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8 Principles of Information Architecture for web design

Information Architecture organises content to help users understand, structure and organise information to help us navigate through complex information to make decisions.Dan Brown, developed eight principles to help designers make the right decisions when creating their strategies.They are based on the understanding that the focus is on structure of the website and therefore we need to understand the functionality of the site, and what content we have to hand. Once this is known then the we...

Mental Models and a user's website experience

Put simply, a Mental Model is "the picture I have in my head of how I expect this to work."In relation to the Information Architecture framework it goes like this:A user arrives at your website and gets presented with a whole lot of informationThey then need to process this informationThey can then make a decision.Inside of the processing is the Mental Model, and it includes pre-existing expectations....

The importance of Information Architecture when designing a website

Imagine walking in to a Theme Park there is no signage around you, they’ve just run out of maps so you’re on your own. As you wonder around the park you get terribly lost, it’s at this point a well-designed map and signage would come in handy to help you quickly orientate, know where you wanted to go and how to get there.This is the foundation of Information Architecture, it is how we structure and organise information that helps us navigate through complex information to make decisions. G...

Cognitive Load Theory and content marketing

Cognitive Load Theory is essentially the brainpower people need to process information. There are three aspects to consider:The first is intrinsic cognitive load, or the content itself, like the words in This sentence.The next is extraneous cognitive load, or the unnecessary additions that distract from the central message and don't relate to what you're trying to convey. Like flashing text.Finally, there’s Germane load. This refers to additions, that unlike extraneous cognitive load, help the...

How to create opportunities for business growth

In the good ole days it was enough to create some business cards, send out a flyer and pop an ad in the newspaper... then the people would come. However, in today’s digital world the possibilities for promotion are endless and this can lead to overwhelm and frustration for business owners....

How to optimise your website to increase conversions

In web speak we say a user converts when they take an action on a website that we want them to take.For example, a newsletter signup, email enquiry, for an e-commerce site a user clicks the buy button, or even just clicking through to the next page on the website.A conversion rate is the totally number of visitors to a webpage that convert. For example, if 100 users visit a page and two actually click "buy", then the conversion rate is 2 percent.Conversion rate optimisation is an ongoing practic...

Why a website refresh is in your best interests

A website refresh is an investment in improving your online presence, enhancing user experience, and staying competitive in the digital landscape. It can drive more traffic, increase engagement, and ultimately contribute to the growth and success of your business....

Five things to consider before purchasing your domain name

Reflect your brand - select a domain name that aligns with your brand identity and business. Where possible use your business name. Your domain name should give people a clear idea of what your business is about and be relevant to your industry.Pick the right extension - domains can end in .org, .com, .nz, .kiwi and more... pick the domain extension that best suits your business. For example if you were a not for profit organisation you might choose .org.nz (if you're in New Zealand).Keep it sho...

14 Questions to ask a website designer before you hire them

If the answer is yes, then you've come to the right place.We've put together a list of the best questions to ask a website designer before you hire them, so you can get the best results for your business needs.Quick tips before the list: Remember price is not the only factor, you want to make sure you have a connection to your web designer and that they understand you. Miscommunication can happen at the best of times, ensure the language your designer speaks is the same as the language your webs...

Optimising your online presence with OMG principles

We have raced into February 2021, I hope this year has got off to a great start for you, your family and your business. Going back to the roots of Optimise Maintain Grow, where OMG originated from, I share some tips to optimise your online presence. With that in mind, why not take a look at your online presence and see where you can Optimise: Do you have Title and Meta Descriptions on all your website pages, are they well written, are they relevant? Do you have Google Anal...

Who owns your domain name?

I often get asked, "Do I own my Domain Name?" The short answer is yes, and what is really important is ensuring all the details are correct. Here's a brief overview of the terminology associated with a domain name: The registrar - the company, authorised by the NZ Domain Name Commission, to register the domain name. I use Rocketspark for most of my client's domain names. Other well known ones are 1st Domains, Freeparking, Domains 4 Less.The registrant -  the owner o...

Why it's more important now than ever to get online, with someone you can trust

You may be wondering where I have been these last few months and why my writing took a hiatus? It has been an interesting time this 2020. I have been working behind the scenes with many businesses helping them get setup with a website ready to sell and making sure their online presences are looking good. What this time has taught me, is that while I have been busy there has always been time to reflect and to consider family - work/life balance. You know that saying, we are here for a good t...

How does social media fit in marketing?

Social media can work wonders for brand engagement with your business, the first step to implementing a strategy for your business looks at how it fits into your digital marketing overall.To find the answer to that question a business needs to consider these areas before even starting:What is your business mission and vision?Especially in today's time, the discerning consumer is interested in why your business exists? What do you believe in, what does your brand stand for, where is your business...

SELF CARE: Ensure your digital marketing is not neglected

Over the last 7 weeks it has been vitally important to consider our personal health and wellbeing. Social distancing, hand washing, and bubbles are new terminologies that we have had to adopt, and quickly. This time also gave food for thought to many businesses, around how they could sustain themselves when there was no physical foot traffic to their shops/businesses.  We saw an influx of new websites hitting the marketplace. From butchers, to bakers and takeaway shops. Online deliveries at...

Donna O'Connor: Fire Equipment Hawke's Bay

Name: Donna O'ConnorBusiness: Fire Equipment Hawke's BayYears in business: Twelve Key services: Annual Inspection Of Fire Extinguishers & Fire HosesServicing & Sales and Building Warrant of Fitness Compliance How Donna is contributing to our community: By not bombarding our customers with unnecessary contact – we will contact them when it is appropriate to do so.Offering 5% discount for customers who invite us on site to carry out their annual inspections. Three key tips to thrive: B...

Joanna Monteith: Consult Ltd

Name: Joanna MonteithBusiness: Consult LtdYears in business: Fifteen Key services: Implementation, training and ongoing support for cloud-based productSpecialising in Accounting, Point of Sale and Inventory Management How Joanna is contributing to our community: Getting businesses off their legacy software and into the cloud to better manage their business from anywhere.Webinars and 1 to 1 training sessions via the Regional Business Partner Network.Supporting existing customers as need...

Aaron Duncan: Freenergy Solar Solutions

Name: Aaron DuncanBusiness: Freenergy Solar SolutionsYears in business: Thirteen Key services: Solar power, solar heating, home battery storage, commercial solar power, pool solar heating, reducing customers power bills and providing power security. How Aaron is contributing to our community: For every sale we are gifting $50 to KidsCan to assist families in need as wellOffering a 2 percent discount to customers, this discount can be applied to the customer or gifted on to KidsCan...

The new norm, connections and hope marketing

Yesterday I attended a thought provoking Zoom Networking meeting. This was a first for me, normally I attend them in person!  Not only did I get to learn about all the great Netflix series on offer, people shared about what they are facing right now in relation to Covid-19 and the impacts it is having on their businesses. Which of course got me thinking.... Recently I have been looking at the relationships I have with my clients, many of whom have been around since I launched OMG Solut...

Elizabeth-Marie Nes: Strictly Social NZ / 365Social

Name: Elizabeth-Marie NessBusiness: Strictly Social New Zealand / 365SocialYears in business: Seven Key services: Social media managementConsultingBlogging How Liz is contributing to our community: Connecting the community with what businesses are offering in terms of delivering (https://hbbornandproud.co.nz/what-can-you-get-delivered-to-your-door/)Allowing musicians to perform to Hawke’s Bay and people outside Hawke’s BayConnecting other business owners with each other via network...

Fiona Ritchie: Simply Indulgent Beauty Therapy

Name: Fiona RitchieBusiness: Simply IndulgentYears in business: Seven Key services: Advanced Skin TherapiesAdvice on how to have beautiful from the inside outBeauty treatments and services How Fiona is contributing to our community: Sharing Skin Health knowledgeCaring for their wellbeingSupporting community initiatives e.g. The Napier Family Centre Promotions Three key tips to thrive: Breathe slowly and deeplyKeep routines including your skincareBe kind Fiona RitchieSimply Indulgent www.si...

Jason Tiller: Rocketspark

Name: Jason Tiller, Partner ManagerBusiness: RocketsparkYears in business: Ten Key services: Website builder How Rocketspark is contributing to our community: Our focus is making sure our core base of customers, predominantly small to medium business survive.We have embarked on a mission to create and distribute business strategy playbooks for different industries hit hardest, or that have the biggest opportunity.   We’re also offering a more thorough customer support service, helpin...

Darren Olsen: Alexanders Menswear

Name: Darren OlsenBusiness: Alexanders Menswear / Stitch 'N TimeYears in business: Eight and a half Key services: Menswear storeClothing repairs and alterations serviceCurtain alterations How Darren is contributing to our community: Providing fashionable, quality clothing to our discerning customers – giving you that “feel good feeling”Employing 6 local staffRegularly donate to IHC and other worthy charities, support local golf clubs Three key tips to thrive: Embrace change, noth...

Heather Barrow: Food for Life

Name: Heather BarrowBusiness: Food for LifeYears in business: Five Key services: Nutrition ConsultationsFood Intolerance TestingAllergy Testing How Heather is contributing to our community: Sharing tips to help you thrive during this time, both physically and mentally on her social media channels, website and radio.Listen to Heather’s April Radio show for simple action steps you can take to boost your immune system here. Three key tips to thrive: More than 80 percent of the Immune System ...

David Todd: Toddy Talks

Name: David ToddBusiness: Toddy TalksYears in business: Nine Key services: Sales Training (Relationship Based)Independent FacilitationTeam and Culture DevelopmentProfessional MC How Toddy is contributing to our community: As part of the Rural Support Trust I have been active working with the Rural Advisory Group and Civil Defence Emergency Management on Drought and COVID-19 relief response efforts. My latest blog post is designed to give people 10 Lessons we are learning during lockdown tha...

Nick Roberts: Accountancy and Business

Name: Nick RobertsBusiness: Accountancy & Business by Nick RobertsYears in business: Thirty seven Key services: Practical, down-to-earth financial and business adviceAccounts, tax, GST and no-messing-around value for money bookkeeping How Nick is contributing to our community: Claiming and securing government assistance and taking all necessary steps to ensure business survival. Three key tips to thrive: Make sure you are claiming all available government assistance and taking the necessary...