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10 must-have plugins for your WordPress website

11/08/202311/06/2023 by scmarketing

Our team of expert web developers have spent considerable time researching and testing different plugins for websites so that we could determine the top 10 essential plugins that your Content Managed System(CMS) website must have.

We’ve found that these plugins will make your website look more professional while ensuring it runs more efficiently. So, if you’re ready to jumpstart your business’s online presence, read on for our recommended list of top 10 plugins!

1. Elementor

Elementor is a must-have WordPress plugin to build, manage and host your website for the most popular platform – WordPress. It offers a visual drag and drop web page builder enabling you to create original designs and distinct effects for your WordPress web pages on top of your current theme. Ultimately it’s an all in one platform with hundreds of Plugins in once place allowing you to customise your WordPress website.

2. Envato Elements

While WordPress remains one of the most popular platforms for website development, creating a professional-looking website might still seem daunting, especially for those without coding knowledge. This is where WordPress plugins like Envato Elements come in, providing users with professionally designed templates that are code-free and fully flexible.

Whether you need a full-page template or individual blocks, Envato Elements has got you covered. With web page and block templates designed to suit any industry, advanced layouts, and additional sections, users can create websites that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. With just a one-click import, users can customise their templates exactly as they want, saving time and resources. In a world where time is of the essence, the Envato Elements WordPress plugin is the perfect solution for creating professional websites in record time.

3. GP Premium

Generate Press Premium is a must-have WordPress plugin for those looking to enhance their website’s capabilities. Not only does it offer a range of great features designed to maximise performance, but it also allows you to add them selectively, ensuring that your site remains fast and responsive. With Generate Press Premium, you’ll have the power to take your website to the next level without sacrificing speed or efficiency.

4. Imagify

In website development, optimising images can make a big difference in website speed and performance. With Imagify’s WordPress plugin, compressing your images is now just one click away. This powerful plugin can optimise your JPGs, PNGs, PDFs, and GIFs with ease, ensuring a seamless user experience for your audience. With the ability to compress the most common image formats and PDFs, Imagify provides the ultimate solution for website owners looking to boost their site’s performance. Whether you’re using a free or paid account, uploading images up to 2MB is a breeze. Start optimising your images with Imagify’s WordPress plugin today.

5. ManageWP

If you’re in the business of website development, you know that automating your workflow can be a game-changer. Luckily, there’s a solution that has already tackled the challenges of website management. ManageWP has established itself as the leader in automation for WordPress websites and it’s no surprise why. ManageWP makes it possible to grow your business and streamline your processes without being bogged down by tedious tasks. Say goodbye to long hours spent on repetitive work and hello to efficiency that will allow you to focus on what really matters – your website development projects.

6. Premium Addons

Premium Addons for Elementor offers a wide range of innovative widgets, addons, and global features to supercharge your Elementor page builder. With over 80 options to choose from, you can easily customise your website design with section addons and global features, making your website stand out from the competition.

The best part? You’ll have access to 450+ ready-to-use Elementor section templates, saving you valuable time in your website development process. Trust in the precision and authority of Premium Addons for Elementor to take your website to the next level.

7. Site Kit by Google

Website development is critical, and it’s essential to ensure that your site is working optimally. Site Kit by Google provides an easy and convenient way to track key metrics related to your website. With Site Kit, you can get insights into how customers are finding and using your website, and optimize it for improved results. The platform is user-friendly and provides up-to-date advice, so you can grow your online presence with ease.

8. WordFence

When it comes to website design and development, security is a top priority. That’s where WordFence comes in. WordFence refers to itself as the “global leader in WordPress security”.

WordFence offers a range of solutions can be installed for Free and can enhance site se4curity to help keep your website safe. The company comprises of a global team of WordPress security experts enabling them to provide a comprehensive security solution for WordPress websites. It classes itself as the industry leader in login security controls. Certain plans offer 24/7 incident response team.

9. WP Rocket

When it comes to website development, speed and performance are key factors for success. That’s where WP Rocket comes in. As the best WordPress caching plugin on the market, WP Rocket offers an array of advanced features to instantly improve your website’s speed and performance with no technical skills required. With recommended settings like gzip compression, page cache, and cache pre-loading turned on automatically.

WP Rocket takes care of the tricky work for you by crawling and building your website cache without needing a user to request a page, resulting in an instant performance boost. Even better, WP Rocket offers a free image optimisation service called Imagify to help improve website speed even further. While WP Rocket is paid-only, it’s by far the easiest caching plugin around.

10. Yoast SEO

Yoast SEO is an extremely popular SEO plugin for WordPress websites.

Website development is a complex process that requires a lot of attention to detail. One aspect that is often overlooked is search engine optimisation, or SEO. Fortunately, there is an excellent plugin available to WordPress users called Yoast SEO. This plugin can help your website rank higher in search results by analysing your web content’s readability, which is crucial since most users, and search engines, only scan through online content.

It’s no secret that search engines are the most significant source of organic traffic, with Google alone handling nine billion searches per day. With Yoast SEO, you can improve your SEO efforts and help to increase your website’s visibility.

Website design Agency, Croydon

If you want your WordPress website to stand out from the crowd and look professional, then selecting the right plugins is essential. Our team has pulled together this shortlist of the top 10 most reliable and useful plugins for your CMS website. For a more comprehensive review of whether these recommended plugins will suit your specific website needs, our team of expert web developers are happy to provide a website review of your current site or consultation for a new web design.

Don’t wait any longer – contact us today and let’s start making your WordPress website shine!

Visit our website pricing calculator for an estimate.

Top 10 Web Design Agencies in Croydon

11/06/202311/03/2023 by scmarketing

In today’s digitally-driven world, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses to thrive. Web development agencies play a vital role in helping companies create and maintain effective websites that attract and engage their target audience. Croydon, in the UK, is home to several reputable web development agencies known for their innovation, expertise, and exceptional service.

In this article, we will rank and summarise the top 10 web development agencies in Croydon, providing insights into their specialties, notable clients, and successful projects.

1. Smart Cow Marketing

For around 15 years Smart Cow Marketing has been designing quality business websites in Croydon via their Purley Offices. Recognised through Google search as the top digital marketing agencies for accountants in Croydon and for web design, Smart Cow and has earned a reputation for its innovative design and development solutions. With a focus on user experience and cutting-edge technologies, Smart Cow has successfully delivered custom websites that drive results for their diverse client base. Notable clients include Purley BID and Impact Accountants.

2. Make Me Local

Specialising in prioritising user experience, Make Me Local is a website design agency in Croydon that delivers visually stunning and user-friendly websites. They have a proven track record of producing outstanding results for businesses across various industries. Notable clients include Concept Coatings and SW Automotive.

3. Critical Mission Computing

Providing high-quality, bespoke web development services, Critical Mission Computing caters to both small and large enterprises in Bromley, Croydon, and South East London. Their responsive designs and attention to detail have helped businesses establish a strong online presence. Notable clients include thesunflowercentre.co.uk and Cute Kids Montessori.

4. Indigo Marmoset

Indigo Marmoset is a digital marketing agency and web design consultancy that aims to help businesses in Croydon generate leads and enhance their online visibility. Their expertise lies in creating websites that effectively communicate a brand’s message to its target audience. Notable clients include M&C Construction and Cleeve Partnership.

5. Telsa Media

Telsa Media prides itself on offering complete web design services in Croydon. With affordable yet high-quality website design solutions, they have become a trusted choice for businesses seeking professional online representation.

6. JJ Solutions

JJ Solutions is a leading web design agency in Croydon, known for providing quality services and maintaining an excellent reputation. Their expertise lies in creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites that deliver exceptional user experiences. Notable clients include Cycle Power and Fielding Triggs.

7. Revive

Revive is a top web development company based in London, but their expertise extends to Croydon as well. They specialise in performance marketing and web design, helping businesses achieve their online goals through effective strategies and cutting-edge technologies. Notable clients include Volvic and Virgin Atlantic.

8. Pixated

Pixated combines web design and performance marketing to deliver outstanding results for their clients helping brands build sustainable and scalable growth. Known for their attention to detail and customer-centric approach, they have successfully completed numerous projects for businesses in Croydon. Notable clients include Heinz and Knight Frank.

9. Primo Interactive

Primo Interactive is a web development agency that offers a range of services to help businesses establish a strong online presence. They are dedicated to website development combining creativity and user experience that align with their clients’ brand identity and business objectives. Notable clients include Warwick Hall Cars and Cheshire Vending.

10. Hiyield

Hiyield is a web development agency known for its expertise in creating responsive and user-friendly websites – sustainably. They have a strong focus on delivering high-quality designs that engage users and drive conversions. Notable clients include Stowable and Carbon Free Energy.

Web design and development in Croydon

The web development industry in Croydon is thriving, with a range of exceptional agencies catering to the needs of businesses across various sectors. From innovative design solutions to the emphasis on user experience, each agency brings a unique set of strengths to the table. As Croydon continues to grow and evolve, we can expect the web development industry to play a pivotal role in shaping its digital landscape. Whether you’re a small startup or an established enterprise, these top 10 web development agencies in Croydon have the expertise and experience to help you achieve your online goals with precision and excellence.

Why video content is essential for customer engagement

11/03/2023 by scmarketing

In a highly competitive business environment, it is essential to keep customers engaged and interested in your brand. One effective way to achieve this goal is through video marketing.

Video content is increasingly becoming an important aspect of a marketing strategy for businesses of all sizes. According to statistics, traffic from online videos will be 82% of all online consumer traffic. Therefore, businesses that have not yet incorporated video content into their marketing strategy should consider doing so.

Video content is easier to consume than text-based content

Your clients and prospects convenience and satisfaction are top priorities. Video content allows you to get your message across effectively and they’re less likely to lose interest. With just one video, you can convey more information in a shorter amount of time, which is favourable for most viewers.

Video content is more memorable

According to statistics, viewers can retain up to 95% of a video’s message, compared to just 10% of a text-based message. Therefore, video content has higher recall rates among customers, which can positively impact sales and brand recognition.

Video content fosters trust and transparency

It is essential for businesses to establish trust and transparency with their customers. Video content allows businesses to add a human touch to their brand, which creates an emotional connection with customers. When customers feel that they can relate to a brand, they are more likely to make a purchase and continue engaging with the brand. Videos also make it easier for businesses to showcase their products, how they work, and how they can benefit customers.

Video content increases search engine optimisation ranking

Search engine optimisation (SEO) involves optimising a website’s content to appear high on search engine results pages (SERPs). When businesses incorporate video content into their website, they are more likely to appear at the top of SERPs.

Research indicates that websites with video content are 53 times more likely to appear on the first page of Google search results than websites without video content. This makes video an effective way to increase a website’s visibility and traffic.

Video content generates higher engagement rates

Video content can drive higher engagement rates among clients and prospects. Videos tend to instigate more shares, likes, and comments compared to text-based content helping businesses to boost social media presence and increase brand awareness.

Video marketing strategy

Incorporating video content into your marketing strategy can be an effective way to engage with customers and prospects as well as build brand loyalty. Video content is more memorable, easier to consume, creates transparency and trust, generates higher search engine optimisation ranking, and increases engagement rates among customers. By investing in video content, you can set your business apart from the competition, create a more personalised and engaging customer experience, and achieve your marketing goals.

Talk to us about incorporating video into your content marketing strategy.

6 Reasons why video testimonials work

11/10/202311/02/2023 by scmarketing

As a small to medium business owner, you understand the importance of building trust with potential customers. In today’s digital age, engaging consumers using videos and visuals is becoming increasingly more effective. One powerful tool to that end are video testimonials; they create an authentic connection with potential customers while also providing independent validation of your product or service – all in one package! But why are video testimonials so impactful? Read on for six key reasons why leveraging video testimonials can be an essential part of any successful marketing strategy.

Increased visibility: Video testimonials are an effective way to increase visibility for your brand and products. They provide potential customers with a glimpse into the experiences of existing customers, allowing them to get a better understanding of what it’s like to use your products or services. This can help to build trust and credibility with potential customers, which can lead to more sales.

More engagement: Video testimonials are also great for increasing engagement with your audience. People are more likely to watch videos for longer, therefore staying on your website or social channels. So, using video testimonials can be an effective way to capture their attention and keep them engaged with your content.

Improved SEO rankings: Using video testimonials on your website can also help improve your search engine rankings, as search engines, favour websites that include multimedia content such as videos. This means that by incorporating video into your website, you could see an increase in organic traffic from search engines such as Google and Bing.

Increased conversion rates: Video testimonials can also be used to increase conversion rates by providing potential customers with the evidence they need to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase from you. Seeing real people talk about their positive experiences with your company will help reassure potential customers that they are making the right choice when they decide to buy from you.

Enhanced brand reputation: Video testimonials can also help enhance the reputation of your brand by showing potential customers that you care about their satisfaction and have a track record of delivering quality products or services. By showcasing positive reviews from happy customers, you’ll be able to demonstrate that people trust in what you do and believe in the value of your offerings – something that is invaluable in today’s competitive marketplace.

Cost-effective solution: Video testimonials are also a cost-effective solution. Additionally, since videos can be shared easily across multiple platforms, they can reach a wider audience than other forms of advertising and generate higher levels of engagement at a lower cost per impression than traditional methods of marketing.

Video testimonials that engage your audience

Video testimonials are an incredibly powerful way to authentically engage with potential customers and independently validate your product or service. People thrive on real life scenarios and by watching others who have already utilised the skills or services you provide, it reinforces their own interest in working with you. Video testimonials add prestige to any brand thanks to the credibility it presents in providing both third-party validation and a unique personal touch.

Video testimonials Croydon, London

So, if you’re looking for a reliable tool to increase your reach, reputation and attract more potential customers – don’t hesitate to explore leveraging video testimonials further! And, if you need help getting started contact us today to chat about our video testimonial services!

We can help develop a digital marketing campaign incorporating creating video specifically targeted to your audience to help improve brand awareness.