Google pressures sites to encrypt data
Google has been considering security as a ranking measurement for some time, checking to see if a website encrypts collected information and downgrading sites that don’t. But starting in July 2018, Google’s Chrome browser will mark any site with an input field as “Not Secure” if it does not use an SSL Certificate to encrypt data. Chrome has a 48.6% market share, and the input field could be as simple as a search box, a contact form, or a login panel. Here’s the difference between how a site appears now, how it will appear starting in July,...
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Client Update: SWFL Police Chiefs Launch New Site
The Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association, a non-profit organization promoting cooperation and efficiency among local law enforcement agencies, launched a new web site in July, 2011. Papyrus Document & Design, LLC was proud to design and implement the site, which allows the organization to publicize and coordinate efforts, memorialize fallen officers, and promote and record events within the organization.
read moreClient Update: Our Mothers Home Launches Redesign
Our Mothers Home, a southwest Florida group home for teen moms, launched their web site redesign this summer. Papyrus has provided maintenance service for the site for years, and was thrilled to be able to update the function and look of the site for this worthy non-profit. New abilities include a blog system for updates, a subscription service for users, and a rotating slideshow to highlight upcoming events.
read moreClient Update: Lymphedema Resources, Inc. Launches Redesign
Lymphedema Resources, Inc. RedesignLymphedema Resources, Inc., a non-profit educating and assisting patients and at risk persons about the symptoms and treatment of lymphedema, launched a redesign of their web site in August 2010. An integrated blog started to keep users current and the content of the site was organized to better direct the various users of the site to relevant information. The growing organization is reaching patients nationwide who need assistance in purchasing the necessary medical garments for treating lymphedema, which are frequently not covered by insurance or...
read moreBetter Business E-mail with Clients & Vendors
E-mail is not always the most efficient medium for business communication, but it’s not going away. So here are some real-world tips for improving communication with your clients, vendors, donors, and colleagues. This is not the “be sure to check your spelling” list of dos and don’ts. If you don’t already do that stuff, you’re not going to do these things either. These are user-based tips for improving response, accuracy and usability. 1. Useful Subject Lines The subject line of your e-mail is the most important thing you write, and there are several...
read moreYou’re not a spammer, are you?
Almost all my clients dislike spam and want me to install spam filters on their email accounts and website forms. On the other hand, when it comes to advertising their products and services, they have a difficult time viewing their broadcast e-mails as spam.
read moreOpen a 24/7 store ~ in all major cities in the United States ~ for $2,500
What would it mean for your business or non-profit to have a storefront in every city in the United States? A large capital investment? Not so. You can be open for business 24/7 in all 50 states for under $3,000. How? Online, of course. One of the major benefits of an online investment is the almost unlimited reach of your audience. While a brick and mortar store provides possibly a regional impact, an online presence is available anywhere your language is spoken. And shopping carts which support multiple languages are easily implemented. For non-profits, an online storefront may be the only...
read moreFree Trade Journals Keep You In the Know
Free trade journals are a great way to keep up-to-date in your industry and learn about related industries, for free.
read moreWhat you need to know about your domain.
The importance of your domain name registration information cannot be overstated. Your domain name, (i.e. url, yourstore.com) is the online equivalent to the title to your business. You would never misplace an important document like that. Don’t lose track of your domain. How could that happen? It’s as simple as changing your e-mail address and failing to notify your domain name registrar*. When they try to notify you that your domain is expiring, you don’t get the message. Before you know it, your web site isn’t showing and you’re jumping through hoops and...
read moreNon-Profit Web Site Usability
Web usability guru Jakob Nielsen recently released a study on the usability of non-profit web site and receiving donations online. The article is at http://www.useit.com/alertbox/nonprofit-donations.html. The important excerpts are: “Non-profits would collect much more from their websites if only they’d clearly state what they are about and how they use donations. Our new usability studies revealed considerable frustration as potential donors visited sites and tried to discern various organizations’ missions and goals — which are key factors in their decisions about whether to...
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