming for, or the kind of emotions you're looking to create.

Often, the page's final layout is a careful compromise between the graphic designer's creativity and the brand's guidelines. Because in the end, the "Coming Soon" page is a preview of the website itself, and maintaining a certain consistency between them is often the best decision.

Which tools you can use to create your website's "Coming Soon" page

"Coming Soon" pages aren't just a preview of a website under construction, as we discussed above; they can also be used in websites that are already online, to tell visitors that a new section will be available soon.

To help you handle all these different circumstances, we've prepared six different layouts which you can use for pages under construction, and which we've bundled into the Website Tuning Pack. Plus, the guide includes all the instructions you'll need for creating your best "Coming Soon" page ever with WebSite X5.

Ready to get to work? Unleash your creativity, and with some luck, your "Coming Soon" page might go viral and ensure great visibility and free publicity.

What are the best fonts for the web?

Incomedia — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 09:58:00 GMT

Once you decide to make a website, you need to use the right software to help you create the various pages. In particular, this software should place the right emphasis on design aspects. A key part of this process is choosing the right fonts for a website, for at least two reasons: in order to present yourself professionally, and to make sure that the text in all your pages is clean, legible, but also original and aesthetically pleasing. But what are the best fonts for a website? Let's find out.

Website fonts: the main categories.

When you choose a font for your website, you need to consider the various font "families": in general, we all use the two or three most common ones, but this really is a decision you should make carefully. Here are the two main categories: "Sans serif" and "Serif".

Fonts for professional websites: Sans serif

Sans serif fonts are the most popular overall, because they are simple, linear, as well as modern and innovative. "Sans serif" means "without flourish", meaning that the letters' strokes aren't extended out: this makes them perfect for use in a professional website, because the resulting text looks clear and clean. The main sans serif fonts are:

Arial, a modern font with soft lines;
Futura, a font used by very famous brands;
Helvetica, another very popular font in the world of advertising.

Fonts for photography portfolios or other creatively-focused websites: serifs

Unlike the fonts listed above, serif fonts do have "flourishes". This makes them ideal for a photography website or for a broad range of other creative activities. In general, they're perfect for titles and headers, which are usually larger in size.

That's because the increased size makes them more legible, while they're less suitable for text blocks as they can be tiring to read, especially if you use them for a mobile site. The most common sans serif fonts are:

Times New Roman, which we've all used at least once;
Bodoni, a clean and elegant font often used for logos

Website fonts: other examples

Choosing the right font for a website also depends on the type of company and target audience: the font you would use for a photography website, for example, can be more unique and artistic, while the best fonts for professional websites, like those of banks or other institutions, should be more simple and elegant.

What's more, these days you should also make sure that you choose a font that's suitable for a mobile website, meaning text that also looks clear and legible on mobile devices.

Finally, let's talk about other, more "niche" web fonts:

Calligraphy

These fonts mimic the look of handwritten script, and they can also be great for professional websites, at least for page titles, because they add elegance and style.

Gothic script

A fascinating choice, they evoke ancient writing, since they are derived from the Greek or runic alphabets. Old English is the most widely-used of these.

Although they're elegant, be careful when using these fonts for the web, as the tight spacing between letters and the fact that they're often bold can make them difficult to read.

Web Fonts and how to use them

Now that we know all about the most common font types, including the large number of possible solutions out there, we still need to understand how to integrate the fonts we like on our web pages. There are many strategies to follow, and one of the most popular ones is relying on Google Fonts.

To put it in a nutshell, Google Font is a service offering a vast archive of ready-to-use Web Fonts: these fonts are stored on Google servers and are then simply loaded on the web pages using style sheets. With WebSite X5 you can very easily integrate and use Google Fonts on your projects. Find out how to do it: watch this video or read the article "How to add a font from Google Fonts".

Cab41: from the physical stage to an online one

Incomedia — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:08:00 GMT

Andrea Fasoglio, artistic director and President of Turin's Cab 41 Cabaret, has used WebSite X5 for years. With this software, he was ale to create his organization's website as a means to promote their cabaret shows. Why did he choose WebSite X5, what advantages did it offer, and how did Cab41 position itself online? Let's find out together.

Cab41's history

Cab 41 was founded in 1994, with the goal of providing a home and a cultural center to many artists in Turin that no longer had the opportunity to go to the historic Centralino club. In 1998, Cab 41 stopped putting on live music, focusing only on cabaret shows. Over the years, it has become a landmark in the country's comedy scene. Franco Neri, Beppe Braida, Enrico Brignano, Ale e Franz, I Panpers and Gianpiero Perone are just a few of many famous performers whose careers began in this theater, located in Turin's Crocetta district. 25 years later, Cab41 is now a landmark in the country's comedy scene.

The need for a website

The group first started thinking about creating their own online space in the early 2000s, when the Internet started to become an important calling card for businesses and individuals alike. At the time, a “basic” website with only a few pages and even amateur photos was considered enough. Despite these limitations, a website could provide Cab41 with a great opportunity to showcase their range of performances, and the group's directors didn't hesitate to seize it.

Today, having a presence online and on social media is nearly mandatory for anybody working with the public. Websites and social media profiles are a way to express the group's image and offer a window into their work. These need to be well-designed, with in-depth content that's kept up to date according to the organization's current offerings.

Finding WebSite X5

Andrea, Cab41's director, has used WebSite X5 since its first edition. He explains that he grew up alongside the program, and has never used any competitor's products because he has always preferred to use a desktop product rather than online solutions.

"Working with WebSite X5 has been very simple, and at first, I wondered why other programs were less intuitive.”

Andrea took care of every aspect of creating the website: from writing the content to the design, which he (and his cabaret) place particular emphasis on.

Increased visibility and reservations, thanks to the website

Andrea explains that his theater's business has benefited from the online visibility granted by the website.

"The increased visibility and the growth of online services has benefited the theater's business, especially in terms of reservations and people viewing our schedule of shows."

In fact, for an organization like Cab 41, brand awareness is crucial: this includes publicizing the cabaret's schedule of shows and activities online, so that people can find out about these events and decide to book tickets .

The future is a show

Cab 41's future, just like its stage, promises lively activity. It's very important for the organization to stay fresh and up to date, which is why the website is updated every two years or so.

“Adding new content and refreshing the design makes a website less static, giving the sense that the organization is always moving forward and never standing still.”

An online project that's always changing perfectly represents Cab41's cabaret, and its very spirit. Which is exactly what a website should do.

Looking to create your own website? Start today, it's free.

How to use Meta Descriptions for SEO

Incomedia — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 23:01:00 GMT

The meta tag description is an HTML attribute inserted into your web page's header tag.

Essentially, it's the preview text that search engines display for every result. It's very helpful to optimize your meta description, and you should always create and implement it in tandem with the tag title (learn what that is and how to use it).

Over the years, Google has changed the way in which it assesses meta descriptions for SEO. Today, the largest search engine no longer weighs this aspect for its rankings. Instead, it evaluates this content in order to display the clearest possible results on the SERP and help users carry out their searches. In fact, this description should describe the content of the entire page. That's why it should be written in a way that catches users' attention and convinces them to click on your link.

Here are the main features of a good meta description:

The meta description expands on the tag title, and helps users find the search engine results that best suit their needs.
Ideally, these descriptions are between 135 and 155 characters long; any longer and Google tends to cut them off mid-phrase.
The description should be precise, and if possible, contains a call to action.
Within this meta description, you should at least include the main keyword: not only will Google display it in the results, it also helps the search engine evaluate the text's relevance based on the tag title.

A successful meta description:

fits the web page's content;
uses copywriting levers like persuasion and social proof, underscores a concrete benefit and leaves users intrigued;
includes the page's keyword;
is unique.

Many studies have shown that inserting numbers into the meta description's text or leading with a question leads to more clicks from Google search users. For example:

"Want to learn how to write perfect meta descriptions in just 30 minutes?"
"Free, fast returns".

The meta description is a key tool for getting users to click on your link.

So now that you've learned what a meta description is and how to use one, try it out yourself! Adding a meta description to your website's pages is super simple with WebSite X5: start now and create your first website for free.

TAG TITLES: What are they and how can they help your SEO?

Incomedia — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 23:01:00 GMT

A tag title is the HTML code that indicates the title of each web page. This element is displayed in the SERP (search engine results page) as a clickable link. Tag titles have two purposes: they improve SEO and tell readers about the contents of the page.

Technically, the tag title is a string of text contained within the tag, which is inserted within a web page's header. Each page in your website must have a unique title tag.

When you write a new blog post, or create a new page in your website, always keep in mind that each post or page will be ranked by search engines. You'll want to optimize them to make sure they show up on the results page. That's why it's important to start with a strategic tag title, which should contain the main keyword you want to use to position the page. If possible, you may also want to include a few related ones. Google's own guidelines recommend using short, descriptive, and compelling titles.

Here's a handy check list to help you make sure your tag title is optimized correctly:

Use one or more keywords that are relevant to the page.
Stay within 55 and 60 characters, and don't exceed 65 characters, which is the maximum length Google displays for each result in the SERP.
Be specific.
Lead with the most relevant keyword.

That said, don't forget that in addition to fitting search engines' requirements, tag titles should spark visitors' interest. After all, the goal is to draw them into your website. So here are a few tips for writing tag titles with your users in mind:

Insert numbers or offer a solution to a problem. For example: "30 ways to write an effective tag title".
Highlight advantages: good tag titles emphasize discounts or a brand's concrete benefits. They usually contain words like "discount", "24-hr shipping", "free returns", etc.
Use tag titles to convey a specific call to action. For example, "Look for a home near..."
Add a branded query: a keyword that corresponds to the name of your product or brand. If the user is searching for your brand, you can help them find it right away.

The tag title is part of a website's HTML tags, which are the elements that help Google and other search engines assess a web page. Some of these tags are particularly significant for a web site's ranking. In addition to tag titles, the most important ones include the description, also known as the "meta description", and heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.). The meta tag also serves to clearly explain the site's content to the users within Google's search engine results page. This helps them decide whether they'll find what they're searching for in your site. Meanwhile, heading tags tell search engines about the hierarchy of the page's contents. The most important information is organized under the H1 tag, and should contain the main keyword, followed by H2 with the subtitle, and so on.

Other elements that can help improve your web page's SEO include anchor texts, which are words or phrases used within the text to link to another web page, and the use of lists within your text to make it clearer and easier to read.

Now that you know the steps for optimizing your website, it's time to put them to use: if you don't own WebSite X5 yet, download the free version today, and read the article that explains how to insert tag titles within your pages with WebSite X5.

How to design an effective logo

Incomedia — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 23:01:00 GMT

A company's logo is like the first page of a book: it's a window, a manifesto, and a symbol. It's the first form of visual contact, the most iconic and representative part of a company, and immediately summarizes the company's own “way of being". That's why, especially in our current era of communication and images, logos play such a key role in business. Usually, a logo consists of something that is easily identifiable, like a symbol, a brand, a word, or a graphic image. A successful logo must be clear, recognizable, simple, and reproducible, and it must reflect the values of the company it represents. A "good logo” should spark the audience's imagination, reinforce the brand's image and become synonymous with the brand: it's a mnemonic tool and a signifier that transmits thoughts, values, ideas, and causes an emotional response in the viewer. Some logos are so famous and so cemented in our collective consciousness that they've become cultural and social icons in their own right, “stars” in our media universe.

How to create a great logo

There are a few steps you'll need to follow to design an effective logo. Let's start with the main ones:

it's still good practice to start with pencil and paper rather than the computer. The “old school” approach encourages more imagination. Once you think you've found a compelling solution, you can start thinking about transferring it to the computer;
as mentioned above, a logo must reflect the company's values, so it's important to define the company's philosophy and understand your target audience's ages, tastes, and tendencies;
it's helpful to take a look at the most successful logos and do some research on specific websites that may provide inspiration or spark creativity
graphic design means choosing an appropriate style, font, and colors. When it comes to colors, we recommend choosing no more than two, and making sure that they are complementary; as for fonts, it's best to use typefaces that aren't overly loud; it's also best to choose a more minimal style;
as we said earlier, looking at what others have done is helpful not just for drawing inspiration, but also for knowing how to stand out. It's the only way to create a truly original logo that's different from the competition, and that can draw attention with words or details that immediately resonate with your audience.

Remember that a good logo is the first step for creating a successful brand.

The pay off: a key tool for success

To make your logo even more recognizable, you often also need to add a payoff, which is a phrase under the logo that summarizes the very essence of a product or a company's mission statement as briefly as possible. Payoffs have often been the decisive factor in making a product to stand out from the competition: notable examples include “Just do it” by Nike, and “Taste the feeling” by Coca Cola, among others. These short, simple phrases are compelling and allow the company to linger in consumer's memories for longer.

However, over the past few years, payoffs have become a little less significant in the digital and social media age. Many brands, like Amazon and Google, don't use them. This decline is also due to the ever-increasing pace of communications, ad campaigns that last only a few months, and the way that clients’ demands and requirements can change in the blink of an eye.

Mistakes to avoid

To summarize, here are some useful tips for creating a logo that paves the way to success.

Choose a simple, brief, and direct design.
Avoid illustrations or complicated drawings.
Don't use too many colors, and don't focus on the first font available to you: often, it takes a bit of patience to find the style that best suits our needs.
Don't follow trends. Even if you intend to update your logo as time goes on, it's important to maintain a certain level of visual and graphic continuity with the previous logo.
Create a flexible logo that can be adapted to various contexts, from the web to newspapers, billboards, and smartphones.

Now that you know the most important aspects to designing an effective logo, grab your pencil and paper and try it yourself!

How to start local products ecommerce

Incomedia — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 23:01:00 GMT

You’ve got the best homegrown goods at your fingertips, but you’d prefer to think global. And why not? When it’s about selling local products, creating an ecommerce could be the right solution.

Follow these tips on how to sell local products online and soon the whole world will be discovering what you have to offer!

Selling typical products: select a style for your ecommerce

A picture is worth a thousand words and your graphics are your first chance to grab the visitor’s attention. That means you’ve got to know what you want and what consumers do too. Consider the following:

Who is my customer? If you’re aiming young, keep the design freewheeling and funky; if you’re targeting women, get in touch with your feminine side! Make sure your site is styled to suit whoever will be walking through the e-door!
What makes my product special? Dull grey backdrops won’t sell delicious local delicacies, while elegant hand-carved antiques don’t call for flashy neon prints. If you’re going to sell local products online, be sure that you’re honouring what makes them unique.

WebSite X5 provides 500 ready website templates with its website-building software, so you’re sure to find something

that suits your brand. If not, no worries! You’ll also be able to make your own website from scratch.

Want to sell local products online? Move with the times!

Over three billion people shop online so it’s a market that everyone is eager to tap. The key to mastering it is staying ahead of the curve.

WebSite X5 allows you to build a site that is optimised for both computers and mobile devices. Today, that’s more important than ever as more and more people are shopping on the go. In fact, mobile sales are growing at a rate of 200%, so make sure your ecommerce site is ready to go wherever your consumers are.

Get paid the right way

Once you start to sell local products online, you’re going to have money coming from all over the world. That might seem a little hard to organise but all you need is an effective online checkout system.

Building your site with WebSite X5 means that you can easily integrate different methods of payment, including the most popular options, such as bank transfers and PayPal. Even better, they’ll handle the technical aspects for you, so you just pick a method, enter your details and sit back as the money flows in!

Do social networks help improve your SEO results?

Incomedia — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 23:01:00 GMT

Social networks refers to collections of entities (people, companies, etc.) grouped by interests, by demographics, and by many other categories, where each entity has a relationship with the other entities in that group. This means that a social networks is a very interesting source of data and can be very lucrative for the companies who own it.

With this in mind, it's clear why access to this information isn't freely given to third parties. In fact, the majority of the resources found on a social network website's domain (e.g. Facebook.com) aren't analyzable by crawlers (software used to analyze and scan a domain), and aren't included in search engine indexes. Now let's introduce another definition that has been gaining ground in conventional media: the DeepWeb, or the part of the Internet that's hidden, submerged. In practice, this refers to all of the resources which aren't indexed by search engines, and aren't accessible by most web users. This includes information from social networks.

If the majority of a social network's information isn't visible, what is the point of integrating these networks with search engines? After all, the information used to define organic positioning would be based on incomplete data.

This isn't to say that information from social networks that is indexed by search engines isn't taken into consideration; this information is actually given the same weight as articles, blog comments, forum threads, etc.

How does Google value the influence of social networks when calculating search result rankings?

In 2014, Matt Cuts posted a video (YouTube Video) in which he explained why it didn't make sense to include signals from the two largest social networks of the time, Facebook and Twitter, into Google's ranking algorithms (the calculation the search engine assigns points to a resource). Later, Google signed a partnership with Twitter to analyze tweets, but abandoned this project.

In a 2015 Hangout hosted by John Mueller (YouTube Video, minute 19:55) the relationship between search engines and social networks was explained once more. There is no special relationship between them, and he claims that no direct signals are used to calculate a resource's search rankings.

How Google Works

In this paragraph, we'll explain the building blocks of a search engine in more detail. This should clear up the reasons for all this confusion about whether social networks are important for organic positioning, or whether they don't have a special relationship with search engines, and are treated the same as other web resources.

Google has released a few patents in which we find a distinction between two important structures that exploit its system for organizing systems into graphs. A graph is a means of representing complex relationships for a specific domain. Search engines use the Link Graph and the Social Graph. The Link Graph is used to keep track of links between the different websites that make up the web. This graph is shaped by a website's internal and external links.

The Social Graph keeps track of mentions, citations, and co-citations. How many people are talking about your brand online? How “famous” are you online? How many domains contain a link to your domain? This last question shows the intersection between the Link Graph and the Social Graph.

What are mentions, citations, and co-citations? And most importantly, how can you create them?

Mentions are citations of your brand or domain within a resource. A mention isn't a link, but rather text within an article, forum thread, blog comment, or public Facebook post, for example, as long as this page is present and archived within a search engine index.

Citations are links to an external domain with the intention of creating a connection.

Co-citations are also links, but they are defined as such when several links to different external domains are located within a text, dealing with the same topic. For example, if an article comparing two or more cameras includes links to various online stores, those are co-citations.

Together, these three elements are referred to as the Social Signal. They're not the social signals many picture, rather they work more like “indirect influence” John Mueller refers to in his hangout. Either way, if these elements are used well, with a good balance of the three, they can form the basis for an effective strategy for earning links from other domains.

A closer look at Google's 2016 patent

In its patent, “Searching Content of Prominent Users in Social Network”, which you can read here link Google tries to define a method for extracting social connections contained in a search engine's index for a given brand and/or its domain, if they do coincide.

Here's a summary of some of the steps:

Receiving the user query
Collecting information and organizing connections to that brand/domain
Refining the results based on connections in the search engine index.
Visualizing search results which are also weighted based on social signal.

Later on in the patent, we also find interesting passages concerning the filtering of social connections found by Google's crawlers, analyzing the WEB, information that is considered important, and how to organize it. If you're interested in learning more about this, read sections 0007, 0026, 0031, 00041 e 0048.

Conclusions

In this article, we've explained what a Social Signal is, and how there is no direct or special link between organic positioning and your activities on social networks like Facebook. This doesn't mean that it is useless when it comes to positioning strategies, just keep these warnings in mind when using it.

5 tips for a flawless Facebook page

Incomedia — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 23:01:00 GMT

Facebook is like an enormous “country”, populated by over 2.3 billion monthly users. Given this gigantic number of users, companies and entrepreneurs just can't ignore the platform's impact on their marketing strategies.

Although a Facebook page can't replace a website, as we explained in our article “Website or social media? Find out what works better”, you should keep in mind that, just like your website, your Facebook page can also show up in Google's search engine results.

It's also worth knowing that more and more people are using Facebook's search feature as a way to find information or businesses, meaning the platform itself functions as a search engine.

How can you optimize your presence on Facebook to make the best possible impression? Here are five tips for turning your fan page into a competitive asset.

1. Choose your business's name wisely

It may seem obvious, but choosing the right name for your company Facebook page is the first step towards success. Make sure not to allow any confusion between your Facebook username and your page name: your Facebook username is the unique identifier at the end of the Facebook URL and is also displayed under your page name, after the @ symbol. Your Facebook page name, on the other hand, is the title of your page, and what shows up in search results within Facebook. If your company has a very descriptive name, nobody else is using it, or if it's a registered trademark (like “Barilla”), you can use your company name as the name of the page.

However, if your company is new, or is a niche company, you'll need a more strategic approach: people searching online with the intent of making purchases are more likely to use key words than brand names when they're typing in their search terms.

Instead of relying solely on your business's real name for your Facebook page, you could combine it with a key word that indicates the products or services you sell. For example, if you have a shoe store named "Zapatos", using only that name for the company's page may not be the best idea. Adding a keyword to the name of your Facebook page (for example “Zapatos - Women's Shoes”) will help you show up in the appropriate searches for your industry.

2. Optimize your “About” section

The “About” section is where you should share more information about your company and explain its values and the advantages of your products or services. But don't get carried away, because you only have 155 characters to do so.

This is one of the most important sections in your entire page, because it's the first place new visitors will go to find more information. In general, people want to learn more about your brand and your fan page before clicking the “like” button.

Use compelling, precise, and concise text that include relevant keywords to encourage your audience to click the thumbs up button.

3. Create and share high-quality content

Yes, even on Facebook, high-quality content is still the best strategy for gaining visibility, and that doesn't just mean sharing your blog posts. You need to carefully plan your posts and make them as compelling as possible, in order to catch user's attention and encourage sharing. The first 30-40 characters of your post are especially important, because they'll serve as the meta description within Facebook's search results, which tells users more about a particular item of content.

Don't forget that people enjoy visual content, whether that's images or videos. Regularly publishing these kinds of posts can lead to more engagement in terms of sharing blog articles or status updates.

4. Organize the tab order

Your Facebook fan page includes certain generic tabs, like About, Events, and Photos.

As you set up your page and add content, you may need to organize, add, or eliminate certain tabs to make your profile more useful and interesting.

If you want to make it easier for your audience to find what they're looking for, create more tabs and organize them. For example, it's a good idea to place the reviews tab on top, then videos and photos, and then posts. Similarly, depending on the nature of your business, you may not need certain tabs at all. In that case, you can remove them to prioritize those that are most useful to you.

5. Use Facebook Messenger

Since more and more companies are now using social media for customer support, Facebook Messenger is a great way to show your followers that you're available to help them solve any problems they might encounter. One of the most important things to know about Messenger is that your responsiveness is automatically determined based on the speed at which you answer messages. That means that visitors will see how long it takes you to respond to messages, and normally, those who answer fastest receive more interaction. You can also change you settings in order to automatically display a Messenger window if somebody visits your page when you're not online, letting them know you'll get in touch as soon as possible.

To sum up, these tips for optimizing your Facebook page can help your business: a well-designed fan page can draw more traffic, “likes", and shares, as well as earning interest from your target audience and potential clients. Consistently optimize your page and results will soon follow!

Objects, guides, SEO... Here are all the new features in 2019.3

Incomedia — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 02:01:00 GMT

We've just released this year's third update, that's bursting with exciting new features.

The journey began in March, with the release of version 2019.1. This was a real turning point for us, as it included a make-over that covered everything from the logo to software names, the website, the user interface, and the Template gallery.

Then in June, we introduced version 2019.2, which was full of new features: the most important was the Full Height and the introduction of navigation with vertical tabs, as well as a series of improvements and upgrades for both the blog and the online store .

Now it's time to discover what version 2019.3 has in store for our users. It brings together all the progress we've made this year, and hints at what's coming in 2020, by including, among other things, new objects, handy guides and more powerful SEO.

New Objects: Content Slider and Buttons

Two new Objects have been added to the list of main Objects that come pre-installed with the software. These are the Content Slider and the Button, and you'll wonder how you ever lived without them - we're sure of it.

The Content Slider is the perfect Object for creating amazing Home Pages. You can create as many slides as you like and add transitions between them. Most of all, you can create slides with different backgrounds, images, text, descriptions, and a link.

Here's a little tip. Choose 3 products from your catalog or 3 news items from your website: add a Content Slider to the very top of your Home Page and create a slide for each of the three products/news items. Think of the slides as banners: to make them attractive, use a beautiful image, concise, persuasive text, and link them directly to the appropriate page for more details. You'll have amazing results in no time.

[image:image-0]

Meanwhile, the Button Object is just what you need to create something no website can do without, in just a few clicks: a button that incites users to perform an action.

We also have a tip for this object: choose the button's color, shape and especially its text, carefully. It should be easy to spot and it should convince visitors that clicking on it is the right thing to do. If you can, try it out to find which button works best.

Guides and Suggestions Toolbar: answering all your questions

We never get tired of repeating this simple truth: using WebSite X5 is easy, even if you don't know much about websites.

Over time, however, WebSite X5 has grown and more and more features have been added to allow even more results. This means that sometimes, you may need a tip or a little help to achieve your goals more quickly. That's why we've introduced a helpful Suggestions Toolbar.

The Suggestions Toolbar offers from brief overviews of the steps to take in a window that includes links, to more in-depth articles of potential interest. All of the articles, videos, and tutorials are published in the Help Center's new Guides section.

[image:image-1]

La nuova sezione Guide dell’Help Center è il frutto di un lavoro di riorganizzazione e aggiornamento dei molti materiali prodotti e nel tempo si arricchirà di tanti altri contenuti. Qui potete trovare tutto ciò che c’è da sapere su WebSite X5 e, se proprio vi rimarrà ancora un dubbio, potrete sempre rivolgervi alla community o al nostro servizio di Assistenza Tecnica.

Focus on SEO: more speed

It's no secret: Google favors pages that load fast.

The reason for this is simple. Online, people are impatient and don't want to wait for a page to load: if they are made to wait to long - and we're talking milliseconds! - it's very likely that they'll give up and go elsewhere.

Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to speed up your pages’ loading time: we've introduced 4 optimizations for significant improvements.

First of all, we've implemented a new engine that allows you to optimize all your images at once after they've already been added to your website. That means you can now reduce your total image weight by up to 60% without significantly compromising the quality of your pages.

Second, we've added the option of compressing files using the Gzip format before they are loaded into the browser for display. This makes a huge difference in transmission speeds: with Gzip, for example, HTML, CSS, and JS files are reduced by up to 80%.

Third, users can now choose to minify CSS and JS project files. Minifying a file means removing any superfluous segments of code (spaces, line breaks, comments, etc.) without affecting its function. It's a safe, effective solution.

Finally, we've implemented a fallback font for text display. This allows users to immediately view the page's text, even before the correct fonts load and are applied, making page loading significantly faster.

Remember!

Pages that load faster = Happy users = better Google results.

And as the saying goes: “... and much, much more.”

Those aren't even all the new features introduced in version 2019.3: the more attentive among you will also notice that we've updated the Object Management window. Optional Objects are a great way of completing web pages: now, it's easier than ever to search and select the ones you want to use for your projects.

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Fans of the Galleries will also appreciate the new thumbnail library we've created. From traditional to creative, you can browse for just the right style of thumbnails for your project's image gallery.

There are also new Templates. As usual, the new features excited our graphic designers as much as our users. They couldn't resist the temptation to immediately put the Content Slider Object to use by creating 5 new Template pre-sets (available for both Evo and Pro) and 10 new Templates for Pro.

As always, for a full list of new features introduced in version 2019.3, visit the News page.

If you have an active WebSite X5 license, you can install the new version right away: launch the program and you'll find the instructions for doing so in just a few clicks.

If you no longer have an active WebSite X5 license, you can renew now to receive the new version 2019.3.

5 tips for creating an effective 404 page

Incomedia — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 23:10:00 GMT

It's sure to help you out! You click a link or type in a URL, but instead of opening the page with the information you were looking for, you find yourself in front of a barren, white page with a brief message: Not Found. The requested document was not found on this server.

You've stumbled upon a 404 page: wouldn't you be a little less frustrated if this error page was a little nicer, and did provide some useful information about how to find what you're looking for?

Luckily, setting up a beautiful, useful 404 page is easier than you might think.

What is a 404 page

The 404 error (Not Found) is a standard code for HTTP protocol: it's what is displayed to let visitors know that the page they requested doesn't contain their desired content.

Unfortunately, this is a situation that can also befall your own website's visitors. If you don't want your visitors to see a curt error message and then flee, we recommend intervening now by preparing your own, personalized 404 page. You could even make it humorous, as long as it serves to reassure users instead of scaring them away.

Tips for creating an effective 404 page

Google also suggests creating a personalized 404 page and paying it the same attention as you do to your site's other pages. Here are Google's suggestions:

1. Be clear and entertaining - Let the user know right away that the page couldn't be found. You don't need to provide complicated technical explanations: it's best to be direct, and maybe try to be funny to defuse any potential frustration.

GitHub's 404 page pays homage to Star Wars and leaves users smiling.

2. Keep it stylistically consistent with the rest of your site - Users should understand that although they couldn't find the page they were looking for, they're still on the same website. If they see the navigation menu, they can easily click through to another page.

The iconic Lego men makes the page funny, while also serving as a great reminder of the company's identity.

3. Turn the 404 page into an opportunity - The goal is to keep users from leaving the website: adding a link to the home page and the site's most popular pages gives them suggestions for how to proceed.

Airbnb's 404 page combines a cute animation with an extensive list of useful links.

4. Give users the option of sending a report - These users have found a problem that you're probably not aware of: giving them the option to notify you is useful for you, and lets the users know that you care about the way your site runs.

iStock's error page takes a friendly approach, and also invites you to contact their help desk to notify them of the 404 error.

5. Don't index your 404 page - No matter how satisfied you are with this page, you definitely don't want it to show up among your top Google search results.

Now it's your turn: find a funny idea and play around with the images and text. You can find beautiful, free images to use on your 404 page on 404 Illustration. If you're having trouble, try searching online: you'll find plenty of articles with various collections of original, funny, and most of all, effective 404 pages.

All it takes is a winning idea, and the rest pretty much takes care of itself, because you can create a 404 page with WebSite X5 in just a few clicks. Find out how by reading the guide.

In conclusion, even though the 404 page is only a service page, it isn't any less important than your other pages. It's like a black puzzle piece: it may not contribute to the drawing, but the picture isn't complete without it.

Website or social media? Find out what works better.

Incomedia — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Personalized websites designed by agencies can cost thousands, which is why small businesses sometimes consider substituting this tool entirely with social media, thinking they'll save time and money. Social media, however, can't replace a website: although it can be a cost-effective approach, social media platforms may not offer adequate features for most small businesses, especially when it comes to online sales. Here's why.

Let's dispel one myth

Building a website doesn't have to cost a lot.

There are free tools like WebSite X5 Go that allow you to build one for free, although with some restrictions. If you’re looking for more advanced tools, you can also find complete solutions at affordable prices, like WebSite X5's Evo version.

Basically, you don't necessarily need to work with a big web agency and invest thousands to get started: for less than €500 you can build and launch a complete, functioning online store and start earning money online.

Social media? Being online isn't enough

For a few years now, we've heard people say that having a website is superfluous, and that you can access everything you need for your online presence through networks like LinkedIn or Facebook, or others. There's a grain of truth here, in the sense that you can definitely create a huge presence if you're consistent and persistent, and you communicate well through social media. However, having a good website is the foundation for it all: that's where you should be directing the traffic your gain from social media. Let's examine the pros and cons of social media:

Social media pros

you can create a free profile;
you can build strong brand awareness;
you can reach millions of people, including potential clients;
social media is generally easy to use and understand.

Social media cons

you don't own the platform If the platform decides to discontinue a tool or change the way things are done, and this was your main means of company development, your strategy could suffer heavy consequences. Consider those people who built programs based on Instagram's API, which was then changed in later releases. That software failed and the developers were bankrupted;
even though signing up is free, the platform's goal is to have you post ads or subscribe to their professional versions (like LinkedIn premium, for example) to gain more visibility. Sometimes, the tools you have to pay for to grow your business can be hard to learn, or become expensive;
social media platforms are full of sponsored content, so if your posts aren't timely and precisely planned, they could get lost in the abyss of “information overload", which leads people to ignore your messages.

Your website: the core of your online presence

Social media should only be used as a marketing tool, while your website should be the core of your online presence. Your website grants you total control of the situation, and you can do whatever you want with it:: you can use it as a display website, run a blog and use SEO tactics to appear in Google's top results, or make sales through a beautiful online store.

Whatever your goal is, social media can always help draw traffic to your website. That's how you should treat social media: as a marketing platform that re-directs traffic to your website. You can then use this traffic to grow your mailing list database, so that you can communicate with your contacts at any time, from anywhere, and on your own terms.

Conclusions

Although social media is a very important tool for increasing traffic, it's much more important to invest in something that you actually own, rather than building on somebody else's property. If you're not in control, the rules could change any day, as they already have, with huge impacts on your business. That's why we strongly suggest you invest in a website, and then use social media to reach new audiences and grow your business.

5 tips(+1) to Create your Restaurant’s Website

Incomedia — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Nowadays, it’s normal for people to look at restaurant websites while choosing a place to eat. That's why they are so important! That being said, the restaurant industry is known for having poor quality and outdated websites.

A quality website can make the difference between a new customer and a missed opportunity. No matter how well the food, service and atmosphere are taken care of: a poorly constructed website can reflect negatively on your business, because many people believe that the quality of a restaurant's website reflects the quality of the restaurant itself.

Consider your website exactly as your restaurant’s face: it’s what gives the first impression to potential customers and sets the basis for their expectations. If you've improved your menu and the service of your restaurant, now is the time to make your website perfect! Let's learn useful advice together.

1. Start with an Eye-catching Template

If you have a restaurant, you know that you don't have to be a web designer to make your website as appetizing as your dishes. You can use a software like WebSite X5, browse through a selection of restaurant and bar Templates created by designers, and find the perfect match with the atmosphere of your restaurant. Every design is completely customizable, you can use it as it is or as a starting point to achieve the results you've imagined. From small touches to total makeover, these Templates are perfect for your restaurant.

2. Attention to Photos!

Taking good food photos is harder than you might think. In fact, there are photographers who specialize in this, who think not only of what’s on the plate but also of it’s mise en place, or in other words, they put everything in its place to create a mouth-watering result.

If you have the budget, you can hire a professional. If not, use the photos sparingly and let the ingredients and descriptions tell the story of each dish.

If you also have rooms for your guests, you can use a photo gallery: add pictures of the room, furniture details, photos with customers (don't forget to ask permission before publishing online) and, if you have it, the dehor or outside area.

3. Optimize Content for Search Engines

In addition to displaying your dishes, a restaurant website must find new potential customers and attract traffic. To achieve this result, you need to create SEO oriented content, that is, optimized for search engines. Here’s an example: your restaurant is located in New York.

A SEO target is to reach top positions amongst search results (i.e. text strings typed by users) such as "where to eat in New York", "New York restaurants", "best restaurant in New York" and so on.

But how can you find out which keywords are best to use in your site's content? Simple, at a basic level you can use free tools like Answerthepublic or Google Keyword Planner.

Extra Advice

Add content-related photos to all website pages (for example the rooms, the menu, typical dishes and so on). This strategy helps customers take a look behind the scenes and receive attention from your restaurant. Capture a chef while laying the dough, a pastry chef frosting a cake or a bartender in a fancy cocktail exhibition. This will show the quality and care that your staff puts into their work. And it shows what’s most important: the people that make up your team and build your restaurant success.

4. Publish Customer Reviews

Reviews are mostly appreciated by potential customers when looking for a restaurant. Your guest’s point of view in fact, allows site visitors to get a better idea of your restaurant. So, remember to always provide a space for reviews on your site. You can also collaborate with food bloggers or influencers to create useful video reviews that may not be free, but they could be a very useful investment to gain new customers in the future!

Extra Advice

Remember to add an answer to comments! Either a simple thank you, or a message to iron out issues between your restaurant and your guests. Visitors keep an eye on the restaurant’s answer, especially if there is a discussion going on!

5. Allow Online Booking

If your goal is to increase traffic to your site and attract more visitors, you should allow your potential customers to book online. Your guests won’t have to talk to anyone, it’ll speed up things for them and it will also benefit you: online booking means reduced workload through an automatic service. It also offers more opportunities to fill your restaurant as more people could book online at the same time, but on the other hand you can talk to only one client at a time.

How to add the possibility to book online? Simple: in the WebSite X5 Templates this feature has already been added to the easy-to-use contact form!

Another tip: always keep your restaurant website up to date.

There is nothing worse, for your potential customers, than to browse your site and find it old, outdated and maybe with the wrong opening hours! Therefore, it’s good practice to keep contents fresh and appealing on a regular basis. You’re open on Christmas day? Let them know! You've decided to close for New Year's Eve this year? Promptly update your site. You work less in summer, or you’ve created a special menu? Upload news and inform your audience immediately.

In the end, your restaurant website is just like a business card, an online showcase: it must make a great first impression being the first thing that customers will see before actually entering your restaurant.

Now that you know how to create a beautiful website that will impress your guests as much as your food, all you have to do is go online.

Try WebSite X5 Go, it's free!

One license, many advantages

Incomedia — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Nearly 2 years ago, we decided to launch a new system for releasing updates and new versions for WebSite X5. This new model allowed for more frequent and regular releases than before, and most importantly, included the guarantee of receiving all updates for the 12 months.

To make the transitions easier, we named this guarantee Update Protection.

Now, looking back, we realize that there’s no longer any need to keep talking about “Update Protection” because the guarantee of receiving 12 months of updates and new versions is simply a feature of the WebSite X5 license itself. Now that this system has been adopted, the guarantee no longer needs a name that defines it as an additional product/service.

That's why from now on, you'll no longer hear about Update Protection, even though the system for releasing and selling WebSite X5 is NOT changing.

Let's sum up the most important points to make sure everyone is on the same page:

When you purchase WebSite X5, you receive a user license for the current version, which includes the guarantee of receiving all the updates and new versions that will be released for the next 12 months.
In addition to the updates and new versions, you'll also enjoy the following advantages during the license's 12 month validity period:

Priority Assistance service;
the latest guides, videos, and tutorials;
exclusive discounts on other services and products.

At the end of the 12 months, the license expires and you can renew it for another 12 months while benefiting from special discounts and promotions.
If your license is expired, you can no longer download updates and new versions, nor can you use the Priority Assistance service. However, you can continue to work with the last version of the software you installed.

If you've purchased a WebSite X5 license in the past, you know how this works because you already received the guarantee that allowed you to download updates and new versions for 12 months. And not only were there a lot of releases, they were full of interesting new features. Among other things, we introduced CSS Grid Layout and Google AMP technology, we developed parallax and the Full Width and Full Height effects; we added SEO optimization options for web pages and developed the online shopping cart as well as the blog; we also published new Objects and Templates. For a complete list, visit the News page.

Now, in addition to receiving updates and new versions, keeping your license active also offers other additional benefits. First of all, you'll be able to enjoy access to the Priority Assistance service. Second, you'll also be able to participate in Program Preview, so that you can be among the first to know what's next for WebSite X5 and get a concrete, advance look at what we're developing.

With all that, we can conclude by saying that keeping your software licenses active - regardless of which software you use - is always the right decision. We release updates and new versions in order to introduce new features and adapt our software to new developments in the field. Specifically, because the Web changes every day and it's very important to stay updated to make sure your sites don't encounter browser compatibility problems or become vulnerable.

We strive to provide you with the tools you need to keep your website on top of the competition. Join us in this adventure.

How to take good product photos for ecommerce

Incomedia — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Every shopper knows that a picture is worth a thousand words, so taking product photos that make an impression is essential and it’s just one of the most important steps for building a successful ecommerce. That doesn’t mean you’ve got to be an expert on ecommerce product photography though!

For snaps that make a big splash, simply follow these simple steps.

Get the light right

Nothing turns away potential buyers quicker than dim, dark or fuzzy photos. To show your product in the best possible light, avoid glaring fluorescent overheads and look instead to natural sources. Screen doors, bay windows and skylights are a great spot to set up your makeshift studio. Alternatively, head outside, especially mid-morning or in the early evening, when the soft light casts your product in a perfect glow.

Controlling the light is also important if you really want to know how to take good product photos. Use cardboard or paper to surround your product on three sides. This focuses the light and prevents glare or shadows from ruining your pic.

Crack the colour code

The number one rule for how to take good product photos is to make sure that the subject shines at its centre. Backgrounds should be appealing but not distracting; your goods should be the star of the show.

To make sure that your offerings stand out, contrast is a must. While a simple white background provides a great backdrop for dark or colourful items, consider switching to black if your goods come in lighter tones. This juxtaposition really catches the eye and will stop casual browsers in their tracks. Choosing the right colour scheme for your website is essential to attract users indeed.

Show everything

Variety is the spice of life and it’s also the recipe for how to take good product pictures. Consumers want to know exactly what they’re buying, so take lots of images that showcase everything you can offer. Buyers love to see your wares from every angle and, if you have different sizes, colours or styles available, what options are available to them. You can also switch up your backdrops for more diversity.

It’s always a good idea to include some shots of the product in action. Seeing what clothing looks like on the body or where you can place the furniture in your home takes your goods from abstract to concrete and might just transform a potential customer into a committed buyer.

One more tip: rely on an expert

If you don't have enough time or the right equipment to take pictures on your own, you can always rely on a professional service that guarantees the maximum result with the minimum effort. We're talking about 1photo, an online photo studio specialized in product photos for online shops and catalogs.

It's a professional service, convenient and simple to use. Find out how it works!

Moreover, if you already are a WebSite X5 customer, you can enjoy a 10% discount valid until December 31st, 2019.

Now that you are an ecommerce photography expert, you can start taking product photos and bring your business online!

Opening an online store: legal requirements to keep in mind

Incomedia — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Just like brick-and-mortar stores, online stores are required to follow certain rules. What do you need to do to ensure that your virtual store follows the law?

We discussed this with Taxmen, a London-based company that' a one-stop shop for legal and financial services for online stores around the world.

The 5 most important legal and financial aspects for an online store to follow the law

Before launching an online store, you should understand the many legal obligations that Italian vendors are subject to. These also happen to be laws that apply on the European level.

1. Right to return

Unlike with traditional, off-line stores, online stores in Europe must grant clients the right to cancel an online purchase agreement, even without justified reasons, within fourteen days of receiving the products.

Basically, consumers have the option of returning products and receiving a refund of the initial purchase price and original shipping fees, without needing to provide any justification. In Italy, this is set down by the Consumer Code, which follows EU norms precisely.

As you can guess, this measure is based on the fact that distance selling doesn't allow the client to see the products in person.

The rate of returns is generally very high in the e-commerce sector, especially for fashion sales: in fact, clients often purchase two or three different sizes of the same product, then only keep the size that fits.

Your online store must explicitly inform site visitors about the terms and conditions of the right to return goods.

If you neglect to do so, the law automatically extends the return period to twelve months from the date on which the client receives the products. Furthermore, the online store must include a means for clients to notify the seller of the return, by providing a specific form for that purpose, or indicating the appropriate e-mail address.

The vendor is then obligated to issue the refund within fourteen days of being informed of the client's decision to return the product. The store must issue the refund through the same means of payment which the client used to make the purchase (unless otherwise agreed upon, as long as the client does not incur any additional costs in receiving the refund).

The Consumer Code states that, “The consumer is solely responsible for the depreciation of goods resulting from the handling of said goods other than what is necessary to establish their nature, features, and functioning,” (art 57).

In this view, most stores exclude the right of return - or at least, reduce amount to be refunded - if the client has removed the labels or tags from an article of clothing, or damaged or stained the product while trying it on.

Furthermore, the client must give the products to a courier for return service within fourteen days of the date on which they informed the vendor of the return.

2. Legal warranty for defective products

Just like traditional, off-line stores, online stores must guarantee the purchase of products that are free of defects, that work correctly, and furthermore, which serve the purpose stated by the vendor or for which products of the kind are normally intended.

If the products are defective, the consumer has the right to request a replacement product, for the defect to be repaired, or if this is not possible, for a refund of the purchase price.

The legal warranty for defective products expires after two years from the date on which the client received the defective product and the client must make the warranty claim within two months of discovering the problem. The client does not need to file a claim if the vendor was aware of the problem or knowingly concealed it.

Any civil suit for claims arising from defects, where these defects were not knowingly concealed by the vendor, must be filed within a period of twenty-six months of the receipt of the goods; however, should a vendor sue a client for payment of the purchase price, the client may contest that the product is defective, as long as the client reported the defect within two months of discovering it and before two years elapsed from the date of receipt of the product.

In fact, the vendor is not permitted to insert general terms of sale that derogate from the regulations of the Consumer Code to the detriment of the consumer. Any contractual clauses that exclude/limit the consumer's rights or protections with regards to the vendor's total or partial breach of contractual services are void.

In the case of defective products, the client may demand that the vendor repairs or replaces the product (in both cases, free of charge) as long as the requested remedy is not objectively impossible or excessively onerous

If repairing or replacing the product is impossible or excessively onerous, or if the vendor does not do so within a reasonable time frame, the client may demand an appropriate price reduction, or alternatively, the full termination of the contract.

The vendor has the obligation to inform clients of their rights in advance.

3. GDPR, protection of personal information, and Cookies

On May 25, 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (2016/679), also known under the acronym “GDPR”, entered into force in Europe.

The main changes to privacy laws introduced by the GDPR include:

increased obligations of disclosure for e-commerce websites: sites must now provide users with more information, including: the defined data retention period (if this is not possible, then the criteria used to determine such a period, at a minimum), the users' right to “be forgotten”, the right demand a restriction of processing, to file a claim with the Privacy Authority, the right to data portability, and the right to receive more information;
stricter consent: the GDPR strengthens the requirements for user consent to considered valid; consent to data processing must be preventative, explicit, and unambiguous;
the right “to be forgotten”: in accordance with the jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice, the GDPR establishes the user's right to have their personal data erased or to obtain a restriction of the processing of that data (under specific conditions);
notification of a security breach: it is now mandatory for breaches of personal data to be reported to the Privacy Authority when that data breach could “constitute a risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons";
Data Protection Officer and Data Privacy Impact Assessment: in certain cases, it is now mandatory to nominate a Data Protection Officer and/or to complete a Data Privacy Impact Assessment;
administrative sanctions: companies are now subject to stricter administrative sanctions for breaching privacy laws; these sanctions are commensurate with the company's business volume.

With regard to cookies, different types of cookies exist which generally allow websites to collect information about users’ visits and purchases, mostly for reasons related to publicity – these cookies are known as “profiling cookies” – and may potentially have negative consequences for the protection of the users’ privacy rights.

European regulations are strict when it comes to the use of profiling cookies, requiring websites to inform users in advance about the presence of such cookies, through the use of a banner created for that purpose, and allowing users to disable these cookies.

Upon first accessing the website, the banner must appear on the user's screen before profiling cookies may begin to collect browsing information. As specified on the Privacy Authority's website, this banner must indicate:

that the site uses profiling cookies in order to offer online advertising that is adapted to the preferences displayed by the user while browsing the web;
that the site also enables the use of “third party” cookies (where applicable);
a link to the full privacy policy, which provides information about the use of technical cookies and analytics, as well as the option to choose which specific cookies to authorize;
that the fully policy page includes the option of denying consent for the installation of any and all cookies;
that continuing to navigate the website by accessing another area of the site or clicking another element (for example, an image or a link), constitutes consent to the use of cookies. The cookie policy area must inform users of each installed cookie, and the option of disabling each of the cookies, regardless of the type of cookie (analytical, technical, profiling).

The banner must link to the website's fully privacy policy, which must be present within the website, and which must specifically, as well as analytically, describe the characteristics and purposes of the cookies installed on the site, and allow the user to select/de-select individual cookies.

After viewing the banner, the user can:

explicitly accept the banner's contents by clicking on the “OK” button (or “I understand,” “Accept,” etc.); or
tacitly accept by continuing to browse; or
access the full policy (by clicking on the link in the banner); or
interrupt their navigation of the website.

The European legislation on cookies will be subject to further modifications following the likely introduction of ad hoc EU regulations.

4. VAT

Distance selling is subject to special VAT rules.

Online sales of goods to consumers are not subject to obligations to provide tax certifications through an invoice, receipt, or proof of purchase, as generally apply to Italian companies. Nor is the issue of an invoice mandatory – if the client does not request one upon making the purchase – for the sales of goods by correspondence (art. 22 of Italian Presidential Decree 633/1972).

The special VAT rules for distance selling also concern sales made to consumers who are residents of other European member states.

For sales by correspondence to EU consumers, in accordance with current European laws,VAT is applied in the EU member state from which the products are dispatched, unless the vendor:

exceeds the expected annual e-commerce business volume of the EU member state in which the products will be received (from 35,000 to 100,000 Euro, depending on the state); or
chooses to apply VAT in the EU member state in which the product will be delivered.

For products subject to excise duties (like wine, beer, etc.) VAT always applies within the destination EU state, from the first sale made.

Occasionally, over the course of a calendar year, a business will reach a given turnover threshold within another EU member state, in which case they must immediately begin to apply VAT for that state - instead of applying Italian VAT, for the remainder of that calendar year and for the entirety of the next calendar year.

Of course, the current system is rather onerous, since it requires businesses to constantly monitor their online sales to consumers in each EU member state, and obliges them to identify themselves in several EU states for VAT purposes if they exceed those thresholds.

For this reason, an EU e-commerce VAT reform will come into effect on January 1, 2021 for vendors who conduct at least 10,000 Euros in intra-EU sales during a calendar year, VAT for e-commerce sales will apply directly in the EU state in which the products will be delivered, eliminating current protection thresholds.

Italian vendors will no longer need to identify themselves to other EU jurisdictions for EU purposes: they may choose to use the simplified MOSS procedure, which has been in force for direct electronic sales since 2015, in order to declare and pay VAT for cross-border sales.

5. Environmental contributions

Many European countries require foreign vendors introducing packaging into their territory to pay an environmental fee, similar to the Italian CONAI, for the disposal of that packaging.

In many EU states, this obligation applies regardless of the volume of the packaging put onto the market.

in these cases, companies must register with the relevant entity within the foreign state (for example, Ecoemballages in France, Ecoembes in Spain, and so on), to make periodic declarations as well as pay the relevant fees.

It is important to comply with these obligations, especially considering that for e-commerce businesses registered for VAT purposes in one EU state for distance selling, local authorities in other countries are made aware of the sales volumes generated in their countries as declared by the Italian authorities.

Thank you, Taxmen for clearing up the rules that online stores and the vendors who use these platforms must follow.

Want to build your own online store but don't know where to start? Try WebSite X5!

WebSite X5's release system

Incomedia — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 22:01:00 GMT

A software program is a complex ecosystem which can't be reduced to the sum of its parts. That means that when we develop new features and add them to the existing program, we also need to consider all the relationships they fit into, as well as the potential impacts and behaviors they may have in different environments. All of this makes an extensive and meticulous testing process necessary.

Here's how we've organized it.

The Preview and Beta programs

The version of WebSite X5 we currently have on the market - and which most of you are working with - is what we call the public version.

Using this public version as a starting point, we continue to develop our software in two different directions:

1. correcting bugs and malfunctions;

2. developing and implementing new features.

In both cases, we obtain versions of the program which need to be tested before they can be made available to the public.

The versions that contain corrections to the current public version are called Beta versions.

Meanwhile, the versions that contain new features and serve as a preview of the next public version are called Preview versions.

As you can imagine, the first round of testing is internal: we're the first ones to stress-test the program to make sure everything works correctly. Only when we're reasonably satisfied do we extend the testing phase outside the company: making your contribution a crucial means of continuing to test the program in the most diverse tasks and situations.

Once our tests and your feedback confirm that a Beta version no longer has any problems, it is released as a public version. In these cases, we update the the version number, so that 2019.1.1 becomes 2019.1.2, for example.

Similarly, when the new features in one or more Preview versions pass both the internal and external testing phases, we launch a new public version. The Preview program is then temporarily suspended. In these cases, we change the the version number, so that 2019.1 becomes 2019.2, for example.

Participate in testing

At this point, you may be wondering how to become a Beta tester, or how to receive Preview versions and be among the first to try out WebSite X5's latest upcoming features.

We've launched 2 programs; the Beta Program and the Preview Program. To join, simply visit the Preview & Beta page and register. These programs are open to anyone with an active Update Protection subscription; the Preview program also requires you to own a WebSite X5 Pro license. You can choose which program to join, or register for both.

By joining our Preview and Beta programs, you can enjoy updates before everyone else, and help us make WebSite X5 the best program ever.

Join now: the more the merrier!

From hobby to full-time: the 5 rules for success

Incomedia — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 22:01:00 GMT

We all love the idea of success. We get excited when we achieve results, and we love to hear or read about successful people. But we often forget that behind every success story lies a lot of hard work, commitment, and tough choices. The celebration is the culmination of a long process that's full of sacrifices, all of which serve to make the moment of “victory” even sweeter.

It's a familiar story for Sabrina Bertazzo, who worked tirelessly to turn her hobby into a full-time job. Read her interview below.

Hi Sabrina, can you start off by telling us about yourself?

Hi! My name is Sabrina, but I go by the name Andrea Sachs online.

I'm 34 years old, I studied Business Administration, and before graduating I accepted a 3 month internship in London. This turned into an open-ended employment contract which led me to live abroad for 10 years.

At 20 years old, I only had one goal in mind: to build a career. So I put my nose to the grindstone and got to work. I worked hard. Very hard. I made huge sacrifices to get where I wanted to go. I had set two objectives for myself: to earn a managerial position in a successful company, and to have a great salary. At 30 years old, I achieved both of my objectives (a position as Senior Project Manager at Amazon Europe and a six-figure salary). I then decided to focus my efforts my on passion: travel.

Before we get into your success as a “digital nomad", can you tell us about what you do?

I work in the digital sector: more specifically, I'm a digital strategist for SMEs. That means my work revolves around social media, branding, community and SEO;

training: I lead courses on digital strategy topics and finding your own path;
web writing: I write for myself and for clients;
I'm a content creator/influencer/blogger.

Also, in late 2017 I decided to put another long-time dream onto paper, literally, by launching a little design stationary brand. It happened almost by chance, and very quickly, but today, “Inchiostro and Paper”(Ink and Paper) is on its third collection. The brand is sold in over 25 stores in Europe and we have clients in over 40 countries around the world.

Basically, I wanted to turn my lifestyle and philosophy into something concrete, so all of Inchiostro and Paper's products are based on the idea of living life to the fullest, always following your own dreams, as well as prioritizing sustainability and respect for others and for nature.

It's still a new brand, and even though all the profits are currently being re-invested in the company's upcoming collections, I draw a lot of satisfaction from it.

Why did you choose to leave the life you'd built for yourself and decide to change it?

I'm not sure exactly, maybe it's because I've always been a voracious reader, and I've always identified with the main characters experiencing all these adventures. I never thought I'd live a one-dimensional life. I've always craved a life that's rich in experiences, places, and people, so that’s what I created and what I want to continue to create. I think life is too short, but that it's also long enough to live two, three, or a thousand lives as long as you have the courage to re-invent yourself and challenge yourself.

My twenties were dedicated to gaining as many skills as possible and to my corporate career. My 30s are about proving myself on my own, and seeing if my skills are enough. Who knows, when I'm 50 or 60 I might finally open that bookstore I've always dreamed of!

We've identified 5 fundamental rules for successfully changing your life and turning your hobby into your job. - First: analysis, or how to abandon your comfort zone, quit your job, and go freelance. How did you approach this step?

In this phase, saving money was essential. A couple of years before the switch, I decided to open a savings account, in which I automatically deposited one third of my salary. This is something you can do no matter the size of your paycheck. I know it's possible, because before earning a top salary, I used the same method to buy my first moped (and then a car), on an intern's stipend! There are no excuses. As for leaving your comfort zone, you first need to have a parachute ready. This is what the savings account is for: so you can sleep soundly even if business slows down or takes a turn for the worse.

The second rule is "from dream to reality": how did you first put your idea to paper?

Once your parachute is ready, you need to understand what you want to do. I actually recommend doing both these steps at once, because it's easier to save when you're envisioning a different life than to save without a clear idea why. To understand what it is you want to do, and recapture your dreams, I recommend reading the manual I recently wrote: Make it Remarkable Journal is a book with numerous practical exercises to help you identify your talents and dreams, as well as a roadmap for turning them into reality.

Now it's time for maintenance: the third rule is about how to proactively seek out work, what kind of relationships to have, the advantages of new technologies…

The reality is that the Internet has almost completely eliminated the logistical limitations of the past. Only a decade ago, the concept of “agile” work would have been impossible. Today, it's not uncommon to work with clients all over the world without ever having met them. For example, I've worked for a client in Madrid for 4 years, and I spent over a year working for a client in Hong Kong whom I've never met.

In the digital world, as well as beyond, it's very important to nurture interpersonal relationships and to ask for feedback from the people we work with. In my 4 years of being a digital nomad, I've never had to seek out work, because it's always been dropped into my lap by satisfied clients. When starting out, especially if you're not an expert, you need to be humble and learn on the job. In my case, I took on unpaid work for around six months, and then charged peanuts before I felt good enough to ask for payment. This training period is perfect if it melds with the first rule of analysis, which we discussed earlier.

Fourth rule: organization and planning. How do you manage your time effectively?

This is a delicate topic. Working in an office makes it simple, while working alone, sometimes in fantastic places, makes it a little harder. These days, I think I've found a perfect solution for myself. I use a mix of analog and digital tools which allow me to manage all of my projects and clients, as well as my to-do lists. Ever since I discovered the bullet journal method, my life has changed completely. I finally found a way to keep track of my to-do lists in a really efficient way, and guess what? Now I'm able to cross them all off (sooner or later!)

I also use the “Pomodoro” method: I take a 5 minute break after every 45 minutes of work. Working at the computer all day means you need to take breaks to look out the window or stretch your legs. Another great tip is to open only one single browser window, and not open another one until you change tasks. It's crazy how much time you can waste looking for information online and clicking one link, then another, and then another. You can also block all the sites you don't need, like Facebook, Twitter, and so on. Another tip is to block off time to check your e-mail. For example, I only check it in the morning, for one hour, three times a week.

Last, but not least: delegate. Now that my business is growing, I need help. So I hire friends to take on tasks that I don't necessarily need to handle myself.

Final rule; analysis How can you learn to regularly analyze the way your business is going?

The last day of the month is when I do my accounting. It's when I add up my business for the month, issue invoices, look over outgoing and incoming payments, and make sure everything is under control. I recommend additionally doing this once a trimester, and of course, one a year, to check if everything is going as planned, and to make adjustments where necessary.

So in the end, what tips would you give someone looking to successfully reinvent themselves?

My tip is: study. I know so many people who want to change their lives - I meet new ones every day - but who want it to happen now, without effort on their part.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. Reinvention includes the prefix “re”, which means re-starting and re-learning, or learning something from scratch. You can't pull off a huge life change while remaining the same person as before. That's why I always tell everyone that they need to study. Training is absolutely crucial, whether you're 18 or 50.

Another important thing is to clearly understand the motivations behind your desire for a life change. If you don't have a clear idea, you risk hurting yourself and those around you.

Thank you to Sabrina for sharing her success story, including the sacrifices and key rules for turning your own hobby into a full-time job.

If you're a freelancer carving out your path in the digital world, the first step is to establish an online presence with your own website. Start for free with WebSite X5 Go!

A winery and a website: why it's important to go online

Incomedia — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 22:01:00 GMT

The world of wine is brimming with excellent products, which now need to communicate their selling points more effectively than ever before. Winemakers must prove the quality of their products in a market filled with ever-more attentive and knowledgeable consumers who use the web to find information and advice. That's why it's important to have a website for your winery.

We spoke about this with Lisa de Leonardis, Content Manager at Argoserv by Sandhills Italy, co-founder of Elledue, a brokering company that supports wine cellars in the process of internationalization, as well director of the Masters in Wine Export Management, which will open in October for its seventh edition.

Lisa, why do you believe it's important for a winery to have its own website?

Sometimes, when we visit a company for a first time, or during my training sessions, people ask more in-depth questions: such as how to make a website, or what are the most important elements in a winery's website.

But I like how straightforward your question is! Especially because it implies the possibility of the reverse statement: meaning, are there cases in which a wine cellar does NOT need a website? I'd like to start with that counterpoint actually, and list some reasons why a website may not be a necessary investment.

First of all, I think of those companies who say they don't have time to update the website. I'm talking about the many small- and mid-sized companies that aren't confident using computers, or who may not know (or recognize) their potential.

Because of that mindset, those companies don't intend to invest in consultants, or may not have the internal resources with the appropriate training or ability to be trained to take care of it themselves.

In these cases, I think it's better not to do the job badly, and allow potential visitors to browse search results, even if that means that they find a competitor instead.

Another example of a case in which it might be better to not have a website is when the website exists, but hasn't been updated in 5 or 6 years. That's because I consider that it's better not to have a website at all than to have one that isn't maintained or updated.

It's like saying, "Welcome to my store!" And then displaying cobwebs, broken-down, outdated furniture, and rooms that clients can't access. What kind of impression does that give visitors?

With that in mind, we can turn back to the original question: why is a website important for a winery?

First of all, and most obviously - to display your services and products, the company's philosophy, awards, and acknowledgment, and anything else that may help draw in and interest visitors;
Second, a website is a fundamental tool for dialogue with other players in the industry, especially importers and distributors, who need to know what a company's can offer. They primarily find this information on company websites: after a trade fair, for example, or after a tasting at an external restaurant, they'll look for more information about the company they just discovered on the web.
Next, a website can also become a useful means of increasing sales, and not just through an online store, but also by disseminating the brand through the various digital communications challens;
Finally, and this is a more advanced perspective, a website allows you to keep control of your communications. Even if a company doesn't talk about itself through an official channel, there will certainly already be someone else doing so elsewhere: from the various industry marketplaces to the websites of the restaurants that distribute the wine and consortiums the winery belongs to, etc.

Of course, in order to satisfy all of these elements, you will need a professionally-made website, that's as up-to-date as possible, and connected with other digital tools that can serve as a loudspeaker (like social media). It also needs to be managed by industry professionals, who should start with a concrete and organized development plan.

Just like in the real world, haphazard work won't get you far in the virtual world.

In your experience, what are the key features a winery's website needs to succeed?

When a client asks me that question, I try to find out more. It's kind of like if a friend were to ask, "What's the best trip within the United States?" There isn't a single "best" option, there's the best for you, the trip that best matches your interests (so you need to know what they are), the trip that fits your budget (so you need to be clear on it), the trip that satisfies your expectations (so you need to express them before setting off), and so on.

The question then becomes: what do you want your website to do for you? How much do you want to invest in it? What do you expect to gain from the work that goes into your website?

Generally, we can say that an effective website for a winery or vineyard needs to start with a good analysis of the business and the target audience. You need to be clear about the key words you want to base your work on. You need to ask yourself: what is it that should lead people to you? what do you want to be known for? Without clear answers to these questions, the project will be touch-and-go, and considering your company's finances are involved, that might not be the best choice.

Another key tools a website can offer vineyards (and others) is a blog. Only with a blog can you climb the search engine results latter and foster a real conversation with visitors. This allows you to keep them informed about your work, as well as giving you the option of using your content on other channels, increasing their potential.

Many wine cellars are amazed by the opportunities this tool provides, both in terms of communications and marketing. It means becoming a small-scale editor, which is a job that is very different than the everday work of many companies, wineries included.

Even so, there are many cases in which - thanks to a blog - companies have built great value around their brand, both in terms of direct business and indirect opportunies. The results won't be immediate, which is why, without the guidance of a professional or a trusted agency, many give up: it takes at least a year of work to see the first results.

Another fundamental element are the measurement tools, which allow you to keep an eye on everything the site is generating, its strengths, areas for improvement, results, competitors, and potential gaps to address. If you're not doing this yourself, you should ask your consultant to deliver reports at least once every three months. This lets you assess the work you're doing. Without effective, optimized measurement tools, you'll never know how your website is performing: it's like paying a salary to a total stranger without ever asking them for an account of their work.

Any final thoughts on how to create a successful website?

A succesful website is a website that delivers business advantages, meaning it grows your database of potential clients, improves your visibility and your brand's reputation, or increases direct and indirect sales.

Think of it as an investment, not as a purchase, and remember that yes, this is tool can deliver tangible results. That means that you need to start with a clear idea as the website's foundation: the marketing and strategic communications project. Only then can you move on to actually developing the website itself. It needs to be easy to use and navigate, but above all, it needs to serve your business goals.

My job, for example, isn't developing the website itself: it's to strategically design the web marketing plan and produce content that can intersect with potential clients' web searches, at various levels of expressed interest: from blog posts to interior page content and product pages. This strategic plan includes every step, from the right tone of voice for the client, to the channels to use to share messages, to the choice of images, etc. In order for all of this to be perfect, you first need to launch a website."

Thank you to Lisa for sharing her expert opinion on how useful a website can be for a winery. Thinking of creating your own website? Start now - with WebSite X5 Go, it's free!

Using a website to create your professional image: the story of Andrea

Incomedia — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Andrea Cavallo Perin is a freelance video maker from Ivrea, Italy, who defines himself as "a person who has matured and has learned many valuable insights in his travels around the world.” He loves to call himself " a product of his passions,""who has traveled extensively in order to broaden his horizons and to improve his ability to meet the needs of others.

Andrea received his degree in advertising communication from the European Institute of Design in Turin, where, during his school years, he began to do internships as a way to explore his passions more deeply.

How it all started: an "experimental" video

“After working for some time as an art director, I wanted to specialize in video making."

Andrea tells us that his passion for video making grew after creating a video as a "social experiment" to bring people on the Internet into real life. In essence, Andrea used a video clip to tell people that he was going to go on a trip from the north of Italy to the south of Italy, and that he would be "moved" from one place to another, only by the interaction of his fans.

The goal was to verify whether his "fictitious" friends on social networks could become a real presence in his everyday life. The project was a great success! Andrea was "transported" by his friends on social networks all the way to Sicily. They interacted and wrote messages to tell him where he should go and who would be waiting there for him, or who could give him a lift or who could host him for the night.

Because of the success of the operation, which was also confirmed by the media coverage of Radio 105 and La Stampa, he was noticed by communication agencies and various art directors.

The need of a website

Andrea didn't have a website at first, because his strategy was based on social networks. He had a portfolio that he would send by email if necessary, and that's all. But, at a certain point, he realized that this was no longer enough.

"A website gives you a much more professional image. It's a visual identity card, a fundamental part of the process of your professional growth."

As he gained more experience, Andrea wanted to use a website to organize his content, and that’s how he found WebSite X5.

Finding WebSite X5

Andrea wanted to show something more. He was looking for a way to create a mature and professional visual identity on the Internet.

"I discovered WebSite X5 in Ivrea, thanks to a meeting with Incomedia, the company that created the software. I was immediately fascinated by the relationship between quality, price and ease of use."

Although he was not a web master, Andrea began using WebSite X5, and thanks to its ease of use, he quickly launched his website, www.andreacavalloperin.com, a combination of portfolio website and digital CV.

The advantages of WebSite X5

"With WebSite X5, I can work on my website even when I'm offline, and I can customize just about anything.”

Andrea also tells us that he chose WebSite X5 for its flexibility, which allows him to customize any part of the website.

Andrea was also impressed by the variety of templates available. When designing his website, he started from a model offered in the Marketplace and customized all the features that were important to him.

"I liked seeing the attention given by the company to building templates for different professions, all optimized to feature the strengths of these professions online.”

Andrea also tells us that he has already suggested the software to some of his friends, and not only to them.

"My friends were looking for software for building their own websites and I recommended WebSite X5. I like it, it's complete and it’s easy to use. I also suggested it to some of my customers as a solution.”

Andrea’s advice

We asked Andrea what he would like to say to WebSite X5 users and this is what he said:

"If you're new to the game, don't be scared! Follow the guide and you'll see that any doubts and uncertainties will quickly disappear. You’ll get the desired result at the right time and it will be satisfying and pleasant!"

How to sell abroad with the help of an international partner

Incomedia — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Guest post by Alexandra Marcu, VP of Marketing, 2Checkout

The eCommerce turnover for Europe is estimated to reach €621 billion in 2019, and 38% of all online shoppers in Europe have ordered goods from other countries (half of those orders were placed with merchants from the EU). Furthermore, international sales make up over 40% of the total for countries located in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Russia.

If your business is among the 66% of online merchants who want to tap into those expanding online commerce markets and sell abroad, your success will depend on your ability to act locally. One of the great paradoxes of eCommerce is the tension between the buyers’ hunger for global goods and their desire for a local, relevant, and trusted experience.

If you want to start selling cross-border, you will need to research your target markets in detail, adapt your pricing to each of them and—if it makes business sense—localize the entire customer experience for that market, including payment methods, currencies, checkout flows, the content of your online store (language, design), shopper support and more. You will also have to make sure you comply with all the locally applicable laws and regulations, as well as manage your sales taxes and back-office operations for those markets. All these requirements make global expansion appear like an insurmountable task, but you do not have to do it alone. Partnering with a suitable international commerce provider can make the difference between the failure or success of your international sales efforts. Keep reading to find out the most important elements you need to consider when planning to sell cross-border, and how an international commerce partner can help with each.

Understand your target markets

When it comes to global digital commerce, you can forget about the one-size-fits-all approach that treats each market the same. Connecting with global buyers requires a tailored approach that addresses each market as a separate and distinct entity. To give buyers the familiar experience they’re looking for, you’ll need to localize at least some aspects of the buying experience.

For example, if you want to sell across Europe, you will have to plan for the particularities of 50 different national markets, where your potential customers speak 24 different languages. Your efforts could pay off, however, as more than 85% of Europe’s population of almost 743 million is connected to the Internet and the European Union is stimulating cross-border commerce through such measures as forbidding geo-blocking for online shoppers.

At the same time, keep in mind that demand for particular products or services is not the same across the world. For example, while China is the world’s largest eCommerce market overall, the U.S. is the top market for software; if selling software then the United States should be on your priority list.

In Europe, the UK, Germany, and France make up almost 70% of all eCommerce turnover and also lead in software, SaaS, and online services sales (followed by Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, and Denmark, respectively).

On the other hand, shoppers in Macedonia and Portugal did the most cross-border online purchases (85%), followed by Luxembourg (79%), Switzerland (64%) and Iceland (63%).

You can research your target markets yourself, but that may be time-consuming and you may also miss some crucial details relevant for your vertical, if you don’t know where to look. Alternatively, you could seek out a commerce provider that already has experience operating in that market and knows all its ins-and-outs to guide your strategy for establishing a foothold there.

Adapt pricing

Many cultural factors may influence a shoppers’ decision to buy, but one aspect that works the same across borders is pricing. Establishing an intelligent pricing strategy and adjusting it over time based on data will pay off, leading to the acquisition of more customers and, even more importantly, the ideal customers for your business.

While some components of the price—such as costs for shipping and handling—may be beyond your control, providing transparency and regional-appropriate pricing are aspects you can and should prioritize. A simple way to provide transparency is by giving the shopper the option to view the price in their local currency, including all the applicable taxes and fees. You can streamline that by employing GeoIP detection technology to identify the shopper’s location and display the local currency automatically.

Also, keep in mind that just because your product is priced competitively in one market doesn’t mean the same is necessarily true for another. Being able to easily set the pricing by location allows you to adjust your strategy to the economic reality of each market. The pricing experts at ProfitWell have determined that businesses who localize their prices can grow up to 30% faster in the localized regions, compared to companies that don’t localize pricing. By partnering with a commerce provider that offers the platform flexibility and pricing features you need, you will be able to easily adjust your prices and the way they are displayed to the different international markets you expand into.

Implement the right payment methods

Payment localization is a key determining factor in the decision to buy and is the best way to establish a level of trust and comfort that no amount of marketing or promotion can bring. Offering local payment methods and currencies in your shopping cart can improve authorization rates by up to 25%, while using local payment processors in specific markets can increase them by up to 40%.

Creating the necessary structure to localize payments on your own, however, is neither cheap nor easy. The typical payment processor, for example, will only be able to provide coverage for a single country or region. That means you’ll need to source and sign a processor for every region or country where you intend to sell, as well as set aside time and resources to integrate and maintain them. If your plans include expansion into multiple markets, finding an international eCommerce platform that can help you scale is usually the better option than trying to set up everything from scratch yourself.

In addition, supporting the preferred payment method in each market can prove critical to reducing purchase funnel friction and increasing the conversion rate. Looking at global payment trends, credit or debit cards still account for about 70% of worldwide online payments. However, certain countries favor local payment methods, so ignoring those may mean you leave money on the table. For example, iDeal is the preferred payment method in the Netherlands, used in 44% of transactions. Brazilians are partial to local credit cards with installments and Boleto Bancario, while in China Alipay makes up almost half (43%) of all online payments. An international commerce partner that supports the relevant payment methods out of the box will help you start selling in those countries straight away, with minimal effort on your part.

Source: 2Checkout Digital Commerce Benchmark Q1 2019

Another aspect to think about is payments security mechanisms such as 3-D Secure, which is used in Europe or Japan but not as much in the U.S., for example. What’s more, from September 14, 2019, all online transactions where both parties are in the European Economic Area (EEA) will need to be compliant with the Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) requirements of the European Union’s revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2). That means all payments will need to be secured with 2-factor authentication (2FA). If you are selling in the EU, you should make sure your payment service provider will be fully compliant with these requirements and can offer a good customer experience to your shoppers under the new regulations.

Avoid lost revenue with smart payment tools

The smart payment tools that a suitable international commerce partner can provide could help your business increase payment authorization rates as well as recover revenue that may otherwise be lost to churn. For instance, if you sell cross-border, Intelligent Payment Routing (IPR) can help direct transactions to the most appropriate local payment processors, potentially bringing you an up-to- 40% increase in authorization rates.

Source: 2Checkout

Smart Account Updaters can save over 90% of unusable credit cards, increasing customer retention by 40%.

Other tools you might look for in a digital commerce provider’s offering include:

Multi-currency management
Dynamic 3-D Secure
Internal account updater
Advanced retry logic
Hard declines dunning management.

Make sure you choose a smart system that allows for feature flexibility depending on the markets you sell into, and you will see an improvement to your bottom line.

Localize the entire user experience

In addition to languages, payment methods, and currencies, buyer preferences can be very different in different markets. Buyers expect your shopping cart to reflect the local preferences and norms. To provide this familiar experience they’re looking for, you’ll need to localize every aspect of your cart, which includes everything from the text, labels, messages, and hints to date and time, phone number, prices, currencies, graphics, formatting, punctuation, and addresses.

In additions, you should test which shopping cart layout and flow works best for each region, and then fine-tune using A/B testing and other conversion rate optimization (CRO) tools. For example, our tests have shown that shoppers in Europe are more tolerant of longer, more detailed checkout forms, whereas buyers in the U.S. or Canada converted much better with very short, streamlined checkout flows. You can easily tailor your shopping cart layouts and checkout flows to different audiences if you partner with an eCommerce platform that offers the necessary capabilities and even CRO services, if needed.

Don’t forget about taxes

Regardless of where your company is based, you’re legally required to properly manage and collect the sales tax or Value Added Tax (VAT) levied on each transaction. The tax amount, the authority responsible for collecting it, and the rules governing it can differ from country to country. Furthermore, when localizing for taxes, you need to know not only how much to charge but also which entities and businesses are exempt.

Many of these operations can be automated with templates that support international commerce and have GeoIP location detection to identify the shopper’s country. Other details, such as how and where to distribute the tax proceeds, must, however, be handled by the seller (as the Merchant of Record) or its proxy partner. If you want to avoid becoming overwhelmed by tax and back-office administration processes, consider leveraging a digital commerce provider that, besides facilitating payments, can also calculate and collect the correct tax amount for each respective market and seamlessly pay them to local fiscal authorities on your behalf. You will thus receive the proceeds and be free to focus on product development and promotion.

Support

Shoppers want excellent customer service. Shopper support should involve a local phone number, localized emails (sent in local languages and during business hours), and even a toll-free number. Additionally, email follow-ups, order recovery from cart abandonment or unfinished payments, and marketing messages all need to be localized for an optimal customer experience. Depending on how many foreign markets you are targeting, it may be more practical to enlist the help of an eCommerce partner that can provide the necessary localized shopper support, as opposed to covering that yourself.

How online shoppers prefer to get support, according to the latest 2Checkout Shopper Behavior Survey.

Leverage additional channels to maximize your reach

As you grow your business globally, leveraging affiliate marketing and indirect channel sales can significantly broaden the reach of your products and expand your revenue. The channels you choose will depend on your resources; resellers may provide a higher average order volume, but they need more engagement, while affiliates may bring in smaller orders but require lower commitment on your part. Either way, managing these additional channels should not burden your business with added complexity that would negate any benefits they might provide. Partner with a commerce provider that can make channel management easy for you, through automation, partner portals, and so forth. If they facilitate access to affiliate networks for your products, even better—sales through affiliates can generate an average of 23% of the revenue for those merchants that use them.

Next steps

To succeed in expanding globally and optimizing the customers’ experience in each market, you should consider choosing a partner with the right combination of global eCommerce capabilities, relationships, and experience. Here are the main criteria you should look at as you embark on your selection process for a digital commerce provider that can help you sell cross-border:

Does the vendor have the tools and relationships to effectively accept, manage, and optimize payments across every market?
Can the payment partner accept local payment methods?
An eCommerce provider may be able to localize the cart for multiple markets, but can it also deploy it as part of a broader eCommerce strategy that integrates testing, automation, optimization, and analytics for true revenue maximization?
Can the partner help you pivot to each market’s preferred pricing model easily?
Do they have the local expertise and relationships to capitalize on each region’s preferred marketing and promotional channels?
Can you offload tax and back-office operations to your commerce partner, so you can focus on business development instead?

Any international commerce partner you chose should have the capabilities and flexibility to help you implement all the aspects of localization that will decisively impact your sales in global markets.

From Northern Italy to Taiwan: here's how I exported by craft abroad

Incomedia — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 13:06:00 GMT

The web is a limitless tool, which is why it can offer great possibilities. Imagine a small business owner who produces goods and sells them locally. Tailors, winemakers, sculptors: they all create handmade products and sell them in their neighborhood stores. These products have a limited market, which only extends a few hundred kilometers: meaning only local residents will purchase them.

The Internet, however, has changed the game: nowadays starting a website offers important advantages, including the ability to expand your target audience. Not just in terms of selling, but also in terms of building a global reputation.

Edo Sartori knows this well: he was able to draw upon the web's potential to find a new market for his products. Read more about his story.

Edo Sartori: an instrument maker from Northern Italy to Taiwan

Edo Sartori always loved music, but he didn't get into the business right away.

After twenty years of running his family's knitwear company, he finally decided to pursue his passion. He earned some distinctions early on, but the Italian market is very specialized and hard to penetrate.

How can you showcase your art to a wider public? With a website!

Edo's not a webmaster, which is why he chose a complete solution that is also perfect for people who don't know anything about programming: WebSite X5.

First steps online

A clear, clean template, beautiful images, the main information, and contact details: Edo's ready to go online.

His website breathes new life into his business, and opens a door onto the international market, which is why he chooses to also write his content in English.

“I sell a lot of my work abroad, to specialist stores who sell artisanal string instruments. My website brings me important contacts all around the world.”

New opportunities and long-term clients

The trade fairs Edo used to participate in draw fewer and fewer visitors, but the cost of attending never decreased. Edo decides to put more focus on his website, promoting it and putting even more effort into the images, which in his case clearly represent his craft.

Contact requests pour in: through the form, through social media accounts connected to his website... Edo builds stable and long-lasting relationships with certain specialized instrument stores, and maintains commercial relationships as far as Taiwan. Without his site, he would never have tapped into a market of this scope.

“My website has allowed me to establish relationships with stores who trust me and contact me through the form”.

A website improves customer relations

Having a website can allow you to create better relationships with your clients. For example, your visitors can view your products online several times, and read all the information you've chosen to share about them. They can even read reviews other people may have left, view photos and videos about your business, and if you've installed one, use a live chat system to contact you in real time about any questions.

Why you should have a website in 2019

Modern consumer habits have changed over time, but they still prioritize a need for information.

As people's lives become more and more digital in 2019, potential clients interested in coming to see you in person (if you live close enough for them to do so) still appreciate the convenience of going online to see what you have to offer first. In fact, six out of ten people expect brands to offer information about their business online, and over half of them search for this information directly on the brand's website.

This is reason enough to understand why having a website is so important today.

To sum up, if your company doesn't have a website yet, we recommend taking Edo Sartori's example and creating one!

No need to be a programming expert: solutions like WebSite X5 allow you to achieve professional results in just a few, simple steps.

Convert web visitors into clients, show them what you have to offer - your news, ideas, products, and services - through articles, videos, photos, updates, and more. Worldwide opportunities are waiting for you online!

Simple tips for writing your About us page

Incomedia — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Picture the scene: you’ve just finished building your dream site and you’re ready for the world to see it. But how do you introduce yourself?

It doesn’t have to be tricky to make yourself known. These simple steps will teach you how to write an “About Us” page that puts your name (and your website!) on the map.

Give readers the personal touch

Many people who wonder how to write an “About Us” page for a website think they need to focus on dry, dull facts. Facts are important, of course, but would you really introduce yourself to someone with simple statistics or a bullet-point list of statements. Of course not! You want readers to get a sense of you and what you stand for, so make sure you let them know.

One brilliant way to do this is detailing the history of your company. Whether it’s a story of the changing times or rags becoming riches, letting people know about your journey from then to now allows them to connect to you and your company. Include pictures if you have them (a picture is worth a thousand words after all!) and make sure to paint a vivid picture of who you really are.

Be specific

If you’re looking for some other tips about how to write an efficient About Page, consider also that when it’s time to get factual, it’s better not to waste valuable space on empty statements and vague promises. You’ve got one chance to grab attention and you don’t want to waste a single character of it. Avoid generic statements; “award-winning” sounds nice but what awards?! People are far more likely to be impressed by named awards and concrete examples than abstract prizes from who knows where.

Don’t make it all about you

Every company promises the world, but you want to let visitors know that you deliver it. Testimonials are an engaging way to put your money where your mouth is. After all, wouldn’t you trust a friend’s recommendation over the word of a stranger? Contact some of your favourite customers and ask them to throw a few words together. Not only will you have evidence of your achievements, but you’ll also let your old clients know that their feedback is valuable!

This is how to write a good About Us page!

Involve the reader

It’s easy to ramble on about yourself but make your potential customer feel important. Mention their problems and needs and how you can solve them; after all, they’re the real stars of the show!

The importance and benefits of having a chat on your website

Incomedia — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Customer expectations are constantly growing, and this is one of the trends that's changing the way we sell and buy online.

The Internet allows people from all over the world to shop on your website at all hours, but support for orders is usually more limited.

Research shows that the average response time for customer support requests on social media is about 10 hours, while response times via email are over 12 hours. This is unacceptable to many customers. So how do you respond more quickly to requests? Simple: install a live chat.

Live chat is a tool that allows you to talk in real time with your potential customers while they're on your website. It's an inexpensive and easy to install solution, and customers like it because it's much faster than any other digital service channel.

More and more websites are integrating live chat in order to improve response times, and 33% of consumers expect to see a live chat on the websites they visit.

In fact, there's much more to a live chat service than providing quick customer support. Here are the benefits that live chat can offer your business.

1. Increase sales and conversions

The American Marketing Association found that B2B companies that used live chat increased conversions by an average of 20%.

While browsing your website, potential customers may have questions about your product or service. Installing live chat will allow you to respond immediately while the person is still on your website and will help them complete their purchase.

2. Improve the customer’s experience on your website

With live chat, your customers no longer have to interrupt their shopping experience and pick up their phone or send an email if they have a question: they can get an immediate response. This is important when purchasing software and other types of products.

Live chat is typically found on the homepage and on product pages, but another way to enhance the website experience is to place the chat in unusual locations, such as on 404 pages or pages that have been deleted. When your customers arrive on a 404 page, they usually leave. Live chat can help them continue browsing and find what they're looking for.

3. Gain a competitive advantage

Installing a live chat service for your customers offers a tremendous opportunity to gain a competitive advantage over your competitors.

Nowadays, in fact, although more and more customers expect to find a chat on websites, many companies have not yet responded to this expectation.

Live chat can be a way to differentiate yourself from the competition by demonstrating that you're meeting consumer expectations.

4. Reduce the cost of customer service

It's no secret that customer support can be expensive: with traditional telephone customer service, you can only handle one call at a time. With live chat, however, it's easier to handle multiple requests at once, depending on the complexity of the issues involved.

Being able to manage multiple chats at once means being faster and more efficient, while also optimizing the costs of the staff involved.

5. Loyalize potential customers

Unlike when entering a physical store, where salespeople can offer advice and establish a relationship for the purpose of selling, online consumers don't have this opportunity and are naturally inclined to be more skeptical. With a live chat service, you can have a direct conversation with your potential customers, which allows you to build trust and bridge the gap between the online and offline shopping experience.

In conclusion, if you want your business to succeed in the digital world, you need to install live chat on your website.

Your potential customers want fast and immediate support in the purchasing process. The good news is that few companies are using live chat, which makes it easier for you to stand out from the competition.

The advantages of using live chat on your website are many... so what are you waiting for? Install a live chat now!

We suggest the LiveChat service: find out how it works!

Want to install LiveChat? Click the link and get an exclusive offer! https://wsx5.net/Live_Chat

How to create a Landing Page

Incomedia — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Have you ever heard of a Landing Page? I’m sure you have.

Landing Pages are a vital web marketing tool and if you have a website, blog or an e-commerce store and you are trying to boost your online presence, you may have wondered how to create an effective Landing Page or how to optimize it for a higher conversion rate.

In this article, we will answer the following questions:

What is a Landing Page?
Which are the main kinds of Landing Pages?
What is the best type of Landing Page?
What are the key elements of an effective Landing Page?
How do I measure the effectiveness of a Landing Page?

At the end of this article you will also find many examples and case studies, which are very useful as a source of inspiration and as a way to move from theory to practice.

What is a Landing Page?

In general, we could say that a Landing Page is any web page on which a user arrives after clicking on a link.

In reality, in web marketing this definition is not very precise. In fact, a Landing Page is different from other pages because it is created with a very precise goal in mind: to perform a specific and measurable action towards users by “transforming” them or, rather, converting them from just being visitors of the website into leads (contacts) or into customers.

A Landing Page is a web page on which users land after having clicked on a link and whose purpose is to get users to perform a specific and measurable action, converting them from just being visitors into leads (contacts) or into customers.

Here’s how it generally works: users click (or tap) on an advertisement or an email and land on a Landing Page which is usually a page that is “detached/separated” from the website to which it refers. There are no distracting elements on the Landing Page and everything is designed so that users can do only (or almost only) the action for which the page was designed: to leave their email, buy something, read certain content, to put a like on something... When the user completes the action, the conversion takes place: someone who is just a visitor, about whom little or nothing is known, turns into a contact (that is, a person who can be contacted because, for example, you have their email address) or a customer (that is, someone who has already made a purchase).

Which are the main kinds of Landing Pages?

Landing Pages, can have two different conversion targets:

to get new leads;
to get new customers.

In the first case, we’re talking about a Lead Page, in the second, a Click-Through Page.

In addition to their purpose, Landing Pages can also be classified according to the type of content they point to. According to this point, three interesting categories are: Long Form Landing Pages, Video Landing Pages and Interactive Landing Pages.

And finally, for the sake of thoroughness, let’s not forget Microsites.

1. Lead Page for Lead Generation

The purpose of these pages is to collect new contacts for potential customers who show a certain interest in the product or service offered, so that they can be contacted again and possibly transformed into satisfied customers.

The central element of these pages, therefore, is the contact form, which you can use to collect data from visitors. This form is usually located at the top of the page, so as to be easily accessible, never too long and limited to requesting only the necessary information, in order not to discourage the user.

Usually these pages offer users a small reward to encourage them to leave their email address, such as an ebook to download, a discount on their first purchase, etc.

Lead pages, especially if they have an incentive, are an extremely effective marketing tool. Here are some examples:

2. Click-Through Page for sales

These pages are an intermediate step between the advertisement the user has clicked on and the e-commerce cart. They provide additional information about the advertised product or service, highlighting its benefits in order to convince the user to buy it. The ultimate goal, in fact, is to sale.

The main point on these pages is the (CTA or Call to Action) button that leads to the e-commerce page where the purchase can be made. Very often, the CTA is repeated in several places and is the only way to exit the page.

In order to avoid distracting the user’s attention, a Click-Through Page should be focused on a single product or service. Ideally, if we have more than one product, we should provide a landing page for each product.

3. Long Form Landing Page

As the name indicates, these are very long Landing Pages and essentially contain text. Their purpose is to make sure that users read the page to the end and gradually become convinced of the value of the offer, until they click on the CTA on the page.

The key to success of these pages is in the copy. Titles and texts must be artfully written in order to “hook” and guide the reader through a line of reasoning, lists of advantages and testimonies all the way to conversion. This type of text, while continuing to repeat the benefits of the product or service, can be very effective in leading users to purchase when they are already inclined to do so, but need one last small push to decide.

4. Video Landing Page

Again, the name explains exactly what this kind of page is, that is, the central feature of these Landing Pages is a video.

Videos have the advantage of entertaining people, this increases the time they spend on a page so that the message has a better chance of being received. Often, people would rather watch a video rather than read text.

The result is that Video Landing Pages often convert particularly well.

5. Interactive Landing Pages

Landing Pages contain a game, quiz or other content that users can enjoy interacting with. They are not as popular because they are more complex and expensive to make, but like Video Landing Pages, they can lead to very satisfying results.

People are usually happy to sign up if they can take part in an experience that is rewarding for them and, once engaged, they are willing to spend more time on the page than they would otherwise.

Finally, you have to consider that this kind of content, as well as videos, is easily shared on social networks and has a good chance of going viral.

6. Microsites

Instead of using only simple Landing Pages, more complex advertising campaigns with substantial budgets use real microsites that are independent from the reference site. Sometimes these sites have their own domain.

Microsites have the same purpose as Landing Pages. They also try to create a meaningful experience around the product or service they offer and use more than one page to get the message across.

What is the best type of Landing Page?

There is no single answer to this question. You can’t say that a certain type of Landing Page is the best or the most effective of all. You can only say that it is effective with regard to the product or service it offers, the audience it targets or the stage of the purchasing process into which it fits.

For example, very expensive or luxury products do not lend themselves to impulse buying. People want to be well informed and they consider carefully before making a major purchase. In these cases, therefore, speeding up the process too much by focusing immediately on a Sales Landing Page could be a mistake. It’s better to try to get contacts through a Lead Page and then try to gradually convince users of the value of the product or service in order to guide them into making a purchase.

In other circumstances, however, users may already be convinced that they need a particular product or service, so a Landing Page that offers a direct purchase is the best choice.

What are the key elements of an effective Landing Page?

Landing Pages can be very different from one another in terms of the content, how it is organized, the graphics and colors used. However, successful Landing Pages, that is, those that deliver good conversion results, all share a number of common features:

They have a single, specific and measurable purpose

They ask the user to do one thing and one thing only: register, buy product A, buy product B, etc... If you offer a choice, you create doubt. The Landing Page becomes less effective and it will be more difficult for you to measure the results.

They target a specific audience
Generic Landing Pages can be less persuasive. It’s better to create different Landing Pages, each designed for a specific user group.
They present all the necessary information
A Landing Page must be autonomous. Users must find all the information they need to decide to take the desired action, without feeling the need, for example, to search elsewhere for more information.

Beyond these general features, when looking at Landing Pages that work, it becomes clear that they are composed of a number of recurring elements. Let’s take a look at these elements.

Logo

When subscribing to a newsletter or buying something, people need to know who they’re connecting with. A logo identifies the company and gives credibility to the campaign.

Title and subtitle

Every Landing Page must have a title. The title must be consistent with the promise made in the advertisement on which users have clicked and it must make them understand that the page will provide an answer to their need. Therefore, the title must summarize, in a few words, what the Landing Page intends to communicate. The title can be followed by a subtitle that enhances and validates the title.

Because of its position and size, the title is often the first, or one of the first elements the reader notices. So, don’t be satisfied with using the first title that pops into your head, instead, look for the best formula for engaging readers, intriguing them and urging them to go further.

Featured image or video

Because a Landing Page must capture the user’s attention along with attractive title, there should be an attractive image of the product, service or proposed benefit or - even better - a video that presents the main features.

It’s important to use relevant and professional quality images. An attractive image alone may not be enough to make a sale, but a bad image can certainly contribute to losing a sale.

Registration forms (Form) and Call to Action (CTA)

These are, of course, elements on which the attention of users must be directed in order to get them to perform the desired action, such as filling out a registration form or clicking on a button to make a purchase.

If you have a form, it must be clearly visible, possibly near the top of the page, and it must be brief and easy to fill in. Nobody wants to waste time filling in the fields of a form, so we have to make sure that filling it out is as pleasant as possible.

The Call to Action is the most essential element on each Landing Page, where we explicitly ask the user to do something. To create an effective CTA, insert it into a button that stands out because of its shape, color and size. Place it in a strategic position on the page and write the text carefully.

List of benefits

Users are not as interested in the characteristics of your product or service as they are in the benefits they can receive from it. When users look at the Landing Page, they think, “Do I really need this?”

You need to look at it from the user’s point of view. Identify what benefits they can gain from the proposed product or service and clearly list these benefits in order to convince them that the product or service precisely meets one of their needs.

A well-made list of benefits, perhaps accompanied by the appropriate icons, helps to reinforce the concepts expressed in the introductory text, which is usually located just below the title.

User feedback and reviews

Before making a purchase, we tend to get advice from people we know or look for reviews from other users. This is why you should include user reviews on your Landing Page.

There is no need for a lot of reviews, but they must be well done. It’s better if they are short and clear, especially if accompanied by the photos and names of the people who provided the reviews.

In addition to testimonials, there are other elements that you could consider using to help create user confidence: awards received, logos of newspapers that have written about the product or service, “Satisfied or refunded” or “30-day warranty” badges that apply to the offer, etc.

Social Buttons

Social buttons are not an element that contributes to the purpose of the Landing Page. However, allowing to share opens up the possibility of reaching other potentially interested audiences - the audience made up of the social contacts of the people who visit the Landing Page and find it interesting.

How do I measure the effectiveness of a Landing Page?

How do you know if a Landing Page really works or if it could be improved to obtain a higher number of conversions?

The reality is that you can’t be sure until you try it. The method used for knowing which changes can lead to higher conversion rates is called an A/B test or a split test.

The A/B test involves creating two versions of the Landing Page in which one variable is different, the one that is assumed could affect the behavior of users.

In general, the elements that are tested are the title, copy, the background or product image, the colors and the CTA.

All must be used for the same period of time on a similar audience. Finally, by measuring the conversion rate (i.e., the ratio between the number of visits and the number of conversions), you will know which of the two versions of the Landing Page works best and you can start, if you wish, a new A/B test on another element.

As you can see, creating a successful Landing Page often requires a process of improvement by trial and error.

Examples of Landing Pages

Analyzing successful Landing Pages made by others is a very useful way to start mastering the underlying mechanisms of this marketing tool.

Leadpages, Unbounce and Instapage, three of the most famous services dedicated to the creation of Landing Pages, present collections in which they explain, for each page examined, what works and what should be improved.

See the 100 best examples of Landing Pages according to Instapage
Discover the top ten best Landing Pages of 2018 by Leadpages
Read the analysis of seven inspiring Landing Pages from Unbounce

Conclusions

If you’ve come this far, it should be clear to you what a Landing Page is and why you should use one. You should also understand what you need to work on to create a successful Landing Page and that there is no magic recipe to follow. Instead, you’ll have to be “strategic” and “scientific” by setting goals and being willing to test, measure and change your Landing Page until you’ve found the solution that gives you the best results in terms of conversions.

Now it’s up to you. Have you ever thought of creating a Landing Page to promote your products or services? You can do it with WebSite X5, the perfect software for creating Websites, E-commerce sites, Blogs and - why not? - Landing Pages.

How to create a website: the basics

Incomedia — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 22:01:00 GMT

These days, creating a website is a crucial decision for attracting visitors and clients in an increasingly technological world. Having an online storefront, in fact, allows you to increase your credibility, expand your activities, and grow your business.

Building a website isn't complicated, and there is now plenty of information available online that can provide precise and detailed tips for how to create a website. In this article, we'll go over the basics: the best steps to follow for creating your website.

1. A map can be handy when navigating the internet

To start, use pencil and paper to plan out your website: what will it be about? What sections will be in the menu? What about the pages? Put your site's structure on paper, as though you were creating a map: from categories like the homepage, contact page, and galleries, to the most important topics you want to cover. This task helps you organize your project, and also makes it easier to identify the main aspects you should focus on.

2. What's your name?

It's a good idea to think carefully about your website's name, which will also be the domain name. This is a key step: the name is one of the factors that will help your project rank highly in search engine results. Our tip? Choose a name that's original and that fits your subject matter: research the most commonly-used keywords in your field, and see if you can include at least one in your domain.

Speaking of tips, as with most things in life, one secret for creating a successful website is looking at what others are doing, and studying the competition. Before diving into your own adventure, lay the foundation by researching the web, looking at projects that are similar to the one you're planning, and trying to understand what makes one site receive more clicks and visitors than another.

3. Let's get in shape!

When it comes to shaping your website's design, the first step is to build an intuitive and attractive homepage. The homepage is your calling card, it's a newspaper's cover page or a store's display window. It needs to be attractive, clear, well-written, original, carefully designed, and not too heavy or redundant. The homepage should immediately let the user know what your site is about. Otherwise, instead of navigating further into your website, they'll just click out of it.

A good homepage, besides being well-designed, needs an appropriate menu which must contain a few fundamental ingredients: the "About Us" page, which introduces the site's author(s) and focus; a gallery or video section, especially if you're selling products (videos are generally the most clicked-on part of a website); contact information, so that visitors can immediately learn how to direct any questions or tips to the site's author(s); social media buttons, which allow you to easily and intuitively link your profiles on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, etc.; and a product catalog if your website includes a sales section.

4. What about substance?

So far we've discussed the form, and how content is to be arranged, which mainly concerns your visitors' user experience. However, to turn an occasional visitor into a repeat guest on your website, it's crucial that your project contains substance as well as style, and therefore that your content meets expectations.

Whether posted in a blog or throughout your site's various pages, your content needs to be original, clear, written correctly and without mistakes, and not be too long (even though there isn't really a length limit on the web). Here are some useful guidelines:

use short, simple phrases.
give your text room to breathe, maybe by leaving a blank line between paragraphs or using good spacing;
add movement by using bolding, bullet points, titles, and subtitles, all of which break up the rhythm;
insert images or graphics that are pleasing to look at, capture attention, and help readers understand what you're talking about;
repeat keywords that are easily identifiable by search engines (but don't overdo it). In other words, there is a wide variety of tips and tricks you can use to make your content more readable and more attractive than your competitors'.

Now that you know the basics for creating a good website, you're ready for action! The real challenge, in fact, is starting: only by moving from theory to practice can you find out if your project will succeed.

Build your website now with WebSite X5 Go: it's simple, fast, and free.

Seven easy steps to copyright your website

Incomedia — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 22:01:00 GMT

You’ve gone to the effort of writing first-class content for your website, designing images and logos and making sure that everything sparkles. Now it’s time to protect it.

But how to copyright a website? Well, breathe easy. In just seven simple steps, you’ll know how to add copyright to your website and keep your work secure.

Apply online

How to copyright something? The Electronics Copyright Office (eCO) is responsible for online copyright applications, so visit their website and set up an account. Before you get started, it’s worth knowing what can and cannot be copyrighted. Once you know your rights, you’re ready to start this simple process.

Make your claim

Now you’re thinking “How to claim copyright on my website?”. Once you opt to register a new claim on the eCO website, you’ll be faced with three questions. Answer them and you’ll know what application you need to fill in. Most claims will involve the standard application process, but these convenient prompts will steer you in the right direction.

Enter your website details

Next, you’ll be asked to fill in the important details about your site. Name your claim and then select what type of content you’d like to copyright. This is where your advance research comes in handy. Knowing what’s possible eliminates any pitfalls that could happen at this vital stage.

Name your author

Provide details about the author or authors of your site; give credit where it’s due. Be sure to include everyone here to avoid potential legal issues down the line.

List pre-existing material

Many sites make use of existing material, whether that’s quotes and citations or images, videos and other forms of media. It’s essential that you list these when prompted: this is how to add someone else’s copyright to your website. The last thing you want is to step on someone else’s toes or infringe on somebody’s intellectual property!

Pay your fee

Applying for a copyright incurs a small fee. This can be paid by most methods (cards, bank transfers, etc.) and having peace of mind about your content is well worth the cost.

Send your content for review

Once you’ve filled in the details, you need to provide the content in question. This can be done online or in print form, though the former is far easier for website materials. Then, it’s simply a matter of waiting.

Once your copyright is granted, use the WebSite X5 site builder to add your copyright symbol to the website footer and let the world know that this website is the property of one proud owner!

Corporate image: the importance of consistency

Incomedia — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 22:01:00 GMT

A strong company identity helps to reinforce the image of a brand, product, or service in people's minds, and supports your marketing activities. In fact, since standing out in the market is essential, a corporate image makes a big difference in your efforts to do so. But what do we mean when we refer to corporate identity and why is it important to have a good, consistent image across all communications channels? Read this article to find out.

What is a corporate image?

When a company presents its identity consistently, it creates a positive and lasting impression of the company in people's minds. The value of a strong company identity is immeasurable: think about giants like Apple and Nike, for example. Today, these brands don't even need to use their names anymore: all we need to see is the apple or the swoosh symbol and we immediately associate them to their company. But like every company in the world, even these two examples once started from scratch. Over time, what helped set them apart was their ability to maintain strong relevance throughout all traditional and digital communications channels. And this is where a corporate image comes into play: the ability to come across coherently using communications elements that correlate with each other. This kind of consistency can be attained through the use of logos, colors, and typefaces on both offline communications channels (brochures, business cards, etc.) as well as online (website, blog, or online store). Basically, your company's corporate image is the key to identifying your activities on the market, where you have many competitors, and can be the critical factor for standing out.

A website corporate image for food businesses

As we've seen, a corporate image helps a company achieve its goals of standing out and being rememberd by its target audience. Consider, for example, a business in the food service sector. How can a bar, bakery, or restaurant stand out from the masses, while also maintaining consistency between its website, the menus on its tables, and its business cards?

Logo.
The logo is the most visible part of the company's identity. A good logo represents your organization and differentiates it from the competition, offering you maximum visibility. It should be original, and have the same colors anywhere it's placed. The logo you placed on your menu must be the same as the logo on your website's homepage and every other communications platform.

Colors.
If you've chosen specific colors for your business, these colors would ideally be reflected on your website. Using the same color palette is an easy way to create a corporate image.
Typeface (or font).
Using the same typeface across both offline and online text helps develop a sense of consistency for your brand. Choose your fonts and use them on all your digital or paper materials.
Images.
Your website should include real photographs of your company, which reflect the essence of your business. A photo of the tables, the storefront, details of your furnishings... Your website is your window to the digital world, meaning it should match the appearance of your real-world business.

Corporate image: advantages

In the minds of consumers, a strong company identity says that your brand is "here to stay." It's a sign of longevity, which affirms that you aim to become (or already are) a reliable leader in your field. A corporate image that works well shares the ideals, motivations, and goals behind your company: a deeper understanding of what your business is.

There are countless advantages of creating a strong corporate identity, here are the three most immediate ones:

a unique visual identity for your company that's consistent and clear;
your business is perceived as a professional, reliable, and up-to-date organization;
immediate recognition, even across different media.

In conclusion, having a corporate image and unrolling it across all channels (from social media to your website, and even onto your restaurant's menu) can help you become more recognizable, allowing you to stand out from your competition and become a real "icon" for your audience. Ready to build a website for your food service business? Follow this link: start for free with WebSite X5!

Crowdfunding as a resource for social projects

Incomedia — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Crowdfunding is a fundraising tool that allows anyone to collect money online to finance their projects and ideas. There are a wide number of platforms dedicated to this, some of which function horizontally and others vertically. What's more, there are different types of crowdfunding: different campaigns may be based on rewards, donations, equity, or lending. For a non-profit organization, the reward and donation models is most suited and applicable for any social or cultural projects. Let's go over how to use this resource.

How do you build a crowdfunding campaign for your non-profit?

To create a campaign, you need to use a crowdfunding platform, like Produzioni dal Basso in Italy, for example, which hosts all kinds of campaigns which aim to collect money to bring projects to life (events, prototypes, books, etc.), or to support a cause, a personal endeavor, or a goal. You can decide whether or not to give donors something in exchange for their contributions (the reward: for example, if you're crowdfunding for a book, the reward could be the book itself).

Community: the support you need

Crowdfunding campaigns on Produzioni dal Basso can be launched by both private individual and organizations or companies, depending on their scope. When you decide to launch a crowdfunding campaign, the goal is always - or almost always, since crowdfunding can also be used as a communications tool - raising funds for an initiative, project, or goal/cause through the support of your community.

Community is one of the main ingredients for campaign-success. Your primary social circle is particularly important for successful fundraising, as is:

1) a clear objective that's immediately understandable;

2) a presentation video that's brief and compelling, or beautiful images that clearly explain the project (and the fundraising purpose);

3) effective communication, both online and offline surrounding the campaign.

Five questions to ask yourself

Now let's hone in on some practical tips for successfully setting up your fundraising campaign. Any crowdfunding project should effectively and concisely answer these 5 questions:

1. WHO ARE YOU? (the organization's identity and reputation)

meaning your story, the projects you've accomplished in the past, connections, and capabilities (as applies to the project, of course). Don't forget to include your social media, blog, or website or anything else that is part of your non-profit's digital identity. People who want to support your campaign want to be confident that they are putting their money into good hands.

2. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO? (project)

This is the reason why you're asking people for support, and it's important for your goal to be clear, measurable, practical, and be useful to the community your organization serves. A crowdfunding project is a communications project, so use clear, simple language to describe your goal, and remember that most visits and donations will come from mobile users. That means you'll only have a few pixels to tell your story: use short, compelling text, and always add photos and videos.

3. WHAT DO YOU NEED? (budget and costs)

It's important to define the right budget in a transparent way. We suggest writing out planned costs - in addition to the actual cost of the project itself, include any possible rewards, investments in communications, expenses for presentations, and so on. This will give you a clear overview of all your financial needs. Also, remember to indicate the "real" budget needed to bring the project to life: it's best to end up ""overfunding"" (exceeding your stated financial goal) than to declare a goal that's much greater than what you need, and risk not meeting it.

4. HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE? (length of the campaign)

Every crowdfunding campaign has a specific duration, but what's the right way to set that time frame? The budget you need to meet can give you an initial sense of this. How many people do you need to reach (and convince) to meet your goal? Statistics say that on average, the ideal time frame is between 45 and 60 days. In any case, when you set your time frame, keep in mind that for the entire duration of your crowdfunding campaign, your project will need to be monitored, updated if necessary, and you'll need to implement both online and offline communications. Furthermore, keep in mind that a campaign that runs for too long loses the sense of urgency for donors.

5. WHAT WILL YOU GIVE IN RETURN? (rewards)

Very often, a fundraising campaign's reward stimulates donations and participation. Think about publishing or music projects: it's very likely that people support these projects in part because of the opportunity to pre-order the DVD or book before release, potentially also at a lower cost than the - future - market rate. In the non-profit sector, projects are generally donation-based (meaning straightforward donations that don't include any reward), or the rewards model is used with symbolic and/or emotive rewards (for example, having your name written on a list of acknowledgments). People don't contribute to these campaigns to get something in exchange for their support, after all, but to feel part of a community and help make something important happen.

Once you've defined these points, you can create your crowdfunding campaign and propose your idea in a clear, effective way.

Use this short guide to make sure your project has everything it needs to best tell your story and... happy crowdfunding!

GDPR: the situation one year after its entry into force

Incomedia — Wed, 29 May 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Following four years of preparation and debate, GDPR was approved by the European Parliament in April 2016 and the official texts and regulation of the directive were published in all of the official languages of the EU on May 2016. The legislation came into force across the European Union on 25 May 2018, and this date is now widely understood as “year one” for the GDPR.

In that sense, this decree was the last step in a legislative process which profoundly transformed our system, and represents the start of a new era in how we understand privacy. So, how does the entry into force of the European Privacy Regulation affect companies? We discussed this with Federica De Stefani, a lawyer and privacy consultant.

GDPR: how does it affect companies?

The GDPR truly represents the start of a new era, for two different reasons. First of all, personal data is placed at the heart of the regulatory framework, and is defined as "a fundamental human right”. Second, the regulation completely changes the way we used to approach the principle of accountability of the party processing data, providing general principles that they will need to apply concretely.

This means that the norms set out what needs to be done, but don't specify how to do it.

European Regulation 679/2016 is based exactly on his concept. The person processing the data is the only party who, having better knowledge about this work than any legislator, is able to determine the appropriate and adequate measures to carry out the protections that the GDPR demands.

As of May 2018, all organisations are expected to be compliant with GDPR. This means that following potential audits, the sanctions will be fully applied, and may carry the maximum penalties set forth by the European legislation.

Data breach: what should be done in case of a personal data breach?

The data breach aspect is one of the most important innovations introduced by the European Regulation. It lays out the obligation on the part of the data controller to inform the Authority and the concerned parties about any verified breach of personal data.

As per Art. 4, n. 12, a breach of personal data is defined as: “A security breach which entails the accidental or illicit destruction, loss, modification, unauthorized disclosure, or access to personal data that is transmitted, stored, or otherwise processed”. A data breach is an event that needs to be confronted and controlled immediately, with the goal of preventing the incident from having further consequences for the concerned party, including physical, material, or immaterial damages to individuals. This includes, for example, losing control of their personal data or the restriction of their rights, discrimination, identity theft or fraud, financial losses, unauthorized deciphering of their pseudonymization, harm to their reputation, loss of confidentiality regarding personal data protected by professional secrecy, or any other significant economic or social damages affecting the individual concerned.

As soon as a data breach concerning personal data is verified, according to article 33 of the Regulation, the controller is obligated to inform the supervisory authorities of the incident, with a few exceptions. This obligation of notifying the authorities mandates that the relevant supervisory authority has to be notified of the data breach, following art. 55 of the Regulation, without unjustified delays and if possible, within 72 hours from the moment at which the controller became aware of it.

The same article 33, however, also includes an exemption, in the hypothetical case in which: “It is unlikely that the personal data breach poses a risk to the rights and liberties of the individuals.”

In other words, this means that notifying the authorities is mandatory in cases where the data breach poses a serious risk for the individuals.

Social Networks: how do we use them in accordance with the GDPR?

There's no doubt about it, the personal data protection regulation also has a significant impact on social networks.

It's important to keep in mind that social networks offer different tools and services, and this aspect may lead the user to draw completely erroneous conclusions regarding the various responsibilities of the service provider (the social network) and the user themselves, by basing these conclusions on logical reasoning that really have no basis in the legislative framework that regulates the relationship between the platform and the user. Instead, we need to analyze the technical system, the tools each platform offers their users, and also the legal norms that govern this relationship.

This means that processing done within social networks or through them is also subject to this new legislative system. Therefore, we need to analyze individual processes and the individuals methods with which they carried out, and as of today, this analysis is still not complete, nor has it been carried out by everyone using the web to promote their own businesses.

Thank you to Ms. De Stefani for helping us shine some light on this topic.

In conclusion, one year after the arrival of the GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation, we've come a long way in terms of privacy, even if the legal principles and guidelines are still changing.

Gaining more customers online: the importance of a showcase website

Incomedia — Wed, 22 May 2019 22:01:00 GMT

According to 2017 data from Social Media Today, 81% of consumers look for information about products/services on the Internet before making an online or in-store purchase. This trend in purchasing behavior underscores the importance of having a website for all professionals looking to draw new customers.

Visibility, and above all sales, are crucial for any business. A website is the right tool to help you gain more customers online and draw more interested people to your business. But what are the specific motives you should consider when creating a professional showcase website? Here are four main ones.

1. A website allows you to reach a greater number of potential customers

Building your online presence through your website will empower you to reach more consumers. It goes without saying that the more potential online customers you reach, the more likely you are to make a sale. Creating a website, however, won't automatically lead customers to your business. With a few important tricks, like taking care of your content and SEO optimization, you can improve your chances of appearing at the top of search results, increasing traffic to your website and attracting new customers.

2. A website boosts your credibility

How does a website help boost your credibility? First of all, it lets visitors learn what your business is about: in addition to displaying your products and services, you can also introduce your company and its mission. Allowing consumers get to know your business builds trust, which is the first step for attracting customers and forging a long-term relationship with them. Use your website to establish your authority: the content you create and publish on your website shows your consumers that you know what you are talking about. Offering high-quality content also helps you gain more customers online and encourage conversions.

3. With a website, anybody can contact you at any time

A website is an online store front, which, unlike a physical shop, never closes. Your web address is accessible all day, every day, from everywhere in the world. Luckily, you don't need to give up sleep to attract customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: your site will do the work for you, providing visitors with information about your products and services at any time of day or night.

4. Having a professional website is easy, even if you can't code

Don't underestimate the importance of website design. If your project isn't attractive, or if it's hard to navigate, you could drive customers away instead of drawing them in, without even realizing it. Statistics published by iMPACT show that 38% of people abandon websites if they don't like its design. Of course, creating a professional website can seem complicated if you don't know where to start. Luckily, there are solutions like WebSite X5, the desktop software for creating professional websites, whose wizard guides you through how to build your project. You don't need to be able to code, although programming experts can use this software too. Now you can create the perfect showcase for your business and attract new customers online!

In conclusion, the value of having a website mainly lies in the ability to draw new customers and raise your online visibility. As a backbone for your business's online presence, that's always available and open, your website will allow you to gain new customers online and build a solid digital presence. What are you waiting for? Build it now! Your professional showcase awaits!

How to promote your website for free

Incomedia — Wed, 15 May 2019 22:01:00 GMT

So, you’ve spent weeks working around the clock and finally you’ve got your ideal website up and running. Now how do you get it seen?

Sure, you could hire costly ad agencies and promotional experts to get the message out there, but there are various free and easy things you can try to do it yourself. Try these nifty ways to promote a website for free and watch as the views start stacking up.

SEO is the way to go

People searching the web don’t want to trawl through hundreds of pages of results; the joy of the Internet is having what you want a quick click away and that means ranking high is essential. That’s where Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) comes in as the first way to promote a website for free.

Take some time to research what people search for and what keywords yield big results. Be specific! Every hotel in the world is going to mention the basic amenities, so plump for keywords that set you apart. If you’re a five-star spa hotel, celebrate it! If you’ve got world-class sports facilities, shout it from the rooftops! Keywords work best when they set you apart from the competition.

WebSite X5’s site-building software provides convenient drop-down boxes for different html tags, so all you need to do is enter your optimised content and they’ll make sure Google, Bing, Yahoo! and more can read it. For more SEO tips, click here.

Share your content

When people think “I want to promote my website for free”, they often imagine elaborate marketing initiatives. In reality, many of the tools are right at your fingertips.

Keep your social media accounts active and engaging. Share links to your site and make sure to include them in your profile descriptions, as well as eye-catching images, fun stories and anything else that makes people want to click. Social media is a wonderful way to express your personality and brand values and is a vital tool in the success of companies in the digital age.

Create links

And here is another tip about how to advertise your business for free. If you’re a service provider, you’ve got a list of clients and customers who can provide you with valuable advertising. Ask them to provide a link to your website on their social media and offer them the same in return. The wider you cast your net, the greater the rewards you’ll reap.

How to start selling online.

Incomedia — Mon, 13 May 2019 14:16:00 GMT

"How do I make sales online?” I know you're looking for a short, clear, and definitive answer. Unfortunately, the best response to such a broad question is: “It depends.”

First of all, it depends on what you mean by “start selling”. Depending on what you want to sell and the sales goals you set for yourself, in fact, there are at least 3 different possible scenarios.

Occasional sales: new and used items sold by one individual to another
Selling services: from a favor for a neighbor to a freelance professional
Sales in a store: from general marketplaces to your own online store

Then there’s a new, increasingly attractive frontier which intersects with the more “traditional” channels for online sales:

Social media sales: Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram

Let’s discuss them one at a time.

Occasional sales: new and used items sold by one individual to another

This is a fairly common situation: you find yourself with presents you don't like, furniture you no longer use, or tools that still work but that you don't need anymore. All this stuff takes up room in your house, and you want to de-clutter while hopefully earning some cash.

In these cases, the solution is to sell your new or used items online: there are many sites that allow you to do this for free or at low cost, by creating listings, starting auctions, or even opening “virtual stores” in just a few clicks. Here are a few of the most widely-known listings websites:

Subito.it: is one of Italy's most-visited listings websites.
Bakeka.it: another famous website with all kinds of listings, for jobs as well.
Kijiji: part of the eBay group, a free site for small listings.
Secondamano: gathers listings for various types of used items.
Autoscout24: a website that’s solely dedicated to car, motorcycle, trailer, and camper sales.
Etsy: specifically for selling hand-made or vintage products.

With a quick web search, you’ll find dozens of other listings websites: from the most generic to those that specialize in a specific sales market. What they have in common is the ease with which you can generally create an account and make your listing, which will be shown to a truly very wide audience of potential buyers. People interested in your product contact you through the platform, so it's easy to manage your transactions. On the other hand, keep in mind that your listing will be presented alongside many other similar ones: competition can be extremely high. To increase your visibility, which may mean staying at the top of the list for a certain time, you might consider investing a small sum of money to promote your ad within the site. Of course, it all depends on how quickly you need to make the sale, and how much you want to earn.

Selling services: from a favor for a neighbor to a freelance professional

Just because you're not selling products doesn't mean you can't make online sales. It may seem counterintuitive, but if you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

Basically, instead of focusing on selling physical products, you can sell services. The services you can offer and which people are willing to pay for may vary widely: it all depends on what you know, what you can do, and what your interests are. Of course, you’ll need a degree and relevant experience to offer your services as a corporate consultant, but if you want to advertise yourself for small jobs like dog sitting or mowing lawns, all you need is a good attitude and some time.

In order for people who may need you and your services to find you, you can once again use a series of websites that were created to connect people seeking work with those offering it. For more clarity, we’re distinguishing between websites that help people find odd jobs and those dedicated to freelancers.

Odd job websites

The basic idea of these portals is that they work like communities: I have a green thumb, I’ll help my neighbor prune his garden; he’s good with computers, he’ll fix my printer. Each website has its own specific characteristics: some of them connect individuals offering certain services, others recommend professionals; some are more generic, others focus on specific services. Here are some of the most widely-known among these sites:

Tabbid.com: works like a social network for odd jobs. You sign up through Facebook and view the closest offers.
Vicker.org and Localjob.it: allow you to find professionals and workers near you.
Taskhunters.it: was created specifically for students looking for small tasks to complete during their free time.

Basically, we used to rely on personal acquaintances, word of mouth, or flyers on notice boards, but now searching for odd jobs has gotten a lot “smarter”: thanks to websites and phone apps, finding a way to make some extra cash in your free time is easier than you think. All that’s left to do is roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Sites for freelancers

The number of people who have decided to make the leap from traditional employment to a freelance career is growing steadily: in Europe, the self-employed make up around 4% of the workforce, and that number jumps to 23.8% in Italy.

If you're ready to take that big step, know that there are a number of online marketplaces dedicated to freelancers: These outsourcing platforms, which may be more or less specific to different sectors, connect professionals with agencies through an application system. The clients decide who to hire for the job, and once their completed work is approved, the freelancer receives the payment agreed upon.

The best sites for finding freelance work are:

Freelancer.com, Fiverr, WeWorkRemotely: all of these are international websites, in English, with job postings for a variety of sectors.
Starbytes, Zooppa: two of the best-known and most-used Italian websites .
Speaklike, Textbroker, Melascrivi, TranslatorsCafe: dedicated to content writers and translators in particular.

We recommend spending a little time researching the platform that's best suited to your needs, considering: the kind of service you offer, how many offers you can receive, the deadlines you’ll need to meet, and the compensation you could earn.

These portals can serve as great launching pads if you're just starting to make a name for yourself, or become an extra source of income for established professionals.

The risk is that while chasing jobs, you might be very tempted to sell yourself short, both in terms of time and money, which ends up hurting your earnings potential.

Emphasize your image and your professionalism to increase your chances of standing out from the competition and being selected by clients. Create your brand: having a website, possibly one with a blog, is a great way to explain what services you offer, show that you're an expert in your field, and let potential clients find you, including outside of outsourcing platforms.

Sales in a store: from general marketplaces to your own online store

This is where things get more interesting. We're not talking about just selling your old toaster or “selling your time” to make some extra cash on the side. We mean starting your own online sales business, a virtual store in which you can offer your physical and/or digital products.

You can choose from two options here: selling your products through a marketplace, or creating and opening your own online store. Both solutions have their pros and cons. Plus, they're not necessarily mutually exclusive. In fact, you could decide to go down both roads, combining them into one comprehensive strategy.

Let’s look at them one at a time.

Selling through a marketplace.

If you can't or don’t want to front the initial investment required to create your own online store, you can choose from a range of marketplaces instead: these are platforms that bring together a huge number of vendors, allowing buyers to browse through an online department store. Some marketplaces are vertical, meaning they are dedicated to a specific category of products, while others are horizontal or general.

There’s no debate: the biggest international marketplaces are Amazon and eBay. They are both target small and mid-sized businesses. Amazon can also take care of logistics, while eBay mainly rose to fame for its auction system. If you sell apparel, you can also join the Zalando or Privalia marketplaces. But there are many others, including: ePrice, one of Italy's top online marketplaces, especially for household electronics; AliExpress, a Chinese marketplace belonging to the Alibaba group; Rakuten, a Japanese giant with a huge presence on the Asian market. Another very popular marketplace is Etsy, which stands out because it's only for selling hand-made products, or vintage items that are at least 20 years old. Curious about Etsy? You should also read Selling on Etsy: why it's not enough.

Amazon is now definitely the undisputed leader of the online shopping sector: as proven by its dizzying sales figures and unrelenting growth. Everyone likes making purchases on Amazon because it seems to have just about any product you can imagine, and especially because of their unparalleled customer service.

Market research regarding online consumer habits also adds the following, very interesting details: people are generally most likely to search for products on marketplaces (38%, of which 29% on Amazon and 9% on other marketplaces), followed by retail websites (29%, of which 13% in physical stores, 12% in private online stores, and 4% on private apps), and finally on search engines (15%).

As a result, it seems that selling on these marketplaces, particularly on Amazon, could be a good strategy because it means taking advantage of their high visibility and the fact that the traffic they draw is made of people who are very likely to buy.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks you should be aware of. First of all, any marketplace requires payment for the services they offer in the form of sales commissions, whose percentage depends on the platform and/or the category of sales that applies to your products. Second, competition is extremely high: there are many other vendors just like you on the marketplace, who offer the same products as you do. The chances of remaining just one of many vendors, and not achieving a strong brand, are very high. But the greatest challenge is that you will always be a guest in someone else’s online home: you’ll need to follow the rules they set, and you’ll be subjected to the whims of the platform’s algorithm, which uses its own internal logic to determine how to rank your products compared to those of your competitors.

The reality is that Amazon and every other marketplace offer significant opportunities, but in order to turn them into real sources of income, you’ll need to really study them and put in a lot of effort to get the most out of this approach.

Opening your own online store

The alternative to using marketplaces is to open your own online store, the digital equivalent of a brick-and-mortar shop.

Opening an online store used to be very complicated. In the past, you had no choice but to hire a programmer to create a site, and you would be forced to call on them again and again to implement the slightest change or update to the store.

Today, however, there are other solutions: software and online services that allow entrepreneurs, even those without any coding or design knowledge, to easily create their own online stores. In general, these services are also low-cost and are scalable: meaning you can start with a basic plan and then move on to more professional solutions as your business grows larger and larger.

The main open-source platforms for creating online stores are Magento and Prestashop. Both of these platforms provide you with the basic building blocks for online store (themes, product catalogs, shopping cart, order management, etc.), they are free to use (in addition to its open-source version, Magento also has a business version that charges a fee) and offer a number of free or paid plug-ins, many of which are basically mandatory for creating an online store that works correctly. Generally, Magento websites are less visually pleasing and a little harder to use, but it offers very advanced features and works well for mid-sized/large businesses. Prestashop, on the other hand, is more user-friendly and is a better choice for small businesses that are just starting out in the world of online sales.

As open-source platforms, both Magento and Prestashop need to be downloaded and installed, and also require a hosting service. If you don't have the necessary technical knowledge to handle these aspects, you can choose a different category of services: CMS (Content Management Systems) which are not open-source, including solutions like Shopify or BigCommerce. These are low-cost solutions that area easier to use: the advantage here is that they allow you to focus on creating and selling products, rather than worrying about the many technical questions behind creating a website: these solutions are great form creating an online store that’s not too complicated.

Finally, an alternative to online CMS solutions is WebSite X5, a software for creating websites, blogs, and online stores that’s extremely simple to use. This is a desktop software with no recurring fees: once you purchase your license, it’s yours forever, and you can create all the websites you want for yourself, your friends, or your clients.

Social media sales: Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram

Having a store - whether physical or online - isn’t enough. You also need to let people know that it’s open and that it offers fantastic products at exceptional prices. There are many strategies for promoting an online store, but in general, a good marketing plan should always include a social media component. In fact, social media, starting with Facebook, is a great means of publicity: sponsored posts can grow your audience and increase your sales.

Using social media to make direct sales may seem less obvious, but Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest have all developed and made available the necessary features to do just that.

Selling on Facebook: Marketplace shop

Although it may not be what it’s best known for, Facebook can be the perfect platform for both individuals and businesses, whatever their size, to sell their products online.

First of all, thanks to features introduced in 2016, selling on Facebook isn't that hard; secondly, you can benefit from an immense audience that’s easy to segment and can be targeted with promotional campaigns for relatively low prices.

As an individual, all you need to do to create an ad is open Facebook, log in, and click on the Marketplace icon on the left-hand sidebar. Then, click on the Sell something button and add all the information necessary for the sale. Remember: sales are privately managed and interested users may contact you for more information.

As a company, on the other hand, you first need to create a company profile on Facebook. Once you've accessed your page, you’ll find the Shop button: click on it to view that section. Here, you’ll find all the necessary steps for creating your products, linking your online store, and setting up payment methods.

The Marketplace and Shop are free features: Facebook does not take any commission. Instead, expenses may depend on the payment system you choose to use. PayPal and Stripe, for example, which are the most widely used, will subtract a commission for each payment you receive from a sale.

Selling on Instagram

Founded in 2010 and acquired by Facebook in 2012, by 2018 Instagram had more than one billion users and has become one of the biggest social media networks in the world, together with Facebook itself and YouTube.

It’s no surprise then, that Instagram can offer any company great opportunities for increasing their sales and drawing public interest. Especially once you’ve turned on the Shopping feature, which is intended to reduce the number of steps required for an Instagram user to complete a purchase after discovering products on the platform itself.

So, in order to use Instagram to make sales, you first need to open a business account: this kind of account is reserved for companies and requires a Facebook profile with an active Shop as proof. It’s important to sync this account with your Facebook store because that’s where Instagram pulls information about which products you're selling. Once your account has been verified, the Shopping feature will turn on and you can start tagging your posts to make them shoppable.

That means that once you've uploaded your photo, added a caption, and added filters, you will be able to click on one or more of the products in the photo itself and link them to products in your Facebook shop. When you're done, all you need to do is confirm and share.

Your followers will see the photo, and if they're interested in a product, they can simply tap on it to view information like its name and price, and complete the purchase if they want to. It couldn't be faster or easier!

Selling on Pinterest with rich pins

Although it can’t compete with Facebook’s numbers and therefore remains a niche social network, Pinterest can be a surprisingly effective sales and marketing tool. The main reason is that users use it as a search engine, especially when looking for things to do or buy. Plus, data says that buying intent is greater on Pinterest than on other social media networks, that ads are well received, and that there is a high level of sharing.

Based on these factors, Pinterest is a good option whether you're selling on a marketplace or through your own online store.

As with any other social media, carefully evaluate your plan before creating an account. Set goals for yourself and try to lay out an editorial plan: you should be able to create a profile that matches your brand, and to structure your pinboards attractively.

Remember that you can't simply post images of your products on a white background or other slapdash photos that won't stand out in a feed. On Pinterest, images that can inspire, teach the viewer how to do something, or tell a story are the ones that do best.

Try the rich pin product for your online store. Rich pins are dynamically linked to a site’s pages: by updating your site, the pin updates as well. Rich pin products can include a price and a direct link to the purchasing page in addition to the usual information.

One last tip: whichever road you choose, start with a Business Plan.

Let's take another look at our initial question: "How do I start making sales online?” As you can see from this overview, there isn't one unequivocal answer. Instead, there are different solutions to choose from depending on the type of project you want to develop and the objectives you've set yourself.

So, especially if online sales are or will become part of your business, before moving forward with any of these options, take the time to analyze your project in its entirety.

People often underestimate the value of planning, but this is very risky. What you should do is write out a Business Plan for your project. A good Business Plan is not just a document, it's also a process. First of all, writing a Business Plan is itself a process that forces you to fully reflect on the most important aspects of your project: thinking everything through before you start will spare you unpleasant surprises and reduces the risk of failure. Second, the Business Plan is a programmatic, strategic, and analytic document which, among other things, will help you: stay on track towards the objectives you set yourself, identify your project's strengths and weaknesses; plan your budget and schedules; find financing and establish relationships with potential partners.

Regardless of the specific factors of each sector or the variables that come into play, all Business Plans consist of a similar structure. Generally, they start with an Executive Summary, which is an introduction that summarizes the rest of the document, allowing the reader to get a clear, comprehensive overview of the project. After the Executive Summary, you’ll get into the details of the project. To summarize, some of the most important elements that should go into an online store’s Business Plan include:

The description of the business

This part describes the nature of the business and its fundamental features. Start with the mission, explain its short-, medium-, and long-term objectives, analyze its strengths and weaknesses, and identify factors for success.

The description of the products/services

The goal is to describe the products you offer and your plans for their continued development. Choosing the right products to sell in your online store is crucial for the success of your business; analyze user searches, highlight the needs you can respond to, and don't underestimate current trends.

The description of the target

Identify and describe your target audience. This is crucial for correctly configuring a number of processes, for example, your marketing initiatives and promotional strategies. You need to know who you're talking to in order to know what to offer them and the best way to reach them.

The analysis of the market and the competition

The goal is to collect and process useful data to define the sector and environment in which your business is situated. Studying your position compared to that of your competitors will give you a better understanding of the forces that guide the sector in which you want to operate, allowing you to know when you need to correct your course, for example.

The marketing strategy

In order to succeed, your need to spread the word about your online store and incite customers to make purchases. That means you need to identify and explain the strategies that you will implement to get these results, and as a result, meet the objectives you’ve set yourself. Work on the 4 Marketing Mix levers: Product, Price, Point of Sale (distribution), and Promotion. Once you’ve identified the needs and the target, define the marketing practices you’ll put into place and describe them all in your Marketing Plan.

The financial analysis

This is the most labor-intensive part, and you might ask for help from a consultant. To summarize, this should allow you to estimate expenses, forecast your earnings, and understand if you need to find financing.

By asking yourselves these questions, among others, you’ll be able to write a document that illustrates and explains the outlines of your project in an organized way, and it will force you to examine the opportunities you can take advantage of, as well as potential obstacles you might face.

This analysis will help you understand which path is best for you: you might find out, for example, that selling on Amazon doesn't exclude sales through your own online store, but rather that they’ll complement each other. As a result, you could decide to launch both efforts at once, or choose to implement them one after another, as steps in a development plan. Or you might decide that the type of products you sell are best sold on a sector-specific marketplace, and focus on niche social media networks that may not have Facebook’s user numbers but are much more targeted to your audience.

In conclusion, the Web offers virtual store windows that can be seen by an immensely wide and varied audience, and technology has made available powerful, scalable tools: if you have an entrepreneurial spirit, seize these opportunities, choose a winning strategy, and build your own success.

Everything you need to know about personal branding

Incomedia — Wed, 08 May 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Today, the road to a successful career not only includes the "offline" steps, it also involves an online journey. In fact, whether you're looking for your first job or expanding your career into the digital sphere, you should know that personal branding can help you stand out in the market. But how do you go about creating your personal brand? What should you pay attention to? And how does personal branding really work, anyway? We asked all these questions to Silvia Pettinicchio, a professional marketing & communications expert.

What is personal branding

Silvia explains that although personal branding is a hot topic these days, it's actually a very old practice. Just as companies develop brands, a role that's been taken over by marketing for several decades now, personal branding is the practice of strategically positioning yourself in your own professional setting using images, skills, and experiences. "I always say that personal branding is built through a triad approach: knowing how do so something, doing it, and letting others know", says Silvia. "A personal brand that works consists of more than just messaging and images." First of all, it should be founded on your skills, talents, and experience; only afterwards should you start thinking about communicating all of this to others." People who build their personal brand solely on the basis of messaging or appearances and putting themselves out there at all costs, but don't have in-depth skills in their field back it up, end up being exposed sooner or later. That means anyone with talent and experience should learn to have an online presence too, otherwise they risk remaining in the shadows and losing out on recognition, despite their skills.

Who should create a personal brand, and when

No fields are excluded from personal branding: everybody should develop their brand. Whether you're a professional, a business person, or you're employed by an institution... As well as those of you seeking to build a career and find clients or higher-quality colleagues and collaborators. As your visibility grows, so will your influence. You don't need to have a personal profile on every social media network. Having a website is one of the first steps to take once you've clearly defined the field and sector in which you want to use your skills to become "influential". Then, you'll need to evaluate how much time you have, and choose the most appropriate platforms accordingly: it's better to have fewer profiles online, but always keep them updated, than to have old, deserted accounts all over the place.

How do create a personal brand: strategies and techniques for best marketing yourself

Silvia continues," First of all, you'll need to identify your talents, skills, and what sets you apart from your competition. In marketing, we call this your 'Unique Value Propositon'". Building your narrative also involves a triad approach: talent/skills, passion, target market. In order to be effective, you'll need to analyze yourself, identify your strong points, your talents and skills, and choose which ones are your strongest, those you are most passionate about. This will help you be more incisive and credible when you speak and create your content. Finally, you'll need to choose a market for your talents, or rather, a gap in the market: a need, or a problem which your talent can resolve, which you'll obviously connect to an economic value.

Need an example? Maybe you're a photographer and you're particularly passionate about wedding or event photography. You've developed extensive experience in the field, and you are fully familiar with the needs and concerns of people looking to hire a photographer for their events. Once you've identified your talent and your audience, you can create a website or blog that respond to the needs of your target market, highlighting your skills. To do this, you'll need an editorial plan: planning out your content, organizing it by topic, channel, and dates, which will help you methodically grow your visibility.

Next: joining discussions on social media like Facebook and LinkedIn can also add credibility to your opinions, and help you start to build your personal brand across different channels.

The powers of personal branding: its benefits

As you can see, personal branding is a powerful tool. Silvia often uses a metaphor to explain it. "Imagine being in a very crowded room, full of people who are dressed the same, maybe in grey, who are all the same height and are all speaking at once. Now imagine that you grab a step stool and put on a red suit. As soon as you step on that stool wearing that suit and start talking, something magical happens: people will immediately notice you and listen to you." That's the idea behind a good personal branding strategy: improving your chances of being noticed and heard.

To conclude, in today's society personal branding is crucial for obtaining that "extra something" that others may not have. A carefully managed website and positioning on social media channels are two easy steps that will help you succeed.

Neo-n: Riccardo Bianco unveils the new website for his non-profit for at-risk newborns in Novara.

Incomedia — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Riccardo Bianco is an electronics technician: he's an entrepreneur working in the metal surface treatment sector. He successfully and happily fills the role of webmaster and graphic designer for Neo-n, the non-profit organization for at-risk newborns in Novara, he joined when his son was born prematurely.

Riccardo took on the non-profit's website project in 2011, and immediately decided to re-make it using WebSite X5, a software he had discovered for free through a friend, and whose ease-of-use won him over.

Just last year, he told us that the website had helped the organization grow and achieve major goals. He also explained us that he intended to totally overhaul the site's look soon. Today, Riccardo is proud to show us the amazing results: Neo-n's new logo and new website

Riccardo, we know you often don't have much time to create the website. What inspired you to completely re-style it?

"Yes, you're right: unfortunately I can't spend as much time on it as I'd like. As a result, until now I'd been limited to doing routine updates: I added news, updated projects, and wrote our newest stories, but I didn't touch the page structure or design. At a certain point, however, I realized that something just didn't work anymore.

Because I'd added so much, the site had a ton of pages: lots of content, but it lacked in organization. How did people find what they were looking for?
A lot has changed since 2011: trends change too. Compared to what I saw online, our pages seemed a little too basic and old fashioned.
First of all, everybody browses the web on their smartphones now. Our website wasn't optimized for mobile browsing, this was a big problem.

These 3 issues convinced me to finally restyle the site and - I can already say - I'm glad I did!"

So structure, design, and responsive features were the 3 reasons that made you restyle your website. Let's go through them one at a time: how did you resolve the site's structural and navigation issues?

"I started by analyzing what I had: I reviewed all the content I had published over time, and with the help of Google Analytics, I tried to understand which pages worked best, which ones received the most traffic. This allowed me to understand what I needed to keep, and what I could get rid of.

As a non-profit organization, of course, there is some content I can't do without: the mission, statutes, and financial information may not be visited often, but they are crucial for ensuring transparent communication. After all, transparency forms the basis for trust, and for a npo, people's trust is essential.

Once I'd put together all my content, I tried to organize it into categories, and finally I realized that a one-page structure was best suited for my website. I put together all the important information into a single page: this is where readers immediately find everything they want to know, as well as links to pages that explain individual activities in detail.

I was able to combine everything here: the organization's introduction, the more institutional aspects, the blog with news and events, the reserved area, fundraising tools, contact info, and social media. In the end, I'm convinced that our users now have a much more better and rewarding experience: they can find the information they're looking for, how to contact us if they need to, and how to support us if they believe in our mission."

As far as the design, you decided to start with a Template: can you explain your decision?

"That's easy: I'm not a professional graphic designer and I didn't have a lot of time. On the other hand, I know what I like. I visited WebSite X5's Marketplace and I methodically browsed through all the Templates. I tried to consider not only what I liked, but more generally, what could work for those who follow us and especially for the kind of topics we address.

I found the GoodBoy Fundraising Template and it looked perfect: a lightweight, clear design that used bright, high-contrast colors. I liked the use of icons and large images arranged symmetrically: I think order and symmetry are important because they guide the reader's attention towards the right part of the page. Finally, I liked the large font: it's easier and makes video streaming smoother.

The Template provided the perfect launching pad, but that doesn't mean I didn't work on it. Luckily, WebSite X5 lets you customize basically everything: I replaced the images, added my content, and adjusted the structure. In other words, I made it mine - something unique and original!"

3rd point: mobile browsing.

"Absolutely, because like I said, now everybody browses the web on the go, using smartphones, and we don't like pages that are too slow to load, or text that's too small and images that don't fit.

I wanted a site that always looked perfect, whether it was viewed on a desktop or smartphone.

The Template that I used was already responsive: that means the breakpoints were already configured and it takes care of a lot of behaviors. I focused on the content. I checked how all the different resolutions were displayed, and I made sure that as the screens got smaller, the less important content was hidden.

In the end, I think I succeeded: Neo-n's website is truly modern now."

You didn't just overhaul the website, you also re-designed the organization's logo: do you think you got carried away?

"No, I don't think I got carried away. There should be consistency between a website and logo, they both work together to create the organization's image: it wouldn't have made sense to keep the logo the same when website's lines and colors had changed so radically.

However, the new logo does maintain all the elements and meanings of the earlier one: a hand, a baby with a cap and socks, a heart. These elements convey Neo-n's mission and work: supporting and lovingly helping the development of babies born prematurely or with medical problems.

The yellow you now see in the logo and the website represents light, heat, and the energy we all dedicate to this mission."

A month has passed since the new site has been launched, what's your assessment?

"My assessment is totally positive. First of all, I've gotten feedback from friends and supporters: so many of them told me that they love the new site because it's trendy, complete, and it's easier to find information.

Personally, I'm also happy because I achieved big results in a short time. I won't deny that tackling such a huge restyling project scared me a little, because it seemed like so much work. Luckily, I found a worthy ally in WebSite X5: by using the GoodBoy Fundraising Template, I hit the ground running and I used the software tools to proceed quickly. A few great tips from the community and the support service helped me do everything I had planned to do.

Now I'm satisfied and proud to show everyone what I was able to accomplish. Of course, I won't stop here: I already have a few new ideas in mind."

In conclusion, what advice would you give to someone whose website is now a little "retro" and is considering the possibility of restyling?

"Don't underestimate the importance of having an up-to-date website: it's not just about design, but especially about effectiveness and compatibility. If you introduce yourself using an old website that's not responsive, what will they think of you? How much trust will they really place in you? Regardless of whether it's a company website, a personal site, or an online store: if you made a website, it's because you want to share something or have people interested in what your offer. Whatever the case may be, you need to look credible.

I was scared to embark on a huge project too, but in the end I realized that the key was to plan everything in order to know what to do and especially what tools to use. With WebSite X5, even restyling a site like ours ended up being totally doable. Comparing costs and benefits, I can say it was absolutely worth the effort.

If I did it, you can surely do it too."

How to create a blog with the 5Ws

Incomedia — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:01:00 GMT

If you're dipping your toes into the blogging world, but you're still not sure what starting a blog really means, or why you should make one, this is the guide for you. We know what questions you're asking yourself, so you'll find all the answers here.

To stay organized, we'll follow the famous 5Ws rule. Remember it? It's the journalism rule that establishes the crucial facts that need to be present in the first line of any article. The 5Ws stand for:

Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?

At the very end, we'll also answer some additional questions about how to create a blog.

Happy reading!

Who is writing or reading the blog? (Who?)

At its core, a blog is an online diary through which you share content. That means there are people behind and around every blog: the people writing and the people reading.

So there can be at least 2 different approaches to the "Who?" question:

Who should start a blog?

Speaking broadly, anybody who enjoys writing and wants to carve out a space for themselves in the world should at least consider the option of having their own blog. A deeper look reveals that blogs can have really significant advantages.

Young people looking for their first job - Everybody runs into the same problem when looking for their first job after graduating: "What experience can I put on my CV if I haven't started working yet?" From this perspective, a blog can be a fantastic test bed as well as an effective calling card.

First of all, you're free to experiment on your personal blog, and having to write posts is also a great "excuse" to continue to study and learn more about your subject so you can keep developing your expertise. Second, all the posts you publish on your blog display the knowledge and skills you've already acquired. Finally, just starting, organizing, managing, and moderating a blog shows possible employers clear evidence that you have the abilities they may be looking for in potential hires. This means that having a blog can count as work experience, which you can develop independently and even alongside your studies: which can be great asset for standing out from the competition.
Get passionate - reflect on your life and think about everything you've accomplished so far. Regardless of the work you do or the titles you've earned, you definitely have a story to tell, and you've gained experiences which make you an "expert" in something. Let that "something" be what you write about: whether it's your hobby, your passion, or what you do in your free time. Sharing what you've learned you do can be immensely useful for anyone who shares your interests but hasn't yet taken the same road you have. People like to read stories by people who have overcome similar problems: useful tips and practical guides have become very valuable online content because they drive most searches. And in the end - who knows! - the blog you started for fun could become your job and change your life. Many any fashion, travel, and food bloggers became famous this way: can you name some?
Writers - in today's era of self-publishing, you need to find effective ways to actively promote yourself and your books to get ahead as a writer. Sure, you have a Facebook profile, an Amazon sales page, and maybe even an author page on Amazon Author Central, but that's not enough. You also need a different kind of space, where you can invite your readers into your virtual home. The best tool for this is a blog, because:

in a blog, you can dive deeper into your books' themes, and grow your status as an author;
you can publish new content on a blog; Google likes these regular updates and will rank your pages more favorably, helping you climb up the Search Engine Results Page. Better ranking = wider audience;
a blog allows you to engage with your readers and start a dialog with them: connecting with the public is key for growing your sales.

Freelancers - Abandoning the security of a full-time job to go freelance often feels like a leap of faith. If you feel that this is your calling, make sure you're being as clever as you are bold. In order to succeed, you'll need a strategy that allows clients to find you when they search for someone with your skills. Having a blog to promote your freelance work is the perfect way to do this.

A blog lets you showcase your skills and maintain an online CV that's always up-to-date: quality content ensures the right people (potential clients) will find you at the right time (when they need you). Of course, a freelancer's blog is more than just an online diary: you need to develop it with clear goals in mind, to make sure it works for you. Most of all, you need to start right away, before you even register your business, because a blogging is a mid- to long-term strategy. A blog is a truly important tool that, among other things, will help you be less dependent on word-of-mouth for your business.
Companies - As part of a wider digital strategy, a company blog is often an important tool for a number of reasons, the most important of which are:

capturing potential clients because a blog increases your visibility in search engine results (SEO), meaning people interested in your services will find you more easily;
gaining the public's trust because what you publish (blog posts as well as extra content like e-books, videos, and infographics) fuels your readers' interest and keeps them coming back;
putting a face to your company and allowing you to interact with people, connecting with the public instead of remaining anonymous.

Your blog probably won't replace all of your traditional marketing initiatives or your current sales techniques, but it will certainly help make them easier and more credible.

Who is a blog written for?

"WHO am I talking to?" is a key question you'll need to answer when you decide to start a blog.

No cheating. Saying "everyone" or "as many people as possible" isn't enough. These answers are too generic and won't help you.

With a little effort, you'll soon realize that your goal is actually to reach a rather small percentage of the millions of active online visitors: you want to reach people who are interested in what you have to offer, whether as a private individual or as a company.

Who are those people? What are their real needs and interests?

Try to interview some of the people who already follow you and create a profile for your imaginary client/reader : give that person a name, a job, and maybe even an appearance. This will help you imagine them as a real person.

Now, each time you write a new post for your blog, picture your imaginary client and ask yourself these questions:

"Is this content useful to them?"
"Which problems does it solve?"

Not only can it be easier to write as though you were giving a friend advice, or even just trying to entertain them, rather than to write to a total stranger, it's also much more useful.

What should your blog be about? (What?)

In order for a blog to be successful, you not only need to know who you're writing to, you also need a clear idea of what you want to say. What will be the main topic of all the posts you write?

Of course this will all be determined by your interests and your needs. If you start a personal blog, there's no sense writing about something you're not passionate and knowledgeable about. If you create a blog for your company, the products or services you sell will be the focus, since the goal is to attract clients.

Once you've identified your main topic, do some research to find out if there really is a target audience for it, how much competition you may be facing, and especially, if there is a gap you could fill to create a niche for yourself and gain success. Services like Semrush and Seozoom can help you scope out the territory during this research phase.

Ideally, you would find a subject area which draws lots of search queries but has little competition; of course, that's easier said than done. Don't get discouraged. Study your competition: you might realize that there are unexplored areas that you could work on, or that you have a unique perspective on the topic. If you can create content that adds value compared to what's already out there, your chances of success will increase accordingly.

Now that you have a clearly defined idea for your project, you can start thinking about what kind of content to produce and organize it into an editorial plan.

If you work strategically, you will soon realize that you'll need to publish different kinds of posts in your blog. An editorial plan will help you maintain coherence while pursuing several different goals. In fact, you'll generally need to produce:

long, in-depth posts that deal with specific keywords → goal: SEO
short, appealing posts → goal: ENGAGEMENT
posts that incite people to subscribe → goal: GENERATING LEADS
posts that lead to sales → goal: CONVERSION

To schedule your posts, you can then translate your editorial plan into an editorial calendar. An editorial calendar can be as simple as a sheet of graph paper in which you list all your posts, along with details like their publication dates, titles, tags, categories, sources, etc.

Often, people tend to take an "instinctive" approach when starting their blog: writing and publishing posts if and when inspiration strikes. Having a plan and an editorial calendar lets you reach a new level of quality: it allows you to maintain a medium-term perspective and prepare content that you can then schedule, so you can post regularly and consistently.

When should you start a blog? (When?)

If you're asking yourself, "When should I start a blog?", the answer is almost always: "yesterday".

Everyone likes to get immediate results for their work, but blogs don't work that way: you need to have medium- to long-term perspective. You need start to write and publish in order for search engines to have time to index your content, and if your content is good, to push them up in the SERP. That's when readers will start to find you, read your posts, and hopefully, enjoy them.

It will take some time for the seeds you plant to bear their fruits. So you should start right away. At first, only a few people may read the posts you publish: take advantage of this time to experiment, refine, and improve your craft. Once you start gaining a consistent audience, your blog will already be full of interesting content, which will bolster your image and your credibility.

Where should I publish my blog? (Where?)

Ok, so now you know what you want to say and you have your initial content ready. It's time to take it online.

Where should you create your blog? This is another question to consider.

If your goal is to create a free blog, go to Wordpress.com, Blogger (Google's platform), or Medium. Sign up for their services and you can start to write and publish in just a few seconds.

Sure, you got your blog for free, but you're a guest in someone else's house: you need to follow their rules - maybe settle for a less-than-attractive tertiary domain name - and accept that you won't be independent.

The more important your blog is to your web strategy, the more you should be willing to invest to optimize it and make sure it gives you the most opportunities for growth.

If you choose to invest in a more professional solution rather than just creating a free blog, you'll need to tackle the following steps:

Choose your blog's name and domain

Your blog needs a name, of course: you need to give it an identity. If you're running a company blog, you can just carry over the name of your business. On the other hand, if you have a personal blog, you can decide to emphasize your own identity and use your name as the title, or you can base the title off your project.

In any case, it's important to give your blog a name that's simple and easy to remember, pronounce, and write. Choose something that sparks curiosity and interest, which clearly and concisely conveys your personality. Finally, remember that your blog's name should also correspond to the domain: so make sure the domain is still available.

At this point, all you need to do is visit a provider's website and buy your domain, choosing the extension (.com, .org, etc.) that best suits your project. If you have the foresight, you should also buy the other main, top-level domains in order to protect your brand.

Here's a tip: in addition to your name, consider creating a logo for your blog. It's crucial for your project's identity. If you don't know where to start, there are many online solutions that can can help you create your own logo, often for free: try DesignEvo, for example.

Choose the right hosting service

Hosting is what allows your blog to be found online, and it's more important than it may seem. A good hosting service guarantees fast loading times and an uptime of close to 100%: this means your blog will always be available and that readers won't have to wait for pages to load. As you can imagine, all of this translates into a great user experience for your readers. And reader satisfaction is one of the factors Google values the most, which means it will rank your pages more favorably.

Plus, a good hosting service should guarantee high security standards and adequate technical support.

Don't worry: there are great providers who offer domain registration and high-quality hosting services at very reasonable prices. You'll see, the annual investment this requires absolutely pays off.

Now that you have a name, a domain, and a place to publish, you need a tool for creating your posts. WebSite X5 is a software for creating websites, blogs, and e-commerce stores: it's easy, fast, and affordable. Try it!

Why publish a blog? (Why?)

By now, it should be pretty clear WHY it's important to have a blog, and what advantages you can gain.

Here's a short recap in case you need one:

Generally, search engines like blogs because their content is constantly updated, which helps improve your visibility.
More visibility through search engines means more traffic for your website.
More traffic means more people who are potentially interested in what you're offering, and therefore more opportunities for conversion. Depending on your goals, conversion might translate into sales, service subscriptions, or requests for contact/a quote for your services.
Blogs contribute to branding, which increases the perceived value of a brand or product, as well as your value as an author/expert.
By managing comments, blogs also offer you the opportunity to interact and connect with your readers/clients. The quality of this relationship is the best guarantee for a successful project.
A blog increases transparency and puts a human face to a company: this helps build your clients' trust.

How?

We know: we've answered some of your biggest concerns, but you still have a few lingering questions: For example:

How do you write a high-quality post?
How do I promote my content?
How do I earn money with a personal blog?
How do I comply with Cookie and Privacy regulations?

We'll go through this list and provide some answers.

How do you write a high-quality post?

You probably decided to start a personal blog because you like to write. When you prepare to write your posts, remember that your content will not only need to be enjoyable to readers, it also needs to satisfy Google, which will assign value to it and determine its SERP ranking.

So make sure to keep in mind that a high-quality postwill need to have the following elements:

Title: this should grab attention, spark curiosity without revealing too much, and contain the keywords for your post's topic.
Introduction: this is what convinces the reader that the post contains the information they need.
Content: this should add value, meaning it should be useful and high-quality. Always keep in mind who you're writing for, and what needs you're trying to respond to.
Call to Action: every post should have a CTA, an explicit call to action. If you want your readers to do something (subscribe, download content, make a purchase), find the right spot in the post to directly ask them to do so.
Images: a wall of text can scare away and discourage even the most passionate reader. Find appropriate images to go along with your content: there are many libraries of free images: find some that aren't over-used and that fit your topic and your blog's general style.

How do I promote my content?

You're right: writing good content and creating an attractive blog is only the first step. To really be successful , you need to actively promote your blog in order to attract visitors and create an audience that's continuously growing.

Take several approaches:

On-site SEO: all your content needs to be optimized for search engines in order to climb to the top of the SERP results. Make sure your post contains keywords, header tags, and ALT text.
Off-site SEO: your goal is link building, which means creating a network of links that lead to your blog. You can write for other blogs in order to get your name out there, or offer to exchange links with other bloggers. What's important is to generate "dofollow" links that can add value to your pages.
Social networks: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social networks (choose whichever ones most are most appropriate for your audience) are a great channel for giving your blog's content a push, especially if you're willing to invest a little bit in a few ad campaigns.
Newsletter: a blog with a newsletter instantly seems more professional. Plus, a newsletter is a very powerful tool for communicating directly with your readers and updating them about what you're publishing. Try to create the broadest-possible mailing list: it will also come in handy for monetizing your efforts.

How do I earn money with a personal blog?

Since you can't live off passion alone, trying to make money from your blogging activities is totally legitimate.

Yes, you can earn money from a blog: as proven by the many bloggers who support themselves this way. However, don't expect to start earning money immediately, or without having to put in a lot of effort to get satisfactory results. As we mentioned above, this takes time, perseverance, and strategy.

There are many ways to earn money from a blog: so we suggest diversifying. Don't rely on a single method: experiment and find what works best for your project and for your target audience.

These approaches include:

signing up for the Adsense program or other ad placement systems.
selling banner space;
joining affiliate programs;
selling informational products (e-books, video lessons, templates, etc.);
writing and publishing reviews to promote third-party products/services;
publishing sponsored content;
for non-profits and organizations, adding a button/form for collecting donations;

In addition, once you build a certain reputation as an expert through your blog, you can earn income by offering training, organizing courses, participating in events, or other similar activities.

How do I comply with Cookie and Privacy regulations?

If you're wondering, "Are there any legal aspects I should keep in mind when starting my blog?" the answer is "Yes". You need to comply with European regulations on Cookies and data handling: don't underestimate these issues, the resulting fines can be hefty.

Remember, the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) applies to anybody handling personal data. That means it applies to you if your blog collects e-mail addresses for your newsletter, or any other information about your readers.

We created a guide to help you understand what's involved: GDPR: What It Is, What's Changing, What to Do:

Without going too far in detail, we do suggest 2 solutions by iubenda to make sure you're in compliance: Internal Privacy Management and Consent Solution.

Conclusion

You made it to the end of the guide! We tried to answer the questions you've surely been grappling with if you're thinking of starting a blog. As you can see, a blog is a powerful tool: it requires effort and consistency, but it can allow you to achieve valuable results, both in terms of branding as well as sales.

So when can we read your first post?

Google My Business: How and Why Use It

Incomedia — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 22:01:00 GMT

Google My Business is a free service offered by Google that allows you to create an online presence for your business so you can be found more easily in search results. How does this service work, what's important for you to know and how can it help improve your online business? We will answer these questions in this article.

Google My Business: Why You Should Use It

Even if you already have a website, Google My Business complements your existing website because it gives your business a public identity and a presence with your own dedicated listing on Google. What is the main reason for having a profile on Google My Business? It gives you a professional and verified listing on the most popular search engine in the world. This can increase your organic visibility and make it easier to attract new customers. A good organic ranking in the search engine is, in fact, an excellent way to increase search traffic and reach a greater number of potential customers. The information you provide about your business will be displayed not only in the results of the organic Google search, but also on Google Maps. Finally, by creating a profile on Google My Business you will be able to access additional promotional services, like Google Ads (Google's tool where you pay to set up a sponsored advertising campaign).

How to create a Google My Business profile

To register on Google My Business and activate your account, simply go to business.google.com and click on “Start now”. The steps for creating your profile are very simple and intuitive: you will be asked to enter your business name along with other important information, like the type of business and your locations. What if you are not a company, but a self-employed freelancer or professional? No worries: Google My Business is for everyone. You can register your business even if you are self-employed, this gives you the opportunity to have a professional listing on Google. Also, if you wish, Google My Business will allow you to create a simple website, with by all the information that you enter on the portal. Using this website feature, you can complement your professional profile! Once you have completed the registration process, Google My Business will ask you to verify your business listing: within 12 days you will receive a verification postcard by mail at your business address. Once this step is completed, your business will be live and your presence will be enhanced on the search engine!

Now that you have Google My Business, how can you get the most from this tool?

When you open the profile, the dashboard will display various sections that we will explain here:

Posts

Here, you can update your followers by sharing useful information, offers, news, products and all the updates you want.

Insights

From this section you can access all the information you need to increase your customer base. The data and analyses provided here will help you to discover how many people are searching for your business and how they are interacting with your listing. You can also compare your business with others and monitor your competition.

Reviews

It is now common knowledge that reviews are one of the ranking factors that Google uses (for about 10% of the total) to determine where your business should be placed on search results. According to statistics, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Therefore, the more reviews you have, the better idea new customers will have about your business.

Photos

The importance of this section depends on your type of activity. However, no matter what your business, you should add at least a couple of photos that identify your category, your company or the services that you offer. Google My Business has already included several categories to help you organize the material: videos, interior photos, exterior photos, team photos, and more. You should take full advantage of these labels to optimize your images.

Google My Business for local SEO

Local Search Engine Optimization is an essential part of Google My Business: in fact, a critical first step is to claim and verify your business listing. This is for one simple reason. When someone searches for your business on Google, the information used in the setup of your GMB profile (telephone number, address, reviews, etc.) is pulled from your Google My Business page and populated into the search results. To learn more about SEO, you can read the article

"Discover SEO".

But how do you optimize a business page for local SEO?

Business name: use your real-world name and ensure that it accurately reflects your business;
Contact information: make sure it corresponds with the information on your website or your social channels. Consistency is a ranking factor: the more coordinated and uniform your information, the greater the chance that Google will authorize your listing.
Categories: within Google My Business, you can create categories of the products/services you offer. Enter all the necessary information to ensure that this section is as clear as possible. It will be used not only by potential customers to view your offering, but also by Google to match your business listing to relevant searches;
Photos: use at least 4 or 5 high-quality images. Photos are an effective way to showcase your products or services, therefore they must be original and should accurately reflect your business. In this way, they can also be used in Google Maps;
Reviews: they are extremely useful, not only for potential customers, but also for the search engine. Pages that have reviews are ranked higher than those without them.

What is better, Google My Business or Facebook?

Social networks are a valuable complement to a good marketing strategy, but they do not put you at the top of the search result rankings because they are not relevant for SEO. However, as we have just seen, Google My Business allows you to boost your rankings and more easily position yourself at the top of the Search Engine Results Page. Facebook, and social networks in general, allow you to improve your online presence by triggering a communication process that, depending on the social medium, can consist of images (like in the case of Instagram) or text (LinkedIn articles, for example). It's positive for your business, but unfortunately it does not contribute to increasing your search results. However, for the reasons previously mentioned, Google My Business can improve your business ranking and even your SEO. Therefore, the answer to whether it's better to have Google My Business or social profiles is, "It's better to have both".

Now that you understand all the aspects of Google My Business, all you have to do is create your profile and optimize your listing to enhance your online presence and soar to the top of search rankings! Whether you are a commercial business or a self-employed freelancer or professional, you are sure to benefit from this free tool.

How to create a gym website

Incomedia — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 13:03:00 GMT

Enticing clients requires a website that’s attractive, engaging and easy to use. Sounds complicated, right?

Not at all! WebSite X5 makes it easier to take your business online and create your ideal gym website. Just follow these quick-start tips.

Know what you want from your gym website

Before throwing yourself into the specifics of gym website design, take some time to think about your product.

Who is your client? What does he/she like? What will grab his/her attention?
What makes your gym unique? What can you offer that your competitors can’t?
What gap are you trying to fill in the market?

Once you’ve thought about this, think about how you can weave this into your fitness and gym website.

WebSite X5 provides 100 pre-defined templates for your site, as well as the opportunity to design your own from scratch, so choose one that captures the results of your brainstorming session:

If your clients are young professionals, pick something upscale yet funky.
If you pride yourself on the relaxed atmosphere you provide, find something soothing yet striking.
If your support system is what sets you apart, make sure you choose something inspiring and empowering.

Whatever you need, WebSite X5 will be able to provide it.

Find the right platform for your fitness and gym website

There are a few different platform types available for hosting your website, but most non-IT specialists prefer the easy-to-use functionality of Software-as-a-Service (SAAS) options. Their simple-to-learn functionality eliminates the need for outside hires and help, but they aren’t always so easy to customise.

WebSite X5, on the other hand, offers a software builder that’s easy to use and personalise. Choose your theme and effortlessly add any content you please, from photos and videos that show off your gym to maps to the premises and email forms for contacting your membership team. All that and with no subscription necessary – what more could you need?!

Give all the information users are looking for

Gyms usually offer special promotions, such as a free lesson trial or a discount on a specific activity. Build on your website a specific section with these special offers to expand your client base. And describe all types of subscriptions that your gym offers. In fact, many users would rather look for this information online, than going physically to the gym to ask.

It's also important to add the opening hours and the schedule of sporting activities offered by the gym, so that the prospective clients can choose the best option for them. You could also think about integrating into your website the possibility to book the lessons online. This extra function will communicate professionalism, and it will allow the staff to handle bookings better.

WebSite X5 offers the chance to integrate into your website the reservation button by Reservio. You just have to subscribe to the service and then you will be able to add the Optional Object Reservio to your website, so that you will handle bookings quickly.

Last but not least, don’t forget to add your contact information, such as a telephone number and an e-mail. So, you can easily be reached by users. Your gym should also be present on Google Maps, so your prospective clients would know where it’s located. Then include links to your social media profiles.

Bonus tip: have you ever thought about opening a blog? You could write about your activities at the gym and keep your clients always updated!

Remember that blog articles, along with promotions and maybe events that you will organize or attend, could be interesting content to include in a newsletter you could send to all your clients.

Optimise your gym website content

Creating your gym website is one thing, but getting it seen is something else entirely.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a must for moving your way up the search engine rankings; sites that appear on the first page have the best chance of success, so spend some time on keyword research tools and inject the most successful terms into your gym website for better results.

To make things easier, WebSite X5’s website-building tool has convenient drop-down boxes that effortlessly handle your html tagging; that means your content is easily recognised by search engines and improves your chances of reaching your target audience.

WebSite X5 gets a refresh

Incomedia — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 16:05:00 GMT

Some people embrace change, others resist it at all costs. But change is inevitable, and sometimes even crucial. Here at Incomedia, after years of intense development, we clearly perceived the need to overhaul our company's image, and that of its products.

We needed a more modern, dynamic, and streamlined image, to reflect the principles that have always guided our work.

We started with the logo and Incomedia's website.

Then, it was WebAnimator’s turn. Now, finally, we’re coming full-circle with WebSite X5.

We're thrilled to re-introduce you to WebSite X5 and its new look.

We’ve re-thought and re-designed all the elements of its identity. And now we want to share with you the reasons behind our choices. In the hope, of course, that you’ll welcome them with the same enthusiasm we felt while making them.

Logo and Colors

Up to last year, Incomedia used different logos for the company itself and for all of its products: there was no consistency, nothing that linked them or suggested they all belonged to the same family.

Incomedia’s logo seemed outdated to us: its shapes and colors were hard to use in different contexts, meaning it could no longer adequately represent us either online or offline.

We went back to the drawing board:

2 partners

It’s not just about our team, but both about us and you: the company and the user.

Collaboration

2 equally active partners in a mutually beneficial exchange.

Connections

2 partners connected by shared skills

Infinite

2 partners therefore linked by a relationship of continuous growth.

CO (two letters)

The second syllable of the word In-co-me-dia, alluding to concepts like collaboration, cooperation, community, connection, contact, became the basis for the logo.

This in turn led us to lean towards simple lines and curves, a hand-drawn font, and a subtle palette with sunny, punchy yellow accents.

Then we applied our brand's new style to the products, choosing a brighter, more whimsical palette for WebAnimator, and more serious, re-assuring colors for WebSite X5.

The logos now convey that feeling of cohesion we were looking for: the feeling of family. A family in which, of course, each member has its own, specific role and its own identity, and which will easily welcome new members when it' s time.

Name

You know you're becoming friends with someone when you start shortening their name: calling them “Tom” instead of “Thomas”, or “Liz” instead of “Elizabeth”.

We realized we weren't the only ones nicknaming WebSite X5's editions, using “Evo” and “Pro” instead of their full names, “Evolution” and “Professional”: you do it as well while using WebSite X5 to create your websites. We see it when you send us e-mails or social media posts.

We love seeing the trust our users feel towards WebSite X5, so we decided to encourage it by emphasizing simplicity and directness.

That’s why WebSite X5 Evolution is now WebSite X5 Evo and WebSite X5 Professional is now called WebSite X5 Pro.

New: WebSite X5 Go

The best way to appreciate WebSite X5 is to start using it: that’s when you see how easy it is, and you realize how much you can do with it.

To make sure that everyone can discover WebSite X5 and create their first website, we also launched the completely free Go edition.

WebSite X5 Go has 15 templates and the necessary features for creating and publishing a showcase website. It’s the perfect springboard: dive in with Go, go deeper with Evo, then graduate to Pro.

So if you're not using WebSite X5 now, start right away with WebSite X5 Go.

Versioning System

We introduced the Update Protection because we wanted to be able to release updates and improvements as soon as they're ready instead of just launching a new version once a year.

And that’s what we did, with 3 important updates in less than one year:

March 2018: version 15
June 2018: version 16
November 2018: version 17

We realized, however, that by continuing this versioning system for releasing updates we could create false expectations, especially for those who have been using WebSite X5 for a long time and assume that new versions mean radical changes in the program.

That’s why our latest release isn’t called WebSite X5 version 18, but rather version 2019.1, meaning it's the first update of the year. The next update will be 2019.2, and so on until next year, when we’ll start over again with 2020.1. Each update adds new elements and features to the software, and you can receive them all just by maintaining your Update Protection warranty.

Graphic Interface

New logo, new color palette, new name: it’s no surprise we went ahead and designed a new interface for the software.

We didn't just update the colors to match the new brand identity, either. Instead, we added improvements to make our software even more user-friendly. Most importantly:

• Status bar

We needed to get organized: the and buttons got labels explaining what they do, and the and buttons, which refer to the open window and not the whole project, have been moved down.

• Window tabs

The window tabs moved from the right to the left: located under the title, they are easier to find and leave enough room to emphasize the and buttons.

• Font and Controls

The font hasn’t changed, but we increased the size and aligned the labels to the right so that they'd be closer to the fields they refer to. This improved the contents’ legibility, which, combined with the new controls, makes the software easier to interact with.

Website

Our website is the showcase that brings together and displays all the work we’ve done. We started this long re-branding project with people in mind: the people here at Incomedia, all of you that have chosen to make our software part of your lives, and the lively community we all built together. It seemed only right for our website to emphasize people alongside WebSite X5 itself.

That’s why we highlighted 5 of you, who have followed us for many years despite your very different lives and ambitions, and who used WebSite X5 to create your own websites. If they could do it, so can you! After all - as those of us who love it know -WebSite X5 is as simple and intuitive as it is comprehensive and powerful. It’s perfect for achieving professional results quickly, even if you're not an expert.

Templates

Finally, we decided that the change shouldn't just be internal, but should extend beyond the software itself and to the sites you create with WebSite X5.

So we had our designers create 100 new templates from scratch. You’ll find them all in the software's library of template presets, replacing the now outdated templates we had before.

Unlike those older templates, the new templates are complete projects: they're mini-sites with layouts, pages, and content that’s ready to edit. Thanks to the new, navigable live preview, you can view all the details and immediately choose the one you like best. Once opened, the templates provide an excellent starting point that you can change and customize to meet your needs. Basically, these new templates give you the boost you need to quickly achieve your goal: your amazingl website online.

Stay connected 24/7 by integrating social media into your site

Incomedia — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 11:00:00 GMT

The fourth digital revolution gave rise to an accelerated sense of time: these days, time and space are getting smaller and smaller.

Current communications technologies have also sped things up in general: today, thanks to the social media news cycle, any occurrence can become a worldwide event. Speed has removed distance. This also means that our companies become ubiquitous: they can be present on many channels, around the world, at the same time.

Let's briefly forget the sense of vulnerability that this omnipresence could make us feel, and instead ask ourselves: What can we do to get the most out of the potential for connections that this world offers us? How can we use modern technology to raise awareness of our product, our brand, or ourselves? By integrating social media into your website, for example. Why? We'll explain more in this article and also provide a solution: SnapWidget.

Visibility

Today's social networks are like a personalized shop display, where you can showcase whatever you think will draw the public's attention to your business. Anybody can come find you, like a post, share their experience, or recommend your products.

Integrating social media into your website can help you increase your visibility. In fact, visitors can view, interact with, and share your latest activities all in one place: your own web page Plus, if they want to learn more, they can visit your social media profiles in just one click. This integration is especially useful if you don't update your website regularly: your visitors may encounter outdated pages that may be several months, if not years, old. The social media "display window" however, lets them see your business's activity, confirming that your company is active and keeps up with the times. This kind of proof can build trust among those who aren't familiar with your day-to-day operations!

But how many social networks should you use? There isn't a hard and fast rule, especially when it comes to business pages. The best advice we can give you is to trust your common sense: profiles need to be regularly updated with new content and shouldn't be left inactive for too long! So you need to consider the effort involved, as well as your budget, when choosing the right number of social networks. Looking to increase your website's visibility? Then don't miss this article: "Increase your site's visibility: three pro tips!"

Traffic

A study published on e-Marketer shows incoming traffic data, on some websites, before and after adding buttons for sharing content on social networks. The results show that after adding social media buttons, every website saw an increase in visits, in some cases by up to seven times more

Which are the most popular social media buttons? Facebook in 50.3% of cases, Twitter with 42.5%, and LinkedIn with 4%.

Opportunity

In our era, social media is the best opportunity for not only increasing visibility and traffic, but also gaining real new clients. Social media platforms are a more cost-effective means of communications than other methods of advertisement. Combined with the use of certain good practices, like integrating profiles on your website, this can make a real difference for your sites popularity! Any business, brand, and professional looking to promote their content online should make sure to integrate social media channels into their website. This encourages your public to follow you and share your experiences.

How to connect websites and social media

Now that you understand the importance of connecting social media with your website, it's time to learn how to do it! The easiest way is to add ready-made widgets to your website.

What's a widget? It's a simplified version of an application that allows access to other applications quickly and easily. Widgets are perfect for connecting social media channels to your website. Here's an example: SnapWidget. This tool includes four subscription levels ( a free version and lite, pro, and developer plans) allowing you to add and automatically display photos and videos from Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook on your website.

Snapwidget can be added to your website in just a few clicks and automatically updates each time you upload new content to your social media profiles. It's so simple! If you use WebSite X5, you can see how easy it is to install this feature for yourself. See our Tips&Tricks.

In conclusion, using the widget makes creating interactions between social media and your website very simple, and it allows you to increase your visibility, gaining more traffic to your website and increasing not only your sales opportunities, but also opportunities to grow your brand! Ready to get started?

A new engine for WebSite X5 version 17

Incomedia — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 13:26:00 GMT

One of our favorite mantras is: “Simplify what’s difficult”.

That’s basically WebSite X5’s defining goal: turning a complicated undertaking like creating a website, into a series of simple tasks which even people without any skills or experience in the subject can carry out with ease.

That’s why we generally don’t talk to you about code or technical matters. We take care of those aspects, and let you concentrate on your content and how you want to communicate it through your web pages.

But there are always exceptions. Today, we want you to understand the work we’ve done over the past few months, and why we’re so enthusiastic about launching the new version 17. It’s time to share a wonderfully technical subject with you. CSS Grid Layout.

“What is CSS Grid Layout?”

CSS Grid Layout is the most powerful system available today for creating CSS layouts for web pages.

It allows you to position content both horizontally and vertically with greater precision, and makes it really easy to manage how pages adapt to the dimensions of the users’ browser window and/or their devices’ screens. All while preserving the semantic structure of your content.

If you’d like to learn more, there are many online resources available. A good starting point is: https://css-tricks.com/snippets/css/complete-guide-grid/

“OK, but what does CSS Grid Layout have to do with WebSite X5?”

Here it goes: we've redesigned WebSite X5's internal engine, which is responsible for creating the pages, by integrating CSS Grid Layout.

Just like in a car, the engine is the core of the whole structure, the part which makes everything run. Planning and developing it from scratch, using a new technology, was an exciting challenge which we undertook a few months ago. And version 17 is just the beginning of what we can achieve with it.

According to our plans, it will also help us reach important milestones in our upcoming versions.

“Can you explain what redesigning WebSite X5’s page creation engine with CSS Grid Layout means in just a few words?”

It means:

+ speed

+ flexibility

+ precision

+ compatibility

To help you understand, let's take a step back and look at how the page creation engine worked until version 16.

Basically, page layouts were defined using a grid, which was input into the engine. The engine then simulated how the contents would load in order to measure the respective heights of the contents themselves. Based on these values, the engine would then proceed to create the page to be previewed locally or published online.

As you can imagine, these background simulations and calculations had their cost, both in terms of calculation resources and in terms of the time they took to execute. Furthermore, they would round their calculations of object heights, which could result in imprecise alignment within the page, and in some cases, would lead to slight differences between page layouts viewed on different browsers.

Using CSS Grid Layout solves this problem at the root, because it allows the software to create page layouts without needing to run any background simulation or measurement operations. This makes the new version of WebSite X5 both faster and more stable. Plus, the height of the contents no longer needs to be calculated, making the layout more precise regardless of the use of different browsers.

“Besides improving WebSite X5's performance, does introducing CSS Grid Layout add any other advantages?”

Yes, one of which you can already see in version 17. The rest will be revealed in upcoming versions.

Thanks to CSS Grid, version 17 introduces a heavily requested feature: the ability to include Full Width content, meaning content that always expands to fit the entire browser window.

Now, creating a Full Width image gallery or map is easy: just choose the object and click on the new “Expand” button in the tool bar above the page layout Grid.

We prepared a guide if you want to learn more: How to create a “Full Width” image gallery.

“So the advantages of integrating CSS Grid will continue after version 17?”

Exactly! Using CSS Grid could greatly improve how single objects work, as well as the management of responsive pages. We’re already working on it, and the wait will be worth it.

In addition to developing the new internal engine with CSS Grid Layout and introducing Full Width views, WebSite X5's version 17 also introduces interesting updates regarding e-commerce and SEO: read all the details in the News page.

Remember that if you already purchased WebSite X5 along with Update Protection, you can upgrade to version 17 for free. Renew your license now and use the new features to improve your projects.

If you haven’t already purchased WebSite X5, now is the right time: you can create all the websites you like, and thanks to Update Protection, you will receive all the new versions and updates that we’ll release for the next 12 months for free. Discover the Offers

Building a successful e-commerce business in just a few steps

Incomedia — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 13:37:00 GMT

Silvia Venturi, founder of Dream Shop, shares her story.

When Silvia decided to start her own e-commerce business, her dream was to become independent and create something with her own hands, but she didn’t have any web design experience. She didn’t know any of the programming languages, and didn’t know where to start. But she didn’t give up.

An online search led her to WebSite X5: a five-step website design software, with absolutely no coding skills required. Building a successful e-commerce business by herself: Silvia's dream was finally attainable!

Read her story and find out how to create your own successful e-commerce business.

Creating an e-commerce store: the first steps

This is how Silvia's journey began: after purchasing WebSite X5 Evolution 9, she explored all of the software’s features and soon gained confidence.

“I explored the program, opening all the menus and screens, and used all of the features I found as I tested everything out.”

Incomedia’s software lets you create a project in just 5 steps: each step includes options to add items, insert images, and modify elements as you choose. Silvia started out just for fun, to try her hand out, and ended up realizing that she could create a complete, functional e-commerce site that was easy to use for both her and her clients.

All she needed to do was follow the program’s menus, the attached guide, and start with her project’s main pages.

Product catalog: tips for a beautiful display

Silvia was very pleased with the ability to add a number of categories within her online catalog: her e-commerce business sells clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, as well as animal products, so she needs several sections.

“WebSite X5 lets you put together a truly complete e-commerce business.”

In addition to creating the main categories, Silvia was also able to add subcategories, descriptions, images, prices with or without VAT, and variables such as the colors and sizes available. Not bad for her first web store!

Next, Silvia specified the information required from clients as they place their orders and the text for the order confirmation email that is sent out automatically to show the contents of the order.

“Database” speaks for itself: it’s all about the base

A database is to an e-commerce project as sugar is to dessert: it’s the main ingredient, and you can’t do without it. Without a database, you might be able to create a basic website, but you’ll never have a sales channel. (And... cake without sugar is just bread.)

The database serves a very important function: it allows you to link your project to a series of information that is crucial for the business to work.

“With WebSite X5, managing the database is easy: the features for adding or removing data are really intuitive.”

First of all, it allows you to manage the availability of products in your inventory automatically, and also collects the information you need from your clients to be able to send them promotional emails or updates.

Coupons and promotional campaigns: whet your customers’ appetites

Every now and then, a promotional campaign can help keep up your customers interest and attract new opportunities. With WebSite X5's help, Silvia often offers discount coupons: the software provides an easy and intuitive way to do so.

“I would plan out the promotional campaign first (10% discount, free shipping, etc.), and then I would create it in the software.”

WebSite X5 lets you apply percentage discounts to products, or create promotional coupons, which can be limited to only certain products or be used for the entire store. Use your imagination: WebSite X5 lets you manage your online store however you like!

Payment systems: let’s get down to business

Silvia tells us that she had no problems with WebSite X5: the program supports several methods of payment, including the most common (bank transfer and PayPal). It also lets you connect other payment methods by linking the “Pay Now” to a personalized code.

“Even including payment methods was very simple.”

For her Dream Shop, she chose to accept PayPal, bank transfer, Postepay (Italian postal bank), and cash payments:

to use PayPal, all you need to do is create an account and enter the email address into the software. WebSite X5 takes care of all of the technical aspects;

for bank transfers or cash payments, you just need to insert the name of the payment method and brief description. For some methods, for example cash payments, you may also need to include the cost;

for Postepay, you can add the personalized HTML code to the “Pay Now” button.

Site map and SEO: brilliant add-ons

Silvia says that WebSite X5 automatically creates the site map, so there’s one less thing for you to worry about. It also includes the essential SEO tools you need to optimize your online store for search engines, so you show up easily on Google.

“These days, the Internet is an endless sea of websites and information. You could have the most beautiful website and innovative products in the world, but if no one can find you among all the other fish in the sea, none of it matters.”

So make sure that your product descriptions contain the right keywords (for example, “long black dress” for a product with those characteristics) and optimize your photos to load quickly.

Google Analytics: for advanced e-commerce management

To manage your e-commerce business in depth, you can monitor it with Google Analytics which allows you, among many things, to keep an eye on traffic to your website and see how visitors navigate through your store.

“Google Analytics’ many features tell you a lot of information: the pages your clients visit, the keywords they used to search for products, and much more. It’s very useful for monitoring your store in depth.”

After a few years, Silvia made the bittersweet decision to leave WebSite X5 and work with a company that could help her manage her inventory as it continues to grow. But Silvia’s experience with WebSite X5 isn’t over: she was so satisfied with our software that she used it to create four other websites.

I did it myself. You can do it too.

An instrument maker and his ancient art go digital

Incomedia — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 13:45:00 GMT

Instrument making is one of the few arts in the world that can boast a tradition of artisanship that has been passed down nearly unchanged over the past 1,500 years.

Edo Sartori is a Venetian instrument maker inspired by the Cremonese school, which is the best in the world. When he chose to pursue this path, he also decided to share his art online by creating his own website. That is why Edo became one of our #incostars: he did it all himself.

Discover the whole story.

A slow but determined journey toward success

Edo Sartori didn’t start out creating string instruments: he received his diploma in electrical engineering, then began his career at his family’s knitwear company.

Edo worked there for twenty years, even though he always kept dreaming about the world of violins, violas, and cellos…

He took it slow, but remained determined: after twenty years, Edo decided it was time to turn these dreams into reality. So he left the family business and began studying instrument making. He started out studying the craft alone and teaching himself, then attended specialist courses and seminars throughout northern Italy.

As he immersed himself in the ancient art of instrument making, he began to receive recognition: his creations started to stand out and gain a following.

It was time to bring them online and take his project to the next level.

Online & offline: bringing the two worlds together

The art of instrument making is very ancient, but Edo isn’t stuck in the past: he wanted to use the web to showcase his original pieces and promote his store. This led him to search Google for a tool that could help him with this project.

He was amazed by what he read about WebSite X5, which was described as easy-to-use software that allowed users to build their own websites quickly. That was just what Edo needed, since he had no knowledge of programming languages and didn’t have time to study them.

So he decided to try the demo version of the software: improvisation isn’t as strong suit for him, he prefers to test out a solution first.

“I searched Google for a program that could help me. WebSite X5 seemed like the most intuitive solution, and its simplicity won me over.”

After trying the demo, Edo decided to purchase Incomedia's software to improve his project.

“I liked WebSite X5 because it allowed me to create a website quickly, while working fluidly and being sure of the results. Once you’ve completed the five steps, you know for sure that everything works.”

Visibility ad contacts: mission accomplished

Edo wanted to create a practical website with a clean design to showcase his original works and promote his workshop. In fact, his online display window is essential for earning the trust of musicians in specialized stores both in Italy and beyond.

“A website is crucial for getting your name out there and showcasing your work. It helps people get in touch with you.”

He decided to use a pre-made template so he could go online quickly: in just a few steps, he replaced the default images with photos of his violins, added text and contact information, and launched his project online.

The inquiries soon started coming in: from Italian musicians who wanted to see his products for themselves and requested meetings.

But it didn’t end there: Edo also received inquiries from abroad, from specialist stores with whom, over time, he has developed trusting relationships.

The website is also only part of his web presence: Edo maintains a profile on Facebook, through which he also receives international inquiries.

“I sell a lot of my work abroad, to specialist stores who sell artisanal string instruments. My website has allowed me to establish relationships with these stores, who trust me and contact me through the form. Meanwhile, social media allows me to be a global craftsman.”

Edo's future: international competitions and video shoots

With WebSite X5, Edo created a website that reflected his goals: in just five steps, he was able to share his art through a showcase of the instruments he has perfected over the years.

As for the future, he has many projects in the pipeline.

First of all, he wants to participate in the 15th edition of the prestigious Antonio Stradivari International Triennial Competition of Stringed Instrument Making, considered the “World Finals” for instrument makers.

He also has plenty more ideas for his website: Edo is thinking about adding videos so visitors can see and hear his instruments being played, which would complete even more the web experience.

“I’m preparing for the future: I want to participate in international competitions and to continue to work on my creations, including my website.”

He also wants to add some technical content to provide a more detailed view of the ancient art of creating and repairing string instruments.

His website will continue to introduce his products to more and more musicians around the world.

I did it myself. You can do it too.

Update Protection: questions and answers about WebSite X5's warranty

Incomedia — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 14:01:00 GMT

Why did Incomedia introduce Update Protection?

One year ago, 85% of our clients stated that they wanted to receive WebSite X5 updates more frequently, and many were disappointed when they found out that they had bought the software shortly before a new version came out.

That is why we decided to make a change: rather than issuing a new version of the software every year, we created a plan in which users were guaranteed to receive constant new releases for free, for 12 months. We named this warranty Update Protection, and many users now benefit from it. If, for example, you purchased WebSite X5 Evolution or Professional v.14 (October 2017), with Update Protection you have now received version 15 (March 2018) and version 16 (June 2018): that means many new features, at no additional cost (you can find the list of features in the new features page).

Why is Update Protection more worthwhile than our competitors’ subscription models?

It’s important to mention that update Protection is a warranty not a subscription: it lasts 12 months, and can be extended, but once you’ve purchased it, the software remains yours forever and you can continue to use it to create your projects.

In other words, your WebSite X5 license never expires and you can create all the websites you want. That’s a great advantage if you consider that other companies’ subscription tools generally allow you to create only one project, and that they close your website and take it off-line once your subscription expires.

Why is it worthwhile to always maintain Update Protection?

As we mentioned above, if you purchased version 14, your 12 months of Update Protection are about to end. What happens now? You basically have two options:

extend Update Protection for another 12 months and continue to receive all upcoming updates and new versions of the software;

or don’t extend Update Protection and continue to work with the version you own: not the one you purchased (version 14), but the last version you received (version 16)!

Extending Update Protection before the end of the 12 months is definitely the best choice: not only does it mean you’ll receive all updates, without interruptions, you’ll also save 50% compared to purchasing a new license. If you don’t extend Update Protection, however, you’ll have to buy your next new software license for at less advantageous price.

What changed for Incomedia?

We are happy to say that the decision to switch to this new model was popular, and that our last survey in July 2018 showed that almost 90% of our clients now say that they are likely to recommend our software because they are satisfied with the price and quality.

Our commitment for the future is of course to continue to develop WebSite X5 to make it more and more comprehensive, without losing what makes it unique: the simplicity with which you can obtain the most complex results.

We have many ongoing projects: you’ll see a part of what we have developed in the upcoming version 17, while others will be rolled out in the new year. Our goal is to do and say more and better.

Join us in this adventure.

Fundraising in the modern world

Incomedia — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 14:06:00 GMT

The birth of a child is always a joyful event. Sometimes however, there can be complications. A premature birth is a fragile moment for both the baby and the parents, one which requires extraordinary care and attention.

That is why in 2010 a group of doctors and parents who had experienced the situation decided to create Neo-n, a nonprofit organization that aims to help babies, moms, and dads through the work of numerous volunteers as well as fundraising initiatives.

The president of the organization is Kosmé De Maria, a very dedicated teacher who understands how crucial it is for this kind of group to spread awareness about its mission.

Find out how WebSite X5 helped the organization reach its goals.

Neo-n: from fundraising to tangible support

From its very start, the organization focused on the needs of the families, and dedicated a good part of its efforts to raising money to expand the neonatal care department. The biggest accomplishment to come out of this mission was the purchase of a ret cam to identify retinopathies: this advanced piece of equipment allows doctors to diagnose problems in the retina, which are fairly common among premature babies.

How were they able to make such a significant purchase? Through a fundraising initiative via their website, www.neo-n.com. This is where Riccardo Bianco stepped up, together with his partner: WebSite X5.

An intuitive website for a big project

Riccardo, whose son was born at seven months and received help from the organization, first used the software for a personal project.

“I’m an avid photographer, and I wanted to make a website for my snapshots. When I searched Google, I saw that WebSite X5 was the most recurring and clicked-on software in the search engine. I asked a friend who is a photographer in Milan for advice, and he suggested I download the Demo version. I tried it out and loved it.”

That website is no longer online, but Riccardo used his experience when Neo-n supported him after the birth of his son in 2011.

“Their site was pretty outdated. I wanted to help out, so I offered to redo it for them using WebSite X5, a program that had impressed me with its ease-of-use.”

Simplicity resonates beyond Italy

Riccardo tells us that there are many advantages to WebSite X5.

“It’s simple, very intuitive, and easy to use in all aspects. Anyone can use it, even people without much knowledge of coding in HTML programming. It’s compatible with every browser, the formatting is always right, and it allows you to create very many graphic layouts. The very few times that I wasn’t able to resolve a problem, I posted on the dedicated forum and someone answered almost in real time to explain what I should do.”

The websites simplicity and clarity allowed the organization to gain recognition beyond Italy.

The future starts with a makeover

Riccardo’s next goal is to remake the website using the most recent version of WebSite X5.

As of now, Riccardo has already added a calendar to allow volunteers to manage tasks, schedules, and whatever changes during the day in real time, but he would also like to create a secure page that can only be accessed by the organization’s leaders and would contain all of the files they need, from meeting minutes to financial statements.

“Ideally, we would each have a personal account that we could manage autonomously.”

There’s still a lot to do, but Riccardo knows that with WebSite X5 he can create a project that meets his expectations in just five steps.

Software he recommends to everyone

In the past few years, Riccardo has dedicated a lot of time to the organization and hasn’t been able to make other websites. He has, however, recommended WebSite X5 to two friends, both of whom purchased it.

“I promoted it a lot, because it really is a clear, straightforward software that’s accessible to everyone. It’s ideal for people who want to create a website but don’t know much about programming or designing one.

I did it myself. You can do it too.

Letizia Bennati shares her work with the world

Incomedia — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 14:12:00 GMT

August 2, 2012: the date that shook up Letizia Bennati’s entire world, and not just because of the earthquakes that struck her country. It was also the eventful summer day on which her son, little Tommaso, was born. A new chapter in her life story began. And not just as a mom.

“I thought about what I could do for Tommaso, for this special baby, and I had an idea: decorating products, diapers, bibs, cards, and more. What would I call it? Tommy’s Cake, obviously!”

After all, Letizia had always been creative, and the thought of combining that passion with the ability to create something that could really be useful for new moms like herself filled her with excitement.

Curious? Read Letizia’s Incostory and find out how determination, creativity, and initiative, together with an exclusive partner like WebSite X5, helped her reach her goals.

The web solution for winning ideas

Why not? That's what Letizia asked herself as she sat down to create her first product. She certainly had plenty of support from her loved ones: her family and friends were the first to receive Letizia’s decorated cards, bibs, and diapers. And as is often the case, they also gave her great advice to help her improve. Her network of clients gradually expanded, as more and more sales took place outside of her family circle. This entrepreneurial mom realized that she had a winning idea, and that she could grow her business even further.

She knew that she needed to make name known in order to reach a wider audience. A dear friend suggested an unexpected solution: why not create a website, and put her work online?

At first, Letizia was doubtful: she didn’t feel at home on the web, she had never done anything like this before, and she wouldn’t know where to start!

But she didn’t let these challenges discourage her. Instead, she put her drawing tools aside for a moment, and with her friend’s help, she set off to find the right solution. That’s how she discovered WebSite X5. The demo version was the first catch Letizia's eye, and she used it to test out her ideas and create a simple draft of her first website.

Creating the website took just a few clicks. Thanks to WebSite X5, tommyscake.it soon went live, without taking too much time away from her creative work. Nor, most importantly, from her precious moments with her child.

An online showcase for her designs

When she created her website, Letizia's main goal was to gain more visibility for her designs. That means showing all of her potential by emphasizing images, which display her products from different angles just like in a colorful window display.

“Creating a website definitely increased the number of people who see my ideas, and I’ve received a lot of responses. I’m very happy to have made one, and to have made it this way.”

Letizia also wanted to put her contact information front and center, so that anyone interested in cute, cake-shaped diaper arrangements could get in touch with her. And the requests poured in! Hers is a winning strategy. In fact, a website should be more than a showcase to display your products to the world: it should also be a secure channel through which you can receive inquiries and increase your portfolio of clients.

Looking back at the first steps of her journey, Letizia still remembers the excitement she felt as the number of requests slowly started to increase: she and her business were growing side-by-side.

New dreams and ideas: adding e-commerce to Tommy’s Cake

Increased visibility through her website allowed Letizia to dream even bigger. She finally achieved her goal and brought her vision to life. But she’s only getting started! Letizia wants to take her business and her website to the next level: an e-commerce store, to open a new world of possibilities for Tommy’s cakes.

“What’s next for Tommy's Cake? I can already see all these little vans traveling around Italy, or maybe even around the world, with the Tommy’s Cake logo stamped on their sides.”

Because there’s always room to grow and improve. And to develop new ambitions, too.

I did it myself. You can do it too.

SEO for Dentists

Incomedia — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 14:16:00 GMT

Can a dentist become a SEO expert? Dr. Uberto Piccardo is living proof that they can.

In fact, about 10 years ago, Dr. Piccardo launched his first website for his dentistry practice, which he built himself: https://www.dentista-genova-dottpiccardo.it

An Internet newcomer, Dr. Piccardo had a lot of experience in dentistry, but no clue when it came to building a website. After carefully examining the competition, he chose WebSite X5.

SEO for dentists, which Dr. Piccardo prioritized, isn’t very different than the traditional way of optimizing webpages.

That’s why Dr. Piccardo chose our software: it’s easy to use, even for beginners, and has powerful SEO capabilities.

“Just drag and drop images and text to build the pages, then insert the suggested indexing elements to optimize them.”

Choosing WebSite X5 was a turning point.

Dr. Piccardo discovered a passion for a particular field of website building: SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which earned him a spot at the top of search engine results.

This is his story.

Why use SEO

SEO commonly refers to all of the practices involved in optimizing a website: basically, certain strategies are used to make sure that a website appears at the top of search engine results for particular keywords. This is crucial for allowing potential clients to find you.

Dr. Piccardo is well aware of this.

“SEO allows you to appear among the top results and gives users the information they need.”

WebSite X5 makes it easy: our software lets you use many tricks easily and effectively.

The main things to keep in mind

After 10 years, Dr. Piccardo has become a real SEO guru. He tells us that the name you choose for your website is very important.

“Make it easy, simple to remember, and use the keywords you want to be known for.”

In addition to the name, two other aspects you can optimize are the title and your website’s page descriptions.

“The description is very important, because it shows up under the search results.”

All you need is a few well-written lines to explain what your site is about. Here’s another trick: don’t go over 160 characters. This prevents undesirable breaks in the text, which could make it incomplete or even incomprehensible.

“Another important aspect is H1, H2, and H3 tags.”

In fact, search engines scan websites’ text using robots called spiders. These robots, in addition to following complex search algorithms, check that paragraphs follow precise rules, like having “heading tags” including H1, H2, etc. These tags organize information according to importance, which is indicated by the number: H1 for example, stands for the title (the page’ s main subject), while H2 indicates subtitles (paragraph subjects), H3 divides paragraphs into sections, and so on.

This may seem like a complex process, but don’t worry: WebSite X5 makes it easy! In the “Advanced” section for organizing your website, just click on “Statistics, SEO, and Code” to set up automatic heading tag management.

It couldn’t be simpler.

Images count too

As we’ve seen, your website’s text is crucial for SEO, but it’s not the only thing that matters.

“Images are also very important. They need to be beautiful, but they also shouldn’t be too big, especially since websites are often viewed on smartphones. That means load times are important.”

Have you ever stumbled upon a site that was slow to load? What did you do? Often times, people don’t wait more than four or five seconds for a page to load: if it takes longer than that, they exit the page and look for something else. That is why optimizing images becomes key.

“It’s very important to have a mobile-friendly website.”

Make sure to follow Dr. Piccardo's advice to get good results!

Here’s another tip: the spiders we mentioned above can’t read images; they can’t see objects that aren’t text, unless you use a text caption to identify them.

This caption is known as “alt text”, which stands for “alternative text”. If you insert a short description, the robot can analyze the image, check that it corresponds to the subject, and grant you precious points in your climb towards the top of the search engine results page.

How do you insert alternative text? WebSite X5 is here to help! All you need to do, after inserting the image’s placeholder (which indicates where it will be on the page), is click on the “content” button to insert the object’s details: the image itself, the title, and the alternative text.

In conclusion, to create a functional website, visuals aren’t enough; you also need to optimize it for search engines.

Beautiful images and stylish design are just the cherry on top when it comes to a winning project: what matters is the content. As we say in the digital world, “content is King”!

I did it myself. You can do it too.

A multilingual website brings customers closer

Incomedia — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 14:21:00 GMT

Having a website is very important for professionals in the tourism sector, but it isn't everything: it also needs to be multilingual. Customers are often international tourists and letting them browse content in their own language or a choice of available languages is often crucial for such a business to succeed.

We learned more about this topic from Gian Marco Polonioli, who owns the Castello B&B in Northern Italy. Gian Marco built his website himself using WebSite X5, and after creating it in Italian he realized that a single language wasn’t enough. Find out why building a multilingual website is important, in his own words.

A showcase website that increased inquiries from foreigners

By including appealing images and advertising with AdWords, Gian Marco created a website that quickly led to a significant increase in his B&B’s visibility.

“My website traffic increased, as did reservation requests, many of which come from abroad.”

Following a large increase in foreign-language inquiries, Gian Marco also decided to create an English-language version of the website. With WebSite X5, creating pages in different languages is easy: just duplicate the page and proceed with the translation into the desired language.

The advantages of a multilingual website

Communication means being able to understand and be understood, which is especially challenging in today’s multicultural reality. So it makes sense that we also need to speak several languages online: and creating a multilingual website is the best way to overcome language barriers and communicate more easily with the rest of the world. But what are the advantages of making a website available in many languages? Gian Marco’s B&B benefited in many ways:

- internationalization: why limit yourself to the domestic market when there could be customers all over the world who might be interested in visiting your home country?

- building customer trust: customers appreciate the work that goes into translating a website into their own language, and this creates a sense of trust.

“If you speak their language, people feel more comfortable and you can gain their trust more easily”

Of course, high-quality service is always most important, but language does bring people together more than anything else: a multilingual website shows care towards customer service;

- competitive advantage: speaking your clients’ language means you’re one step ahead of any business that doesn’t. In fact, people are more likely to choose organizations with whom they can speak in their own language, and to disregard others.

- search engine advantage: these tools function in the users’ home language, and take their norms and customs into consideration. With multilingual websites, search engines bring those users to the site. Making your website available in several languages allows you to seize an opportunity to access the international market.

The importance of localization

Website localization allows you to reach across borders and speak to people all over the world, in their own language. But text needs to be translated impeccably, otherwise your website will appear poorly made, and sometimes even untrustworthy.

In fact, localizing a website doesn’t just mean transposing it from one language to another, and we advise against using automatic translation tools since they can be inaccurate and fail to consider certain aspects that professional translators don't overlook. To avoid losing your clients’ trust, have your website translated properly. You might choose to work with agencies specializing in this kind of work.

“I didn’t use automatic tools to translate my website: I relied on an English friend of mine. I wanted my pages to be accurate, correct, and to let visitors feel “at home”

Details Make All the Difference

Effective localization, which allows users to get the full meaning of your text in different languages, should also include often overlooked parts of a website. For example, don't forget about graphic elements, captions, and contact forms: these aspects of your website are each important, and shouldn't be underestimated.

A potential client could be interested in a hotel room, but finding a page with maps, image captions, and forms in another language could leave them too disoriented to complete their inquiry.

“The first thing I did was ask for the forms to be translated: I didn't want to risk forgetting the part that lets users get in touch with me. This is the moment that needs to be as clear and simple as possible.”

The future is even more international

After achieving great results by localizing his website into English, Gian Marco is considering also adding a German version. A lot of his clients are actually German speakers, and Gian Marco plans to make them feel welcome with a website in their language. The future is getting more cosmopolitan!

“A lot of my customers speak German: I’m planning to translate my language into that language too. I want my users to feel “at home” from the moment they browse through my B&B’s webpages.”

I did it myself. You can do it too.

Combining Two Creative Passions in a Successful Project

Incomedia — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 14:27:00 GMT

Elena Martini is 28 years old and is just one step away from obtaining her computer science degree. She’s always nurtured two passions: ever since she was little, Elena always loved art. She was so inspired by colors that she started painting.

That means she is technology-minded, but definitely also creative. A few years ago, however, thanks to a TV show, Elena learned about face painting.

After starting out almost randomly, she became a participating artist in one of its biggest international festivals.

Discover her story.

From painting mom's face to working with professional models

Elena started by painting her own face, learning the subtle art of body painting, before moving on to painting her family members. As her expertise and self-confidence grew, she began working with professional models. By then, she needed a website: so her passion for computers came into play.

As part of her university studies, in fact, Elena took a class that required her to build a website. As she and her classmates browsed the web, she found WebSite X5. Curious, she decided to try the demo and then ended up buying it.

Elena not only found the tool she needed to pass the exam, she also found an ally for building her personal website.

“I discovered WebSite X5 during a university class: I liked it so much that a little while later, I decided to use to design my personal website.”

A Mac-lover who uses Windows products

Simple and intuitive: that’s how Elena describes WebSite X5. Especially for people who aren’t necessarily web design experts. Even though she uses a Mac, Elena decided to keep using Incomedia’s software: she just installed Parallels Desktop, an application that runs Windows on Mac without needing to re-boot. Elena says she wouldn't trade WebSite X5 speed and ease-of-use for anything in the world.

“Being able to go through the steps for designing a website so quickly is exactly what led me to use WebSite X5 again.”

Visibility Soon Followed

Elena tells us that working with WebSite X5 allowed her to simplify a job that otherwise would have been long and complex, while also allowing her creativity to run free by inserting a little code herself. Since her website was about art, Elena wanted a lot of room for the photos, and also added all of the social media channels she uses to promote her work.

A beautiful, clean template that is both intuitive and colorful allowed her to improve the quality of her website and increase the time visitors spend on it. All of this granted her a lot of visibility: Elena’s work is viewed by a wide audience, allowing her to create new face- and body painting projects.

“Online visibility allowed my work to be seen by a much wider audience, which allowed me to create new projects.”

The Future Begins with the International Face Painting Festival in Klagenfurt

With her new website, www.ennamakeup.com, Elena gained the visibility she needed to grow beyond Italy’s borders: thanks to an increase of international fans, in fact, the young artist decided to participate in the international face painting festival in Klagenfurt, Austria. To welcome foreign visitors, Elena is considering making an English version of her website: for now, she's only enabled reviews in English.

A dream achieved with a lot of passion and just a few clicks.

As for the future? Elena plans to continue combining her passions for art and computers, and continues to rely on WebSite X5, which she recommends to all her friends.

“I absolutely recommend this software because it makes designing a website easy, even for someone who has never made one before.”

I did it myself. You can do it too.

Love art? Want to make your desktop special?We have a little present for you: click here and receive your Elena Martini gift!

Get your gift

A website optimized to rank high online

Incomedia — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 14:30:00 GMT

Today, we’re introducing Dr. Uberto Piccardo, a dentist working in Genoa.

We’ve chosen him to be one of our #incostars.

What is an incostar?

Easy: it's someone with a completely unrelated career, who decided to make their own website despite having no prior experience, and made it happen with WebSite X5.

How did we choose them? We did some research about their field, their story, the kind of website they created, and last but not least, their loyalty to WebSite X5.

Why did we decide to tell our #incostars’ stories?

We hope they will inspire you and anyone who wants to tackle a new project to change their life, make a dream come true, or grow their business.

That is why we created the #incostars initiative in the first place: so you could discover how easy it is to bring your ideas to life with WebSite X5.

Let’s start with our first incostar. Dr. Piccardo.

Dr Piccardo told us that he started out of curiosity. When he decided to purchase WebSite X5, he didn’t even know what making a website meant. He began experimenting, just for fun, and discovered how easy it was to edit sections and insert content into the template he had chosen.

Soon, he had launched a website for his dentist practice, www.dentista-genova-dottpiccardo.it, which is now among the top results in search engine listings.

The perfect partner for beginners

Dr. Piccardo says he never had much time for his website: when he first decided to create it about ten years ago, he was not only just doing it for fun, he knew that he wouldn't be able to spend more than an hour per week on the project.

Dr. Piccardo is curious by nature, as well as ambitious and organized. His search for a suitable tool led him, in the end, to choose WebSite X5.

After a quick glance at its features, Dr. Piccardo knew it was the right choice: he purchased the software and started testing it out. He immediately realized that he just needed to drag and drop images and text to build the pages. Then he could insert the suggested indexing elements to optimize them.

“WebSite X5 is one of the easiest tools to use, and one of the best for neophytes as well as people who have a completely different career and don't know anything about the web – like me”.

The challenge: earn a position at the top of search engine resultsDr. Piccardo thought that positioning his website at the top of search engine results would be tough. Competition from national chains of dentist practices and legal restrictions on marketing in the medical sector certainly didn’t help.

His priority, however was to inform patients about his practice, his skills, and what he could offer, rather than promoting services. What was he to do?

“Creating a website is the first step, but it's not enough.

You need to have a powerful tool for positioning it.”

The result: more than 60% of first appointments come from the web.

Dr. Piccardo’s goal was to obtain new clients and increase his visibility: that is why he chose to take care of every aspect that could help him rise to the top of user searches. How? By publishing useful and interesting content.

The quality of his materials and the optimization provided by WebSite X5 quickly allowed him to rise in the SERP (Search Engine Results Page). More importantly, they allowed real contacts by email and telephone, first appointments to the practice, and requests for more information via social media. All of his online marketing activities became more effective, and the results were extraordinary: all thanks to an easily optimized website.

“A well-positioned website made my informational outreach more visible, and therefore led to more contacts.”

I did it myself. You can do it too.“Thanks to WebSite X5, I learned how to make websites, structure them correctly, and position them effectively on the web. For some search keywords, my website actually comes up as the first result: a huge success made possible by WebSite X5.”

You don't need to be a webmaster to create your website and turn your dreams into reality. Follow the example of Dr. Uberto Piccardo, today’s incostar: let your curiosity guide your first steps on the web and try WebSite X5. Make your project come true in just a few moves.

Designing Spaces, Including Online

Incomedia — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 14:35:00 GMT

Licia Gaia Sortino is an architect: she imagines and creates spaces for a living. From Milan to Dubai, Zambia, and many other countries, her career has been long and successful: it tells of goals achieved and of personal growth built from project to project. Including a personal website.

Discover her story.

An architect with a passion for photography.

A degree in architecture immediately followed by an internship: that’s how Licia’s architecture career began. In addition to a passion for designing and building spaces, she also loves photography. Her many travels provide inspiration for her photojournalism. This made Licia’s needs clear.

“I wanted to share my photos online, in a professional manner. A friend recommended WebSite X5, and my project took off.”

Licia didn’t lose time comparing competing products: she immediately downloaded Incomedia’s software and started building her photography website.

“I didn’t even download the WebSite X5 demo: I trusted my first impressions and jumped right in.”

From a photography website to her personal portfolio

Licia was looking for a program that was affordable and easy-to-use, but which could create a professional, as well as customizable, website. When she used WebSite X5, she realized it was the perfect program for her: she could customize her project the way she wanted it, without needing to know a single line of code.

“I had no intention of learning to write code. With WebSite X5, I didn’t have to.”

Licia’s work is very varied: being an architect can mean designing everything, from a vase to a hotel. That is why she chose to build a website that would emphasize photos.

“My career lets me design anything: from a fork to a skyscraper. A beautiful image tells viewers exactly who I am and what I do.”

That was Licia’s approach in creating a portfolio website: a space where she can showcase some of her projects with a simple, clean, and eye-catching design.

“archlgs.com is my portfolio. It's a timeline of the work I've done to date.”

Green stories, another one of Licia’s winning projects

Licia is a strong and independent woman, who is used to doing things with her own hands. That’s why, when her partner decided to make a website for his green spaces design studio, she offered to do it herself using WebSite X5. Trame Verdi (Green Stories) focuses on garden design. Licia handles the purely architectural aspects, and her partner handles the landscape design. The simple, functional site is designed in way that makes updating it intuitive: Licia set up the newsfeed so that the newest updates always show up first, followed by older items.

This website has been very important for Licia’s work, as well as for that of her partner: the simple structure and enough space for the images increased both website visits and contact requests. Not bad, right?

“Trame Verdi helped me make a name for myself in the field of garden design. Thanks to the simple, eye-catching design, I saw an increase in visits and requests for quotes.”

As for the future? Many updates and maybe a blog

Licia is happy with her choice: when it comes to the future, she plans to continue her architectural projects and to keep updating her website so that visitors can always see her latest work.

Later on, she’d also like to include a blog: to tell her readers about the work, the effort, as well as the lovely moments hidden behind each project.

For now, Licia divides her time between architecture and being a full-time mom. Despite her workload, she always finds time to update her website and recommend WebSite X5 to her friends.

“I recommend it to everyone: WebSite X5 is easy to use and grants professional, customized results, even if you don't have much free time.”

I did it myself. You can do it too.

Scale SEO with the new WebSite X5 version 16

Incomedia — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 14:38:00 GMT

Have you ever heard the expression “if you want to hide a dead body put it on the second page of Google”? That’s right, sites that are able to position themselves among the first results of the SERP- the Google results page- are found more easily and faster and catalyze almost all clicks by users. How do they do it? By applying SEO rules and strategies.

Certainly, SEO is a rather complex matter. With the article “Discover SEO”, we tried to briefly explain what it is and why it is important. We also saw that, fortunately, there are optimizations that are as simple as fundamental and are available to all, especially for those who are not experts and must create a website from scratch. At the end of this post you will find other useful tips for creating a SEO optimized website.

Luckily, in this SEO scaling to conquer the peaks of the Google SERP, you are not alone! WebSite X5 supports you in many ways and, with the new version 16, does even more! Let’s have a look at all the new details.

HTML5 to search for a SEO optimized website

To make a SEO friendly website, the first aspect you have to take into consideration and focus on is precisely the HTML code of the pages.

You don’t have to worry about this at all: WebSite X5 automatically creates the code of the pages and you can rest assured that it makes that using the best suited languages and technologies (HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript) and following the best practices.

In particular, in version 16 we have introduced new HTML5 tags useful for a proper segmentation of the pages, that is, for a subdivision of the same in distinct parts. For example, with specific tags such as header, main and footer, we have improved the code avoiding that structural components of the template to be included in the content. Regarding Blogs, we have introduced the tags article and aside: the first one is useful for defining the portions of the code concerning an article and, therefore, for improving its visualization; the second one is helpful for excluding the sidebar from the semantics of the page and, therefore, to better define the various blocks that will compose it.

All of these semantic HTML5 tags allow you to improve the code and help you to create a SEO optimized website.

Google AMP pages to create a fast and mobile friendly website

We talked about blogs. If your objective is to create a SEO optimized Blog, take into account that one of the important factors assessed by search engines is the upload speed. In this sense, you will be happy to know that in the WebSite X5 Professional version 16 we have introduced the possibility to create AMP websites for the articles of your Blog.

AMP stands for Accelerated Mobile Pages. It is a Google project that provides the creation of a lighter version than the normal web pages so that they are faster to upload and particularly suitable for a mobile device visualization.

To ensure that an AMP version of the articles on your Blog is created, in WebSite X5 you do not need to do anything but check an option: your content will have a plus especially if it is displayed in the carousel on the first page of the SERP that Google dedicates to this type of content.

Headings and styles for readable and well-structured pages

To create an HTML website whose contents are easily accessible via search engines- and also easily readable by people- you must pay attention not only to what you say but also to how you present it: remember to take care of the formatting of the texts and their clear division into paragraphs.

Precisely for this reason, in WebSite X5 Professional v16 we have introduced the ability to enter headings of paragraphs through the use of heading tags H1..H6. It is very simple: once the style of the headings is defined (the titles of your paragraphs), you can apply them to the text directly by the editor. The corresponding H1..H6 tags will automatically be associated to the text.

Page 404: turning error into opportunity

When creating your SEO optimized website, don’t forget to also consider page 404: it is the error page that indicates the lack of content and which appears in all cases of “broken” links.

In front of a blank page with technical content, the visitor tends to leave the site in favor of a competitor. For this reason, for both the purpose of SEO optimization and for the permanence of the visitor on the website, it is important that you are also able to manage the error by creating a page 404.

We had already introduced the ability to set up a page 404 in version 15 of WebSite X5; now, with version 16 we improved its management so as to also facilitate the manual configuration via .htaccess files. You have everything you need to proceed in the best way.

Other tips for creating a SEO optimized website

After this series of innovations introduced in version 16 of WebSite X5 with the objective of helping you to improve the positioning of your website on search engines, here are- as promised at the beginning- some practical tips.

Use keywords

to create a SEO friendly website, firstly you must carry out a good keyword search. If you can identify the words that users search most often on the web, you can use them to set your content. All of this is important not only for creating a useful website for users and usable by an interested audience, but to facilitate the positioning of the pages in the search results.

It is important that you insert the key words in the texts in a natural way. Help yourself with the correlated keywords: they will allow you to enhance the topics discussed by avoiding excessive repetitions.

Use images

the texts must always be accompanied by images that visually “break” the blocks of text, making the reading more pleasant. Take care of renaming the images using your keywords.

Insert internal and external links

links are the foundation of the Internet. Try to insert connections to other articles of your website that are relevant to the topic: they favor the positioning and help Google to understand what your website/blog is about. Equally important are the links to other websites, as long as they are authoritative sites and have content related to the subject: you could receive traffic and reputation through these links.

Correctly format the text

as mentioned, to create a SEO optimized website, you must make the content clear and readable, for this reason, structure it into paragraphs and subparagraphs and highlight the titles using the H1..H6 tags.

Take care of the URLs of the pages

you can decide what the URL of each page of your website will be. Make sure all the addresses are short, significant and contain the main keyword of the page.

Frequently update your website

to create a SEO optimized website, make periodic and constant updates so you will have increased visibility in search engines and you will maintain a continuous and increased contact with your readers.

Create a secure website

to allow yourself to create a secure website, we have verified that the HTML code generated by WebSite X5 conforms to the requirements of the GDPR (if you do not know what it is, we suggest “GDPR: what it is, what it changes, what to do”). Be careful preparing the necessary procedures of data processing and the necessary documentation.

The changes introduced in version 16 of WebSite X5 are not limited only to those related to SEO that we have presented up until now: you can discover all the news on the News page.

Remember that if you already have WebSite X5 and you are in Update Protection, the update to version 16 is free for you. Immediately update your license to build on everything that you have discovered to create a SEO optimized website.

If you do not have WebSite X5 yet, then it could be the right moment to buy it: you can create all of the websites you want and, thanks to the Update Protection, you will have all updates for free for the next 12 months. Discover the offers.

A “Bastion” Website for Castello B&B

Incomedia — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:45:00 GMT

He was an electronics and telecommunications graduate working as a company electrician. Then the company closed, and Gian Marco Polonioli, born in Breno in 1990, decided to take over the family business from his retired mother: the "Castello" B&B in Cimbergo, northern Italy. The first step was to create a suitable website, so that he could better promote his business. Gian Marco didn't have any web experience, but he wanted to do it himself: that is how he became one of our incostars.

Here is his story.

Castello B&B's First Website

Gian Marco Polonioli discovered WebSite X5 thanks to a friend’s recommendation. His goal was to use the internet to better advertise the newly renovated B&B, including a gallery of beautiful, high-impact photographs. He decided to start by purchasing the Evolution version of the software, and mastered it easily. After just a few months, he published his B&B's first website.

Then, curious about the Professional software, he decided to try the demo. He took advantage of a sale to purchase it, then built Castello’s new site. He started with a template, which he modified as he pleased, keeping an eye on competitors’ websites.

“The first step was to advertise online: I wanted beautiful photos and a website, which is the most important thing.”

Growing Visibility

Beyond pretty pictures, Gian Marco wanted to do a little advertising for his B&B. That is why he decided to use AdWords, the online advertising service which places advertisements within Google’s search pages. He started out by teaching himself, then decided to take a specific course.

“I always monitor visits using Google’s website analytics tool.”

Linking advertising to key words brought his B&B more visibility: website traffic increased, as did reservation requests, most of which come from abroad. The majority of visits to Gian Marco’s site are made via smartphone, making WebSite X5’s “Call” button crucial: users can contact the B&B directly with just one click.

“90 percent of visits and many reservations are made over cell phones, not computers. That is why inserting the “call” button is crucial.”

Thanks to a large increase in foreign-language inquiries, Gian Marco also decided to create an English-language version of the website. With WebSite X5, creating pages in different languages is easy: just duplicate the page and proceed with the translation into the desired language. After translating his website in English, Gian Marco is now considering also making it available in German.

“I am satisfied because the website has good visibility. Thanks to my new web project, I've received many more requests, especially from abroad, and a lot of direct reservations.”

The Positive Aspects of Gian Marco’s Experience

Gian Marco explains that one of his favorite aspects of WebSite X5 is that once the license is purchased, you own the software and there are no other fees to pay.

In fact, you only need to purchase the software once to enjoy infinite possibilities for developing your projects.

“The best aspect compared to other tools that I've tried is that once you've paid the first time, WebSite X5 is all yours.”

Another aspect Gian Marco values is the ease of use, which allows him to modify each section independently. If he runs into problems, help is always available:

“I wanted to add a background image that would fill the entire homepage,” says Gian Marco.

“But I couldn’t get it right. So I contacted the support team and asked for help. They were very responsive, and we resolved the issue immediately.”

Gian Marco also appreciates the image bank available in WebSite X5, which allowed him to select his favorite pictures from among thousands of free images. For example, the image bank let Gian Marco quickly and efficiently customize his website for the Christmas season, without spending any money for additional photos.

Not Just a B&B

Gian Marco is so satisfied with WebSite X5 that he used it to make three more websites. One for his brother, who is a surveyor; one for a major DIY center (which would now like to create an e-commerce section); and the third for a bicycle rental service for tourists in Val Camonica.

Looking forward, Gian Marco is planning to use credits to purchase a 360° photo gallery and make his project even more visually appealing.

I did it myself. You can do it too.

GPDR: what it is, what is changing, what you need to do

Incomedia — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 14:56:00 GMT

The GDPR is the new European regulation on privacy that will apply to all European citizens and companies. Are you already complying? Find out what you need to do.

If it's about privacy, it's about GDPR: this acronym stands for General Data Protection Regulation. It's a European norm, Regulation UE 2016/679, issued on April 27, 2016 which will come into effect on May 25, 2018."Does this affect me? Does it only affect big companies, or small businesses too? Does it affect freelancers? Does this affect me, if all I have is a blog?" These are the questions you're surely asking. The GDPR applies to anybody who handles personal data: so if you have an e-commerce website, or a website that collects e-mails for a newsletter, or even if you sometimes need to ask for a client's phone number as part of your customer service, this regulation also applies to you.In this post, you will get to know it better and learn what to do and where to find official and useful sources.We will discuss:

The GDPR's ration legis: we'll understand its purpose

In concrete terms: what to do

Sanctions: what happens to those who don't follow the GDPR

To Do List: the GDPR in 5 points

Useful resources

Happy reading!

First of all, we need to understand the purpose of the GDPR.

Behind every law, there's a reason: experts call this reason the "ratio legis". Understanding the ratio legis is useful for putting all the changes and improvements that will be asked of you into the right context... and will help make these changes less of a headache.

The "charter of the data economy"

The "ratio legis", the reason behind the GDPR, can be summed up as follows: data is and always will be the "raw material" that powers a new economy based on the extended use of data as well as a strategic element in the development of innovative products and services. The GDPR is the charter for this new economy. The goal of the GDPR is to knock down national jurisdiction barriers and to create a set of shared rules for handling personal data throughout the European Union; rules that apply to anybody who handles data in Europe (including "American Giants" like Google and Facebook).

From formal compliance to a corporate process

Before the GDPR, privacy was often considered an secondary element and a purely formal requirement ("to avoide a fine from the Privacy Authority"). With the GDPR, however, privacy becomes a fully developed corporate process, which is integrated into the business plan of all companies, whether they are large, medium-sized, small, or micro-businesses.

Principle of minimization

As little data as possible, only useful data. No data may be collected beyond that data for which explicit consent is requested: the days of, "you never know, this may be useful someday," are over. Keep this in mind when you pick the fields to include in a contact form, or at any other point in which visitors to your website may leave behind data.

Privacy by design

The protection of personal data must be guaranteed from the first planning stages of a project through the entire data handling lifecycle.

Privacy by default

Privacy becomes a requirement; it is no longer secondary, but rather the "default" in handling information. This requires planning an entire series of technical data protection measures, such as pseudonymisation, a process which prevents data from being traced back to a specific person.

What concrete steps do I need to take to comply with the GDPR?

Now that we understand the premise, here is a summary of the changes which the GDPR requires you to make in the way you handle the personal data of your clients or prospects.

A privacy statement that is brief, clear, and understandable.

This statement is no longer just a formality either: its goal is to make sure the reader knows which data will be processed, and more generally, what is involved. That is why the statement needs to be brief, transparent, and always accessible and understandable to all, including minors.

The language must be clear and effective, and the user can also be informed verbally (but only if they requet it, and once their identity is verified), and the statement can be made gradually, one piece of information at a time (layered statement). In addition to written text, standard icons may be used to increase comphrehension.

Consent: saying yes to awareness.

Consent must be positive and inequivocal: tacit or passive consent is no longer acceptable. Furthermore, consent must be specifically given for each aspect of data handling: if you collect data – for example, first and last name and e-mail address – in order to issue a quote, this is the first level of service for which you must obtain consent. If, as is likely, this data is added to a database which you intend to use for commercial actions – for example, to tell people about a Christmas sale – this constitutes a second level of data handling, which you must explicitly list in the disclosure.One example of a positive and inequivocal action is when the user clicks to continue navigating the website after having viewed a banner disclosing the use of cookies.

Managing privacy risks: the DPIA is born.

The GDPR mandates the use of a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), a document for evaluating the impact of data protection. With the DPIA, privacy management becomes fully integrated into business management methods and intersects with safety management (which, in Italy, is regulated via legislative decree 81/2008), which hinges on concepts of risk and risk prevention management.The DPIA document implements the privacy risk management process in 3 phases:

privacy risk analysis

compiling a list of the current management system's weaknesses with regards to these risks (gap list)

defining an intervention plan to minimize these risks (action plan)

What to do when things "go wrong": data breach notification.

If a data breach is confirmed, meaning a security failure or gap occurred and caused data to be lost, destroyed, modified, disclosed, or made accessible to unauthorized individuals, a data breach notification must be issued to the affected parties immediately as well as to the Privacy Authority within 72 hours of the breach. The notification must contain certain information, including:

Name and contact information of the Data Protection Officer or the person to contact for more information.

Description of the breach

Description of the measures adopted or to be adopted to remedy the data breach, and its potential consequences for the affected parties.

The Privacy Authority notification has been replaced by the handling register.

The obligation (which applies to certain companies and certain types of data) to preventively inform the Privacy Authority has been rescinded and replaced by a new document, the data processing register. One could say this is "phase 2" of privacy management, which follows the impact evaluation and is to be used as an internal planning tool. It is not mandatory for companies with less than 250 employees, unless "the data handling they carry out

could present a risk for the rights and liberties of the concerned parties,

this data handling is more than occasional,

or it includes the handling of particular categories of data (Ed: known as sensitive data.),

or personal data relating to criminal convictions and crimes (Ed: known as judicial data)"

This document must also contain an entire series of data: at the bottom of this post, we recommend a service for creating a datat processing register and managing your privacy information.

The DPO (Data Privacy Officer) is born.

Implementing the GDPR doesn't just mean having the documents ready, it also requires the right positions in the company. The GDPR is very clear in this regard: the positions we are currently familiar with remain, meaning the data controller, data supervisor, and the person in charge of data processing, with the addition of a person in charge of personal data handling, namely the Data Privacy Officer or DPO, who serves as an independent internal auditor who has legal and IT skills, as well as spending autonomy and decision-making auhtority. As in the case of the data processing register, not every company will require a DPO; only those which handle a certain amount of personal data, and do so more than occassionally, or which handle sensitive or judicial data, or which are public entities.

What happens to those who don't follow the GDPR?

Penalties are pretty substantial: they can result in up 4% of sales up to a maximum of 20 million Europ.

What do I need to do? A 5-point GDPR to-do list

First: verify your website's privacy statement.

Make sure it contains all necessary elements (below, you'll find a tool that can help you manage this). Then read it, or have somebody else read it, and ask: is this understandable? Is anything not clear?

Second: map out all the points at which you collect user information.

Contact forms, newsletter sign-up forms, registration page, etc. Make sure these all comply with what you've just read.

Third: describe the way in which you actually handle data.

Start from the moment it is collected and continue until how it is stored. To do this, here is a set of guiding questions.

What tool or service do you use to collect e-mail addresses? What kind of data handling do they use? Where does this data end up once you've collected it?

Once you've collected data, where do you store all the data you handle? On what kind of database? What server hosts this database? Is the service provider GDPR-compliant? And so on.

Who analyzes the data (for example, who compiles e-mail addresses for promotional activities)?

Fourth: use all this information to draw up the DPIA, the risk impact analysis.

On the Privacy Authority's website, you'll find a software to help you write this up. If you're unsure, consult an expert.

Fifth: review, change, implement.

With the help of an expert, review your privacy statement and all the parts of your website where you collect data. Review the data handling process and the service providers you use. You and the expert will then evaluate whether any of these need to be changed. Together with the expert, evaluate whether you fall under the GDPR's list of categories which require a DPO and a handling register. Then, move on to the implementation.

One more tip

Looking for simple tools that will allow you to document your data handling activity, manage internal privacy, and safeguard documentation of consent? Try these 2 new solutions Internal Privacy Management e Consent Solution by iubenda.

Useful resources

Your first resource should be the website of the European Privacy Authority, which has made a dedicated page available to companies, freelancers, and small businesses with an entire series of tool and information.

Here you can read the GDPR > GDPR - Privacy Regulation textOr visit this link for practical guidelines for implementing the GDPR > Privacy Authority GuideClick here for a complilation of different European countries' regulations > The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Click here for software to help you draw up the DPIA, which is offered by the French government but is available in several languages > DPIA creation softwareFinally, the British Information Commissioner's Office has a series of checklists that will help you understand where you stand and what you need to do > Data protection self-assessment

We'd say the best way, and maybe the only way, to understand whether or not you fall under the categories laid out by the GDPR's, or more generally, to understand how to comply, is to consult a privacy expert. This post is intended as a summary, so that you can be informed and aware in order to pose clear and targeted questions to the expert you contact.

Discover SEO

Incomedia — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 15:06:00 GMT

The term SEO is an acronym meaning “Search Engine Optimization”.

As its name suggests, it refers to all the techniques and strategies that aim to increase a website’s visibility and improve its positioning within a search engine results page (the famous SERP). Since Google has been the most popular search engine for a while now, SEO includes all those activities, whether direct or indirect, internal or external, that aim to make a website as “compatible” as possible with Google’s search algorithm. The search algorithm is simply a set of rules Google uses to analyze websites and establish their quality, relevance, and congruence with the search string that the user enters. The more pertinent, relevant, and high-quality the website seems, the higher it will be positioned in the list of search results.

SEO, a mandatory choice

In the world wide web, the concept of “visibility” is intrinsically tied to that of “existence”: if your website isn't visible, it may as well not exist. Now, if we suppose that search engines (Google in particular) are the most widely used tools for accessing websites that are not already known to the user, we immediately see why SEO is a mandatory and essential choice for anyone who runs a website.

Especially since recent studies (SearchEngine People 2017) have shown that for any given “query” (the term typed into a search engine's search bar), 75% of clicks are concentrated on the first page of results, and 33% of these go to the very first link.

5 fundamental SEO strategies

Unfortunately, SEO is a very complex topic. It includes many factors within and outside of your website, involving programming, structure, content, images, URLs, and links to and from the page. Some believe that shares, likes, and followers on connected social media accounts also factor in. It is because of this very complexity that SEO is best understood (and implemented) as a broadly integrated strategy rather than as a mere sequence of individual actions.

Under this premise, there are some simple, yet fundamental SEO strategies that anybody can implement to significantly impact their site’s visibility within the SERP.

Creating quality content

For good reason, the quality of a website’s content is the cornerstone of any SEO strategy. “Quality content” means content with high added value, which fully responds to user needs. Texts must be well written, useful to readers, and relevant to the informational/commercial needs they claim to answer.

Keep content up-to-date

Constantly updating content not only has a direct positive effect on users, it also helps satisfy the Google algorithm’s positioning requirements: constantly adding new content and frequently updating existing content draws the attention of the search engine and encourages it to index your website.

Choosing the right keywords…

To earn a position at top of the results page, it is important to decide which keywords to insert within your website. This requires having a clear picture of who your target users are, what they need, what you intend to offer them, and who your competitors are. The keywords themselves should be selected according to at least three factors: their relevance to your website/activity, the keywords’ own search volumes (how often they are used in searches), and what competition they face from other keywords.

…don't overdo it

Forcing too many keywords into your content will result in the opposite of the effect you're aiming for. This is called “keyword stuffing”, and not only does it worsen the quality of the text and its readability, it actually lowers your page’s index position. In fact, Google punishes excessive keyword density, either by lowering ratings within the results page, or often by penalizing the domain.

Inserting internal and external links

Inserting internal links, that give structure and hierarchy to the content, improves how search engines index the page, especially if the “anchor texts” (the words and phrases into which the links are incorporated) are chosen with care. While internal links improve indexing, incoming links from external pages (backlinks) help to increase your site's visibility, especially if they originate from popular and diverse websites and authoritative domains.

Conclusions

To conclude this brief overview, here are a few warnings. The best way to make a website "SEO ready” is to create it that way in the first place, rather than to restructure it once it’s already been made. Doing so not only saves on the time and expenses involved in a complete remodeling, but also achieves more homogeneous and organic results which are better able to align the content’s usability and quality with its ability to effectively respond to search engine algorithms.

The second tip is to not be tempted into trying to fool the search engine (a very popular approach up to three or four years ago) by using tricks or - worse - by trying to “bend” your website to the requirements of the search engine and therefore misrepresenting it: the results could be disastrous.

Take care of your SEO, and your SEO will take care of you.

4 questions before you start an e-commerce website

Incomedia — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 15:31:00 GMT

We’ll address the following topics:

How do I open an online store? Start with a STRATEGY

Where should I sell online? Choose your TECHNOLOGY

How do I promote my e-commerce business Try MARKETING

How do I manage Privacy? Follow REGULATIONS

How do I open an online store? Start with a STRATEGY

The first question you should ask yourself when considering opening an online store is, “How do I launch an e-commerce business? How do I start?”. There are different steps to follow, but the first is definitely to make a meticulous business plan.

Analyze these 5 points:

1. PRODUCTS. Is yours a mono-brand, multi-brand, vertical, or horizontal e-commerce business? To clarify: do you sell eyewear of all brands, or only RayBan; do you sell only jeans or luxury accessories like bags, scarves, and hats?

2. TARGET Who is buying from you? What is your customer like? Cheap as in “99 cents and up” or fancy like Milan Fashion Week? Imagine your customers as characters in a book and give them faces and “personas”.

3. EARNINGS: what are your prices, costs, and revenues? How much will your initial investment be and when do you expect to recoup these expenses? What profit margin do you expect from your sales, distributed over several years?

4. COMPETITORS. Who else is selling what you're selling? Look for the products you sell on Google, enter the names of your competitors and map them out.

5. POSITIONING. How do you set yourself apart? In a sea of fish, what makes you a catch? Avoid conforming too much, or you won't have a competitive advantage; at the same time, don't be too eccentric, or you’ll lose your positioning.

Where should I sell online? Choose the best PLATFORM for your needs

Software or marketplace, CMS or proprietary e-commerce? The first step is to find out what the market offers.

There are basically 4 kinds of solutions:

1. E-commerce SaaS (Software as a Service)

2. Marketplace

3. CMS open-source

4. Customized CMS

1) E-commerce SaaS (Software as a Service)

Cloud solutions “hosted” on the servers of the host platform, for a subscription fee. Shopify and Storeden are two of the best-known examples.

PRO: they are very easy to use.

CON: they offer few possibilities for customization. A good alternative to this kind of solution is to use a software builder + host space with your proprietary domain.

2) Marketplace

They are like huge, multi-brand e-commerce stores, and include generalists like Amazon or specialists likeonline distribution platforms, or serve particularly niche markets likeEtsy, the e-commerce site for home-made crafts.

PRO: easy to use, pay-as-you-go, high traffic volumes.

CONS: you get little recognition (customers remember Amazon rather than its individual merchants).

3) Open source CMS

Web applications with source code that is open and accessible to all (hence the name “open source”), like WooCommerce, PrestaShop, and Magento.

PRO: they have low start-up costs and a large reference community.

CONS: they are not so easy to manage and they often require you to install different plugins, which slow down loading times.

4) Customized e-commerce site

Web applications with proprietary source code.

PRO: useful if you have particular customizations in mind and you don’t want a carbon copy of other sites.

CONS: they require programming skills and are often very expensive.

Once you've become familiar with the different kinds of e-commerce stores, you need to find out what you need:

How much hosting space will you need? Are costsincluded in the cost of the platform or not?

How large and complex is the catalog?

What kind of graphic template do you want to use?

Do you need customizations?

How do I promote my e-commerce business? Try MARKETING

Your e-commerce business is an individual site with many products or services to sell. What is the best strategy for promoting it?

Try these 3 kinds of strategies and put them into practice right away: retargeting, Google Shopping, and Email Marketing.

1) Retargeting: people return to what they know

A user visits your site. Before taking any action, the user leaves. You follow up by “retargeting” that user with a targeted advertisement.

If the law of attraction works, the user will click on the advertisement, return to your site, and complete the purchase.

2) Google Shopping: buy with one click

Google Shopping is the first kind of CPC (cost per click) solution, and should definitely be considered by e-commerce vendors. Like AdWords, it uses ”keyword advertising”, a kind of auction for keywords in which you pay for your advertisement to show up when the user types in specific words.

To become a guru, follow the advice on Bigcommerce.com and don’t forget to post announcements directly on the product sheets!

3) E-mail Marketing

E-mail marketing is dead, long live e-mail marketing. Despite highs and lows, e-mail marketing campaigns remain a crucial step in promoting an e-commerce business. The challenge? Activating an e-mail strategy and being able to maintain it over time.

PRO advice for DEM? Gather the contacts you already havein-house, organize them into lists and differentiate your messages based on these lists: this is an extremely condensed summary of the winning strategy many web agencies suggest online.

How do I manage Privacy? Follow the REGULATIONS

Considering that “personal data” includes all information that can be used to identify a physical person and that the law defines handling personal data to include monitoring our users’ navigation, every e-commerce should have:

A privacy and cookie policy page specifying the information being handled.

A banner for the use of cookies - stating that to continue with navigation automatically indicates consent and which contains a link to the privacy and cookie policy page.

Specifications about the 3 levels of privacy in the privacy and cookie policy page and anywhere the user's consent is requested:

Level 1: data is used solely for the sale of the product (and therefore to carry out your service correctly)

Level 2: data is used for commercial purposes – including DEM, profiling, re-targeting

Level 3: data is used during transfer of databases to a third party

The user has the option of choosing which of the 3 levels of privacy to consent to checking off the options on the flag in every location where consent is requested: note that the options on the flag cannot be pre-selected.

A summary of the order information to proceed to the sale, with an explicit request for consent.

Conclusions

Business plan? Done. Analysis of competitors and positioning? Done. Choosing a platform? Done. E-commerce check-up? Done. Complying with regulations? Done.

You’re ready to launch a successful e-commerce business.
Do you feel the thrill? That’s a good sign!

Update Protection

Incomedia — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 15:48:00 GMT

If you follow our Facebook Page or receive our newsletter, you’ve probably already got a sneak peek at the 2018 hot Incomedia topics.

In a nutshell: Update Protection.

This additional service combined to WebSite X5 Evolution or Professional is set to change our software development plan and give timely response to our community recent needs. How?

Until now, new features have been released once a year at the launch of a new version, which is quite common for a software house. But today a fast-paced Digital World has different. So why must we wait for an official launch, when features are ready to go live long before the annual release? The best we can do now is to guarantee that all our customers receive WebSite X5 new features and improvements instantly.

Times have changed, and so have our customers needs. That’s how the Update Protection idea came up.

Are you asking yourself what it is?

Let’s see.

What is the Update Protection?

The Update Protection is the Update guarantee for WebSite X5 License, that ensures our customers will receive new features and software improvements for a period of 12 months.

The updates will include new features and improvements and they will be released from time to time, as soon as they’re ready. We’ll email the release and announce it on our New Features page, detailing the main features and improvements.

With this new update service, you’ll be sure to always work with an up-to-date website builder. Plus, the software and any update installed during the Update Protection period will be yours forever.

The service starts running from software registration date. When the 12-month guarantee ends, you can choose to stop or, if you prefer, to keep going with updating the software. If so, you’ll just need toextend the Update Protection service instead of buying a new software License like you were used to do in the past.

If you decide to stop, instead, you’ll be able to keep using the last software version you installed, forever. What if you change your mind? No worries, we'll always keep an eye out for anyone who chose WebSite X5.Still missing something? Let’s clear the air.

You decide to activate WebSite X5 Evolution or Professional with Update Protection included today:
we’ll ensure you receive all the updates that we’re going to release from Feb 21, 2018 (your date of activation) until Feb 21, 2019. For example, if the version 15 or 16 go live in this period of time, they will be available for you to install and use forever.

You already own the current version, that is WebSite X5 Evolution or Professional 14:
the Update Protection is already running, with date of software registration set as the start date. Then, if you have registered the software last Oct 18, 2017 (v14 date of release), we’ll ensure you receive any update we’re going to release until Oct 18, 2018.

What benefits you get from the Update Protection

Here’s the best part.

From now on, if you decide to build a website with WebSite X5, you’ll instantly get3 more benefits:

1. no more waiting for feature releases: your websites can grow together with our software;

2. the product is risk-free to become outdatedin a few months: you can always stay on top of WebSite X5;

3. the updates will be yours forever: when the Update Protection ends, you can keep working with the improved version of the software you bought 12 months before.

We can’t wait to start this new chapter, really.

And let you feel free to choose the way you want to grow with us!

Together, we can make it better. Ready?

Go UP!

To know more about the Update Protection, check the official page

The 7 levels of a successful website: all the tricks of web gurus

Incomedia — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 15:52:00 GMT

Do you have a website or are about to get one, and you find yourself asking the classic question: "How do I create a successful website presence in 2018?". And this may be followed by an infinite loop of other questions, like": "What are the characteristics of a good website?" "What makes a website successful?"

Stay calm, breathe and think of Super Mario Bros.

Yes, imagine you are Super Mario and your mission is to design a website that is out of this world. There are 7 levels and an equal number of challenges. But you have nothing to fear; you are not alone. You have the support of some of the best experts around in user experience design and information architecture, in copywriting and SEO, in social media marketing and Facebook, and in AdWords and web strategies. Get in the game, and in this article you'll discover all the tricks you need to go all the way and come out a winner.

Are you ready? Let's begin. In this guide we will talk about:

Level 1: Architecture. How to build a foolproof website even a drunk can use.

Level 2: Design and usability. If you have to explain it, it's not that good.

Level 3: Content. Writing for the web vs writing on the web.

Level 4: SEO. On-page SEO and things to know.

Level 5: Publishing. Questions to ask yourself before clicking the Publish button.

Level 6: Social media and networking. Evergreen advice and news.

Level 7: Marketing. Now comes the hard part.

Level 1: Architecture. How to build a foolproof website even a drunk can use

An effective website is so simple that even a drunk person can use it - and in fact, in The User is Drunk the web specialist Richard Littauer was paid to get drunk and navigate websites.

So, how do you organize a drunk-proof website?

This is level 1, Super Mario. If you pass it, it's all downhill after that.

Take some post-it notes and write down what you would like to include in the site.

Note the sites that you like, observe how their navigation menus are designed and start from there.

Organize the post-it notes by page. Starting from this, design the sitemap.

Level 2: usability and visual design

Parallax scrolling is one of the web design trends that you like the most, right? You can't wait to have fun with these effects:

Visual design plays an important role in this technique.

Decide what impression you want to convey (serious, very serious, classy, innovative?).

Choose the colors using our color guide.

Choose the fonts that are most suitable for your web design with this infographic.

Tips for passing level 2:

If you feel you're ready for the challenge, use this Pro tool:

Use Dr. Pete's list. Here you'll find a checklist with the 25 things to consider to ensure the usability of your site.

Level 3: Content. Writing for the web is different from writing on the web

New levels, new challenges: in this level, Super Mario, you'll need the Cape Feather. To write on the web, you just have to open Facebook. However, writing for the web is a completely different story.

Web content writing is made for the online reader who, as we have learned from research by the Nielsen Group, reads in an F-pattern, skims quickly over text and often does not continue beyond the 4th paragraph.

Yes, but how do you write web content that users will want to read and discover, enjoy and remember? There are two answers: formatting and the use of links.

Hierarchy: titles, subtitles, abstracts. The title is like the ambassador for the page: it makes you click on it from the SERP, incites you to read it, and to share it on your social network. The subtitle if required; the abstract is for mobile search.

Paragraphs, lists... Avoid walls of compact text with no breaks. Opt instead to divide the texts into small bite-sized chunks that are easily digested.

Links and bold text. Add bold text and do the "velum paper test": imagine that a velum paper is placed over the text and shows only the bolded segments; do they make sense on their own? If not, redo it. The links are routes between pages or shortcuts in a long text; the words are the road signs: choose them well because they help with SEO.

Level 4. On-page optimization and things to know

Panda, Penguin and Fred. Disney characters? No, variations of the algorithm, with which Google indexes and shows the sites in its search engine.

The algorithm changes over time but some factors remain constant. Among these, is the content.

The secret weapon in this case is a good on-page SEO using the DRO - Define, Refine, Optimize - method.

Define the topic of the page and navigate online to find the keywords.

Refine the keyword list using tools like Google AdWords Keyword Planner, Keywordtool.io, SEMRush or SEOzoom.

Optimize the page: URL, tag title (the HTML tag of the page title), meta description tag (important to for drawing the reader from the search engine results page [SERP] to the website), alt tags of images: these are all important elements when designing a website.

Level 5. Questions to ask yourself before clicking the "Publish" button

Super Mario, you're about to click the "Publish Website" button, but... is something missing? Yes! The domain name.

What is the domain of a site? It's your website address, which, needless to say, is of crucial importance.

What questions should you ask yourself when choosing a domain name?

Is it easy to remember?

Is it short?

Does it explain what you do?

Does it contain the key words for SEO?

And what about the purchase of the web hosting service - the "virtual parking" of the website? Calculate how much space you need - on average 1 image "weighs" 80 KB and 500 pages of text weighs approximately 1 MB (that is 1000 KB) - and choose the hosting solution which best suits your needs.

Tips for passing level 5:

Use the tools suggested by Riccardo Esposito. For example, domai.nr, to check the domain extension, BustAName, to find interesting combinations, Whois to contact the owner of the domain you wanted if it is already registered.

According to copwriter Valentina Falcinelli a good domain name must be: short, or not too long... easy to remember... original, in other words, different from that of your competitors, by being unique and creative. Appealing....positive, fun, evoke pleasant emotions. Catchy. Valentina Falcinelli also advises against choosing names that are difficult to pronounce.

Level 6. Social media and networking. Evergreen advice and news

Come on Super Mario! You're at the sixth level, you have published your website!

source: https://www.icondeposit.com/theicondeposit:29

Now comes the fun part: promotion! Actually, first there must be a conversation. Before promoting yourself you must build an online community. What is the tool to use? Social media marketing, which is like Professor Snape when teaching Harry Potter: difficult, ambiguous and elusive. But, if you learn the concepts, this knowledge will be your salvation.

The best social media tool to start with is Facebook, so concentrate your efforts on how to promote a Facebook page. We have explained to you that the "golden ratio" consists of determining the right mix of content.

Level 7. Marketing. Now comes the hard part

Super Mario, we're almost there. One final level and you will become a networking superhero.

source: 5 storytelling lessons from superhero stories

In this level you will learn how to advertise on the internet, and, in particular, how to advertise on Google. This advice is for initiates, so pay attention.

Here we go...how to promote your business online? There are two ways.

Are you a small business?

Open a Google My Business account and request reviews. Experiment with Google Posts, a new, not very well-known feature.
Enter the NAP information (Name, Address, Phone) in the Yellow Pages, local directories or on review sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp.
Try advanced advertising strategies on Google with AdWords campaigns or on other sites with affiliate marketing.

Are you are a handmade brand, an artisan, or not yet set up as a business?

Join the online communities that are most active in your sector: say yes to opinions and advice, and say no to spam.

The result? An effective promotion strategy at little cost.

Conclusion

Congratulations Super Mario. You did it! Now you have all the tools you need. Learning how to plan a successful website is just like playing a game. What are you waiting for? Download the guide and conquer the web!