Ashley Hines: Digital Platforms

11/27/2024

💻 Your Business Deserves to Shine Online! 💻

For this week only, I’m offering a 5-page website design for just $350 (originally $500)! 🚀
📍 Perfect for local businesses: Restaurants, contractors, photographers, and more!
📆 Fast 7-day turnaround
📱 Mobile-optimized
🛠️ SEO-friendly copywriting included

This is your chance to attract more customers and grow your business without breaking the bank. Spots are limited (by limited I mean 12 spots!), so don’t miss out!

👉 Click below to view my portfolio:
https://ahplatforms.com/

Comment "WEBSITE" if you're interested!

09/29/2024

09/29/2024

Are you interested in getting a professional website made for your business to kick off Q4? Look no further. If you want to stand out amongst your competitors, you'll need a web presence online.
Let me build you one! From your website, to your SEO & social media; I'm in the business of creating platforms to launch your success.

See my portfolio here: https://ahplatforms.com/

Send me a message to Get Started!

09/29/2024

Did You Know?

Before websites became the norm, many businesses relied heavily on print ads, billboards, and even door-to-door sales to spread the word. Take a look at the success of the Fuller Brush Company in the early 1900s. They built a thriving business by sending salespeople directly to customers’ homes, demonstrating their products face-to-face. While this approach worked for its time, it was labor-intensive and limited in reach.

Fast forward to today, a well-designed website can achieve what it once took a fleet of salespeople to do—reach potential customers around the clock, across the globe, with minimal effort. Your website acts as a digital storefront, always available to showcase your services and generate leads.

In today’s competitive landscape, having an effective website isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. Need help setting up a professional site for your business? Let’s talk.

09/29/2024

I'm going to say something controversial.

09/29/2024

Q: What is the worst part about being a web designer?

A: Coding. I don't have to code often but from time to time I'll upload a template or something and there will be something tiny wrong in the code that needs to be altered to make the page work properly.

You don't know pain until you spend hours looking for an issue and it's just a rogue comma that got inserted in a place it shouldn't be.

09/29/2024

Q: What is your favorite part of being a web designer?

A: Creating a website that's going to make money for a small business owner. I grew in Daytona Beach, FL. I've seen so many hurricanes and have been displaced because of them. I remember after a bad flood, our community got together in a circle and prayed , then helped each other clean the debris out of the street. Seeing small business owners doing what they could to help the community (giving away free food, free supplies, not charging or charging very little to help people) even if their businesses were also affected by the storms — was my first clear understanding of "these aren't just businessmen and women, they're regular people and they've got families to look after and keep safe too".

When I became a web designer it was those people who I wanted to see thrive. I had skills that could get more eyes on them, more people in the door and that's what I do now. I build digital platforms. My goal is always to build something that's going to help increase your profits so you can take care of the people who are important to you.

09/29/2024

Q: I paid someone to make a website for me, but when it was done, they asked me for the content. I didn't realize I would have to write the text for my website. Why isn't the content or text included in the website already?

A: I'm sorry that happened to you. Some web designers (myself included), DO write the copy for websites if the business owner doesn't want to. I have a background in copywriting so that is a strength of mine and I enjoy getting to know the business owners well enough to help them voice themselves online.
However, most designers do not include this for a few good reasons:

1. No one knows your business like you. The simple fact is that web designers are not chefs, mechanics or ballet dancers. Web designers often don't know enough about your business to write all the content for it. We leave it up to the experts (you) to convey your message to your clients.

2. Adopting the brand voice of a business is very difficult without adequate research and conversation. Some people aren't up for the task.

3. Depending on the industry, you might need to ensure your website's content is compliant with regulations. Writing your own content helps address these specific concerns.

09/29/2024

Q: The Google Business Profile shows people our company information if they Google us, but does it do anything else?

A: YES! This one is a bit of a whopper but stay with me. Your Google Business Profile is like a digital welcome mat for your business. It's not just about displaying your company info; it offers a bunch of other perks:

1. Reviews and Ratings: Customers can leave reviews and ratings, which can influence potential customers' decisions. Positive reviews build trust and credibility. Even with how you handle negative reviews, potential customers check out your responses to those to see how professional you are.

2. Photos and Videos: You can showcase your products, services, and even behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business. Visuals create a strong impression. Instead of just having photos of your business location - you can posts photos of the services you offer. Before & After photos work great!

3. Posts and Updates: Share promotions, events, or news directly on your profile. It keeps your audience engaged and informed.

4. Google Maps Integration: When someone uses Google Maps to find directions, your Business Profile provides navigation straight to your doorstep.

5. Insights and Analytics: You get access to valuable data about how people find your profile, what actions they take, and which info they're most interested in.

6. Messaging: Some profiles allow customers to message you directly, making it easy for them to ask questions or inquire about your services. It's literally like instant messaging with a prospect so if you enable this feature make sure you have someone who is available to speak when messaged (like a front desk staffer). The last thing you want is to reply to a prospect after they've been waiting for hours or days.

7. Bookings and Appointments: If you're in the service industry, customers can often book appointments right from your profile. This is a BIG deal. Allowing prospects to book with you directly from Google and having it sent to your calendar.

8. Local SEO Boost: Your Google Business Profile is a critical component of local SEO. Having an optimized profile can improve your chances of showing up in local search results.

9. Trust and Authenticity: A complete and updated profile adds credibility. People are more likely to trust a business that has a professional and informative presence.

So, while your Google Business Profile definitely shares essential company info, it's also a powerful tool to attract customers, showcase your offerings, and build a positive online reputation.

09/29/2024

Q: What's the best web design meme you have?

A: It's funny cause it's true.

09/29/2024

Q: What is the difference between a secure and unsecure website?
How can I tell which I have and what happens if I don't have a secure website?

A: Another doozy, but stick with me.

Secure Website (HTTPS): A secure website uses the HTTPS protocol, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It means that data transferred between the user's browser and the website's server is encrypted and protected. This is especially important when sensitive information like login credentials, credit card details, or personal data is being exchanged. Secure websites have a padlock icon in the browser's address bar and start with "https://" instead of just "http://".

Unsecure Website (HTTP): An unsecure website uses the HTTP protocol, which stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. Data transferred over HTTP is not encrypted, making it vulnerable to interception and data breaches. Browsers may warn users when they're about to enter or share sensitive information on an unsecure site.

If your website is unsecure (HTTP) and you're not using HTTPS, a few things can happen:

Data Vulnerability: Any information transmitted between the user's browser and your website's server can be intercepted by malicious actors. This includes personal information, passwords, and payment details.

Search Engine Impact: Search engines like Google consider security a ranking factor. Secure websites may rank higher in search results compared to unsecure ones.

User Trust: Many users look for the padlock symbol and "https://" in the address bar as indicators of a safe website. An unsecure site might discourage potential customers from sharing their information.

Browser Warnings: Modern browsers often display warnings when users visit unsecure websites, which can deter visitors from proceeding to your site.

To check if your website is secure, simply look at the address bar in your browser. If it starts with "https://" and displays a padlock icon, you have a secure website. If it's just "http://", your site is unsecure.

If your website is unsecure and you want to improve its security and user trust, consider obtaining an SSL certificate to enable HTTPS. This not only encrypts data but also signals to users that your website is safe. If you're unsure about the security status of your website or how to transition to HTTPS, feel free to ask me for help!