J&M Group WordPress Blog

The Easy eCommerce Solution

mcoffey@jmgroup.net · October 27, 2022 ·

Want to create an online store? No matter what they say, it’s complicated. I should know. I’ve built a few! But where do you start?

We suggest you start with the all-in-one solution at Bluehost: The ‘Online Store’ and ‘Online Store + Marketplace’ plans.

What are the new eCommerce plans?
Both ‘Online Store’ and ‘Online Store + Marketplace’ bring together the power of WordPress, the versatility of WooCommerce, and the simplicity of YITH plugins. So, what does this mean? Simply put, it means you have an all-in-one solution. The plans allow you to quickly set up your online store and sell your products anywhere and everywhere.

But that’s not all! You can also schedule calendar appointments, ship new customer orders, and manage multi-channel inventory with the new eCommerce plans. In other words: everything you need to run a successful, online business.

Who benefits from the new eCommerce solution?
Everyone! These new plans will address the needs of every small business looking for an easy selling experience. That’s also why Bluehost chose WordPress. It’s a flexible and powerful tool that allows you to customize your store so it suits your needs. Plus, you’ll quickly be able to work with it!

Seven eCommerce Solutions

Easy Online Store Creation
Create your own store quickly with our setup wizard. Answer a few simple questions and in minutes, you’ll have a homepage, product page, and About Us page ready to edit and customize.

The wizard also sets up extra features such as payment processing, tax information, shipping, and product inventory.
Access to WooCommerce and exclusive YITH plugins
Customize and personalize your store with pre-installed WooCommerce and YITH plugins. Available plugins: Payment Processing, Gift Cards, Appointment Bookings, Wish Lists, Shipping, Product Search/Filtering, and Customer Account Creation. You will have everything you need to build your online store.
Sell your products across multiple marketplaces
Your customers might be more active on Etsy or eBay instead of, for example, Amazon. Does this mean you have to juggle multiple accounts as you set up different online stores? Not at all! Our ‘Online Store + Marketplace’ plan allows you to keep track of everything. With this plan, you can manage your inventory from one centralized dashboard. You can see what’s happening at a glance, and easily keep track of your inventory without having to log into multiple dashboards.
Free domain and SSL
All Bluehost users receive a free SSL certificate and domain. An SSL certificate means you will have a secure website that users can trust. And Google requires it!
Optimize your website with Yoast SEO
This powerful plugin will help you optimize the technical aspect of your website, as well as help you create great and readable content. It has everything you need to start ranking in search engines.
Easy and flexible WordPress theme pre-installed
The Wonder Theme powered by YITH allows you to customize your website however you like, by using a new block-based system. It’s perfectly suited for all the other perks you will receive in our eCommerce plan, so everything will work together seamlessly.
24/7 support
You’ll always have access to live assistance if you encounter a roadblock while creating your online store.

The Done-for-You Store for Small Business
From an easy-to-build eCommerce website to powerful connections with all the major online marketplaces, Bluehost’s ‘Online Store’ and ‘Online Store + Marketplace’ plans help you to sell products anywhere and everywhere with confidence. You will have access to a lot of perks and plugins, allowing you to create an online store that truly stands out from the rest. So, take the first step now!

For more information on the ‘Online Store’ and ‘Online Store + Marketplace’ plans, including product features and details, visit bluehost.com.

How AI Tools Revolutionize Content Marketing

mcoffey@jmgroup.net · October 16, 2022 ·

“Say Goodbye to The Blank Page for Good.” “The Future of Blog Writing.” “Your AI Assistant for Writing.” “A Game Changer.” “A Secret Weapon.” Just some of the many headlines praising AI.

Still, no matter how sophisticated the technology becomes, AI won’t replace human content creators. Instead, it will help make their work more relevant, easier to produce, and better aligned with their audience’s interests.

Consider a new AI system that creates realistic images and art from a description in words! See below and do it yourself.

DALL·E 2 is a new AI system that can create realistic images and art from a description in natural language. DALL·E 2 can create original, realistic images and art from a text description. It can combine concepts, attributes, and styles.

DALL·E 2 can expand images beyond what’s in the original canvas, creating exciting and unusual new compositions. See below!

My AI “Cat with Sunflowers”!

DALL·E 2 can also edit existing images from a natural language caption. It can add and remove elements while taking shadows, reflections, and textures into account.

So go create your own crazy, beautiful, inspired image right now HERE!

Can it write? Have you seen CopyAi? I used it recently to get five different approaches and keywords for an article I was writing. Definitely helped speed up the process of writing a blog article and all my content marketing efforts.

Be sure to read Marketing Artificial Intelligence, by Paul Roetzer. Artificial intelligence is forecasted to have trillions of dollars of impact on businesses and the economy, yet many marketers struggle to understand what it is and how to apply it in their marketing efforts.

AI Marketing and The Future of Business
Marketing AI Institute’s Founder & CEO, Paul Roetzer, and Chief Content Officer, Mike Kaput, join forces to show marketers how to embrace AI and make it their competitive advantage.

Here are the eight top-ranked writing tools:
Jasper
Writesonic
Copysmith
Rytr
AI Writer
CopyAI
ClosersCopy
Writecream

A little bit of AI can go a long way toward dramatically increasing your productivity, efficiency, and performance. The truth is … AI possesses the power to change everything. But the human still runs the show.

Case in point. Go look at some of the sloppy tennis articles on Facebook. Many of them have nonsense sentences and jumbled words only a machine could spit out. Rest easy, Human!

Sources:
Marketing Artificial Intelligence Institute

Hail The Website Manager

mcoffey@jmgroup.net · August 16, 2022 ·

As a website owner/designer/developer, you are now actually A Website Manager. Consider your new job description in the 21st-century universe in which you find yourself!

1) COMPETING in a world of 200,674,843 websites!
2) CHOOSING the best site builder from a list of 103 choices.
3) SELECTING the best web hosting company from over 330,000 choices.
4) DECIDING ON the best content management system beyond self-hosted WordPress software in this group: Joomla, Drupal, Magento, Squarespace, Wix, or TYP03.
5) PREFERRING the best website platform in this collection: PHP, DotNet, JavaScript, Magento, HTML, OsCommerce, PrestaShop, WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Shopify, or OpenCart.
6) ADOPTING the best WordPress theme from over 31,000 WordPress themes available.
7) FINDING the right plugins from the 50,000 plugins in the WordPress plugin directory.
(8) MAINTAINING the security, speed, and performance of clients’ websites.
(9) MARKETING with the top 9 tools: Google My Business, email marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, search engine optimization, Google ads (PPC), and Facebook & Instagram.

The Many Changes in Web Design

Mobile First Web Design
Mobile internet surpassed desktop usage in 2016, and people spend far more time browsing the internet on their phones. Users expect their web browsing to be just as quick on mobile as on a desktop or laptop.

Speed and Optimization
Every year more and more people gain access to the internet. There were approximately 361 million web users worldwide in 2000. In 2020 there were 4.57 billion people! With such an increase in online traffic, maintaining high speeds becomes a real challenge. A slow-loading page means users will click away!

The Rise of eCommerce
The rise of eCommerce has affected our daily lives as much as any other daily phenomenon. The mobile phone has skyrocketed online shopping. Entrepreneurs worldwide can now have flourishing digital stores spanning the globe at a minimal cost.

With more and more people shopping online, web designers have put a major focus on designing eCommerce platforms that are easy to use and secure for users.

So when you “create a website with GoDaddy in minutes”, remember this: It doesn’t work that way and you are just getting started!

Sources:

https://www.sitebuilderreport.com/state-of-website-builders/
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-website-builders
https://www.statista.com/chart/19058/number-of-websites-online/

Web 3.0 Boosts Small Business Marketing

mcoffey@jmgroup.net · June 19, 2022 ·

web 3.0 and small business marketing — Photo by Joshua Woroniecki

Web 3.0 is considered by some to be the next step in the evolution of the World Wide Web. It promises to connect us in new and exciting ways as the Internet becomes more decentralized. Marketers will have an unprecedented ability to use customized and user-generated content to achieve their goals.

Known as the third-generation Internet, Web 3.0 is highly decentralized, driven by machine learning and artificial intelligence, and leverages blockchain technology.

The result? Real-world human communication. Users retain control over their data and content and can sell or trade their data without losing ownership, risking privacy, or relying on intermediaries.

In this business model, users can log into a website without having their internet identity tracked.

Here are the seven main features of Web 3.0:

Semantic Web: Can generate, share and connect content by understanding the meaning of words rather than by keywords or numbers.
Artificial Intelligence: Understands information on a human-like level to provide faster and more relevant results.
3D Graphics: 3-D design is used extensively in websites and services.
Connectivity: Information is more connected thanks to semantic metadata. Content and services can be accessed anywhere at any time via any number of devices.
Blockchain: User data is protected and encrypted. Large companies can no longer control users’ personal data for their gain.
Decentralized: Users maintain ownership over their data and digital assets and are able to log in securely over the internet without being tracked.
Edge Computing: Web 3.0 relies on the advance of edge computing in which apps and data are processed at the network edge on devices such as mobile phones, laptops, appliances, sensors, and smart cars.

Web 3.0 enthusiasts say that these new Internet technologies can change the world and how people interact, learn, and work. Basically, it will still be a more advanced version of the internet we already use.

The term “Web3” was coined in 2014 by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood and the founder of blockchain infrastructure company Parity Technologies.

Web 3.0 and The Post-Marketing Era

You could say we’re already there! Companies, steeped in social media campaigns, already know that they have to do a lot more than just sell. Marketers, suppliers, and distributors who represent brands need to understand that the value they provide is no longer solely delivering goods and services as promised. They have to involve the customer.

Rather than marketing at consumers, Web 3.0 companies will be marketing with consumers. Marketing is now about community, dialog, and partnership.

“Web 3.0 is evolving beyond read/write to introduce a read/write/reward business model. The community economies are shifting away from traditional capitalism and giving way to community capitalism—an economy in which the company burns brighter by taking care of everyone involved, not just a privileged few. Consumers are happy to pay to be part of these communities because they are included in the rewards.” – Michael Stelzner

Big Benefits For Small Business

There are also huge benefits for small business owners in the ways of market research and advanced segmentation. It will be easier for business owners to reach their target audiences in more cost-efficient ways, and with the advanced data on web browsing habits, it will become easier to craft messages that will resonate with potential customers.

The cost to publish content and advertise in a Web 3.0 environment is significantly lower than trying to have an equal amount of useful reach on traditional media channels. This kind of market encourages small business creation and helps new small businesses succeed.

The Post-Marketing Era

A few large brands have already jumped into Web 3.0.

Starbucks announced they’ll incorporate NFTs into their loyalty program. Customers already download an app, share their credit card details, and then put money into a Starbucks account to use on future visits.

The New Web 3.0 Vision

Web 3.0 is a new world, free and open to everyone. Its mission? To create an unlimited and decentralized web where users are the owners of their own data.

Web 3.0 allows users to control their data, and identity and connect with others without middlemen such as Google, Amazon, or Facebook. Web 3.0 is currently in beta version where you can start building dApps on it.

Web 3.0 is the next generation of the World Wide Web that will allow people to earn money from their websites or smart contract. This technology has the potential to revolutionize every business sector, from financial services and healthcare to supply chain logistics and transportation.

Useful for website owners and small business owners, Web 3.0 allows them to protect their brands, manage comments, and promote sales. Additionally, it enables users to build robust community forums and engage each other with custom avatars.

Web 3.0 can be used to create decentralized applications on a blockchain network, with no middleman, and is completely secure. This can help businesses, such as website owners, to track their statistics and view their analytics without having to rely on third-party companies. It could even be used as a way of making money off of your website by having users interact directly with you instead of going through companies like Facebook or Google.

Web 3.0 is the future of the internet. It will deliver a faster, more secure, and more efficient browsing experience, without reliance on third-party providers like Facebook or Google. But what does that mean for websites, small business owners, and even individual entrepreneurs? We answer these questions and more below.

Web 3.0 is the newest iteration of the World Wide Web. It allows users to create and host websites that are decentralized and transparent, allowing for more privacy and security for both the users and website owners.

The future of web development is here. With Web 3.0, developers can use new methods of blockchain technology to store, upload, and manage data.

For small business owners, the possibilities for advertising and marketing to potential customers with Web 3.0 technology are limitless.

“As Web 3.0 technology becomes more prevalent, entrepreneurs and small business owners stand to reap a great bounty if they are ready to take advantage of the next phase of the internet evolution.” – Peter Roesler, Web Marketing Pros

AND FINALLY, IS WEB 3.0 BOGUS?

So some say Web 3.0 is a scam. On the bright side, Web 3.0 is a world-changing opportunity to make a better version of the internet and tear it away from the behemoths who control it today. And, Web 3.0 will make some people a lot of money. But many other people will lose their shirts on it. Read the articles below and you decide!

What is Web3?
Is Web 3.0 The Real Deal?
Why it’s too early to get excited about Web3

To Be Clear, Web3 Is Not Going Great
In the current atmosphere of crypto crashes, software developer Molly White catalogs Web 3.0 disasters in her popular blog.

MORE RESOURCES

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/394083

https://www.webmarketingpros.com/why-web-3-0-is-the-future-of-small-business/

What is Web 3.0?
What Digital Marketing Skills Do You Need for Web 3.0 and the Metaverse?
What Is Web 3.0 and Why Should You Care?

Content Marketing for Small Business

mcoffey@jmgroup.net · May 21, 2022 ·

When it comes to digital marketing for businesses, content is king.

The quote “content is king” is originally from an essay Microsoft founder Bill Gates wrote in 1996. He describes the future of the Internet as a marketplace for content.

Content Marketing Returns A Better ROI

Content marketing is a far more effective marketing strategy than you might think. 72% of marketers cite having a good content strategy as a major key to their success. In fact, survey data has shown that 70% of people would rather learn about a business via an article. That’s just one type of content marketing. Small businesses can market countless forms of content creation.

For small businesses, content marketing is even more vital. Smaller companies don’t have the marketing resources that larger companies do, and content marketing delivers high overall ROI for every marketing dollar spent.

Content marketing is a long-term strategy for customer acquisition, engagement, and retention. Content marketing goes way beyond videos, blogs, and social media posts. There are dozens of value-add content types for your brand to choose from that provide a diverse and exciting content experience for your customers.

If you’re a small business owner, then you need to be looking towards content marketing to help you grow your business. Digital content is incredibly important. In fact, people spend an average of around 7 hours a day consuming content online.

Your small business content marketing strategy will help you reach interested customers, increase brand awareness, and build up a reputation as a thought leader in your industry. Content marketing for small businesses doesn’t require a huge marketing budget. You just need to follow the right strategies and create content that offers value. The ROI on this can be amazing.

What is the purpose of content marketing for small businesses?

The goal of all small business marketing efforts is to build a customer base and engage with them to create brand loyalty and drive sales. One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to do that in today’s multi-channel environment is through content marketing.

Unlike paid advertising, content marketing provides the audience with something of value – which goes a long way toward building trust with any customer or prospect.

It’s a far more effective marketing strategy than you might imagine. Survey data has indicated that 70% of consumers would rather learn about a business via an article. And that’s just one type of content marketing. Small businesses can produce countless forms of content to fuel their content marketing strategy, spread across a variety of channels. Along the way, they’ll help establish themselves as an expert voice in their field, raise their public profile, and gain exposure for their products and services.

Content Marketing Key Takeaways

Stimulates interest in your products by providing value to your customers.
Delivers a higher ROI than traditional advertising.
Builds trust and relationships with your customers.
Leverages your customers’ content.
Goes hand-in-hand with SEO
Constantly updating your content allows you to appear knowledgeable, and up-to-date with your customers.
Appear as an expert that’s up-to-date with the current trends

Great Way to Update Content

One of the main advantages of a content marketing strategy is that it automatically updates your site! While you may not have the time or resources to constantly update your website design or add new products to sell, you can continuously create new content.

Content marketing is cost-effective and allows you to build genuine relationships with your customers. As a new business, defining your brand and building a customer base are keys to your success.

What is content marketing, and is it right for your business?

Content marketing is a long-term strategy for customer acquisition, engagement, and retention. It goes way beyond videos, blogs, and social media posts. There are dozens of value-add content types for your company to choose from that provide a diverse and exciting content experience for your customers.

Content Marketing for Small Businesses. Effective SEO Tactics.

When you write articles, blog posts, or get backlinks from partner brands that include the keywords you want to rank for, you can boost your organic search traffic. This helps customers discover you because you’ll be ranked higher on the search engine’s results page. Again, this is a cost-effective way to help more customers discover your brand when they’re searching for something they need.

One of the main advantages of a content marketing strategy is that it can easily be updated. While you may not have the time or resources to constantly update your website design or add new products to sell, you can continuously create new content.

Focus on Blogging

There are many different forms that your content marketing strategy can take, but the most effective is still a blog. Blogging is completely free for your small business, and it can help you to establish authority in your niche and get you a lot more website traffic.

Optimized blog content can improve your SEO and search engine rankings. Not only will this boost your traffic, but a high-ranking blog post will maintain a top spot for a long time – offering years of value to your business.

Besides improving your website SEO, blogs add more value to your customers through helpful content. You can use your blog to generate leads and increase exposure for your business.

Use your expertise as a small business owner to create insightful, informative blog articles that answer your audience’s questions.

How to build a small business content marketing strategy

Before beginning the process of building a small business content marketing strategy, remember to prepare your existing digital assets to support it. To get started, you have to conduct some in-depth research to better understand the audience you’re targeting.

Content Marketing is like a bonfire that constantly has to be reset!
Light up our Content Marketing Packages for your business!

content marketing packages