Category: Article

Website Maintenance – Why is it important?

You’ve spent all this time (and money) on having your website developed by professionals – why should you worry about fiddling with it now and spending more money on website maintenance? If my web developer did their job, it would just work!
 
Unfortunately, that’s simply not true
Websites need maintaining, like a car, a house or any other important investment.
 
Stay secure
The easier way for a hacker to infiltrate your site is to find a weak spot. An out of date plugin or version of WordPress is a great weak spot for a hacker to take advantage of.
Avoid the headache by simply making sure your website and all its components are maintained.
 
Keep your audience up-to-date
Website maintenance gives you the opportunity to keep your content fresh. What’s your latest special? What new product are you offering? Let your consumers know and keep them interested. If your audience knows that your website is always fresh with content, they have a reason to come back, and most importantly, stay.
 
Show you’re savvy
Talking about impressing your audience – show them you’re savvy through website maintenance. Let’s face it, a company that can’t even manage to update their website doesn’t exactly impress on the public that they are current, innovative or relevant.
An up to date website sends the signal to your audience that you are here to stay and you are competitive.
 
Avoid a disaster
If you are a few days late on your car’s service, it’s not so bad. Leave your car unchecked for a long period of time and all sorts of mechanical chaos is sure to ensue. Consistent website maintenance avoids the equivalent happening to your website.
Bad things happen as a result of too many outdated plugins. (Cue ominous music)
Today is always a good time to start maintaining your website, even if it’s been a while. Don’t wait for a disaster.
 
An SEO advantage
SEO (essentially, trying to rank your website to rank 1st on search page results) is highly affected by how up-to-date your website is and how much is happening on your website. Having consistent website maintenance will ensure that both of these criteria are being addressed. Simply put, you are more likely to find your website at the top of the Google search results page if your website is maintained.
 
One last thing
To sum it up – you’ll feel in control through website maintenance. Should something ever happen to your website your downtime is most likely going to be minimal and your problem far easier to fix? Your website will work for you and you’ll have peace of mind that its quality is not deteriorating.
 
Article courtesy of The Web Shack – https://www.shack.co.za/
 
We will gladly assist with your website maintenance.  Contact us!
 
Article

Aim and Shoot: Photography Tips for Hotels and B&B’s

Leverage the details
It’s often the small details that make your property unique from its competitors, and you should show them off as much as you can. Photos of the furnishings, fancy taps, flowers, pillows, ornaments, toiletries, treats or artworks make your website and marketing material come to life. They add character and tell your visitors something about your business and brand.

Use light wisely
You don’t want your rooms to appear dark and cold, but over-exposed photographs can also do your property injustice. Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon when natural light is low. If you’re using a DSLR camera, create ambience by shooting in the evening, with well-lit rooms and longer exposures.

Make an effort, tell a story
Take a minute to plan your shoot and setting. A little effort to make your property look inviting can add significant value to your shots, without having to bend the truth (more on this next). Put towels out by the pool, leave a steaming cup of coffee in your rooms, make sure your garden appears clean and tidy.

Stick with the truth, don’t oversell
While making an effort goes a long way, be careful of bending the truth. Staging a photo shoot to the point where it creates false expectations is dangerous. Setting a higher expectation than you can deliver sets you up for disappointed guests and negative reviews. When taking photographs, avoid including amenities or features that fall outside of your standard service. If you are using a wide angle lens to capture your rooms, be careful to not make rooms appear more spacious than they are.

Shoot beyond your rooms
It is important to capture the exterior of your property. Include shots of your entrance, pool or function facilities, garden and parking bays. Give your guests an idea of what to expect when they arrive at your business, or step outside their rooms for breakfast in the morning.

A thought on people and photos
People can add a lively and human dimension and atmosphere to your photographs if captured properly. With this said, it is important to respect the privacy of your guests. Always remember to ask your guests’ permission before uploading their photos to your website or posting them to your social media feeds.

Article courtesy of Springnest 

We will gladly assist you in getting the photographs that your establishment deserves
Contact us

Article