Name: Smart Cow Marketing
Price range: $$$

A Small Business Guide to Building the Ultimate Website

01/03/2024 by scmarketing

In today’s digital age, having a website is a necessity for small businesses looking to succeed in a crowded online marketplace. Not only does it help you establish your online presence, but it also provides you with an excellent opportunity to engage potential customers and build brand awareness. However, building a website can be a daunting task, especially if you are doing it alone. Here is a guide on how to build the ultimate website for your small business.

Determine Your Website Goals

Before you start building your website, you need to determine your website’s goals. What do you want your website to achieve? Is it to increase your brand’s online visibility, generate leads, or sell products or services? Knowing your website’s goals will help you decide on the right design, content, and structure that will help you achieve those goals.

Choose the Right Domain Name

Choosing the right domain name is essential for any website. Your domain name is your website’s address, and it’s the first thing people see when they visit your website. Ideally, your domain name should be short, easy to remember, and relevant to your business. Make sure it’s easy to spell and doesn’t contain any confusing characters.

Create a User-friendly Design

Your website’s design is crucial in creating the right impression with your visitors. A user-friendly design focuses on making your website easy to navigate, ensuring that your visitors can find what they are looking for quickly. A well-designed website should have a clean layout, a clear call-to-action, and use professional images. Make sure your website is mobile responsive, as most people now use mobile devices to access the internet.

Write Content that Engages Your Visitors

Your website content is vital in engaging your visitors and driving conversions. Ensure that your content is relevant, informative, and written in a tone that reflects your brand’s personality.

Optimise Your Website for Search Engines

Key to a successful website is having it optimised for search engines. This includes using relevant keywords in your content, using proper meta titles and descriptions, and ensuring that your site’s loading speed is fast. You can also implement local Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) strategies to help your business appear in local search results.

A Website that Stands out

Building a website for your small business is a process that requires careful planning and execution. By following these tips, you can create a website that not only looks good but also performs well in search engines and helps you achieve your business goals.

A well-designed website will help your business stand out in a crowded online marketplace and attract the customers you need to succeed.

Website Pricing Calculator

Unsure of what budget you will need for your website? Then take a look at our website pricing calculator to get an estimate of how much a new website will cost you.

We can also work with you to update your current website as a brand refresh.

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.

What are Content Management Systems (CMS)?

10/25/2023 by scmarketing

How Can CMS websites help your business grow?

One of the most effective ways to achieve great online presence is through the development of a website that efficiently communicates your brand values and offers potential customers a seamless browsing experience.

Content Management Systems websites provide small business owners with a way of easily managing and updating content on their website. This helps streamline website modifications and helps to free up precious time.

Here, we explore what Content Management Systems software is, and how CMS websites can help your business grow.

What are CMS websites?

Content Management Systems (CMS) websites are platforms that allow non-technical users the ability to manage, modify, and publish digital content on their website.

CMS websites allow for the separation of a website’s design from its content, which makes it easy for business owners or employees to update their website without the need for extensive coding knowledge.

WordPress is the most popular CMS platform software used today, offering affordable and easy-to-use tools and plugins.

With CMS, it’s a lot easier to modify design templates such as colours, fonts and layouts to match your brand image and enables you to publish engaging content quickly.

What are the benefits of having a CMS website for my business?

For small business owners who are short on time and capital, CMS provides significant advantages, from reducing the time required for updates to increasing the efficiency of the website maintenance process.

With simplified access to websites, changes can be made quickly. This allows for new content to be uploaded regularly and enables businesses to share fresh and engaging material that matches their brand voice.

CMS also offer plugins that make scheduling and publishing content effortless, ensuring that your customers enjoy a seamless browsing experience each time they visit your website.

CMS solutions offer a greater level of control over your website’s search engine optimisation (SEO). You can optimise your website for search engines by adding meta tags, descriptions and relevant keywords which all help to make your website more visible in search engine results pages (SERPs).

How do I choose the right CMS platform for my business?

As a small business owner, choosing a CMS platform requires careful consideration. There are different CMS platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Wix – all of which offer different features, pricing, support, and scalability.

WordPress is perhaps one of the most popular platforms today offering scalability and a more customisable approach to website development.

You may want to begin by defining your website goals and technical requirements like the number of web pages or capability of plugins needed.

Once you have defined your requirements, you can select a platform that offers the capabilities that align with your business goals.

Web design consultants

This is where you may want to work with a website design and development agency. A team of professional experts can take your design ideas and business goal requirements and create the website for you.

The web developer can then provide training so that you can add content yourself moving forward. This way you will have a modern, visually stunning, on brand fully optimised and mobile friendly website that is easy to navigate for your web visitors and search engines alike.

You will have a great platform to then create and add content yourself, at your own pace and within your cost and time constraints.

Professional websites for business growth

Content Management Systems (CMS) websites can be useful for small business owners who want to create a professional website quickly and easily with the opportunity to manage it in the future.

CMS platforms provide enhanced functionality, search engine optimisation and website manageability. These websites offer an excellent alternative to traditional website development, making it easier for small business owners to build and maintain their businesses online.

When choosing a CMS platform, business owners may want to consider technical requirements, scalability, pricing, and the level of support options available. With the right approach, CMS can be a crucial element in helping your business grow online.

Talk to our team of web design experts about what may be the right platform for your business.