Answers to the most common questions we’re asked.
Over the years we discovered the more information you know up front, the smoother your project will go.
To help make the process even easier. we compiled a list of questions we’ve been asked along with answers for each.
If you don’t find an answer to your specific question, please feel free to contact us.
Questions about SEO
What does SEO mean?
“SEO” is the abbreviation for Search Engine Optimization. It can also be used to describe a job title such as, SEO Specialist.
Why is search engine traffic so important?
A vast majority of people searching the web find what they’re looking for through search engines. Given that most people will only browse through 20 or 30 results in order to find what they’re looking for, it is important that your website ranks or places highly, otherwise you risk loosing a vast amount of traffic to competitors.
What is Anchor Text Optimization?
Anchor (meaning “link”) Text Optimization is the process of turning specific text (keywords and phrases) into links which point to other pages (either within your site or externally).
Anchor text optimization is important in helping search engines identify, and rank, web pages based on their content.
As an example, assume “QuickWidget” is a WordPress plugin you created and sell. Text on another website might read;
“QuickWidget, the WordPress widget plugin from Widget Software Pros, is one of the most reliable and easy to use plugin … ”
Here are three anchor text optimization examples;
1. Product name linked
“QuickWidget, the WordPress widget plugin from Widget Software Pros, is one of the most reliable and easy to use plugin … ”
The word “QuickWidget” is linked to your site. This would be good because it adds another link to your site. But since the specific product name “QuickWidget” isn’t a common word used when people are searching for a product like yours, the importance (ranking equivalent) search engines attribute to that specific linked word is less.
2. General term linked
“QuickWidget, the WordPress widget plugin from Widget Software Pros, is one of the most reliable and easy to use plugin … ”
In this example, even though “plugin” is linked to your site, it’s an extremely common search term. But since “plugin” is used more often in searching for a product like yours, it would get a higher search score.
3. Descriptive phrase linked
“QuickWidget, the WordPress widget plugin from Widget Software Pros, is one of the most reliable and easy to use plugin … ”
Having the descriptive text phrase “WordPress widget plugin” linked to your site is one of the best options. As it draws more searches, and therefore scored higher by search engines, the linked phrase would be regarded more important. The same is true for text on your own site. You want relevant text (search terms) to be linked. Just remeber, it’s important to not over do it. Otherwise search engines will think you’re spamming.
What is Search Engine Marketing
Search Engine Marketing encompasses search engine optimization, web marketing, online media buying, basically any advertising designed for the search engines.
What is SEM?
SEM is an abbreviation for Search Engine Marketing.
Questions about Production
What Is Your Creative Project Process?
We’ve created a thorough project management process that’s been refined over the past 20+ years — and we’re continually working to improve upon it.
Although the design process and scope varies for each project, each creative project starts with the same initial process.
Start with a Solid Strategy
Before we begin to even think about what the end design might be, we will have you complete a Creative Strategy Questionnaire that will give us information about; your business, your specific target market, your business history, goals and, even more importantly, the benefit the report will provide to your target audience.
This is a critical part of the creative development process as the information will be used as the strategic foundation for which we design your project. Without this information, we would simply be designing blind.
Competitive Analysis
After reviewing the completed questionnaire, we will review other competitive products and services in the category. This is to help remove the potential of designing something that has already been created.
Design Sample Review
We will also ask you to provide a few design samples that you DO like and a few that your DO NOT like. This can be done by sending low-resolution image samples via email or providing a website location (link) where the samples can be viewed online. Reviewing these selections helps provide insight into the design themes, grids, or color combination’s to stay away from. Of course, based on your target market, we still might recommend something based on the communication goals and buy triggers.
For more information, please read; How We Work, Creative Project Process, and Production Process.
What is a Creative Strategy Questionnaire?
A creative strategy is at the heart of every successful project.
Our creative strategy questionnaire (CSQ) is used to define the key benefits, communication goals, target audience, and perceptual challenges your business is facing. We also gather information about your specific target market to help define and differentiate your business, products, or services from your competition.
To access our questionnaire, click on the link provided in the estimate to confirm your project and agree to the terms of service.