Many of our clients get solicitations from domain registry companies and DNS management services on a regular basis. They look like an invoice, and sometimes they even have what looks like legitimate information on them. But – beware…these are sneaky marketing pieces trying to get you to just pay it, when in fact, you may not have to. Here’s what they look like:
We have also had clients receive mail from places like Domain Registry of America, a company that handles domain registrations. However, their marketing piece looks like a notice of a domain expiring, and that by paying the invoice (or what looks like an invoice), all will be well with the domain name. Here’s what that might look like:
(Notice in both examples the areas in red….these are giveaways that it is just a solicitation, not a bill requiring payment.)
In the big picture of marketing, this tactic isn’t new. Magazines have been doing this with their subscriptions for years. But – in today’s technology-driven world, a domain name can make or break a business. The industry has made their money on fear – our fear of losing a domain, fear of our competitor getting our domain, fear of losing business all because we let a domain name expire. Wow! That’s powerful!
So, it’s no surprise that business owners and website managers are cautious anytime they receive a notice about their domain name. As they should be – it is important to pay attention to. However, there are easy ways to go about making sure that your domain name is well taken care of.
1. Check your WHOIS listing.
WHOIS is a directory of domains and their registration information. Look for the expiration date, and the “Registrant” info. Your company name should be listed as the Registrant. You can find your WHOIS listing by going to who.godaddy.com and typing in your domain name.
2. If you manage your own domain name with someone like GoDaddy, Network Solutions, ENOM, or other similar sites,make sure to set your domain name to ‘Auto-Renew’. That means that it will automatically renew your domain name for you without having to worry that it will expire.
3. When purchasing a domain name, purchase it for multiple years (max is usually 9 or 10 years). This not only takes the burden off of you to renew it every year, but it also gets you bonus SEO (search engine optimization) points!
4. Call JB Systems! Domains seem like the unknown to many small business owners, but it doesn’t have to be a part of your business that is shrouded by fear. If you’re ever in doubt, our team at JB Systems can check on your domain, or manage it for you.
Here at JB Systems, we often talk to our clients about how important it is for your website to “do more”. Today’s websites need to be fast, functional, and efficient. But what about a website being user-friendly? Fun? How do you keep visitors on the site for more than just a few seconds? How do you get them to click through to multiple pages? How do you direct them to your contact form or get them to add a product to their shopping cart?
Design. That’s how.
It’s one thing to have a website that’s capable of doing a lot, but it’s another to get your web visitors to take advantage of it. Since our Graphic Design department recently took home three (!) web design awards from GDUSA, and three (!) graphic design awards from GDUSA (still so new it’s not on their website yet), we thought we should give a little more attention to the work they do.
So – how does design contribute to the success of your website? Here are a just a few ways:
You have 3 seconds to get their attention.
That’s right. 3 seconds. Having an engaging home page that relates to what the customer is looking for is key to retain each visitor. This can mean rotating promotional banners with special offers, recent news and updates, or the newest images from your photo gallery. Somehow, the look has to catch their attention and let them know that there’s a lot of good information beyond that home page.
Your customers don’t care about you.
When your potential customers come to your website, they’re looking for something – a solution to their problems, or information they need. They usually aren’t coming to see how great you are, or how many people you’ve worked for. They just want to know how you can help them with their problem. User-centered design keeps the focus on your customers, and a great designer will help you build your website from the customer’s perspective.
Brand Matters.
It’s important that your website is consistent with the look of your flyers, brochures, vehicles, signage, advertising, and any other materials that portray your brand. Maintaining consistency between all areas of your marketing helps to strengthen your brand. And that means you become more memorable and recognizable. The design of your website has to communicate that brand – through graphic elements, color, photography, fonts/typeface, and even language. The success of your branding is in paying attention to all of the little details.
Trends Matter.
If your website was designed over 3 years ago, chances are it may look a little bit outdated. Not only does technology change quickly, but so does design. There are new techniques, trends, and methods that are used and changing daily. Plus, customers’ expectations of websites are increasingly demanding – they expect that they’ll be frequently updated, clean and simple, and super easy to navigate. And they’re being conditioned to use only the sites that get them what they need the quickest. Refreshing your design and keeping it up-to-date with new design trends that fit your business is part of telling your customers that your business is also up-to-date.
Graphic Design at JB Systems
JB Systems offers full graphic design services – a great way to extend your marketing both online and offline. Of course, website design is our first love, but our designers also love doing print design such as:
We work with vendors of all types, working to find the best service, quality, and pricing that’s out there, while taking the pressure off of you to get the final product done exactly the way you want it.
Logo Design, Corporate Identity, & Branding Packages
JB Systems also provides identity design (logo design) services. A great time to update your logo (if you are looking for this) would be as you’re introducing a new website – a great way to launch your new look to the world!
Take that First Step…
No matter where you’re starting from, we’re confident we can help get you to where you want to be. Check out the links below to explore our services, or to meet with our designers about your project!
As many of you know, JB Systems has always been a big proponent of the downtown area in Eau Claire. From 2005-2011 we were quietly tucked away in a second floor office off of E. Grand Ave., overlooking the beautiful Chippewa River. Now, in our new Barstow St. location, we are committed to staying here to grow our web development and design business. We’re very excited to watch this area flourish.
Recently, our very own founder and President, Jerry Bauer, took JB Systems’ commitment to downtown to the next level by accepting a position on the Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. Board of Directors. He will be representing the North River Fronts Neighborhood and will serve on the board for a 2-year term.
“Being a part of the DECI board is a great opportunity because it allows me – as a neighborhood resident and downtown business owner – to provide a voice regarding important downtown decisions such as its festivals, marketing campaigns, business development, and more,” says Jerry.
Not only does Jerry have his business located downtown, but he and his wife, Meghan (JB Systems’ Art Director), also live within walking distance of downtown.
“I like the convenience of being so close to downtown, and having the option to walk or bike to work,” says Meghan. “Not even just for work, but on a Saturday morning we can walk to Phoenix Park for the Farmer’s Market or music in the park. It saves money, too, since we’re not using much gas.”
Many of JB Systems’ employees live near downtown and frequently walk or bike to work – taking advantage of the amenities and convenience of the downtown area.
“I enjoy walking to work – it’s good exercise,” says Tyler, one of JB’s programmers.
“It’s so nice being able to run home quickly or walk down the street to grab something for lunch,” says Erin, our Marketing Director. “It’s really convenient, and getting better all the time.”
Jerry says he is excited about the potential to help grow the downtown area and bring some new ideas to the organization. He’s passionate about keeping the local businesses alive and well, and is looking forward to giving back to the downtown area.
“It’s a great opportunity for me personally, and a wonderful community service addition for JB Systems.”
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JB Systems created the new DECI website in 2011 – check it out here for great information about Downtown Eau Claire!
Last week, JB Systems had our official ribbon cutting ceremony with the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce at our new location at 404 S. Barstow St. in Eau Claire. A big “Thank You” from our entire staff goes out to all who attended! We had a great turnout and some very kind words were shared about the work that we do. Special thanks to Becky and her staff at Obsession Chocolates for catering the event and hosting the ‘after party’!
For your enjoyment, here are a few photos from the event.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
A few folks mingling in the lobby.
Testing our the custom iPad app. We're now Certified iOS Developers!
This is how our programmers sing Christmas carols!
Jerry Bauer, Owner, with Bob Krause, DECI Board Member
Bob Pekol of Chippewa Valley Airport Service said some kind words about their project with JB Systems!
We’re done shooting, now you get to tell us your favorite!
Curt’s Gourmet Popcorn has been known for years in Madison, WI for his delectable popcorn that he sells from a cart on the Square downtown. Now he’s bringing his popcorn to the world (or at least the rest of Wisconsin!). We have the exciting opportunity to be working with Curt to create a rockin’ e-commerce store and have been shooting photos of all of his popcorn flavors. We’ve tried them all – now we want you to tell us your favorite! Stop in to the JB Systems office and take a taste of his fruit, caramel, cheese, or combination flavors….you can even try a peanut butter & jelly flavor!
That’s right. 3 seconds. Having an engaging home page that relates to what the customer is looking for is key to retain each visitor. This can mean rotating promotional banners with special offers, recent news and updates, or the newest images from your photo gallery. Somehow, the look has to catch their attention and let them know that there’s a lot of good information beyond that home page.
It’s important that your website is consistent with the look of your flyers, brochures, vehicles, signage, advertising, and any other materials that portray your brand. Maintaining consistency between all areas of your marketing helps to strengthen your brand. And that means you become more memorable and recognizable. The design of your website has to communicate that brand – through graphic elements, color, photography, fonts/typeface, and even language. The success of your branding is in paying attention to all of the little details.
