In times of economic uncertainty, small business owners must take proactive measures to weather the storm. One of the most important steps is to prioritize their website and digital presence. Here are the top 5 things small business owners should do in a recession to boost their online presence and drive traffic to their website:

Optimize their website: Make sure their website is optimized for search engines and mobile devices. They should conduct keyword research and use relevant keywords throughout their website to improve their search engine rankings. They should also make sure their website is mobile-friendly, as more and more people are accessing the internet on their mobile devices.

Create valuable content: Focus on creating high-quality, valuable content that their audience will find useful. This could include blog posts, videos, podcasts, and social media content. By providing value to their audience, they can attract more traffic to their website and build trust with their customers.

Leverage social media: Use social media to promote their website and engage with their audience. They should share their content on social media and use social media platforms to interact with their customers and respond to their questions and concerns. They should also use social media advertising to reach new audiences and drive traffic to their website.

Utilize email marketing: Use email marketing to stay in touch with their customers and keep them informed about their business. They should use email marketing to promote their website, offer discounts and promotions, and share valuable content. They should also use email marketing to collect customer feedback and improve their products and services.

Utilize paid digital advertising solutions: Consider utilizing paid digital advertising to target the customers you would like to reach directly and better spend your advertising budget. By identifying the customer base that will offer a return on investment, small business owners can better allocate their advertising budgets to increase sales using digital advertising. 

Small business owners should prioritize their website and digital presence during a recession. By optimizing their website, creating valuable content, leveraging social media, utilizing email marketing, and allocating dollars to digital advertising solutions, small business owners can drive traffic to their website and stay connected with their customers. These digital tools can help small businesses survive and even thrive during tough economic times. If you are interested in learning more about how to drive traffic to your website, click here. 

We understand the importance of having a well-designed and user-friendly website. In today's digital age, your website is often the first impression your potential customers have of your business, and it's crucial to get it right.
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One question we get asked most frequently is how much should a business spend on a new website. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The cost of a website can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the site, the design requirements, and the functionality needed. When determining what  you should be prepared to spend on a website, most companies will charge an average  of $300 per page. 

But here at Berry Digital Solutions, we are not your average website company!    So what makes us different?

Our #1 goal is to make building websites as easy as possible. With over 10 years of experience with local websites, we have built the process to make  this seamless. ​

• You receive a designated Project Manager.
• We  handle  all design elements.
• We include SEO (Search Engine Optimization) in our build.
• We are direct Google Partners.
• We take care of the entire launch process. When transitioning from your old website, we can either physically transition so your website never goes down or we can work with your old website  to make the transition seamless.
• We verify and help maintain your Google Business Listing(s).
• We continue to be your partner after your website is launched.
• We keep up with all of Googles trends and updates. 

Maybe you 're thinking your website needs are not simple, or you've been told you cannot be helped. That's okay! Not all websites are made the same. If you have more complex website needs or additional questions, schedule a brainstorm  to discuss what solutions we can offer.

We get it. It's tempting to try to save money by going with the cheapest option. However, a poorly designed website can harm your business in the long run. Invest in quality design and functionality to ensure your website is a valuable asset to your business. Remember, your website is often the first impression your customers have of your business, and it's worth investing in a high-quality, user-friendly site.

​Ready to learn more? Get a FREE website quote today!

In today's digital age, having a website for your business is essential. It acts as your digital storefront and is often the first point of contact between you and your potential customers. However, having a website is not enough. To stay ahead of the competition, you need to keep it updated on a regular basis.  So why does it matter? Let us tell you more about the importance of updating your website and how it can benefit your business.

1. Improves User Experience

Your website is a reflection of your business. If it looks outdated or has old information, it can leave a negative impression on your visitors. Regularly updating your website with fresh content, new images, and up-to-date information will help improve the user experience. It will also make your website more engaging and encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more pages.

         2.    Boosts Search Engine Ranking
Search engines love fresh and relevant content. Updating your website on  regular basis with new content, such as blog posts, articles, or news updates, can help improve your search engine ranking. This means that your website will appear higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant keywords, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

      3.   Increases Website Traffic
Updating your website with new content can also help drive more traffic to your website. By creating quality content that is useful and relevant to your target audience, you can attract more visitors to your website. This, in turn, can lead to more leads and conversions.

      4.   Builds Credibility and Trust
When your website is updated regularly, it shows that your business is active and engaged with its audience. It also demonstrates that you are knowledgeable and up-to-date in your industry. This can help build credibility and trust with your visitors, which is important for converting them into customers.

     5.   Keeps Your Website Secure
Regularly updating your website can also help keep it secure. Website security is essential, especially if you collect personal information from your visitors, such as names, email addresses, or payment information. Updating your website's software and plugins can help patch any vulnerabilities and keep your website safe from hackers and cyber attacks.

Updating your website on a regular basis is essential for your business's success. It not only improves the user experience but also boosts your search engine ranking, increases website traffic, builds credibility and trust, and keeps your website secure. So, make sure to allocate time and resources to updating your website, and you'll see the benefits in no time! Berry Digital Solutions clients, make sure to use our Updates Desk  for any of your website update needs. If you're still dealing with an average website company, reach out to us  learn  what makes us different.  #NotYourAverageWebsiteCompany

Now, we look forward to inviting friends, community partners and current clients to our new space year-round for #CoffeeWithRyan. Let us help you solve your digital problems with our digital solutions...over a cup of coffee on Ryan!

Click below to  schedule your #CoffeeWithRyan  directly on his calendar. 

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

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.

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
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Having a website that not only functions well, but looks good too, is very important in this digital day and age. There are many platforms out there for do-it-yourself business owners, but what are the benefits of working with a company the specializes in website design? Take a look at these five key benefits that will help you decide whether or not doing it on your own is worth the time, money, and commitment.
 
1. It Will Save you Time
Chances are you don’t know all of the ins and outs of building a successful website. You might be more than capable of learning how to make a website, but every minute you spend working on your website could be spent building your business in other ways. In the long run you are going to save yourself a lot of time if you let a professional take the lead on your new website.
 
2. Compatibility with Technology as it Changes
Part of being a professional is having a never-ending commitment to learning. Industry leaders keep up to date on trends, technology, and any other advances in their field that could help their clients. Their lifelong commitment to their profession shows in all of their work and gives them the drive to continue to learn and grow. This will ensure that your website is always up to date with any changes in technology as they happen.
 
3. Positive First Impression
You get one chance to make a first impression. The first time someone visits your site, it gives you a chance to make them a customer, and potentially an advocate for your business. If they are impressed with the look and functionality, they are more likely to recommend it to others. A website design company knows how to capture the attention of your audience and make you stand out from the crowd.
 
4. Your Website Will be SEO Optimized
It is great to have a beautiful website that offers users easy functionality, but you have to make sure people can find it. When your website is being created there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to make sure it is SEO optimized. This means you will appear higher in search results and more people, and potential customers, will be able to find your website.
 
5. It is an Investment in the Future of Your Business
When you think about the long-term benefits of having a well-functioning website, it makes a lot of sense to leave something this important up to the professionals. A good website can last you many years with proper maintenance. Looking at this as a long-term investment versus a short-term cost, makes the decision to work with a website design company even easier.
 
We hope this list has helped you see the benefits of investing in a professional website for your business. There are so many more benefits when choosing to work with us, but we hope this list empowers you to leave your website in our hands. We are experienced, professional and passionate about what we do. We can’t wait to help you! 

One popular New Year’s Resolution is getting and staying organized! We don’t just mean your closet or pantry either. Get your to-do lists, files, and upcoming projects organized with these free tools. No matter your work style, there is a tool on this list that could help you and your team crush your 2021 goals!

Asana
 
Asana is an online Project Management tool that you can use with your team to stay on top of all upcoming projects. It is a great to use when collaborating because you can invite unlimited guest users. The tool can be used to see progress long term and to break out day-to-day tasks that will keep you on target to reach those goals. If you are part of a team that needs constant communication, Asana is a must-have online resource. The best part is there is a free plan for up to 15 people so even a small business can get a lot out of this tool.
 
Trello
 
If you like lists, Trello may be the best tool for you. You can create boards for each project and lists within them for things you want to get done. This platform offers great visuals and is easy to use as a team. You can share boards between users to keep everyone on the same page. The cards on each list can be moved from list to list to keep things organized as you progress through a project. There is a free plan offered by Trello but there are paid plans as well that upgrade some of the features.
 
Google Apps (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar and Mail)
 
Google Apps are designed to be shared and the cloud-based storage makes it so you can access your files from anywhere. You can easily share your files with other contributors, and you can both work on them at the same time. Using the calendar in conjunction with mail will keep you up to date on all of your meetings and calls with the simple click of a button. These tools are powerful and run by a highly trusted company, so you never have to worry about losing an important document. 
 
WeTransfer
 
Sometimes you just need to get files to people. You don’t need to store them long-term or have a dedicated space for files being used in a collaboration. This is where WeTransfer comes in! It is a free online service where you upload your files, fill in the recipients contact info, and send it to them. The site sends you notifications when the file is sent, opened and when it is about to expire. It is a fast and secure way to send files without having to give up any of your storage space.
 
Pinterest
 
Pinterest has been around for years but is evolving year after year to fit the needs of its users. Did you know when Pinterest first started you had to have an invite from a user to join the site? They have come a long way! It is a great place to find inspiration and collect images onto boards to have for later. You can also create collaborative boards between team members so you can all pin ideas for projects and see each other’s inspiration.
 
Pen and Paper
 
Last, by certainly not least, is good old-fashioned pen and paper. If the online world is too much for you to jump into or if you just like having a physical connection to your to-do list, a pen and paper is all you need. Sometimes there is nothing more satisfying than literally crossing something off your to-do list. It leaves you with a great sense of completion. If you want to up your pen and paper game, look into bullet journals. There are so many resources out there on different lists you can create to help you stay on track and reach your goals!
 
We hope this list inspires you to look into some new and improved ways to stay organized in 2021. No matter how big or small your team, or the task at hand, these tools can help you stay on top of everything.