MLT Group Archives - Page 3 of 3

September 12, 2014July 24, 2023

FAQs About Web Hosting, Servers, and Other Website Services

MLT Group offers domain hosting and a variety of other website services, but what does it all mean?

When you first begin the process of a custom website design, it’s easy to get caught up in the design, color preferences, and functionality. But soon, the project manager will begin usin犀利士
g terms that are unfamiliar to you. Worse yet, the terms may be familiar, but you’re unsure of the correct answers to her questions. The internet and all of it’s nuances can be a confusing place! Don’t worry though; MLT Group is here with a brief guide into hosting and service terms to help your website design and build out go smoothly.

To simplify things, we’ll be associating each part of hosting and web services with a familiar household item or service. At MLT Group, we love a good analogy!

Let’s start with the easiest part of a website: the domain name. The domain name (and URL) of a website is a unique name that identifies an item on the internet, like your website. For example, the URL for MLT Group is www.mltgroup.com, and the domain name is mltgroup.com. Essentially, the domain name is what is found after the www.

Think of a domain as a contact name in the phone book.

The next essential part is the IP address of your website. Also known as the Internet Protocol Address, this part of hosting has two purposes: 1) to host identification and location addressing and 2) to identify where the website is located. Because computers read in only code and numbers, the IP address is the number that your computer “dials” to reach your domain. For example, an IP address would look something like this: 123.45.67.89.

Think of an IP address as the phone number in the phone book.

Website hosting is much less complicated than it sounds. Your website host is where your website files are kept. It is similar to renting out a building for your business. Without a host, your domain becomes disconnected, like a phone number without a phone company to support it. Additionally, the web host translates the code of your web files into the visual images that appear on your website. So it is essential to the user experience of your website to have your website published with a web hosting service.

Think of web hosting as the drawer in which you keep a phone book.

Contrastingly, the DNS, or Domain Name System, is a more complicated aspect of web hosting and development. The DNS houses the information for each domain name and IP address of all websites. It is the main database of the internet, and the internet would fail to work without the DNS. It translates the information easily between the domain name and the IP address. Additionally, the DNS records must be pointed at the host of the website.

Think of DNS as the phone book itself.

A name server is usually taken care of by the web host of your domain, as well as other domains that may be hosted there. A name server has DNS software installed on it so that all of the address and location information is easily available. The name server is where requests from your local computer are processed and translated from human language to computer code.

Think of the name server as your location, such as a house, where the phone book is kept.

A domain registrar keeps track of who owns what domain name. This can be different or the same as your hosting company. You renew your domain with a registrar so that you and only you have permission to use that domain or web address.

Think of a domain registrar as a landlord.

An A Record is completely different from a DNS record. What an A Record does is attach a domain name to an IP Address, making the dialing process simplified for both the user and the computer.

Think of A Records as speed dial.

Also associated with web services is an MX record. A mail exchanger record (MX record) is a resource with the DNS that tells senders how to send an email to your domain. Email operates by another set of rules, just as complex as hosting and other web services.

Think of an MX record as a post office.

So there you have it! The most commonly asked about aspects of web hosting and other website services. Luckily for you, we can take care of them all!

When you need a custom website design in Rochester, Minneapolis, St. Paul, or anywhere else nation wide, just call on MLT Group. With design, optimization, video and traditional marketing services, we can help you handle all of your marketing needs. Contact us today!

August 29, 2014

Have you heard about the new Google algorithm update?

MLT Group provides SEO services and SEO research in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester, MN to help your website adapt to search engine changes

In the world of digital marketing, there is a common phrase – “King Google.” Well, at times King Google can be a difficult fellow, and once again the world of the web has seen a change in the way Google is operating. In July 2014, Google released an unnamed algorithm update dubbed “Google Pigeon” by SEO specialists. Thankfully, MLT Group provides SEO services in Rochester, Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN and throughout the United States to tackle the challenges that come with Google updates.

This algorithm change increased Google’s awareness of local search factors and national directories. This has increased the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) more than ever. Google is looking for search factors that are applicable to local searches, a component that is tackled by a well-optimized Google+ page. The negatives? You may see a decrease in search rankings as major directory competitors with high PageRank pull to the front of many search terms. SEO Specialists and Digital Marketers are hopeful this is a temporary adjustment and there are hopes that Google will reconsider this change.

MLT Group does not take Google algorithm changes lightly. In the event of an update, our team of digital marketers, blog writers, and SEO specialists collaborate to do anything and everything we can to adapt and adjust to the new atmosphere of Google. Here’s how we do it:

SEO Strategy – putting our heads together, collaborating ideas, and documenting a plan of action for your website’s SEO.
SEO and Web Research – a key to any online strategy is continuing education and research. We learn through best practices and lessons learned, and staying on top of research is our greatest asset!
Blog Writing and SEO Copywriting – Google has not changed its stance on fresh, new content. By using our blog writing and SEO writing services, you’ll ensure your site has content that will impress any of the Google algorithms!

MLT Group will handle your website’s SEO strategy with ease, even in the midst of a Google algorithm update. In our underground bunker, we’ll strategize and collaborate to tackle the toughest research questions and will provide stellar on-site SEO implementation so you can reap the benefits of a well-optimized page. For SEO services, website design, digital marketing, and more, contact MLT Group – Creative Solutions today!

July 22, 2014

Achieving Winning Search Rankings in a Competitive Search Environment | Rochester, MN SEO Services

MLT Group provides SEO Services and SEO Strategy in Rochester, Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN and throughout the United States!

As a business owner, you know the business market is competitive regardless of the industry you’re in. Unfortunately, the web world is no different. There are millions of websites available on the Internet, all competing for Google’s attention and for a place at the top of the search market. There has to be something to set you apart from your competitors, and in both the real world and web world, the differentiating factor is strategy. MLT Group – Creative Solutions provides SEO strategy for websites in Rochester, MN and the surrounding areas.

Formulating an SEO strategy is important to overcome the search rankings of your competitors. When a new website is launched and on-site SEO is implemented, there is a waiting game that must be played with the preexisting competition for that search. It can be frustrating to see competitors with sub-par websites outrank newly designed websites; however, don’t fret, the rankings will come in time. After a site receives an “SEO redesign” or is newly launched into the web world, Google needs time to “crawl” through the site’s changes and index the information. An ongoing SEO strategy is vital to ensuring your website doesn’t become stagnant. Posting monthly blogs, keeping an eye on competitors, updating relevant key phrases, and ensuring a great customer experience all accelerate long-term SEO strategy and rankings.

Your SEO strategy doesn’t have to be formulated alone – MLT Group wants to help! With years of experience in the industry, we’re on top of the recent trends, research, and customer interests. We’ll work hard to analyze your competition, your website, and your potential to achieve the search rankings you want. Contact MLT Group today to discuss plans for an SEO strategy to take charge of the competition!

May 6, 2014August 20, 2020

Battle Wounds: MLT Group’s Digital Marketing Staff Goes Paintballing

MLT Group’s digital marketing staff in Rochester, MN takes a break for some live-action fun

Last weekend, MLT Group brought the underground bunker to the battlefield in a paintball extravaganza. The 2nd annual paintball excursion was a great way for us to work on our strategy skills, quick responses, and team unity. Even with stretching and warm-up exercises before and after the game, we all walked away quite sore.

Just like in paintball, MLT Group is prepared with an arsenal of weapons to make your digital marketing campaign the most effective it can be. Our strategic methods help us succeed in both paintball and digital marketing. Without a solid plan in place, you may be casting too wide of a net in your digital marketing strategy. By concentrating your efforts, especially when it comes to SEO services, you can see and measure your results much more easily then by attacking randomly.

If you find yourself in need of web development, print design, or SEO services in Rochester, MN (or even across the US) contact the professionals at MLT Group. Our aim is dead-on when it comes to helping you achieve your digital marketing goals. To check out more photos from our paintball fun, visit our Facebook page.

April 10, 2014

MLT Group Tapes at John Marshall High School

Digital Marketing and Video Production in Rochester by MLT Group

Earlier this week, MLT Group helped with the production of a video promotion for John Marshall High School’s Spirit of Service Project. This Friday, April 11th and Saturday, April 12th in the John Marshall High School parking lot, you can donate your old but usable clothing, outerwear, and shoes. This donation will help raise money for the Warrior Canine Connection, which is an organization that provides care and training for service dogs for our country’s wounded veterans.

MLT Group was ecstatic to be a part of the filming, especially because we were able to visit with former intern, Grace Dokken. Check out the picture to the left with videographer Mike Pruett, student interviewers Grace and Haron Arama with US Army Staff Sergeant Patrick Zeigler and his service dog Ranger sitting to the right.

MLT Group provides video production in Rochester, MN for a variety of different events and organizations. We offer an entire host of creative solutions, including web design, SEO, and digital marketing in Southeast Minnesota, Minneapolis, and throughout the US. Call us today for all of your media production needs or digital marketing services.

April 4, 2014December 3, 2020

Hummingbirds, Penguins, and Pandas? Decoding the Google SEO Zoo

MLT Group provides web development, search engine optimization, and digital marketing in Rochester,MN and throughout the United States

If you pay attention to recent Google news, you may have heard the phrases Google Hummingbird, Google Penguin, and Google Panda. Of course, this sounds like very strange terminology when thinking about one of the largest information technology companies in the world. As Google would have it, these terms do not mean what they appear. Google has not taken a single hummingbird, penguin, and panda under its roof, though that would be an interesting sight to see! When you encounter strange “tech-talk” like this, MLT Group – Creative Solutions provides the answers to your questions regarding Google, SEO, and digital marketing in Rochester, Minneapolis, and throughout the United States.

Many websites compete for recognition and rankings on Google, and Google needs to respond to the competition. At Google, more weight is put on the quality of your website and the great content you publish, rather than the number of “tricks” you can pull to show up on the top of Google’s search rankings. Though the average person may be a step behind Google’s geniuses, those competing on the web have figured out tips, tricks, and solutions to achieving high rankings on Google, which is commonly phrased as Search Engine Optimization, or “SEO.” When too many people figure out the tricks, Google puts out a new algorithm, which changes the game and eliminates any quick tricks you many have uncovered to gain high search engine rankings. (These quick tricks that Google responds to are commonly referred to as Black Hat SEO, something that Google penalizes.) Each new algorithm has a specific name, with the past three being Google Panda, Google Penguin, and Google Hummingbird, the most recent algorithm change.

When new algorithm changes are implemented, Google raises the stakes. Websites are now required to have better content, better quality design, and user-friendly features. Though it can be frustrating when these algorithms kick in, the result is quite favorable – better websites, better user experiences, and the push to be smarter, wiser, and more intentional on the web. Rather than being confused about these algorithms, MLT Group provides solutions for your company and website – we handle the competition so you don’t have to. Digital marketing and SEO are constantly changing, and we must adapt to Google’s standards. Our web experts and SEO specialists are committed to staying informed and “in the know” with all of Google’s adaptations, which means you don’t have to do the grueling research and hard work! You can keep your focus on your customers, and we’ll keep our focus on you, your website, and the Google atmosphere.

MLT Group – Creative Solutions provides digital marketing, web development, and SEO in Rochester, MN and nearby communities, as well as across the US. Every time a new animal is added to the Google Zoo, the SEO Zookeepers at MLT Group are on top of it. For your Rochester and Minneapolis website solutions, contact MLT Group today!

March 18, 2014August 20, 2020

MLT Group on Tour

Video Production for Rochester on Tour at the Capital by MLT Group

Last Tuesday, March 11th, MLT Group – Creative Solutions provided video production, photography, and local business support for the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce’s Rochester on Tour. The annual event is quickly becoming a favorite of both residents and local business owners alike, as it gives Rochester, MN residents the chance to speak with legislative representatives and to advertise the opportunities available in our area.

The day began at the Rochester International Event Center before boarding the bus to the Capitol. After a tour of the capitol, participants were able to speak personally with representatives about current hot topics in Rochester, including Destination Medical Center (DMC), the expansion of the Mayo Civic Center, the High Speed Rail Study, and other legislative priorities. Since Rochester provides over $9 billion dollars in taxes to the state of Minnesota, participants were excited to make sure their voices were heard.

The bus ride up to the city was occupied with a video produced by your very own MLT Group to make sure each participant was well-informed about the current Rochester initiatives. MLT Group also provided photography throughout the day that will be available to the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce throughout the year.

Perhaps most importantly, the day-long event provided an opportunity for bonding between businesses and residents. Business owners from all over Rochester were able to take a day out of the office and really hear where residents and other business owners’ interests and concerns lay. MLT Group was proud to be part of such an impressive initiative from the chamber of commerce. One of our wonderful graphic designers even had the chance to make a new add for our business (see left).

MLT Group provides video production services in Rochester, MN to many local businesses, as well as many throughout the state. If you are in need of media production or marketing services, don’t hesitate to contact us at 507.281.3490!