The visual elements are often forgotten during the arduous task of building a website, especially if you’ve tried to build it on your own. But not taking full advantage of the power of a strong visual design can be costly. The human brain is able to process images at amazing speeds, making visuals a powerful marketing too.
This visual is helping you retain the information in this blog!
Why are Visuals So Important?
Strong visual content does more than make your website look good and professional. Visuals have a w犀利士 ay of hacking into the brain and doing amazing things.
In a world of instant answers, consumers have short attention spans. Visuals increase the likelihood of a custome犀利士 r viewing your content. But what’s the point of reading the content if you can’t remember it? Well visuals help with that too! When information is accompanied by a relevant image, 65% of readers are able to retain the information versus 10% when there were no images. Visuals instantly communicate what would take paragraphs of text.
Using visuals also helps tell your company’s story. It communicates what you stand for, allows consumers to relate, and can create an emotional response in your customers.
How Can I Boost the Visuals on my Website?
MLT Group provides all of the services your business needs to boost its visual impact.
Custom web design for computer, tablet, and mobile platforms
Graphic design
Photography
Videography
Logo and branding design
Our experienced staff understands the importance of strong visuals and has a thorough understanding of SEO, web design, and branding. Check out examples of our custom web designs. To learn more about enhancing your web presence with a custom web design, please contact one of MLT Group’s versatile and dedicated staff members by calling 507.281.3490 or e-mailing us at sales@mltgroup.com.
Watch our latest Theo Talk about the basics of Search Engine Optimization
In an increasingly digital marketplace, business owners need to take advantage of the tools at their disposal. Everyone is using search engines such as Google, Yahoo!, and Bing to find goods and services. These search engines use algorithms that filter through websites to evaluate their relevance to the search terms input. If you want your website to rank favorably on search engines for terms relevant to your products and services, you need to employ search engine optimization (SEO). MLT Group’s Director of Operations, Theo St. Mane discusses the elements of SEO and its importance for your business in his latest Theo Talk video.
SEO is the use of strategies to help the search engines find your site and encourage them to rank it higher in organic and local search results. While SEO can be complex, even a basic understanding can improve your online visibility. Here are a few tips for enhancing your SEO.
Mobile Optimization
More searches are done on Google from mobile devices than from desk top computers, and Google has decreed that your site will not rank well in mobile search results if your site is not mobile optimized. This makes mobile optimization a ‘must have’ for every business website.
Image Descriptions
The search engine algorithm will only look for text, so it is important to include descriptions for the images on your website. Also, including descriptive words in the body text around the image can help boost your SEO.
Regularly Update Content
Bots look for websites that are up to date, so regularly performing site maintenance and updating its content keeps your site relevant. One way to keep your content fresh is to include a blog. Posting SEO’d blogs weekly can dramatically enhance your site’s attractiveness to search engines.
Keywords
Search engines look for keywords in websites that relate to the searched terms. You need to make sure these keywords are strategically placed throughout your website. But how do you anticipate what keywords to use and where to put them? First, think of how someone would search for your services? For example, ‘carpet cleaning’, ‘tree removal’, or ‘teeth whitening’. But it’s a bit of a balancing act as including too many keywords could get your website flagged for spamming and harm your ranking. Keywords should be worked in naturally to appeal to human readers. The most important places to include keywords are in the page title and opening paragraph of each page.
Social Media
Being active on social media can help your SEO. Not surprisingly, having a well filled out Google+ page will help your rankings in Google searches. Sharing content from your website or blog on appropriate social media outlets helps direct traffic back to your website.
There’s no reason not to take advantage of SEO and develop a strategy that works best for your business. By implementing a few basic practices, you can enhance your rankings on search engines and drive more traffic to your website.
To take full advantage of what SEO can do for your business you need time and an intimate knowledge of SEO. Contact one of our professionals at sales@mltgroup.com or 507.281.3490 to see how we can develop and implement an SEO strategy for your business. Also, watch our latest Theo Talk video about SEO basics here.
In his latest Theo Talk, our Director of Operations, Theo St. Mane asks a crucial question: are you in charge of your business’ online identity? There are dozens of online directories that scrape information from all corners of the internet in order to gather details on your business. However, this information isn’t always accurate, especially if your business has changed locations or phone numbers. If you don’t claim your business on each directory to ensure your information is accurate, customers may not be able to find your website.
Here are two different methods to effectively manage your business’ online identity.
Manually Claim your Business
Pick out some of the top directories that your customers may be using such as Google+, Yahoo!, Bing, and Yelp. Each of these directories has different processes for claiming your business or creating a listing for it. Once you have control of your business’ identity, you can edit the information at any time, which is helpful if your business changes locations or phone numbers. This option is free but can be time-consuming.
Directory Listing Tools
If you don’t want to manage your listings manually, there are tools that allow you to update your business’ information across multiple directories all from one platform. A few popular services such as Yext, Moz Local, and UBL are compared here. These tools allow you to control your business’ online identity all in one place. While convenient, these services are not free, ranging in price between a few dollars per citation to $500 a year.
Taking control of your business’ online identity is an important and often forgotten aspect in managing a business. Don’t wait! Make sure your customers can find your business today.
To find out how MLT Group can help your business with its online identity and SEO, contact one of our professionals at sales@mltgroup.com or 507.281.3490.
There’s no denying how bad it feels when you receive a negative online review. It’s easy to write off a bad review as just an over critical or cranky customer that doesn’t deserve your attention but with 67% of consumers making their decisions based on online reviews, it’s not wise to ignore them. Here are a few tips on how to learn from bad reviews and to bounce back with grace to be better than ever.
Don’t Delete Them
Most review and rating sites such as Yelp! will not remove negative reviews unless the business owner is able to prove that they are false or malicious. If they did, how could consumers be expected to trust reviews at all? Besides, leaving up negative reviews offers you opportunities to show potential customers how professionally you react to customer concerns.
Research the Complaint
If you can, look up the unhappy customer in your records. What project was done for them? When? Who was involved? Also, talk to your employees and get their side of the story. Did the customer appear unhappy and if so how did the staff work to correct the issue? This is all information you will want to know when addressing a bad review. However, this sometimes this isn’t possible as some review sites allow reviews to be posted anonymously.
Respond
Responding to a negative review is the perfect chance to not only possibly reconcile with a disgruntled customer, but to share your side of the story. While responding privately is an option, it is usually best to respond publicly so that other potential customers can see the response that balances the complaint. Providing a humble, reconciliatory and constructive response makes you look like the company consumers want to do business with.
Learn From It
While negative reviews sting, they are a great opportunity to better your product or services. Was there an issue with scheduling appointments? Ask yourself how you could make the process more efficient. Was there a miscommunication with an employee? Ask yourself how this can be prevented in the future.
The truth is that even if you do everything perfectly, your business will get bad reviews. But rather than ignoring them, make them work for your business. Maybe you’ll be able to turn that frown upside down.
For more information on digital marketing and website design, give us a call at 507-281-390.
MLT Group will be closed on December 25 and January 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day. Warm wishes for the holidays and a happy new year!
Headquartered in Rochester, MN, MLT Group has built a reputation for high quality video production, web design and development, copy writing, search engine optimization (SEO), and marketing services. Our web site design and development services, as well as many of our other marketing services, have benefited hundreds of companies in various industries. In addition to serving the businesses of Rochester and the Twin Cities we also provide services to companies all across the United States.
Our relaxed and fun atmosphere has helped us cultivate an energetic and skilled team of professionals who are passionate about what they do. Our top priority is our customers, which is why MLT Group is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. MLT Group is extremely proud of the skills and teamwork that has made us a leader in our market.
MLT Group is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
MLT Group is looking to fill our Web Development and Webserver Specialist position. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively communicate with team members and clients requiring support and have knowledge and experience in a variety of web languages and applications including HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
Key responsibilities:
•Splice Photoshop designs provided by our designers for web build out purposes
•Develop/build out and manage modern HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript websites
•Work with our existing team of programmers to manage online applications development
•Maintain/update client websites and applications, modules, extensions, and other various web related systems
•Offer internal and external support via email and phone as needed
•Provide email support for IMAP and POP3 users
•Respond to support tickets from clients and colleagues (answering client questions, resolving issues, etc.)
•Provide quotes on online application projects that are completed by you and your team
•Manage DNS, server, and renew domains and SSL’s for new and current client sites
•Provide excellent customer service offering guidance and providing solutions
•Provide support re: technical aspects in sales meetings as needed
Required Qualifications:
•Experience developing web-based applications using HTML5, CSS3, PHP, JQuery and JavaScript
•Must be proficient in using the following: Adobe Creative Suite (i.e. PhotoShop & Illustrator)
Preferred Qualifications:
•Professional applicable experience and/or the ability to quickly learn the following tasks:
•Identifying and fixing browser compatibility issues
•Mobile/responsive website construction
•Familiarity with PHP and MySQL
•Familiarity with Apache server / Plesk a plus
•Experience with POP3/IMAP email and support
•Experience with e-commerce programs such as Magento
•Familiarity with WordPress
Education:
•BA/BS degree in Computer Science or related field preferred
Position is full time with salary based on experience. Benefit package (after 90 day probation) includes PTO and standard holidays.
MLT Group is looking for a Digital Marketing Specialist to join our fun and fast paced marketing team. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and experience in content creation, search engine marketing (SEO and PPC), and digital marketing strategy. Candidate should possess the following skills: attentive and detailed, process-oriented, able to manage multiple projects, and communicate well with clients and co-workers (verbal and written).
Required Qualifications: Applicable experience and/or the ability to quickly learn the following tasks:
•Implementing on-site SEO for websites
•An understanding of basic online and offline marketing principles
•Ability to analyze ranking results and website traffic data
•Proficiency in using the following: Microsoft Office, Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Google Webmaster Tools, Moz Open Site Explorer
•Ability to edit websites via various content management systems (no coding required)
•Ability to write and edit blogs, website content, and other forms of online writing
•Ability to research and understand SEO industry trends on an ongoing basis
Preferred Qualifications:
•BA/BS degree in Marketing, Communications or related field
•1+ years of experience with SEO strategy for a variety of businesses and applications (e-commerce, franchise, corporate, small businesses, etc)
•Familiarity with WordPress blogs
•Ability to edit SEO website elements within HTML
•Familiarity with current SEO industry trends
•Experience creating and managing pay-per-click campaigns via Google AdWords
Position is full time with salary based on experience. Benefits include PTO and standard holidays after initial 90 days.
MLT Group is a fun and fast paced multi-media marketing and production company looking for an experienced Sales Representative. As one of Rochester’s most established video and web development companies, our continued success is dependent on the success of our sales team. Our Sales Rep will be charged with selling print, video, and web-related services in a competitive market.
Key responsibilities:
• Develop sales strategies for current and prospective clients and initiate contract discussions
• Write up proposals and contracts
• Work closely with Director of Operations and Production team for project assessment and strategy compilation
• Some travel required; mostly within the Rochester area and to the Twin Cities
• Assist in the development of other sales personnel
• Catalog relevant information pertaining to current and prospective clientele
• Participate in branch operation and sales meetings and any potential training programs
Qualifications:
• 2+ years of sales experience preferred. Sales experience should include gaining and following up on leads, conducting sales meetings, and contract/proposal writing
• Must possess a valid and current driver’s license and auto insurance
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills (written & verbal)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, & PowerPoint
• Knowledge in the field of marketing, digital marketing, and SEO a plus
Education:
•Verifiable High School Diploma or GED is required. College degree is preferred.
Position is full time with salary based on experience, plus commission on sales. Benefit package includes PTO and standard holidays.
To apply, please visit any of the job listings above on Indeed or click here to submit your resume through out website.
In all honesty, it’s probably time for a website update. The rapid advancements in applications and technology have rendered websites designed five years ago as “behind the times.” You don’t have to take our word for it, though. Follow along with our website redesign questionnaire below to assess your own digital presence!
Is my site functioning like I need it to?
Broken forms, 404 errors, and complicated navigations are just a few of the problems that a user can experience on your website. A user-friendly design and a clear call-to-action keeps visitors on your page and encourages them to contact your business. Additionally, your site needs to be targeting the right market. Whether you provide services nationwide or just to your local community, your website and its content needs to express your intent and appeal to your target.
Are you keeping up with your competitors?
You shouldn’t necessarily copy your competitors, but you should ensure that the digital playing field is fair. It’s important to make sure you are keeping up with or surpassing the standard of your industry. One common advancement that all industries need to consider is a responsive design for their website – a design easily viewed and navigated across desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones alike.
Are all your services displayed?
Since your website was built, have you added services or expanded in any other way? Maybe you now serve a different area, or offer in-field services instead of customers visiting your store. Make sure your website reflects everything your business has to offer or consumers may miss your business entirely.
Do you have someone on staff with the skills to build a new website?
This article from Forbes hits the nail on the head when it comes to deciding whether to contract a project or not:
“At this point, your website is as much the face of your company as any brick-and-mortar office (if you even have one). So this isn’t the area to cut corners. If you happen to have someone on staff who possesses the skills to carry out this project, that’s great – you’ll save time and money. But if you don’t have someone already on your team who can genuinely do this job as well as it can possibly be done, don’t let your desire to save time and money force you into making sacrifices on the quality of the end product. There are a lot of brilliant web designers out there – it’s more than worth it to invest in working with one.”
Does my logo translate well on the web?
No matter how updated your website is, an old logo can easily send it back in to the 90s. There may even be technical issues associated with your logo, such as too many colors or gradients that don’t look as nice on a web page. If you and your customers aren’t extremely attached to a logo, consider upgrading it according to the Just Noticeable Difference theory. Every few years, update a small part of your logo to keep it modern and current, like so.
Is your website being found?
The most well-designed website won’t be much of an asset to your business if it isn’t found by consumers. On-site SEO for your recently designed website is key to making your online presence work for you. Digital marketing is not a separate item entirely, but a holistic approach to being found by consumers. Make sure your website is doing all that it can for your business!
If you answered no to any of the above questions, it’s time to update the design of your website to keep your business relevant and competitive. MLT Group offers advice like this, as well as web design and development, to businesses and organizations in Rochester, MN and beyond. An all-encompassing digital marketing strategy, starting with a website, will help bring more traffic to your business. Today is the day to start.
MLT Group is looking for motivated web developer and webserver specialist to join our team.
MLT Group is looking to fill a Web Development and Webserver Specialist position. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and experience in a variety of web languages and applications. The candidate should also be able to effectively communicate with team members and clients requiring support.
Required Qualifications:
• Experience developing web-based applications using HTML5, CSS3, PHP, JQuery and JavaScript
• Must be proficient in using the following: Adobe Creative Suite (i.e. PhotoShop & Illustrator)
Preferred Qualifications:
• 3 years of professional applicable experience
• Experience identifying and fixing browser compatibility issues
• Experience in mobile/responsive web building
• BA/BS degree in Computer Science or a closely related field
• Familiarity with PHP and MySQL
• Familiarity with Apache server / Plesk a plus
• Experience with POP3/IMAP email and support
• Experience with e-commerce programs such as Magento
• Familiarity with WordPress
Almost two years ago, Moz predicted that responsive websites were going to become the industry standard for website design. With increased smartphone internet searches and increased tablet use, it was no reach to make this claim. It used to be enough to just have a mobile version and a desktop version of your website, but now the various screen sizes that exist across all platforms have rendered this method inefficient.
There are 3 major reasons why responsive websites have become an industry norm. From a technical standpoint and from a user perspective, responsive websites are truly the standard for website design today.
1) Increases Usability and User Experience
Though this may seem like an arbitrary benefit, Google considers how user-friendly a website is within its ranking algorithm. A desktop version may have many utilities, loads of content, and great photos; this is perfect for stationary users, but it takes far too long to load on a mobile phone. This decreases the number of “Googlers”, something that the major search engine wants to avoid at all costs.
2) Updating is Faster and Easier Than Ever
In previous years, a change to your website meant both a change to the desktop version and the mobile version. This would take twice the time of either your employee or your website company. With a responsive design, the change only needs to be made once, keeping your website consistent across all platforms and efficiently using your time and money.
3) SEO, Link Building, and Campaigns are Streamlined
Similar to how updating is easier, SEO will only need to be done to one version of the site. In some cases, it’s beneficial to have a mobile SEO campaign and a desktop SEO campaign, but the majority of SEO looks the same across all platforms. Link building also becomes streamlined, as the URL structure remains the same.
If your website is outdated, or you’re looking for your first one, be sure to ask your web design company about responsive website designs. MLT Group provides individual mobile designs as well as responsive designs to meet the needs of every business. Contact MLT Group today or call our office at 507. 281.3490 for more information.
MLT Group provides SEO services in Rochester, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and throughout the nation based on the most recent search research.
As it has been said before, SEO is an ever-changing practice that cannot be summarized through a solely quantitative approach. Blending both qualitative and quantitative research when evaluating SEO practice effectiveness is important, as Google continues to release algorithm changes that are far more sophisticated than the algorithms of the past.
For example, a 2014 study from search data firm Netbooster suggests that page 1 positions may not be the only hope to be found organically. The study summarizes that trends in what users click and why is changing, and click-through rates (CTR) indicate users have been navigating beyond the first page of search results to find the content for which they’re looking. If you’re interested in reading the study and the technical components, we encourage you to check out the article here.
Now that we know searches are expanding their searches to multiple Google results pages, digital marketers must adjust their strategies. The major implications for SEOs include adaptability, change, and patience. As Google has continued to make the push towards great content and quality over quantity, it left SEOs initially skeptical and confused as to what they can do aside from wait. Well, waiting is absolutely essential, and these studies continue to prove the point. However, this study gives evidence that patience it works long-term, even if its difficult. If your site is relevant to your keywords, is optimized on the front-end and back-end, then widen your horizons and continue putting out great content for users. In the end, this will be the best way to not only increase search rankings, but sustain good presence on the web.
Stated in the article, “What is clear is no other industry is changing as rapidly as search. Understanding how we all interact with new forms of search results will be a crucial part of measuring and creating success.” As you continue in your digital marketing efforts, find comfort in the fact that research is beginning to show true correlation to users and quality content. Continue researching; embrace the change that exists within digital marketing and see your results compete fairly over time.
MLT Group – Creative Solutions is committed to staying up-to-date with Google update releases, SEO trend changes, and marketing best practices. We provide quality web design, content creation, and SEO services, all components that are important in holistic SEO that succeeds long-term. Call MLT Group – Creative Solutions today; SEO services, website design, and content writing in Rochester, St. Paul, Minneapolis, MN and throughout the United States!
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MLT Group will be closed on December 25 and January 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day. Warm wishes for the holidays and a happy new year!