Fall is almost here which means the holiday shopping season is happening soon – or has even already begun for some people. According to a survey by Salesforce, 58% of consumers expect to do more online shopping after the pandemic than before. We have already seen this in action, with online sales reaching 18% of all retail sales in 2020. This number is expected to hit 21.4% by 2024. In 2019, before the pandemic, that number was just 13.6%.

What does all of this mean for the future of small business retail? Well, first look at all the different avenues available for online sales. With platforms like Facebook and Instagram rolling out shopping features, it is easier than ever to sell online. While these tools can’t replace your ecommerce site, you can attract potential customers you may not have been reaching before. Getting set up for sales on each platform is a little different, but worth the time.

Another thing to consider while getting your store ready for the holidays is that people are still looking for an experience. It might not be easy to recreate the feeling of holiday shopping the way we used to know it on a digital platform, but putting that thought behind your decisions can help. Some sites are including more videos, offering augmented reality try-ons, and even offering chats with sales associations online. Giving your customers something that makes the experience memorable will go a long way.

As you prepare your holiday shop it is good to remember that half of all online sales during the 2020 holiday shopping season were made on a mobile device. It is so important to make sure the time and effort you put into your ecommerce site translates to mobile users as well. You

don’t want half of your audience to miss out on all the effort you put into your holiday planning.

Last year the holiday shopping season started early, and we should expect to see more of the same this year. Along with early deals, expect shipping costs to go up this year. USPS has already said that they plan to charge more for packages shipped during the holidays. This increase will apply to individuals and businesses. Be sure to take this into account as you price out your shipping costs for the season.

These tips should help you get your ecommerce site ready to go for the 2021 holiday season! If you need any help implementing any of these changes into your site, give us a call today to set up a consultation to see how we can help you - 937-404-1050.

By Chelsea Bray- Elle A. Design

We have all been in those meetings before where one person in the room sounds like they are speaking in a different language. We want to make sure when you meet with us you are as prepared as you can be and have a good understanding of the basic terms we will be using. Read through this list of website design lingo that we think everyone should know.

1. Content

Content refers to any text, photos, graphics, videos, and anything else that will live on your website. When developing a new website, all the content that goes on it will have to be created. Copy will need to be written for each page, photos will need to be shot, videos will need to be created and even icons and graphics will need to be produced. If you are refreshing the look of your current website, some of the content can be reused or refreshed to fit your new site.

2. Favicon

A favicon, also known as a shortcut icon, website icon, or bookmark icon, is the small graphic that accompanies the name of your website in the address bar on your web browser. It makes your site easy to identify with just a small image. The favicon will show up in website favorites, bookmarks, and on some browsers even in the history.

3. Resolution

Resolution is a word used when talking about photos or videos. The resolution of an image is the detail in which it holds. The higher the resolution of an image, the more detail you will be able to see. If the resolution of an image is too low, you will start to lose detail and the image will become pixelated and blurred.

4. Responsive Layout

A responsive layout is something that has become more of a standard in the past decade. When your website has a responsive layout, it will render well on a variety of different size screens and devices. The rendering is based on percentage rather than size and can help make your website accessible to anyone, no matter what device they are viewing it on.

5. Back End

You will often hear people refer to the back end of the website. The back end of a website is a portion of the website not viewable to the public. This is where website changes and updates can be made. Once they are made and published on the backend, they will appear live on your website.

6. Hosting

Hosting is a service that allows your website to be searchable on the internet. Buying hosting is basically buying space on a server where your website can store its files. Every website that you have ever visited is hosted on a server somewhere and takes up physical space! There are different types of hosting, and we can help you figure out what is best for your site.

7. Below the Fold

“Below the Fold” is a term that started in the days of newspapers. It literally means below the fold of the newspaper’s front page. Nowadays, “Below the Fold” refers to the portion of your website that is not visible unless you scroll down the page. As a good rule of thumb, the most important information you want people to see first should live above the fold on your website.

8. Domain

Your domain is what people will type into their web browser to view your website. Your domain name generally should be the name of your business, but sometimes you might find that someone else already hosts a site with that domain. You will want your domain to be easy to spell and easy to remember so people can find you easily!

9. Navigation

Navigation refers to the menu often found at the top of your website, although side navigation is currently on trend as well. These are linked to other subpages on your website that visitors will require quick access to. If your navigation is confusing or too complex it will make it hard for people to find what they are looking for and ultimately they will leave your website unsatisfied.

By Chelsea Bray- Elle A. Design

This is something I have been struggling to write. What do I do outside of the office? Honestly, the same things a lot of other people do. . . work to maintain that work/life balance. If I am being really real - it’s hard! I am a people pleaser by nature. Disappointing someone, anyone, is triggering. I want to be the best wife, mother, daughter, employee. . . the list goes on and on. So, I decided that if I wanted to do this right, I had to do another hard thing, be authentic. If you know me, like really know me, you know I am careful to share my stories. I guard them closely, because opening yourself up to someone comes with a risk. A risk of being judged or misunderstood. While I pride myself on being authentic, I would rather hear someone else’s story and be their support person than share my own, but I can do hard things. I also really value authenticity and vulnerability. In a time where mental health is still undervalued, it’s imperative to shine a light on the good times and bad, to reminder others that hope is never lost, and there is always light in the darkness. So, let’s start in the darkness:

September 29, 2019 - A year ago, I was drowning. Not in a literal sense, but in a metaphoric body flailing, can’t keep your head above water, soul crushing sense of the word. Life wasn’t working out the way I planned. I was stalled. I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, and the future I imagined was no longer clear. I sat looking at a husband that completes me, that knows me better than I know myself at times, who lifts me up and has given me the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful little boy’s life: Preston, a kid that’s mine in every sense of the word, except one. In my mind, I was failing them both. I couldn’t give my husband a baby or Preston a sibling. Month after month you lose a part of yourself until you don’t know who you are if you can’t have a baby. There’s an overwhelming sense of being less than. It hits you in the moments you least expect, and there are constant reminders around you that you can’t do something most women can. As women, that’s how we define ourselves. It’s how we compare ourselves to others.

So, I overcompensate. I become unbearable to live with, because in my desperation I seek to become the best wife and mother possible - and I lose myself.

Then I see a post about a job I’m not remotely qualified for, but I decide it’s worth a conversation. I learn a little more and I’m in. I’ll be honest, it sounds crazy! Leave the job you’re great at, go do something you know nothing about, for someone you met just a year ago that has these wild plans that sound too good to be true! I needed a little crazy, and more importantly, I needed something for myself that I could feel good about and excel at.

My job has given me everything I never knew I needed: time alone to heal and just be, new experiences that give me the chance to find myself, and a purpose. My inability to “have a baby” doesn’t define my worth. Does it make it easier to imagine my life without a baby? Absolutely not. Are there still moments where I feel like I’m drowning? 100%, but it reminds me that I can do hard things and for now that’s enough.

P.S. You can do hard things too!

Now a little light, because we all need a little love and hope.

November 11, 2020 - Nine years ago I met you, a squishy faced boy who loved superheroes, snacks, and had a dad as a best friend. It took time for us to figure out how we fit in each other’s lives, and it wasn’t an easy road. With guarded hearts, we navigated the rocky waters. I never saw you take your first steps or say your first word, but I watched you confidently head into your first day of kindergarten, shared in the joy of your first touchdown, and comforted you during your first experience with death. With disappearing cheeks and a deeper voice, I’ve watched you become a teenager who’s wise beyond his years. Yesterday, in a courtroom, with a judge and your dad, I watched you become mine! After nice years, some tears, and a lot of love I can officially say that I became your mom!

Words can’t truly express how I feel. Eternally grateful. Thank you to your dad for trusting me, for bringing me into your lives, and allowing me to love you both. To your birth mom, thank you for creating a boy that’s changed our lives forever. For loving him and making the hardest choice possible for him. For putting him first. To you, my not so squishy faced boy, thank you for making me a mama. For teaching me so much about life. For making me a better person and for allowing me to be a part of your life.

August 13, 2021 - Today I am here. I am surviving. Surviving a pandemic, surviving a son entering high school, and surviving a baby that still isn’t here. All of that is what makes life beautiful. It’s messy, and complicated, and happy, and sad. I hope that if you’re reading this you know that you’re not alone, that there is beauty in the mess and that you can do ALL the hard things!

We are approaching the end of summer, but there is still plenty of time to check off some of your summer bucket list items! Here are a few ideas on what you can do locally to end your summer with a bang. Gather with friends or family and explore all that Champaign and Logan Counties have to offer. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy Live Music
Go to a show for a local band and show your support for the arts! There are many local restaurants that offer live music while you dine and some upcoming community events that will be hiring local artists to perform.

Paddle Board Yoga
Check out Homegrown Yoga and their paddle board yoga lessons being held on Indian Lake. You can check out their upcoming class schedule here to sign up and save a spot!

Make a S’more
Make one at home or visit the Champaign County Community Calendar to learn more about the West Liberty S’mores Shop Hop upcoming event.

Ride a Ferris Wheel
Head to the Champaign County Fair and take a ride on the Ferris Wheel. Don’t forget to get your favorite fair food while you are there!

Have a Picnic
Head to your local grocery store and plan a picnic in the park. Gather up the whole family and enjoy a day eating, playing, and relaxing at the park!

Go Wine Tasting
We are lucky to have multiple local wineries where you can plan a date night and go wine tasting. Who knows, you might find your new favorite wine?

Have a Water Balloon Fight
This classic summertime activity is one that the whole family can enjoy. The next few weeks are sure to be some of the hottest of the year, so cool off with some summer fun!

Show a Random Act of Kindness
Although you can do this year-round, don’t forget that random acts of kindness are even sweeter in the summer! Buy someone an ice cream cone or help a neighbor with yard work to show that you care.

Go to a Farmer’s Market
Head to the Champaign County Community Calendar to find out when the next Farmer’s Market is! Try to build a whole meal out of food from the market and share your results on Facebook.

Make a Sandcastle
Heading to the beach? Don’t forget to take supplies to build an epic sandcastle. Have a competition to see who can build the tallest one before it falls over!

Go for a Hike
There are many great places to hike in Champaign and surrounding counties. Make a day out of it and visit a couple shorter trails to enjoy the beautiful scenery Ohio provides in the summertime.

Volunteer
If you are out of school for the summer or are just looking for a way to give back, you can volunteer. Many local organizations look for volunteers year-round but always appreciate the summer help!

You can find a full list of local events on the Champaign County Community Calendar page. Have a great rest of your summer and enjoy supporting local!

By Chelsea Bray- Elle A. Design

All jokes aside, seeing young kids fall in love with team sports for the first time and getting confidence in themselves and what they can do is an amazing thing to be a part of. Aside from the absolute joy of coaching my own sons, I get the pleasure of coaching various sports, at my alma mater, Triad High School. During the fall I get coach the high school football program alongside an amazing coaching team and witness the school pride of our students and fans. Being on the sidelines under the lights on Friday Nights in, what is arguably, one of the main events of these small towns is an experience in and of itself. While I love t-ball and football and everything in between, one of my biggest coaching passions is basketball. I’ve been involved with the Triad Basketball program in various capacities over the past 10 years and there is nothing that compares to the sound of squeaking shoes and nets ripping. Walking into the gym where I once played and where my kids may play someday, preparing to coach the kids in front of me, is a feeling that is hard to capture. At the end of the day the opportunity to coach provides me the privilege of instilling life-long lessons into future members of our community – a responsibility I take great pride in.  ​

My wife of 5 years, Macie, and I are also in the process of building a house to raise our four kids, Owen (6), Connor (4), Quinn (2) and Hailey (2 months). Our house is being built into a hillside that overlooks, what seems like, all of Champaign County. 

It’s a house that represents a place for our family to grow, a place to unwind with our friends, and a place where we can overlook the vast farmlands that represent the hardworking people that make up our community. We often go there as it’s being constructed to just sit on the porch and appreciate the view, or allow our kids to run on the 5 acres of land where we will someday play catch, have bonfires, cookouts, and so much more.  ’d be remiss not to mention one of the top benefits of the location of our house. It’s 2 miles away from Woodland Golf Course. Woodland was one of my first real jobs, I’ve met many wonderful people from this community there and learned many valuable life lessons. It’s so important to me that my wife even threw my surprise 30th birthday there.  ​

1. Become Agile
2020 taught us many lessons, but most of all it taught us to prepare for anything. We never truly know what is coming next but being open to new ideas and learning how to deal with change are skills we can use for any situation. The business that can solve new problems in the quickest and most unique ways are the ones that will survive whatever comes their way. If you made it out of 2020 without having to change anything in your business you are extremely lucky, but most likely you have already been learning how to stay agile and creative in today’s market.

2. Push Advertising Campaigns
The worst thing you can do when you see a lull in business is to stop your marketing efforts to save money. Sometimes these marketing efforts are the only thing keeping the business going. It may seem counterintuitive but putting more time and resources into marketing during hard times will help your business survive. Make sure you hire a marketing team that understands what you want to do with your business long term and has your best interests in mind.

3. Find the Right People to Work for You
Having the best people for the job keeps you one step ahead of your competition. As a business owner you want to be able to handle everything yourself, but when you can’t you have to have a staff you can trust to do the job just as well as you would. Hiring the right people is only one half of the puzzle though, the other half is making sure your employees are happy at their job. Creating a positive work environment where your employees feel valued will significantly increase productivity and help your business in the long run.

4. Work to Automate Processes that Waste Time
Another valuable lesson learned in 2020 is that time is extremely precious. There is a tool or resource out there for pretty much anything these days. Whether you are looking for invoicing tools, social media management, or even expense tracking there is a solution for you. Some of these may be apps or software you purchase, and some may come in the form of a group of people to hire for taxes or social media management. Whatever you feel you are losing precious time to, there is a solution to make the process more automated for your business.

5. Diversify Your Markets
We have seen a lot of this in the last year in so many different industries. One of the biggest changes we saw was how many small businesses switch to eCommerce last year. Many businesses didn’t have a website set up for that but had to make it happen to survive. In the restaurant industry we saw actual laws change to be able to sell mixed drinks with to go orders here in Ohio. People got creative and pushed for change that they knew could help them survive. Is there a market you feel you could excel in but haven’t made that jump yet? 2021 could be the year to start taking steps to expand your market.

We hope this list will help you get your business back on track or continue to thrive! If you are looking for someone to help you with advertisements or even a website, you are in the right place! Go to https://www.berrydigitalsolutions.com/contact-us.html to contact a consult from our team and start growing your business today. We are always happy to help.

Written by Chelsea Bray- Elle A. Design

There is no getting around the fact that Google is a big name in the internet search game. Showing up in Googles search results is very important, but have you thought about how well are you showing up on Google Maps? When you Google a phrase like “restaurants near me”, the first things that comes up are the Google Map results. These include photos, addresses, phone numbers and websites to restaurants Google thinks you would like. These come up before the rest of the search results and are the most likely to be clicked. In this article you will see how you can rank higher and why it is important to get your listing to the top of the search results.

Claim your Listing: The first step after getting your business on Google Maps is to make sure you claim an existing listing for your business. This will let you add even more information about your location and is essential keeping your listing accurate. Make sure you are logged into your Google My Business account to complete this step.

Make Sure Your Information is Accurate: There is nothing that will make people more upset than finding unreliable information about your location online. It is essential that you keep your hours, phone number, address, and website info up to date on your listing. You can also list your services and a description to let new clients and customers know what you do. Adding your listing to the proper categories will also make it easier for people to find you.

Embed a Google Map on your Website: Embedding a Google Map on your website will let Google know that your location on the map is accurate. Every visit to your site will count as a visit to your Google My Business page, which will help you rank higher in search results.

Photos: One of the quickest ways to catch attention is with photos. If your Google listing doesn’t have any photos, it likely won’t matter how high you rank, people will quickly move onto the next business. You want to capture not only the products you have at your business, but also what it is like to visit. From a shot of the front door to photos of your staff members in action, everything shows a window into what it is like to visit your business and helps attract the eyes of potential customers.

Reviews: When looking at a list of options all in the same category, the reviews are going to be what set you apart. Getting and maintaining good Google reviews will help get you to the top of the list in your category. You will have to be consistent in asking for reviews and you will also want to respond to reviews on Google. Don’t be afraid of reviews or interacting with customers. It is an essential part of running a business.
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Next time you are Googling a place to visit in a new town or looking for something nearby, make sure you pay attention to the Google Map results. Take clues about what you like and what you think people could be doing better and apply that to your own listing. Google is a powerful tool and when used correctly can help get more eyes on what you have to offer. Set up a meeting today with a member on our team to learn more about how we can help you with your Google My Business account and all it offers www.berrydigitalsolutions.com/contact-us.html.

​Berry Digital Solutions is proud to be made up of a team of people that not only bring passion to their jobs but have passion for their lives. In this new blog series, we want to highlight our team members and what they currently are doing outside of the office that keeps them motivated and inspired. First up is Chris Anders, one of the founders of Berry Digital Solutions, and the guy behind the scenes keeping everything running smoothly. Read what he has to say about coaching his sons below:

When I’m not sitting behind a computer for Berry Digital Solutions, you’ll probably find me running a local baseball, basketball, or soccer practice. My boys are 6 and 8 years old and already love sports as much as I do. The Super Bowl, March Madness, Opening Day, and National Championship Games are all important dates on our family calendar that we plan for and schedule around. 

A major milestone in our family was the moment my boys were old enough to join youth sports leagues and begin playing the sports they love with their friends and peers. Initially, I had no intentions of coaching their teams. I figured they’d heard all of my “coaching” at home and were growing tired of my voice. I would remain on the sidelines as a supportive dad and let a new voice teach them some new things. But it didn’t take long to realize how much these local sports leagues needed volunteers. Practices couldn’t get started without coaches, and the pool of volunteers was so low that a couple of times, our seasons were delayed because no one was available to coach the teams.
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As the co-owner of Berry Digital Solutions, I can make my work schedule pretty flexible, and I had a background in athletic administration, so it started to feel irresponsible of me not to volunteer. I took the plunge when a shorthanded friend of mine asked me to help him out with my son’s T-ball team. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

​I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to command the attention of a dozen preschoolers. I’ve gotten pretty comfortable behind a keyboard, and if you don’t bring the energy and passion every time with a group of 5-year-olds, it can flop pretty quickly. (Shoutout to my mom and dad who, even after a combined 6 decades of elementary school teaching, continue going to work every day to do it again and again and again. I have no idea how you do it. I’m completely exhausted after 1 hour of practice with 10 kids. My dad actually taught class all day long, and then chose to coach for another 2-3 hours each night in multiple sports throughout the school year. It was normal to me when I was kid, but now it seems certifiably insane to do that for almost 40 straight years.)

Since I started coaching, my head is constantly filled with practice ideas, funny things the kids say or funny things I can say to them at the next practice. I want them to look forward to the next game or practice as much as I do. The world is a crazy place full or stress and anxiety, so I try my best to create a practice environment where all of those stressors disappear, and we just get to have fun playing sports and joking around with our friends for an hour or two.

My favorite part of coaching is seeing how far the kids grow each season, from that first practice when everyone’s shy and maybe never even played the sport they’re signed up for, and by the end of the year they’re getting hits every game or scoring goals and everyone’s so excited it’s difficult to get a word in with all of the conversations happening between new friends.
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The pictures I shared are from my WL-S T-Ball and Coach Pitch teams this season. At the start of May (on my birthday to boot!), my Coach Pitch team went on a magical run in the Logan County Preseason Tournament. We eventually fell in the Championship Game, but I swear, no team had more fun and more smiles that day than the West Liberty Lions Club. Even after losing, our kids were on Cloud 9 and you can really tell in those team photos. No matter where I end up on this coaching journey with my boys, I’ll always cherish these smiles and memories, and I can’t believe that I once made up my mind that I wasn’t going to get involved and coach my boys’ teams.

Parallax Scroll Effects
Parallax scrolling is an effect where background images move slower than foreground images. This effect has been around for a while, but in 2021 you can expect to see it used in new creative ways. When using a parallax scroll properly, you can create depth on a website, draw visitors in, and tell a story. Parallax scrolling is an especially useful effect when working with a one-page website that requires more interesting and compelling design to keep your audience engaged. Check out an example designed by us here: www.champaignworks.com
 
Retro Typefaces
Retro and vintage typefaces have been a top trend for the past few years. What makes this trend stand out this year is the way new and old have come together. Mixing more modern typefaces with retro typefaces brings new life to this longstanding trend. It is also very much in-line with retro-futurism, which is a huge print design trend for 2021. The retro typeface trend will engage your audience instantly and give them a sense of nostalgia.
Check out an example designed by us here: www.monumentsquaredistrict.com
 
Muted Color Palettes
Color is a great way to give your site a distinct feeling. Muted color palettes are typically softer on the eyes and can tend to feel more natural. They can make a great backdrop for a hand drawn text or illustration style. Muted colors are popular in everything from fashion to interior design right now, so it is no surprise that the trend also extends into web design. Muted colors can be light pastel colors or darker tones depending on the feeling you want to give off. They can tend to look more sophisticated and natural than bright, vibrant colors.
Check out an example designed by us here: www.thecarpetgallery.net
 
Focus on Texture
Just like the parallax scrolling effect, one of the main reasons that texture is popular this year is because it gives depth to a website. This versatile trend can be subtle or bold depending on how you are using it. You can use texture to give your site a softer, more natural appearance, or to give it a bold vintage look. No matter what textures you like, they are sure to give your site a tactile illusion that your audience will love.
Check out an example designed by us here: www.bobbisbungalow.com
​

If you have used a computer within the past ten years, you have undoubtedly had a run in with data loss. Whether you had a power outage, a computer crash, or you just lost track of a file all together; there are many ways you can ensure you don’t lose that big project or those cherished photos. Read some of our suggestions below to find a solution that will work for you!
 
1. USB
A USB drive, sometimes referred to as a thumb drive or jump drive, is a small portable device that allows you to store files. Because of its compact size, it also makes it really easy to share files with others. They are very easy to operate, affordable, and easy to come by. Some even offer data protection that require a password to get into the files.
 
Cons: Although these are a convenient option, their size can make them easy to lose and you can’t store as much on them as some of the other options on this list.
 
2. External Hard Drive
An external hard drive, or disk drive, is an option you might want to consider if you need a lot of storage space. It has many of the same perks of a USB, being portable and easy to use, but also packs a punch on storage space. There are many different things to consider when choosing an external hard drive that will work for you including size, speed, and connection type.
 
Cons: Some external hard drives are very easily damaged, so they aren’t as portable as some of the other options on this list and need to be handled very carefully.
 
3. Use Time Machine
This storage solution is something only available on Macs. It is built into your computer and requires the purchase of an external drive that support it. Time Machine backs up your files hourly for the previous 24 hours, daily for the past month, and weekly for all previous months. This means that your data is being saving in real time without you having to do anything. Once it is set up and running you don’t have to worry about it.
 
Cons: You have to use a Mac and you must also purchase either Apple’s Time Capsule or a compatible external hard drive in order for it to work.
 
4. Cloud Storage
Cloud storage can work for anyone and is a very flexible option. Once you back up your data to cloud storage it can be accessed from anywhere. This means you or your team, can access files no matter where you are and work together in real time. You can also give clients access to specific files or folders. Having your data backed up someplace other than in your physical office location protects you against things like flood or fire. If your physical data solutions get destroyed, you can recover everything from the cloud.
 
Cons: To access your data, you need a reliable internet connection. Most of the time this isn’t a problem, but if you are traveling or there is a weather emergency, it could become difficult to access your data.
 
5. Subscribe to a Backup Service
A backup service subscription works by paying a monthly fee and then it automatically uploads new files to its online servers. Some of them then offer different ways for you to get your data back. You can do an online restore where you download just a couple files you may have misplaced, or you can get an external hard drive with all of your files loaded on it shipped directly to you. There is no file management system like a cloud storage system, but it protects your data by having it stored in another location, the same way cloud storage does.
 
Cons: If you lose all of your data, you have to wait for your files to be shipped to you and there is a monthly fee associated with these services.
 
All of these options can be great to help keep your files protected, but in most cases it is recommended that you use more than one type of backup for important data. You can never be too safe when it comes to the protection of your important documents. If you have questions about which type of data solution is best for you, give us a call to set up a meeting so we can help assess your needs and find the best fit for you.