[URGENT] Google's Major Security Upgrade Could Impact Your Website.

A big change is underway with Google Chrome. This means big trouble for any website owner who fails to take action.

THE WORLD'S MOST POPULAR BROWSER 

Chrome is used by 61% of Internet users and 86% of smartphones sold are using the Android operating system. THESE PHONES USE CHROME!

DON'T RISK LOSING YOUR CUSTOMERS' TRUST 

By not properly complying with new Chrome standards, you run the risk of compromising user trust. This starts the digital demise. Your website loses page rank, which reduces website traffic, and ultimately impacts your overall search engine optimization.

TRUSTED FOR OVER 25 YEARS 

CC Communications has been helping Charlotte businesses with online strategies before Google ever started their operations. As Google continues to impose new rules for search and security standards, we are here to help ensure you stay up to date with current practices to keep your website in good standing.

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Local Charlotte Experts in Website Security 

CC Communications, Inc. 

 704.543.1171 (Select Option 1)

7 Things Often Overlooked When Designing A Website

When you create a new website, it’s easy to look for aesthetics rather than practicalities. You want it to look nice for your visitors, and while that certainly is important, you may be ignoring essential elements. Here are 7 of the most overlooked features on websites:

Meta Data

The meta data of a website is usually hidden in the underlying HTML code that makes up the page and allows it to be visible in a web browser. However, this data is vitally important as it is read by the search engine spiders to affect your rankings. The meta data of a web page includes the page title, the description, page headings, and subheadings. Understanding these important elements of search engine optimization will make your site more competitive online.

Google Analytics Tracking

This is an online analytics and tracking service that is freely available to all, courtesy of Google. You need to set up a Google Analytics account (http://www.google.com/analytics/), and then simply follow the easy on-screen instructions to analyze your web traffic and know where each visitor came from, and more. You can also set up dashboards for at-a-glance information and have your most important data emailed to you on a regular bases.

Mobile/ Responsive Design

Mobile use now accounts for more than half of all Internet access, so it is very important that your website has a responsive design, and not a static design. You need to have an HTML template that can respond properly with no sideways scrolling on even the smallest screen size, if you want to do business online. Services like MobileEasy are helpful for a small business without a large budget for a website overhaul.

Clear Calls-To-Action

Just having a great sales page is good, but it isn’t good enough. People might be convinced that your product is just right for them, but if you don’t have a clear call to action, they probably won’t buy from you. Tell them clearly and distinctly to buy now!

Testimonials

It’s all very well for you to say your product or service is great, but it’s much better when other people say it too. Always try to get satisfied customers to provide you with a testimonial, and display it proudly on your website.

Security (SSL Certification)

Secure Sockets Layer, or SSL, is essential if you do e-commerce. In short, SSL encrypts sensitive information. If you accept credit cards on your site without an SSL Certificate, for example, it would be possible for someone with the right equipment to harvest the credit card numbers.

Contact Information

All too often a website doesn’t make it easy for their visitors to make contact. Always have a prominently displayed contact page. Include an email and phone number at the very least, if possible. Having contact information on your website increases visitor confidence.

Spring Cleaning: 4 Ways to Freshen Up Your Website

When is the last time you gave your website a thorough review? Last week? Six months ago? Never? It can be time consuming to clean out the online cobwebs, but the health of your website is dependent on periodic maintenance. Here are four ways to ensure your website is up to date.

Mind Your Copyright
Scroll down to the footer of your website. If your copyright says 2015 or earlier, then it’s probably time for a deeper dive into your site content. Be sure to update your copyright to the current year. In fact, be sure to check for any instances where an older year may be showcased on your site. This could include catalogs, brochures, or other online sales collateral.

Update Your System
Just like your mobile phone's operating system needs to be continually updated, so too does your content management system. CMS providers are in a constant battle against hackers and malware, and they often release new updates with security patches. This isn't something you want to put off for a rainy day. Before you do this, be sure to back up your website first. If you're using any third party plugins on your site, then be sure to check them for pending updates as well.

Remove the 404s
It's important to periodically evaluate your on-site links. Depending on the size of your website, this could be a rather lengthy process, but it's worth it to identify any links that may be broken. Landing on a 404 page creates a poor user experience, which in turns is harmful to your SEO efforts.

Freshen Your Content
The more you update your website content, the more the search engines will index your page. Please note this doesn't automatically equate to higher ranking in the search results, but it does increase your opportunities to rank higher. The focus should be on providing site visitors with relevant, keyword-rich (not keyword-stuffed) content.

Do you need some assistance dusting off your website? Contact the team at CC Communications and learn how we can help! In case you don't follow CC Communications on Facebook or Twitter (hint, hint!), we invite you to connect with us. We're constantly publishing smart strategies to help you navigate the ever-changing online landscape and grow your business.

Have topics that you'd specifically like to learn about? Have tips you'd like to share? We welcome feedback on our posts, and are looking forward to engaging with you online!

Domain Theft: A Cautionary Tale, Courtesy of the Trump Campaign

It's no secret that politics, especially during an election year, can get ugly. If a candidate isn't on top of their game a rival can quickly get the better of them, which was the case in a recent takeover of the domain, JebBush.com. Apparently Jeb's team forgot to renew his domain name, which was quickly snapped up by either the Trump campaign or a supporter. Suddenly all web traffic was redirected to donaldjtrump.com, the official website for his presidential bid. Oh snap!

Since Jeb has dropped out of the race, viewers are now pointed to a page of sponsored links, a form of cybersquatting that we'll discuss in a future post. Stay tuned!

Don't Let This Happen to You
Politicians are not the only ones susceptible to this type of hostile domain takeover. Businesses and brands also need to be aware of the same pitfalls when managing online assets. If someone takes ownership of your domain you could be facing a lengthy legal battle and/or a large expense to get it back.

Understand the Process
When your domain is coming up for renewal, you'll begin to receive email notifications. Typically you'll receive three warning emails over a ninety day period leading up to the termination date. If you miss them, then your domain becomes an open target for your competition. Here are some ways you can help prevent your domain registration from lapsing.

• Keep your domain registration date on file and set up a calendar reminder.
• Be sure you know which email address will receive the notifications. 
• Use an email address that won't become dormant. Your IT manager may some day leave the company meaning their inbox could go unchecked.
• Allow your web development agency to manage the process for you. Here at CC Communications, we provide this extra level of security as part of our ongoing web hosting services.
• Remember your registrar. Since your specific domain name renewal date and contact information are typically viewable by anyone online, you may receive fraudulent email messages from other parties claiming your domain name registration is about to expire and offering to renew the license on your behalf.  Before responding, make sure that the organization sending you the message is in fact your designated registrar or service agent.  Take care to avoid sending your domain name license registration login ID and password information to anyone via email. Your legitimate registrar or service agent should already have a record of this information. Also take care to avoid providing any credit card or other online payment authorization information to via email, which is not normally secure. Always make sure that the representative offering to assist with your renewal is in fact your actual registrar or service agent, and not someone who is attempting to steal your domain name license or credit card information.