Websites with keywords that cause confusion can be harmful to your website counts. Words that are often misspelled: For example… Affect vs. Effect. Affect, Accept vs, Except, Desert vs. Dessert. Words that are spelled the same but have different meanings: "lead" (to guide, pronounced /liːd/) and "lead" (the metal, pronounced /lɛd/) Many words in English have several meanings depending on the context in which they are used. Examples: "can" (to be able to, or a container), "rock" (a stone or a type of music). Technical jargon and slang. Specialized language used within particular industries or demographics can be confusing to outsiders.

  How to Attract Offline Customers How to Attract Offline Customers When your ideal customers are not online, they will often use alternative ways to find what they are looking for. Such as… Referrals. They trust a person or expert associations more than doing an internet search. Let your products and services produce word-of-mouth. Trade-shows. They like to be able to connect in-person to navigate the impression they looking for. Be proactive in the community by being available in person. Older customers. Many people aren’t savvy with technology and like to research through other methods such as TV, radio or newspaper ads. Use language that is easy to understand so you don’t discourage a cautious customer. Last minute shoppers. If you want to pick out a special pet, plant, shoes or perfume, sometimes it’s not a practical option. Having an online presence gives you an even playing-field by being included with other local businesses in your industry allowing you to at least be an...

  Did you know that on August 18th, 2025 Cambridge Dictionary added over 6,000 new words!   They only add words that they think will have staying power, that are widely used, and likely to persist in the language. This includes words from various categories, such as pop culture, technology, social trends, and even slang.   Here are some new computer-related terms that have recently been added to dictionaries. Mouse jiggler : A device or software that simulates mouse movement to keep a computer active, often used in remote work settings.  Generative AI : This refers to artificial intelligence designed to produce text, images, audio, or other outputs based on training data.  Chatbot : A computer program that simulates human conversation to provide information or assistance to users.  GPT : An abbreviation for "generative pre-trained transformer," a type of machine learning algorithm used in creating new text.  Hallucinate : In the context of AI...

Hey there, small business owners! It's fair season, and while it might be a bit last-minute this year, let's start planning ahead for next year. There are so many fairs, festivals, and summer flea markets in our area where you can promote your business. As a fellow small business owner, I love seeing businesses like yours thrive and become a part of our community. I've put together a list of websites that list vendor events in Minnesota and beyond to help you out. Let's use the rest of this season as motivation to have an even bigger success next year. Let's show our support for local small businesses and help them succeed! Minnesota County Fairs Guiding, educating, and informing county fairs https://www.mfcf.com/events Arts & Craft Shows In Minnesota Includes other states https://www.craftmasternews.com/minnesota.aspx Minnesota Festivals Includes other states https://festivalguidesandreviews.com/minnesota-festivals/ MN Listings Of Fairs & Fes...

  Let's Welcome Spring with a Vibrant Website Update! I’m always available to do updates that benefit you and your website needs. Generally, as time goes by, it is good to analyze your website content to fit your goals. In the tech world, websites generally have a lifespan of only about four years before they go stale. As your business grows and evolves, so should your website. Search engines give higher rankings for websites that are updated often, and website visitors also appreciate a website that has fresh new content. Do you have any new website additions or changes that needs attention? Or are you interested in a fresh new redesign?   If you want to learn more, click here for more ideas that may benefit you.   I want your website to be something that you can be proud of and will bring you success. If there is anything I can help you with, feel free to let me know! :)

  Don't Waste Time! Set up Automatic Facebook Posts and Make Your Life Easier! Did you know that completing similar tasks all at once saves you time in the long run? By opening links, planners, much less finding the motivation to do it, plus the distractions that send you down a rabbit hole, is better done in one setting than broken up into bite-sized chunks throughout the week or month. Think about it. If you had a tool in which you could schedule all your posts a year in advance, would take a lot of time, but if you do one every day, the getting started, booting up the necessary devices, photo management, and then having to brainstorm content every day. single. day. is a daunting plan. Not to mention all the days you don’t plan on being on your work devices on weekends and holidays. Commit to connecting with your customers or clients daily to keep reminding them that you're still around and available to provide them with products and services.   Ok, here’s the good part!...

  Email Signature Blocks     Guys! To make a good impression and show you mean business, make sure to polish up your email signature. It's a must-have for looking professional. Spending a little bit of time today will pay off later. Help your clients and customers out by providing easy access to all your important contact info, signature logo, and links to your website and social media profiles. It's the little things that count! Make your here! Email Signature Template Generator

Isn't it exciting to explore fresh strategies that help your business grow?   The Links & Resources page on the YDO website is also updated! Learn from others, explore opportunities, and use beneficial tools! Check out our Links & Resources page for a variety of inspiring ideas to help you reach your full potential. You'll find helpful topics like local services, business research, useful tools, and so much more! Click  here   to read more!  

  Hey there! Our Marketing Page has been updated with a bunch of fresh new ideas! There are so many things you can do to Self-Market Your Website! I strongly believe that “The more you put into your business, the more you will get out of it.” I have compiled a no-nonsense, practical list for non-techy people to market their own businesses with strategies that have either worked for me or in our local community. Your customers want to find you, you just need to show them where you are. The best marketing plans focus on your target customers through the channels they’re already using. Learn about what you can do to self-market your business here. https://yourdesignsonline.com/plus/Self%20Marketing%20Your%20Website.htm 

    A backup is a copy of all your important files — for example, your family photos, home videos, documents and emails. Instead of storing it all on your device, back up your files to an external storage or a cloud-based software. Losing your files is way more common than you’d think. ·        21 % of people have never made a backup ·        113 phones lost or stolen every minute ·        29% of data loss cases are caused by accident   Your Designs Online is a big believer in backing up our files! Rest assured that your website files are always backed up securely in the following three locations.   1.      Online Backup Service backups (We use Carbonate) 2.      External Hard Drive Backups (An external hard drive.) 3.      Your website hosting location.   Why do we backup to so many locations?   Let’s say you...

    I strongly believe that “The more you put into your business, the more you will get out of it.” I have compiled a no-nonsense practical list for non-techy people to market their own businesses with strategies that has either worked for me or in our local community. Your customers want to find you, you just need to show them where you are.   Learn what you can do here.   Including: Search Engine Rankings! Links & Resources Free Google Busines Listings Budgeting on a Shoe-string Email Marketing & Newsletters Local Vendor Shows Press Coverage Promotional Tips Read all about these topics and more!

  Paperless Invoicing It’s here! We now offer Paperless Invoices! 5 Reasons To Go Paperless 1. Save stamps and checks 2. Increase productivity 3. Digitize your business 4. Receive expiring renewals faster 5. Help the environment   Sign Up Here ! Payment options will remain the same. Mail-in or Online payments are both accepted.    

  We are excited to announce that Your Designs Online is now accepting online payments for your renewals and updates. If you are not familiar with Zelle or Venmo. Zelle is used by almost every bank in the USA and it's totally Free! Venmo is one of the most used payment options used to send money to friends and family and is also free if you use the personal account option.   If you decide to implement these options, both are often the "go-to" payment methods for small businesses. They are super easy to set up. Just download the Zelle or Venmo apps and follow the steps to get started. Enjoy an easier WAY to PAY!   Learn more on our website!

  Have you noticed that when sharing your website link on Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn the desired photo doesn't show up or none at all? Well, I now have a fix for that! I can generate a photo that will display an image that represents your website better. I’ve already made this change for many of my clients, but if you do not see any upgrades to your website link share images yet, please let me know and I will create one for you. Limit of one per website, as only one image, can be customized per domain.

  Hello Everyone! Hello Everyone! I hope you have been as busy as I have! I absolutely love taking care of your updates and keeping your business running as smoothly as possible. One thing I try to do is to try to keep repeated tasks as streamlined as possible by using checklists and systems that allow me to get more done every day. Being as organized as possible is an advantage any type of business can benefit from. For example this newsletter. Have you considered using a newsletter to reach your customers on a regular basis? You would be surprised how little reminders of your existence results in positive results for your profits. It's really not that hard to write about things that you have knowledge about, and your customers will appreciate you educating them on how your products or services can help them. Continue reading to learn more... Marjorie with Your Designs Online Read our Blog here! Techniques for Animation in Website Design Website design has experienced many ch...

Hello Everyone! Happy Fall! I hope your all had a successful Summer! For many of you things are slowing down a little so it's a good time to reflect on where you are going and where you want to go in the future. In doing so, you may want to consider updating your website to display the things you are focusing on this season and moving forward.  In this newsletter, I will be featuring website add-ons to give you ideas on keeping your content fresh and new. Think outside-the-box on how these features can be applied to your business. Marjorie with Your Designs Online What kind of business do you want to portray? Whether your proud of your heritage, religion or special causes you can display them on your website with suitable badges and seals. Here are some samples and examples of available ideas. • Your status with the BBB, chamber of commerce, awards, memberships, licenses or certificates. • Your individuality including faith-based, family owned and operated, women owned, vetera...