You will hear the terms “web content” and “web copy” being used interchangeably when people discuss web design.

However, it’s important to understand their distinct meanings and purposes, as it is vital for creating a well-rounded and effective online presence.

Web Content: Inform, Engage, Educate

Web content is the foundation that your website will be built on.

It encompasses all the information, media, and resources that you present to your website visitors, aiming to provide value, answer questions, and engage the audience.

Examples of web content:

1. Blog Posts and Articles: In-depth pieces of writing that inform and educate readers about specific topics.
2. Tutorials and How-to Guides: Step-by-step instructions that guide users through a process or task.
3. Product Descriptions: Detailed information about products or services offered by a business.
4. Infographics and Visual Media: Visual representations of data, concepts, or ideas.
5. Videos and Podcasts: Multimedia content that appeals to visual and auditory learners.
6. FAQs and Help Sections: Answers to common user queries and assistance in using the website's features.

Web Copy: Persuade and Convert

Web copy, on the other hand, is strategically crafted text that’s objective is to persuade and prompt users to take a specific action on your website.

This action could range from making a purchase to signing up for a newsletter, any conversion you want.

Effective web copy will include persuasive language, storytelling, and emotional appeal.

Examples of web copy:

1. Headlines and Subheadings: Attention-grabbing text that encourages visitors to continue reading or explore further.
2. Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons: Compelling phrases that prompt users to take action, such as "Buy Now," "Sign Up," or "Learn More."
3. Landing Page Copy: Text on landing pages designed to convince visitors to convert, often accompanied by forms or CTAs.
4. Product Page Descriptions: Persuasive descriptions that highlight the benefits and features of a product or service.
5. Email Subject Lines and Preheaders: Engaging lines that entice recipients to open marketing emails.
6. Ad Copy: Concise, persuasive text in online advertisements that encourage clicks.

The Difference:
Both web content and web copy are essential components of a successful website, but their primary purposes and methods of engagement differ:

• Web Content informs, educates, and entertains visitors, aiming to establish the website's credibility and value to the audience.

• Web Copy persuades, motivates, and converts users into taking specific actions, directly contributing to business goals.

How to Use Both on Your Website:

1. Balance and Integration: A well-rounded website combines informative web content with persuasive web copy. Create a seamless integration between the two to engage visitors and guide them toward desired actions.
2. Know Your Audience: Tailor both content and copy to resonate with your target audience's needs, preferences, and pain points. Address their concerns through informative content and offer solutions through persuasive copy.
3. Strategic Placement: Place persuasive copy where conversions are most crucial, such as landing pages, product pages, and CTAs. Use informative content to build trust and authority on various pages throughout the website.
4. Consistency: Maintain a consistent tone, style, and branding across all web content and web copy. Consistency fosters a cohesive user experience and reinforces your brand identity.

Conclusion
The forms of digital communication are broad and need to work in tandem for success, and understanding the distinction between them is pivotal.

By using both web content and web copy, you can create a website that not only engages visitors but also guides them toward meaningful interactions and desired conversions.

Balance, integration, and a deep understanding of your audience will assist you in mastering the art of utilising both essential elements and making the most out of their potential.

If your business needs help with creating a bespoke and effective website, contact us today.

Many elements go into planning and designing your website.

A well-designed website will reflect your brand’s identity and plays an important role in engaging users and driving conversions.

However, business owners who are using a website builder to DIY their website, or even the most well-intentioned designers can fall victim to certain common web design mistakes that will hinder the overall effectiveness of your website.

Let's go over 5 of the most prevalent web design mistakes and insights on how to avoid falling victim to them.

1. Neglecting Mobile Responsiveness

Most of those browsing online are accessing websites on their mobile devices, this goes for all kinds of businesses, but eCommerce stores especially need to keep this in mind.

Due to the abundance of mobile users, you have to ensure your website is mobile-responsive.

If you fail to optimise your website for a range of different screen sizes, it can lead to poor user experience, slow loading times, generally bad aesthetics, and lost opportunities for engagement.

To deal with this issue, designers will often adopt a mobile-first approach which prioritises responsive design from the start, ensuring all elements, from images to navigation menus, adapt seamlessly across any device.

2. Cluttered and Complex Layouts

Showing your brand personality throughout your website is important, but trying to convey loud personalities with a cluttered and complex website layout can overwhelm your users; as well as making navigation and finding desired information a nightmare.

Overloading pages with excessive text, images, and multimedia elements will eventually lead to absolute chaos, and hinder usability and navigation.

Designers should aim for a clean and organised layout, that intuitively guides users’ attention to key elements, uses whitespace effectively, and maintain a logical content hierarchy.

Simplifying your design can enhance user experience and make your website more aesthetically appealing, while still reflecting your brand personality.

3. Ignoring Loading Times

We live in a time that values instant gratification and results, so a slow-loading website will quickly deter users.

Take a look and download our infographic below, which highlights some of the most important website load speed statistics for your business in 2023:

Web designers should optimise images for the website, minimise the use of external scripts, and prioritise efficient coding practices to ensure quick loading times.

You can also use tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and address speed-related issues on your website.

4. Inadequate Typography and Readability

The choice of typography and its presentation on your website will have a large influence on how users will consume the content they are seeing.

As well as fonts affecting tone, they can also affect readability.

Whether it's using illegible fonts, insufficient contrast between text and background, too small a font size, or improper line spacing, can strain users’ eyes and discourage them from engaging with your content.

A designer should select fonts that align with your brand identity but ultimately prioritise readability.

Additionally, there should be a font hierarchy that is used consistently which uses appropriate font sizes and changes to enhance intuitive navigation and user experience overall.

5. Neglecting SEO Principles

A visually appealing website is only one part of the equation; it must also be easily discoverable by search engines, which is achieved through search engine optimisation (SEO).

Ignoring SEO principles will result in poor rankings on search engines, and limited organic traffic.

When designing your website, on-page elements such as meta titles, descriptions, header tags, image alt text, and more, should all be optimised.

Integrating an SEO-friendly URL structure and employing proper internal linking strategies can further improve your website's visibility in search engine results.

Conclusion

Web design is a multifaceted endeavour that requires a healthy balance between aesthetic appeal and functional usability.

By being aware of and avoiding these five common web design mistakes- neglecting mobile responsiveness, cluttered layouts, slow loading times, inadequate typography, and ignoring SEO principles- you can create a website that not only captures visitors’ attention but also provides a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience.

This can be difficult to achieve by yourself, which is why working with a managed website provider can allow you to acquire the perfect website for your business.

Remember, a well-designed website not only reflects positively on your brand but also serves as a powerful tool for achieving your business’s digital goals.

Contact us at PageNorth to learn more and get the help you need with your website.

Anyone born between 1997 and 2012 is classed as Generation Z (Gen Z), and they are the next big consumer generation, currently entering the market with significant purchasing power and influence.

As Gen Z have had access to digital mediums and technology their whole life, they are tech-savvy, socially conscious, and have unique preferences when it comes to brands and marketing.

For any business looking to thrive in the future, understanding how to effectively target Gen Z is crucial.

There are some key strategies your business can take to capture the attention of Gen Z and build meaningful connections with this dynamic and diverse generation.

1. Embrace Authenticity

Gen Z values authenticity more than previous generations.

They can easily spot inauthentic marketing tactics and will ridicule brands when they try to appear as ‘trendy’ (typically months after the trend they're joining is over).

They will quickly reject brands that appear disingenuous, so to connect with this generation, your business must showcase your values, mission, and overall purpose.

Engaging in transparent communication, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and being genuine in your interactions can assist the process of fostering trust and loyalty with Gen Z consumers.

2. Leverage Social Media

Social media is at the heart of Gen Z.

As mentioned, almost all of Gen Z is online and well acquainted with technology, and the amount of time spent on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat is extreme.

To effectively target and connect with this generation, you should maintain a strong and active presence on these platforms.

Your content should be visually appealing, short-form, and sharable, if the content aligns with Gen Z’s interests, values, humour, and trends, your content marketing can be incredibly successful.

Engage in conversations and participate in relevant trends to connect with your audience on a personal level, just make sure you aren’t hopping onto trends too late.

3. Support Social Causes

Gen Z is also known for their strong sense of social responsibility.

They will actively seek out brands that support meaningful causes and contribute positively to society.

If you want to effectively resonate with this generation, you should align your brand with social and environmental causes that genuinely matter to them, but they should also matter to you.

Because, as we mentioned, being genuine is key, fake “wokeness” and performative activism will be spotted and will negatively affect your brand’s perception.

Be open about your efforts, and consider how to prove your dedication, this can be by donations to relevant charities, campaigns featuring social or environmental issues, or publicly backing charities/organisations that align with their cares.

Demonstrating this commitment to better the world will attract Gen Z consumers who want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

4. Embrace Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are deeply important to Gen Z.

As society is becoming more visibly diverse and inclusive, representing these developments will allow them to see themselves reflected in the brands they support.

Your marketing efforts should be inclusive and celebrate diversity in a range of forms.

This also means that you need to be more mindful of cultural sensitivity when marketing, avoiding appropriation, negative stereotypes, and tokenising different identities.

When you embrace diversity, you can create a more welcoming and inclusive brand that will appeal to Gen Z values.

Again, this should be done naturally, as performative activism or forcing diversity to try and gain “woke points” will be off-putting.

For example, Pepsi did a campaign during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, featuring influencer Kendall Jenner.

The advert was considered tone-deaf, as it featured a police officer at a protest, who accepted a can of Pepsi from Jenner, making him and all the protesters smile.

What was supposed to show unity, instead caused a backlash, as it minimised the importance of the movement, implying that a can of Pepsi could solve the problem, as well as Pepsi trying to profit from the movement.

5. Utilise Influencer Marketing

On the topic of influencers, they play a very significant role in shaping Gen Z’s preferences and choices when it comes to consumerism.

By partnering with relevant influencers who genuinely connect with your brand, you can deeply reach your audience.

However, once again, authenticity is key.

Gen Z will spot forced endorsements, so always choose influencers who align with your brand's products, services, and values.

Giving the influencer creative freedom to present your products or services will also help with authenticity.

6. Incorporate User-Generated Content (UGC)

Gen Z loves to feel like they are part of the content creation process, as it humanises your brand and marketing.

Encourage UGC, such as customer reviews, testimonials, and creative content featuring your products or services.

A personal favourite example of UGC is the recent Spotify campaign, which featured data from its users and was used as an outdoor campaign with posters and billboards.

The campaign features ranged from humorous playlist names to the songs users were listening to, and more.

We have mentioned this campaign in a previous blog, “Unconventional Marketing Tactics That Worked”, when we talked about UGC.

UGC not only builds trust but also creates a sense of community around your brand.

When you share and celebrate UGC across social media, and all marketing efforts, you are showing appreciation for your customers’ contributions.

Conclusion

As Gen Z emerges as a dominant force in the consumer landscape, you, as a business owner, have to adapt your marketing strategies to connect with this unique generation.

Embracing authenticity, leveraging social media, supporting social causes, embracing diversity and inclusion, utilising influencer marketing, and incorporating user-generated content are essential strategies to capture the attention and loyalty of Gen Z.

Try and understand their values, preferences, and aspirations, so that you can create meaningful connections with this generation, and in the end, position your brand for long-term success in the evolving market.

If you need help figuring out a marketing plan that will appeal to our younger generations, get in touch with our team and see how we can help you!

Running a business is inherently competitive, so you have to try and stand out in the crowd.

There are plenty of traditional marketing tactics that are effective, but sometimes using a bit of creativity and willingness to step outside the box can make a great impact.

Today, we will explore a few unconventional marketing tactics that have stood out and delivered impressive results.

Hopefully, you can think differently about your marketing approach and consider innovative strategies to captivate your audience and achieve your business goals.

Ambush Marketing

Ambush marketing describes the method of leveraging a popular event or campaign without officially being a sponsor.

This unconventional approach means that your brand cleverly associates itself with the event or campaign, which brings attention and brand awareness.

One memorable example of this is Nike’s ambush marketing during the 2012 London Olympics.

Although Nike was not an official sponsor, an extensive “Find Your Greatness” campaign was launched and resonated with audiences, generating buzz around the brand.

Experiential Marketing

Experimental marketing focuses on creating immersive and memorable experiences for consumers.

It ascends traditional advertising by allowing people to interact with your brand directly.

For instance, Red Bull’s Stratos campaign was a great example of experimental marketing.

Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking skydive grabbed attention worldwide, and Red Bull’s association with the event through live streaming and branded content generated plentiful brand visibility and engagement.

User-Generated Content (UGC) Campaigns

User-generated content can be an incredibly powerful and popular marketing tactic.

Your brand can encourage consumers to create and share content related to its products or services, which engages your audience and increases brand advocacy.

A personal favourite of ours which utilised this method was a recent campaign from Spotify, which ran an ad campaign featuring strange and humorous playlist names.

Spotify took advantage of all the data it has about users’ listening habits and showcased some of the interesting finds.

Influencer Partnerships

Influencer marketing has been around for a while and certainly isn’t an unheard-of concept.

But some brand shave taken it to new heights by partnering with unconventional influencers, or celebrities from unexpected industries.

For example, crocs ran an unconventional partnership campaign with rapper Post Malone.

Crocs aren’t exactly known for being cool or stylish, so this partnership campaign with Post Malone generated lots of buzz and even changed some people’s perceptions of the shoe.

Gamification

Gamification involves incorporating fun game elements into marketing campaigns to engage, entertain, and motivate your customers.

A memorable example is Coke’s “Share a Coke” campaign, where buyers were encouraged to collect bottles with different names, which created a sense of excitement and competition.

By turning this marketing campaign into a game, Coke successfully increased consumer participation and brand loyalty.

Viral Marketing

Viral marketing relies on the power of social media and its ability to rapidly spread content, campaigns, and messages.

You can create compelling and sharable content for your brand that resonates with your target audience, so your audience can then spread it further.

The Dollar Shave Club’s launch video used this methodology, with its humorous and engaging approach, the video gained lots of traction.

This led to millions of views, brand visibility, and a great start for the brand.

When trying to thrive in a crowded marketplace, unconventional marketing tactics can help you stand out.

The more attention you capture, the more impressive results you’ll achieve.

By thinking outside the box and taking calculated risks, your brand can go against the norm and connect with your target audience in new and exciting ways.

Embracing tactics like ambush marketing, experimental marketing, user-generated content campaigns, influencer partnerships, gamification, and viral marketing can help your business break through the noise, increase brand visibility, and drive tangible business outcomes.

Allow your business to be different and utilise unconventional marketing to leave a lasting impact.

Do you need help developing a marketing plan for your business?

The PageNorth team can help, get in touch today.

Web design projects take time and effort.

The planning portion isn’t just about sketches and wireframes, to bring your vision to life and create a seamless user experience, mastering the prototyping process is essential.

Discover the benefits, best practices, and tools that will help you create interactive prototypes that will bridge the gap between initial concepts and the final product.

So, what is the power of prototyping in web design?

The Importance of Prototyping in Web Design

Prototyping will help foster collaboration within your team, as there will be plenty of communication between the client, designers, and developers, this ensures a shared understanding of the vision and produces the best product.

It also has an important role in testing and validation, as prototypes allow for early-stage user testing and validation, exposing usability issues, gathering feedback, and refining the design before development begins.

Lastly, it allows you to visualise user interactions, and bring your static designs to life by showcasing user interactions, transitions, and animations, prototypes provide a realistic preview of the final product.

Planning the Prototyping Process

The planning and thought that go into any project are very important, and planning your prototyping process is the same.

The first step is defining your objectives and scope, as it will be for a majority of projects.

Setting clear goals makes it much easier to plan tasks that align with those goals and project requirements.

If you know what you want, you can work backwards from there to outline the essential tasks and processes.

You should also investigate what the right fidelity for you is.

A low-fidelity prototype is a quick, easy, and low-cost method of prototyping.

It will often be paper-based, and it won’t include all design elements, often opting for shapes, boxes, and simple interpretations of the final design, simply to test functionality.

As well as paper lo-fi prototypes, clickable wireframes are another option that many designers will use.

The second option is a high-fidelity prototype, which functions very similarly to the final product and shows the most accurate representation.

Hi-fi prototypes will take much more time and money to produce, as you will likely need prototype software to execute this.

Most designers will create lo-fi prototypes during the early stages of design, and then hi-fi once the concept is closer to being finalised.

Finally, you must establish the user flow to ensure that the website will be optimised and designed with the user’s experience in mind.

There are many techniques you can use to map out user flows and interactions, so find which works best for you and familiarise yourself with the expected user flow.

The prototype should accurately represent the intended user experience, so this research is essential.

Creating Interactive Prototypes

As mentioned above, you have lo-fi and hi-fi prototypes.

Lo-fi will typically be created using paper, or simple clickthrough wireframes made on PowerPoint and similar applications, but what are the options during end-stage planning?

For hi-fi prototyping, there are plenty of applications and software that allow designers to create an interactive prototype.

For example, our web design team will use Figma when designing.

Coded prototypes are also an option, many will use the code as a starting point for the rest of development.

There are many options, so ensure you opt for one that suits your project, and within your skill level.

You should also design your prototype with interactivity in mind.

Buttons, form inputs, navigation, and animations, there are many interactive features you can add.

All of which will make the prototype more realistic and engaging, if it’s accurate to the final product then it makes the planning and testing process much more streamlined.

Prototyping is part of an iterative design process.

Iterative design is a method of design which includes a cycle of prototyping, testing, analysing, and refining the product.

When prototyping, you can gather user feedback at various stages, to then use to improve the design.

Using this methodology can help you ensure peak performance and optimisation of your design, which is why it’s important to keep in mind when thinking about prototypes.

Once you have your prototype, testing and refining is the final stage.

Usability testing will provide incredibly valuable insights into problem areas and the overall user experience.

Identifying these areas for improvement before the development phase will help development run quickly and smoothly, assisting with the final product coming out as desired.

If you use iterative refinement, the final design is much more likely to meet user expectations and the project objectives.

Data is key!

Collaboration and Handoff

Once prototyping has been completed, you have to collaborate with the development team to ensure the website comes out as planned.

You need to ensure that all the relevant documentation and assets are handed over to the web dev team, for seamless implementation.

Overall communication between departments is essential for the process to run as planned.

One way that many design and development teams will do this is by creating design systems and style guides.

This allows for the design team to have fully planned out guidelines for the development team to follow while building the final product.

There should be consistent branding and a design system throughout a website, as it provides a seamless browsing experience for the user, and staying on brand is always important for memorability.

Beyond Prototyping: Going Live

Prototyping is a great asset for design and development, and it provides an easier transition for the development team to begin creating the final product.

Prototypes can then be referred to before the website goes live, to ensure they meet expectations and align with the initial goals of the project.

Mastering the prototyping process in web design is crucial for translating ideas into tangible experiences.

By using them, designers can collaborate effectively, gather user feedback, and refine their designs before development begins.

So, from wireframes to the final product, embrace prototyping as a transformative tool that allows you to create intuitive, user-friendly web experiences that captivate your users.

If you need help designing and developing your website, we have a team of experts who are ready to help.

Contact us today.

Your website allows possible customers to window shop without any real commitment, and you can take this a step further with eCommerce websites.

Online shopping is on the rise, as it’s straightforward for the customer.

The majority of people don’t shop in physical stores anymore, consumers value convenience.

This is why having an eCommerce site is important; your site must be well-designed and fully functional.

So, what makes an eCommerce site effective?

Clear and Intuitive Navigation

User experience (UX) is everything, if using your site is at all complicated or unpleasant for the customer, they likely won’t make a sale, and won’t consider using your site again in the future.

All listed products must be clearly categorised, so they can find the exact product or type of product they desire.

It’s also important to establish a hierarchy in the website structure, such as main categories of products, and then more specific subcategories for the variations.

You should also ensure you have an effective search function so that products can be easily found.

Responsive and Mobile-Friendly Design

You want to provide a seamless experience across devices for the user when they are using your eCommerce site, which is why responsiveness is important.

Nowadays, using mobile for online shopping is the standard, so a website that is ineffective on mobile will lose you many sales.

Many eCommerce web designers will take a mobile-first approach to design, this incorporates touch-friendly design interfaces, resizing, and design that is optimised for mobile.

High-Quality Product Imagery

When online shopping, seeing the products is one of the most important aspects.

A description can only tell you so much, so high-quality imagery must be available, so users know what the product looks like.

Visual content will have a massive influence on customer perception and their trust in your business and products.

It’s also important that high-quality imagery can be seen from different angles, either with multiple images or you can implement zoom and 360-degree product view for the user, which can also assist with customer engagement.

Streamlined Checkout Process

Abandoned carts are a hindrance for anyone with an eCommerce site, and ensuring a smooth checkout experience can help you avoid this.

You should always offer an account checkout option, so details can be saved, and you need a guest checkout option to reduce barriers for the user.

Secure payments and checkout are also important for the customer’s trust in you.

There is a large range of payment options you can offer, such as card, apple/Samsung pay, PayPal, and more; the more options you have the more people you will appeal to.

To assure the user that the payment is safe, you need to be aware of SSL certificates, encryption, and overall data security.

Trust Signals and Social Proof

You need your customers to have trust in your products and services, but you need to prove to them that you can be trusted.

Some good methods of proving your reliability include customer reviews and ratings, testimonials, trust badges, certificates, and social proof.

Users will trust previous customers more than they will trust your word, which is why you should encourage reviews and ratings on purchases for your products, as well as reviews of your business as a whole.

Social proof is also key, a good way of getting this is by encouraging customers to interact/post about your product online, many businesses do this through partnerships, where they will send free products to influencers for review.

More trust leads to more conversions.

Effective Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

If you think of your eCommerce site as a sales funnel, the CTA is the final level.

Your website should lead users to a CTA, and the CTA should encourage either a sale, getting in contact, or any action you want the user to take.

An effective CTA button should be prominent, visually appealing and persuasive.

The copy in a CTA is also important, you should use action words, and the copy needs to be clear, actionable, and convincing.

Conclusion

 There are plenty of methods and actions you can take to ensure your eCommerce website is effective:

• Clear and intuitive navigation
• Responsive and mobile-friendly design
• High-quality product imagery
• Streamlined checkout process
• Effective product search and filtering
• Trust signals and social proof
• Seamless integration with payment gateways
• User-friendly account management
• Effective call-to-action (CTA) buttons

You must always prioritise user experience and website functionality, as this will drive sales and a positive reputation.

Implementing these elements to your eCommerce site is certainly our recommendation, but doing this alone or without a managed website provider can be tough.

If you need help building and maintaining a bespoke, user-friendly, and functional eCommerce site, we are the right option for you!

Contact our team and let us help you start your journey.

If you have a blog, your focus will typically be on writing high-quality content.

This means that coming up with the title of the blog can be an afterthought, but for a successful blog, this shouldn’t be the case.

Blog titles play a large role in SEO, as an effective title will make your blog show up on search engines when users are looking for specific results.

A vaguely named blog won’t be shown to anybody searching for exactly what you could provide.

It’s also important for your blog title to be attention-grabbing, so users are inclined to click on it when it does show up.

This is why giving your blog a title can be so difficult, it needs to be accurate, descriptive, catchy, and to the point.

Understanding the Importance of Effective Blog Titles

Your click-through rate (CTR) describes how many users click on your website after it shows in the search engine results.

This is why you want the highest CTR you can have, and having a well-titled blog article will help with this, as a catchy title will make them more likely to click.

Once the user is on your website, you can use call-to-actions (CTAs) to get them to look through the products and services you are selling.

A blog’s main goal is to raise awareness and traffic, in the hope of improving sales, so a higher CTR and reader engagement are key.

Effective blog titles also greatly improve your search engine optimization (SEO), as using keywords and phrases will make your articles and website show in search engine results.

Paid traffic, such as Google Ads, can be a great tool, but organic traffic is always something to work on, as it costs nothing!

The more people coming to your website organically, the better your website is ranking, so it will keep showing up to potential customers.

This is why you should carry out keyword research and incorporate your keywords into blog titles when it’s relevant.

Lastly, organic traffic doesn’t just come from search engines, it can also come from social media shares.

A compelling blog title will make engagements and shares on social media much more likely.

The hope is that after seeding the blog online, users will see it, read it, and then share it.

When others share it, more people will see it and be encouraged to click, increasing your organic traffic, reputation, and social media engagements!

Top Tips for Writing Blog Titles

So, what do we recommend doing?

Keep in mind that these aren’t strict rules, just best practices and ideas you could consider.

Best Practices for Writing Blog Titles:

1. Understand your target audience.
2. Research trending topics.
3. Use numbers and statistics.
4. Create a sense of urgency.
5. Keep it clear and concise.
6. Spark curiosity.
7. Avoid clickbait.
8. Test and analyse.
9. Optimise for SEO.
10. Be consistent with your brand.

Technical Tips for Writing Blog Titles:

1. Incorporate relevant keywords.
2. Use powerful words and emotional triggers.
3. Optimise title length for different platforms.
4. Enhance readability through proper capitalisation and punctuation.
5. Address the reader's needs and provide a clear value proposition.

Creative Tips for Writing Blog Titles:

1. Craft intriguing and unique titles that stand out.
2. Utilise humour, storytelling, or suspense to captivate readers.
3. Experiment with different formats, such as lists, questions, or controversial statements.
4. Incorporate strong adjectives and verbs to create a compelling narrative.
5. Make use of wordplay, puns, or metaphors to add creativity and intrigue.

If you use a combination of technical and creative tips, you can begin to create stand-out blog titles to inspire readers to click.

How to improve basic titles

Look through your blog titles so far and look at blogs from competitors in your market/industry.

You’ll start to notice some common themes, and you can also pick up on titles you like, and ones you don’t.

If you analyse your own, and others, you can identify areas which you would like to improve on.

Add more specification and relevancy to any generic titles.

Users are much more likely to click on your blog if the title is specific to their problem.

If you make sure your blog title is descriptive and relevant, it can greatly improve your engagement.

You can also think about adding numbers, statistics, or data to your titles.

We know it seems super common, and we have all seen the “Top 10 Reasons to ______” blogs online, but it does work.

It makes the content seem more official, using numbers, statistics, and data, can help build trust and credibility.

Finally, consider testing your titles.

A/B testing can be great for figuring out which titles work best for you, try using different keywords or formats in the two title variations of the same blog.

Once you have your data, analyse it, and use the results for your next blog article.

Next steps

It’s not an exact science, and there isn’t a perfect formula for creating bog titles that will bring traffic to your website, but there are things you can do to help your chances.

Creating attention-grabbing blog titles will improve your CTR and audience engagement, to drive results and sales.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with blog titles and find what works best for your audience.

If you need extra help running your blog and/or website, the team at PageNorth can help you.

Get in touch and see how we can help you.

A call-to-action (CTA) is a very important part of every marketing asset you have.

It acts as the catalyst, that gives users that final push to take whatever the desired action is.

This could be making a purchase, signing up for your newsletter, or getting in contact.

What are the key principles and strategies for creating an effective CTA that grabs attention, inspires action, and then boosts conversions?

Understand your goal

If you have a CTA, you will have an objective.

Your objective is whatever you are looking for the user to do, and the results you want that action to bring.

This includes generating leads, driving sales, or increasing engagement.

When creating your CTA, it should be aligned with the action you want the user to take.

It should be relevant and focused, leaving no room for misunderstanding on their part.

Use action words

Your language can make a world of difference in a CTA, you should opt for action verbs that inspire immediate action from the user.

Examples of action verbs:

• Join
• Start
• Learn
• Discover
• Try
• Give
• Visit
• Go

You must also consider how persuasive your language is.

Creating a sense of urgency or excitement will push the user to take action quickly.

If they are in the consideration phase of the buyer journey, they are more likely to purchase if it says “Limited Time Offer”, than if it was the same price but not presented as an offer.

Replace “Buy” with “Buy Now”, small changes like this can completely change their perception of the transaction.

Keep it simple

Make your CTA clear and concise to help the user act, if it’s vague they are much more likely to put it off or not even consider it.

Keep it short and to the point, by using straightforward language that is easy to understand.

You want to ensure you leave no room for ambiguity.

Let them know exactly what you want them to do.

CTA’s will be used on a range of marketing assets, the point of the asset in its entirety is to tell them why, the CTA should act as a simplified ‘how’.

Create a sense of value

The user won’t just click on a CTA with no motive.

You have to highlight the benefits they will gain by carrying out the desired action, and convince them that it’s worth their time and money.

The benefits must be clearly articulated to convince them, such as “Save 50%”, “Gain Insider Action”, or “Unlock Exclusive Content”.

This also includes creating that sense of urgency that we mentioned earlier.

Many eCommerce sites will implement countdown timers with their limited-time promotions, which will help convince the user to take action quickly.

Think about the design and placement

A CTA needs to be visually appealing, or nobody will click on it.

One way you can make it attention-grabbing is by using bold typography, contrasting colours, or eye-catching buttons.

The CTA should stand out from the rest of the page content, to ensure its visible and noticed by the user.

This can be done using whitespace or visual elements, to keep it separate.

Once you have designed the CTA, you should strategically place it in a spot where the user’s attention will naturally gravitate.

For example, you should always have a CTA at the end of a compelling blog article, as the reader will end up at the bottom eventually.

Test and optimise

Once you have planned, designed, and implemented your CTA, many will be tempted to simply forget about it.

This is one of the worst things you can do, as the data you collect with a CTA is incredibly valuable.

If you have multiple CTAs on your website, check which ones work the best, and worst.

Note the differences between them, and see if there are any changes you should make.

A/B testing is an efficient way to get this data, you should A/B test different variations of your CTA and see what your best option is.

When you analyse your user’s behaviour and conversion data, you can make smarter choices based on real data that will lead you to success.

Make improvements whenever possible and make data-driven optimisations, to maximise the number of conversions your CTA is receiving.

Crafting an effective CTA is a skill that significantly impacts the success of your marketing efforts, so it’s a skill you should continuously work on.

By understanding your objective, using action words, creating a sense of value, and using persuasive design techniques, you can help push users to take the desired action.

Always ensure you are testing, analysing, and optimising your CTAs to maximise their effectiveness, and ultimately drive higher conversions.

Do you need help with your marketing efforts?

Contact our team to find out how PageNorth can help you.

When designing your website, you need to find the perfect balance between staying true to your brand, and not falling behind the curve with web design trends and best practices.

You should never blindly follow the current trends you see without any consideration of how it reflects your business.

But there is definitely some inspiration you can take from trends, some may work for you, and you can even adapt some to be more personalised.

You want to ensure that your website doesn’t look dated and boring, or your user retention can plummet.

So, let’s have a look at some of the current trends in web design, and how they can improve your online presence.

What are some of the main web design trends for 2023?

• Bold and colourful designs
• 3D elements and graphics
• Dark mode
• Minimalism and whitespace
• Micro-interactions and animations

Bold and colourful designs

A bold and colourful design will catch the eye of your viewers and keep their attention.

If you want to make an impactful first impression, this design style will help you stand out from your competitors.

It can also be good for user engagement and encourage your visitors to spend more time on your website.

When you create an aesthetically pleasing design with a good colour palette, your business can provide a more immersive and enjoyable user experience.

It’s also an effective medium for solidifying your brand’s appearance.

Using your brand’s colour palette will reinforce your recognisability and brand identity to the user.

Hey Tempo is a job-hunting website that uses a bold and colourful design.

The website has a cartoon-style design and features lots of colourful and exciting fonts, buttons, imagery, and illustrations.

The website is eye-catching and fun, overall.

3D elements and graphics

Using 3D elements and graphics on your website helps create a more immersive experience for the user.

When interacting with your site, 3D elements can make the interactions appear more tangible and real.

It enhances the overall visual appeal, making your website stand out and adding an extra layer of interest to the full design.

One great benefit of 3D elements is the effect it has on storytelling, as it brings the narratives to life on the page.

This is also reflected in product visualisation, if you’re selling your products on your web store, 3D graphics help the shopper see the product fully and from all angles, giving them a better understanding of its appearance and features.

Lastly, it’s creative!

There are loads of possibilities you can take when using 3D elements in your design, allowing for unique and memorable user experiences.

Clou provides a large range of services and showcases this using a 3D interactive carousel of everything they do.

This fluid and sleek design reflects their brand perfectly and is fun to use.

Dark mode

Most of us at PageNorth prefer to use dark mode on our devices, whether it’s mobile or the computers we use daily.

Dark mode isn’t a new concept when it comes to websites, the first computers operated on dark mode! (Illuminating the entire screen would burn the screen, but we can pretend it was a creative choice)

Allowing your users to switch between light and dark can improve the experience for them greatly.

It can help the users read your content with ease, as some prefer reading with a certain background, and dark mode can help with eyestrain in general.

As well as individual experience, you can use dark mode to convey a message.

My favourite example of dark mode in web design is Max Joles, who uses his website to showcase the tech services he provides.

Toggling light and dark modes actually show his two ‘different sides’.

Light mode is the more professional work, with a picture fit for LinkedIn, and a headline perfect to attract businesses looking for help.

The dark mode is showing his creative side, with a more fun image, headline, and services that are less corporate and non-code oriented.

Minimalism and whitespace

Minimalism and whitespace can provide the user with a sense of ease.

It gives off a more professional, calm, and refined energy.

It’s also great for bringing attention to what you really want the user to be looking at, minimal clutter means minimal distraction.

It’s easy on the eyes and appeals to specific customer personas.

Many people find it easier to consume the content on your site if it’s presented in a minimalistic style, and it can also make navigation quick and easy.

We’ve all heard that sometimes more is less, so keep your website balanced with minimalism and whitespace.

Of course, Apple almost always gets a shoutout when we write about whitespace.

Their website is uncluttered, with a minimalistic white background and plenty of breathing room around the main attraction; the products.

They do a great job of keeping your attention on the product on the screen, and the site has a modern and straightforward feel to it, while also feeling futuristic and innovative.

Micro-interactions and animations

Have you ever found yourself browsing a website, and repeatedly hovering or clicking on a page animation to see a micro animation?

It’s an incredibly simple way to keep people immersed in your website and improve their experience overall.

Using any form of animation is helpful if you want to show multiple elements in the same area, to avoid taking up too much page room.

But it also can just be fun!

It feels advanced and very current.

Like 3D elements, if you are selling products on your website, animations can give the user a good idea of what it looks like, how it functions, and the general features of what you are selling.

Itek uses its website to show the IT managed service provider services they provide and uses a range of micro-interactions on its site, to passively keep the user engaged while scrolling.

There is movement all over the homepage, without it being overwhelming or disorienting.

Simple messages are conveyed through micro-interactions, such as a sad-looking computer getting a smile when you hover over the contact button.

Of course, there are plenty more trends we’ve seen this year so far, but that’s just some of our favourites.

When updating or building your website from scratch, you can take inspiration from these trends, but you have to remain true to your brand.

You also have to ensure your website is usable and accessible, even when implementing exciting new design aspects.

This can be stressful, which is why working with a web design agency can really help you make sure your website is perfect.

If you need help building your website, we have a team of experts more than happy to help.

Contact our team and see what we can do for you.

By now, you’re bound to know that having a website is essential for a business’s growth and success.

A website acts as the face of your brand and company, and more than often is the first point of contact with potential customers.

With importance, comes time and responsibility.

Managing your own website can be a time-consuming and complex task, and these problems grow at the same rate as your business.

We have seen this issue time and time again, so we offer a solution, Managed Websites.

So, what are the benefits of having a managed website?

Ease of Use

They are easy to use!

When you have a managed website, you aren’t worrying about the technical details of hosting, security, or updates.

Instead, providers like us take care of everything, letting you focus on running your business.

This is great for businesses that don’t have or want to expand their IT department or staff to manage their website.

When you outsource your website management, you can completely forget about website management and concentrate on what you do best.

A managed website will typically use a CMS (content management system), which allows you to make changes or upload to your website whenever you want.

To make this easier, if you contact your provider, they can do this for you.

Unlimited Updates and Maintenance

Managed websites are also helpful when it comes to having a dynamic and current website.

We offer unlimited updates and maintenance at no extra cost, although some providers may offer more limited amounts of changes you can have.

This means that you can get a full website redesign at no extra cost.

It also means that your website is always up-to-date, secure, and optimised for performance.

This all helps with your ranking on search engines, allowing more people to come to your website.

Your provider will take care of everything, from server maintenance to security updates, so your website can always run smoothly.

You don’t have to take the time to learn and continuously update and maintain your business’s website, it’s all being taken care of and gives you more time to run your business.

Plus, any issues or concerns you may have can be addressed and dealt with quickly by the provider’s support team, with no hassle.

Bespoke Design

When you have a managed website, the design will be bespoke and perfectly tailored to your business.

Having a bespoke design makes your website stand out from your competitors and represents your brand effectively.

When working with a managed website provider, you will be able to discuss and plan with the design team to create a website that captures your brand personality and values, as well as having the functionality that you need.

A personalised design will improve your website’s usability, engagement, and conversion rates, which will lead to increased revenue and growth.

Along with being personalised, the design should be professional which makes your website more user-friendly, improving the overall customer experience and encouraging repeat visits.  

Perfectly Customised for Your Business

When you have a bespoke design and customised features, your website is tailored to your business’s unique needs and requirements.

The functionality, features, and design are all aligned with your business objectives, making sure that your website can act as an effective marketing tool.

A managed website provides a platform for you to showcase your products and services, connect with customers, and ultimately drive sales.

Having this level of customisation can help you stand out from your competition and create a unique brand identity.

Controlled Cost

Lastly, if you are working with a managed website provider, your costs are controlled, and a monthly subscription is predictable and reoccurring so you can include it in your budgeting.

This means there are no unexpected costs with hiring an IT team, purchasing expensive software and hardware, or any costs for updates and changes.

You are simply paying a fixed monthly fee to your provider, which covers all the associated costs of creating, managing, and maintaining your website.

This consistency allows you to budget effectively and avoids any unwelcome surprises when it comes to your costs.

What’s the verdict?

A managed website is a great option for businesses of all sizes.

It’s easy to use, you get unlimited updates and maintenance, a bespoke design, customisation that’s perfect for your business, and it’s a controlled cost.

When you choose to have a managed website, you can focus on what you do best, while your provider takes care of everything else.

If you’re a business owner looking for a hassle-free and effective way to manage your website, get in contact with our team and see how our solution can innovate your business.