Business

Is It Time for a New Website?

Websites are a big investment. We get it. But how do yo decide is it time for a new website?

Here are 5 questions to help you decide if you need a new website:

1. Does your design look outdated?

KateOGroup recently under went a website redesign. It was years in the making, but it was past time for a new look.

KateOGroup.com before
Is it time for a new website? KateOGroup website redesign.

The old version (on the left) did not clearly say what KateOGroup does. The updated design instantly communicates the services KateGroup offers.

2. Is your website displaying properly on mobile devices?

Did you know that over half the visitors to your website are looking at it on a mobile device? That is why it is critical for your website to adjust for mobile devices. That was another reason the KateOGroup website needed an update. The site was not originally designed with mobile devices in mind back in 2016. It wasn’t awful, but definitely wasn’t awesome.

3. Does your website provide a good user experience?

Do users find it difficult to navigate your website or locate information? The design of your website should act as a roadmap directing visitors to where you want them to go.

We recently completed a redesign for HunterDehn.com. Initially the website didn’t utilize the home page to communicate with visitors, now, we show off currently available homes and we have a call to action.

4. Is your website messaging in alignment with your current business practices or offerings?

If your brand identity, target audience, or business focus has shifted since your last website update, it might be time to adjust your website through a new design and content strategy to match these changes.

5. Is your website working for you?

    Is your website accomplishing what you would like for it to accomplish? Are you converting visitors to customers? Do you still like the way your website looks?

    Take a look at another website redesign by KateOGroup below.

    Rebrand: Barron Custom Design

    Keep in mind that your website is often your first impression. Are you making a good first impression? Is it time for a new website? If you answered no to any of the questions above, let’s talk!

    5 Reasons to Keep WordPress Updated

    WordPress is such a powerful website platform that offers so much functionality. But for your website to perform at its best, you have to keep it updated and we have 5 Reasons to Keep WordPress Updated.

    Here are the top 5 Reasons to Keep WordPress Updated

    5 Reasons to Keep WordPress Updated

    1. Security

    Hands down the number one reason to keep your site updated, is security. The majority of updates are to improve the security. Hackers work fast and are constantly finding ways to

    When you do not update your WordPress files, plugins or theme, you create a security risk because it then becomes vulnerable to threats and attack. Outdated versions of WordPress, themes, and plugins may contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. WordPress developers are constantly fixing security breaches and making improvements for security.

    If you don’t update, then your website will not be safe against the latest methods used to hack into a website. By updating your website, it means you are keeping it up to date with the most recent security features. By regularly updating your website, you ensure that security patches and fixes are applied, reducing the risk of a security breach. WordPress powers more than a third of all websites worldwide which makes it a prime target for hackers.

    2. Compatibility

    WordPress updates often include compatibility improvements to ensure your website is compatible with the latest web technologies, browsers, and devices. This helps maintain functionality and accessibility across different platforms.

    3. Bug Fixes

    These updates often include bug fixes that address issues and improve the overall stability and performance of your website. These fixes can prevent errors, glitches, and compatibility problems, ensuring a smooth user experience.

    4. New Features

    Frequently updates introduce new features, functionalities, and improvements to the WordPress core, themes, and plugins. When you keep your website updated, you are able to take advantage of these enhancements and provide a better experience for your visitors.

    5. Performance

    Updated versions of WordPress, themes, and plugins often include performance optimizations, making your website faster and more efficient. This can lead to better search engine rankings, improved user engagement, and higher conversion rates.

    Hopefully you’ve found these 5 Reasons to Keep WordPress Updated helpful. But if you feel overwhelmed, KateOGroup offers Monthly Maintenance Packages.

    Choosing A Business Name

    There is no right or wrong way to go about choosing a business name. In fact, there are so many different options we can’t narrow it down to just one. Instead, we’re sharing what works for us.

    To walk you through this process, we’re going to use a business that we launched in the fall of 2019, Simply Noted.

    Choosing A Business Name

    As KateOGroup has grown over the last few years and the things that we offered needed to be narrowed down. This led to the need to spin our Holiday Card and Invitation business off into it’s own entity.

    Step 1: Inspiration

    When choosing a business name I wanted it to be a tribute to my mom and incorporate gardenias either into the name or logo. (Gardenias were my mom’s favorite flower.)

    First thing I did was write down everything that came to mind about my mom. This included where she was born, her birth month, every where she lived, her favorite flower, etc.

    I’ve created a worksheet for you to help you organize your ideas. You can download it here.

    Step 2: Choosing a Business Name

    With my list of words ready, I started playing with combinations. Looking up available URLs and trying them out on friends. After months of overthinking and getting sidetracked with client work for KateOGroup, I finally had a name!

    Simply Noted came from two of my mom’s initials. Mom was constantly taking notes, sending notes and leaving sweet notes of encouragement, thus “Noted.”

    Step 3: Getting Started

    Once the name is set the next thing on the list is making it official. Buy the domain, register the name with your state, claim social media accounts and start dreaming about the logo. Now for the fun part! But, we’lol cover that in another post!

    P.S.

    A few years ago I wrote a post that goes over 3 things to consider when choosing a business name. Those 3 things are still very relevant today. Click here to read the post.

    Why Outsource Graphic Design?

    Let’s talk about why outsource graphic design for your business. In today’s world having well designed images that are consistently on-brand is crucial.

    Why Outsource graphic Design projects

    Large companies often have in house design teams. However, most small businesses can’t afford to hire someone full time. Better yet, why hire anyone at all, when there are tools like Canva that allow you to create your own graphics? Besides, isn’t hiring a graphic designer expensive?

    Reasons to Outsource Graphic Design

    1. You Bring in an Expert

    An experienced graphic designer has the knowledge and tools to get the job done correctly. They know what types of files are needed for print projects vs digital projects. They keep on top of trends in the design world.

    Most importantly, they free you up to focus on running your business and stay on top of everything else on your to do list.

    2. Save Money & Time

    When you outsource graphic design projects you save on the expense of a full time employee. Salaries and benefits can be expensive especially if you don’t have a full time need for a designer. Not to mention you won’t need extra space for a freelance graphic designer in your office.

    A freelance designer works on the project you hire them for and delivers in a timely manner. An in-house graphic designer can get sidetracked and bogged down with a long company to do list.

    The biggest bonus of all is that rather than focusing on designing graphics, which most likely isn’t your specialty, you can focus on those things that generate revenue for your business.

    3. Scalability

    An outsourced design partner frees you up to streamline your business and better serve your customers. Both of which allow you to grow your existing business and find new clients.

    4. Conserve Resources and Better Utilize Assets

    Rather than pouring funds you don’t have into a computer and the programs designers need, you will be able to direct those funds into your business. An outsourced designer will have their own computer and already own the licenses for programs like Photoshop and Illustrator.

    5. Get a New Point of View

    An outsourced designer brings a fresh set of eyes to your business and brand message. Rather than seeing the bigger picture you can often get stuck on a singular vision as the business owner. An outside designer can help bring a fresh perspective and alternate ideas.

    A freelancer can breath fresh life into your brand and projects and create both unique and memorable graphics to help you stand out against your competition.

    In Conclusion, Outsourcing Graphic Design Makes Sense

    Running a business is hard, when you outsource graphic design you make your life easier. You can easily lower your stress levels through freelancing.

    If you’re interested in talking with KateOGroup to see if our team is a great fit for you, we’ve just launched a new monthly graphic design service, click here to find out more. Take a look at our past graphic design work by clicking here.

    Benefits of Collaboration

    For small businesses there are so many benefits of collaboration. KateOGroup has experienced many of these benefits first hand!

    Benefits of Collaboration

    As a small business owner you have to wear a lot of hats. However, that doesn’t mean you’re always the best person for each of those jobs. I know, I know, the truth hurts!

    What is collaboration?

    Collaboration is a working practice. One in which individuals work together for a common purpose. To achieve business benefits. Collaboration enables individuals to work together to achieve a defined and common business purpose.

    Benefits of Collaboration for Your Small Business

    Save Time & Money

    The number one benefit of collaboration is the savings. When you collaborate you no longer have to do it all alone, but you also don’t have the expense or stress of hiring a full time employee.

    Collaboration for you might look like bouncing ideas off of someone else. This can get you through the creative process more quickly. Or it could look like passing responsibility to someone else for a particular task. Which frees you up to focus on the things you do best.

    Learn New Things

    Collaborating with another person or business often exposes you to new things. From new techniques to ways to increase productivity. Discover new software to expand your business and even new design ideas and trends to keep you on the cutting edge.

    Sometimes collaborating can be just having a conversation with a fellow business owner. Learning their secrets on how they run their business. Casual conversations are how we often learn of new resources.

    Through collaboration we have had the opportunity to learn about other industries and how they work. This has often resulted in unique ideas for other projects.

    Meet New People

    Every time we collaborate with someone we get to met new people. From business owners to their employees, other designers to SEO experts. Those people you meet tend to know people who could use your services.

    Idea Innovation

    Having a second or third opinion on a project can often result in magic! No matter how brilliant you are in your field, having insight from someone else can help you see things from a different angle.

    New Opportunities

    When you collaborate with someone and it goes well you’ll often have the opportunity to work with them again. We first worked with Claire Attkisson to bring her vision for Roll eBike Rental to life. After that, we have worked with Claire on two additional projects with a third on the horizon.

    You have no idea when your work will resonate with someone who discovers you on social media or through a friend. The finished project from a collaboration could open doors that you never expected.

    Benefits of Collaboration Out Weigh the Negatives

    Not every collaboration will go well or even work out. However, in our experience it is better to take advantage of these opportunities than to turn them down. If nothing else, you’ll learn things to avoid in the future.

    Interested in collaborating with KateOGroup?

    Let’s Talk!