Resources

dnschecker.org
DNS Checker provides a free DNS propagation check service to check Domain Name System records.

Canva
Graphic design platform to create social media graphics and presentations.

Vistaprint
Design logos, and print business cards, signs, stationery, etc.

Photoshop Elements
Elements is a simple, cheaper version of Photoshop to crop, resize and retouch your photos, ready to be added to your website.

MailChimp
Easy email newsletters.

SurveyMonkey
Easy online surveys.

Wufoo
Make easy online forms.

Embedresponsively
Helps build responsive embed codes for embedding rich third-party media into responsive web pages.

Submittable
Submissions made simple. Accept, review, and make decisions.

Sched
Manage your event website and mobile app in one place.

Yonder & Pure Chat
Live chat and chat automations.

Search Engines & Search Engine Optimisation

I used to do a lot of search engine optimisation, and here’s a nice easy list of things that I’ve learnt over the years.

  • You can’t expect to show up for lots and lots of different search key-phrases, so discuss the main couple with me.

  • A key-phrase is three or more key words, like “web designer greymouth”, or “backpackers hostel hokitika”.

  • It can take weeks or even months for a new website to start showing in the Google Search results.

  • Your website may initially show lower in the search results, but may climb higher up the list over time.

  • I’ve sometimes seen the best results 6–9 months after a new website has been launched, so it’s not a short-term solution.

  • You should update your site regularly, especially if it’s a new one. Google likes this.

  • The secret to showing up in Google, is to mention your particular key-phrase over and over on a page on your website – in the headings, paragraph text and ALT and title tags on your photos.

  • There’s a formula which is something like at least 300 words on a web page, with a 3-5% key-phrase density.

  • Get other websites to link to you.

  • You may want to find a specialist search engine optimisation company, but I don’t have any recommendations for one. They’re always a disappointment.

  • Big websites with more pages, will show higher in Google than a small one with only a few pages.

  • If you’re a tourism accommodation provider, you’ll find that you’re in a particularly competitive area for search engine optimisation.

  • Everyone is optimising their websites these days.

  • Google yourself regularly to see where you show up, and who you’re competing against – this doesn't help your ranking, but will help you to understand where you show up.