Setting up Google Analytics for WordPress

by John Tarr | Oct 16, 2020 | Google Analytics, Digital Marketing | 0 comments

Setting up Google Analytics for WordPress

Google Analytics gives you so much data to help you boost your website Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and improve your digital marketing, and it’s FREE.

It’s not really hard to set up in Google, (we will show you how in this blog) and once you do, you will get a steady stream of information from the past to the present.

Once the analytics tool is set up, you can then pick from different WordPress plugins to track the data coming in right on your WordPress Dashboard.

How cool and convenient is that!

I like to use the MonsterInsights plugin in both the free version and the pro premium.

For most of the websites I design, the free version is adequate but on some websites like WooCommerce sites, I need more data on the different products being sold, and then I use the pro version.

MonsterInsights will help you make sense out of all this data coming in.

This MonsterInsights plugin will then give you data on:

1.) Where your web traffic is coming from.

2.) What pages they are landing on and for how long.

3.) Sessions in different days, weeks and months.

4.) Bounce Rate.

5.) Top Posts.

6.) New vs. Returning visitors.

7.) Device break down.

8.) Track all your social media data.

All you have to do is connect the Google Analytic code to the MonsterInsights plugin and this is how the information looks on your dashboard.

Let’s jump right in on how to set up Google Analytics and then MonsterInsights.

Google Analytics

First you want to set up a Google Analytics Account

Now set up your first account.

You will be able to add more accounts for other website right in here.

The next thing you will see and will need to pick out from three choices.

Pick out the top one for Web – Measure your website.

I picked out the last one in the beginning and it caused a lot of problems hooking up to any WordPress analytic plugin.

Fill out the property details.

Then press the create button.

Then sign the Google Terms of Service.

You will need to click the two boxes and then press I Accept Button.

Setting up Google Analytics for WordPress

Now click the boxes for My email communications that you want.

Press the far left button for Web.

Set up data stream by filling out your website URL.

It will give a choice on the drop down for http:// or https://

Remember the “s” in https:// means you have a SSL Certificate on your website.

If you do not and you put it that way then it will not hook up correctly. It’s better to just pick http:// and get the certificate later.

Next up Web stream details.

You will want to copy two sets of numbers down for future reference.

Measurement ID numbers and Stream ID numbers.

Now it’s time to hook up your analytic WordPress plugin.

I will show you how to hook up the MonsterInsights plugin.

Go to the plugin page of WordPress and simply type in MonsterInsights or you can download the MonsterInsight Plugin.

Now activate the plugin.

You will now see the Insights plugin on the LEFT hand black column.

Click reports and it will help you to launch the wizard.

Fill out all the things it asks.

Now press the button Connect MonsterInsights

It will now want to authenticate your Google analytics account, so dialog box will show up and ask you to choose an account.

Pick the one that you set up your Google Analytics with your email address.

Now confirm.

Where it says Pick a profile, click the dropdown to All Web Site Data under the name for your website.

Now press the Compleat Connection Button.

MonsterInsights will now want to sell you all kinds of addons but you can just skip all the rest of the steps and go to the end.

You will now see a message that will read: Awsome, You’re All Set!

You should now see your data start coming through on the WordPress Dashboard.

Now is the time to learn all you can about how to read the information about Google Analytics and how to make best use of this valuable tool. A good blog on How to Use Google Analytics: A Complete Guide

If this process to set up Google Analytics seems to overwhelming to set up on your own, but you know your website needs it, contact us, and we can do it for you.

You next step will to be to hook up Google Search Console. I have a blog on how to do that.

Setting up Google Analytics for WordPress

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Why Designing Newsletters is Like Building Websites

by John Tarr | Oct 13, 2020 | Graphic Design, Newsletters & Magazines, Web Design | 0 comments

Why Designing Newsletters is Like Building Websites

As a graphic designer I was drawn into designing websites because of the similarities to laying out newsletters.

I had become quite good at designing newsletters and magazines for companies and non-profit organizations, so when I started to explore ways for me to show my work on-line, I began to look into websites.

While in school pursuing my graphic arts degree, I took a couple of classes designing websites the old-fashioned way, inserting code via HTML and using an Adobe software called Dreamweaver. It was interesting but not my cup of tea.

I am a graphic designer and not an IT person working in code.

After discovering WordPress, I realized I could have the best of both worlds. You see, WordPress is the platform that allows you to design more visually, but you can also use code if you wish.

It has many drop-and-drag features that help the design move right along and let me do what I do best — create my visual magic in Photoshop and Illustrator.

To really make WordPress websites hum, install a theme. When a theme is installed into a WordPress website, it gives far more functionality, depending on the theme you use.

I use a premium theme called Divi made by a company called Elegant Themes.

This theme allows me to use my graphic art abilities to the fullest without getting bogged down in code. Now that is music to my visual ears

A good theme is critical to the success of a WordPress website.

Think of it this way:

1.) The WordPress Platform is like the foundation of a house. Everything about the house rests on the cement foundation. The walls and roof are completed with electric and plumbing installed within the walls of this house.

2.) A WordPress Theme allows you to install carpet, paint the walls, hang photographs on those walls and bring in furniture to customize this house into a home. This allows you to create a custom business storefront.

Now back to Why Designing Newsletters is Like Building Websites.

When designing newsletters, I use a program by Adobe called InDesign. This software allows me to design multiple pages and many tools for different creative features for designing this publication much like WordPress does.

It takes a healthy learning curve to become proficient at both of these design tools and make custom, professional products to be sold to the business world.

The building-blocks of both WordPress and InDesign are very much alike in many ways.

Photoshop and Illustrator

I use both of these software’s to help design both a newsletter and a website. I do not know what I would do without them. They allow me to become very creative in both fields of publication.

Because InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop are all made by Adobe they play together very well.

I was a photographer for 40+ years before becoming a graphic artist so I was used to using Photoshop.

I could make many adjustments to my own images as well as those I retrieved from a photo stock agency and photographs that customers would send to me for their website or newsletter.

Illustrator is a one-page design platform that allows you to design logos, social media memes, sliders for WordPress and much more.

Many times, I will have all four programs open at once as I go from one to the next on my different monitors. It allows me to be very efficient and improves my creativity tenfold.

Blogging on a WordPress website is a lot like a printed newsletter, but in a digital format that connects to the internet.

I have designed a newsletter that will be printed and at the same time used as a blog that will reach two very different types of people with the same information.

Of course, you do not use SEO (Search Engine Optimization) on a printed newsletter but it is very important when designing your blog like you would do with a website page.

Search engines like Google and Bing require it.

You can then share this blog on social media to reach the whole internet world.

Paper is still in demand

Many people do not have access or do not want to use the internet, and that is where a printed newsletter is a big deal.

Programs to be handed out at a performance or at churches before a service or one made as an inhouse publication in a large business are still very much in demand, as well as advertisements that come in the mail.

We do both of these types of publications for people and businesses.

In fact, when someone hires us to design a website, we insert a blog into it if they wish and then teach them how to use it.

Go here if you would like to know more on how we Design Websites and Newsletters for Business.

Why Designing Newsletters is Like Building Websites

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Great Ideas to Plan Your Videos for YouTube

by John Tarr | Sep 28, 2020 | YouTube, Social Media | 0 comments

Great Ideas to Plan Your Videos for YouTube

Guest Blog by Sheri Barbera & YouTube Bootcamp

Plan Your YouTube Videos & Start Shooting Today

Follow these simple tips to get comfortable filming videos right now!

Video Planning & Design

Your content:
What is the goal of each video
Who is the target audience
What is their question or concern and how do you solve it with a story (script)
Filming your videos:
Use your cell phone
Use a microphone for good sound
Use natural light or whatever lights you have at home/office
Record your video in small segments
Use the rule of 3rds
Share your videos on social media & your website/blog
Read your Analytics, Learn, Tweak and Repeat!

Plan Your Video Content

Start with a plan for your YouTube channel.

What is your reason for making videos? Is your goal to make more money in your business? Sell more products or services? Build your Brand recognition or just create a Brand? Acquire new customers and clients? Increase your authority as a teacher, trainer, coach, speaker, crafter, creator, artist, writer, or any type of professional?

Maybe you need to find new volunteers for your non-profit or get more donors? Or spread the message about your business.

When you’re a Business YouTuber, many of the questions above relate to you. And those are all excellent reasons to have a YouTube channel and make videos. Plus, as a YouTuber you always need new subscribers to grow your channel reach.

And increase your watch time.

What can your videos be about? Maybe you’re going to teach a lesson in each video? Or sell a product or service? When you know the reasons, you’re making videos you can start planning the content.

When you have a goal and a purpose for creating videos, it’s easier to make them instead of randomly picking some topic for a video and then making that. Plus, when there’s no real focus to your channel, there’s no reason for anyone to show up or subscribe.

This is why you have a plan, a purpose and a benefit for the viewer. Plan your videos to give your audience a reason to show up, watch the entire video, subscribe, like and comment on the video.

Background

Ok, you know what your channel is about and what your videos will be. Where will you shoot them? Inside? Outside?

It’s important to set up an easy place to film.

When it’s easy, it’s easier to stick to your goal to film videos for your business.

If you set up a place to film consistently, and it’s there for you to film anytime, it’s possible to create a schedule and stick to you.

Keep it simple and do-able and you’ll do it!

Cell Phone Camera

Everyone has a camera in their pocket, a mobile phone. Manufacturers are making the cameras on cell phones 1080p on both front and back of the phone now, so you can use either side to film yourself.

If you use a selfie stick to hold the phone, you have a more angle and interest options for filming:

Unscrew the top of the selfie stick and mount it on a tripod and voila! Your phone is stable to film hands free

Film yourself looking way up at your phone for a unique perspective

Hold the phone down by your ankle for a dog’s eye view

An app for your phone to make it look more like a DSLR camera is Filmic Pro

Microphone

The number one thing people click AWAY from a video for – is bad sound.

You always want to have clear, even, moderate sound when you create your videos.

Not crackly, or too soft or too loud. The way to get good sound is to use a microphone.

There are inexpensive mics that plug right into your phone and clip onto your shirt.

Buy the one that words for your mobile phone and always use it when you record.

Lighting

If you’re filming inside, you can sit by a window or table light and look good.

Natural light at the right times of day looks soft and beautiful and will make your videos more cinematic looking.

Use any lights you have already: desk lamp, floor lamp, overhead lights (recessed) piano lights are good, reading lamps, just light yourself up.

If you want to film outside there are three conditions that are the most effective for lighting:

Outside on a cloudy day
One hour after sunrise
One hour before sunset

Short Video Clips

To create manageable files and keep your viewers interested and watching, make short clips.

It’s easier to re-shoot something you aren’t 100% happy with if it’s only a few minutes.

Plus, downloading and editing is faster with short clips.

So, try to keep your videos to 3-5 minutes or less.

Frame and Compose

Simple ways to make your videos look better to the eye (when they’re being watched) is to remember to use these three tips:

Divide your video ‘frame’ into thirds and place you or whatever you’re filming within the third or at the intersecting point of a third (see the red dots)

If a person is in the shot don’t have too much space above their head. But don’t cut off the top of their head either!

If you’re doing a close up and you need to cut off part of the head to fill the frame, only cut off the TOP of the head, not the chin.

Great Ideas to Plan Your Videos for YouTube

Digital Marketing

YouTube makes it easy to market your videos using the ‘share’ button right underneath your posted video.

Right from the video you can copy the ’embed code’ and put the video right on your website or in a blog post.

There are also options to share to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Mix, Blogger, Reddit, Tumblr, LinkedIn, a few others and even email.

The best time to share your videos is right after you post it.

Then share it again a day later. And possibly the next week.

Video content is always there once you post it, but if no one knows it’s there, how can they watch it?

Give them multiple ways to find your videos by sharing your content.

Google Analytics

Now that you’re filming, editing and posting videos, the next step is to go to YouTube Studio, the back end of your channel, and look at your analytics to learn:

1.) Where your viewers are coming from.

2.) Who your viewers really are (age, gender, etc.).

3.) Which videos they’re watching.

4.) Where in the video they stop watching.

5.) When they’re watching and what they’re watching on.

YouTube provides you with a wealth of free information to help you figure out how to make better videos. Go through your analytics and learn where to share them more frequently, how to make them better and why people are clicking away.

Practice

YouTube wants you to succeed.

This is why the platform is free and so are the tools to improve your videos.

When you study your analytics and learn where and when viewers stop watching, you can improve the next videos.

It could be your sound, picture quality, content, noise interference, pacing in your video…there are many reasons why viewers click away from a video.

You want to know why so that you can keep them watching to the end, and then wanting more.

Learn from your analytics, tweak the next videos, film, edit, post and then read your analytics to see how much you’ve improved.

Great Ideas to Plan Your Videos for YouTube

This was a guest blog by Sheri Barbera. She runs YouTube Bootcamp with her husband Sal.

We have written many articles on Website, Graphic Design and Digital Marketing that you might be interested in our Best Website Solutions Blogs.

Great Ideas to Plan Your Videos for YouTube

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Does Social Media Drive Traffic to Your Website?

by John Tarr | Sep 10, 2020 | Social Media, Digital Marketing | 2 comments

Does Social Media Drive Traffic to Your Website?

When you talk about Digital Marketing one of the things comes to mind right off the bat is social media even though it is a broad field, including attracting customers via email, content marketing, search platforms as well as social media.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and others are what are considered the larger term of social media. This is what we will concentrate on this blog.

Like I say on our Social Media page…

“Your website is your store front to the world and your blog is the hub of how you communicate to that world.”

“Social media is the Electronic Word of Mouth that helps you connect to that world. All three have a very important part to play to promote You, Your Business, Church or Non-profit Organization.”

Look at social media as your word-of-mouth.

Your social networking will allow you to interact with others and build relationships and help people become familiar with products you and your business has to offer.

Many people confuse social media as being just that… social or a place to connect for family and friends but when it comes to business it becomes something entirely different.

Setting up different social media accounts should be strictly business oriented using the name of your business.

Each one of these platforms are set up differently and so is the way you attract or find potential customers to like your pages or boards.

Which one is best for you?

That depends on many factors that you will have to analyze for yourself and your Brand.

All social media’s attract different types of people and it may take time to figure out which ones are best for you and your business.

Go here for 7 top social media sites and how they will work for you.

After analyzing the recommendations that that article had listed a word of warning. Do not set them all up at once.

Pick one out that best fits your business at first.

Connect to it and then build a following.

Building that following and add posts as you go along.

Give it two weeks until you feel comfortable and make sure you interact from time to time.

After a period of time select a second and a third social media going through the same procedure.

On your website make sure you have installed social media icons that will connect from your website to that social media.

Does Social Media Drive Traffic to Your Website?

Be sure to blog on your website.

Blogging is important for a number of reasons.

1.) It gives you a chance to establish credibility with potential customers. You can go into more detail on the services you offer.

2.) Blogs should have good titles and SEO. If it is done correctly that blog will reach just as much as your website pages on Google, Bing and Yahoo search engines.

3.) You can share your blog on your social media. Be sure to have a strong featured image on the blog because that photo will follow your blog everywhere on social media.

I wrote an article on Things to Know When Writing and Publishing a Blog that may help you.

Do not forget about hash tags ###

Hash tags start with the pound symbol or #

Hash tags allow your posts and blogs to get more traction and get In front of people that are looking for your service.

They are a great marketing tool if done right and only takes a minute to add to a post.

To learn more about this tool go here to Hashtag Marking Tactics and a hash tag maker for your business at Best Hash Tag

In Conclusion

Chances are you found this article from a blog on the internet and maybe one of our social media platforms.

We practice what we preach and blog as much as possible because we know how much traction it will get when we add that blog to social media.

Posting independently from the blog is also something we do on a regular basis on to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram.

Among other services we provide is Graphic Design and so we design images with quotes or sayings to be used on social media to promote all kinds of things and reach many different people.

Check out this short video below on Digital Marketing and how does it work?

Does Social Media Drive Traffic to Your Website?

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Setting up Google Analytics for WordPress

Setting up Google Analytics for WordPress

How cool and convenient is that!

This MonsterInsights plugin will then give you data on:

Google Analytics

Pick out the top one for Web – Measure your website.

Setting up Google Analytics for WordPress

Now it’s time to hook up your analytic WordPress plugin.

Now confirm.

Setting up Google Analytics for WordPress

Why Designing Newsletters is Like Building Websites

Why Designing Newsletters is Like Building Websites

I am a graphic designer and not an IT person working in code.

A good theme is critical to the success of a WordPress website.

Now back to Why Designing Newsletters is Like Building Websites.

Photoshop and Illustrator

Search engines like Google and Bing require it.

Why Designing Newsletters is Like Building Websites

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